An energy-efficient method and system for processing target material such as microstructures in a microscopic region without causing undesirable changes in electrical and/or physical characteristics of material surrounding the target material is provided. The system includes a controller for generating a processing control signal and a signal generator for generating a modulated drive waveform based on the processing control signal. The waveform has a sub-nanosecond rise time. The system also includes a gain-switched, pulsed semiconductor seed laser for generating a laser pulse train at a repetition rate. The drive waveform pumps the laser so that each pulse of the pulse train has a predetermined shape. Further, the system includes a laser amplifier for optically amplifying the pulse train to obtain an amplified pulse train without significantly changing the predetermined shape of the pulses. The amplified pulses have little distortion and have substantially the same relative temporal power distribution as the original pulse train from the laser. Each of the amplified pulses has a substantially square temporal power density distribution, a sharp rise time, a pulse duration and a fall time. The system further includes a beam delivery and focusing subsystem for delivering and focusing at least a portion of the amplified pulse train onto the target material. The rise time (less than about 1 ns) is fast enough to efficiently couple laser energy to the target material, the pulse duration (typically 2-10 ns) is sufficient to process the target material, and the fall time (a few ns) is rapid enough to prevent the undesirable changes to the material surrounding the target material.

Energy efficient, laser-based method and system for processing target material

Plasma-assisted methods and apparatus that use multiple radiation sources are provided. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a processing cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A controller can be used to delay activation of one radiation source with respect to another.

Plasma generation and processing with multiple radiation sources

An electrochromic device for use in the field of optical lenses, such as eyewear or camera lenses. The device may also be used for windows, displays, mirrors or capacitors. The device comprises a substrate (12) having an expanse (18) and an edge region. A first electrode layer (28) is coated on the expanse and extends substantially across the expanse and into the edge region. An electrochromic layer (30) is coated on the first electrode so that the first electrode layer physically isolates the electrochromic layer from the substrate. A second electrode layer (32) is coated on the electrochromic layer, so that the electrochromic layer physically isolates the second electrode layer from the first electrode layer. A first contact (46) is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. An isolative barrier (50) is coated on the first electrode layer in the edge region. A second contact (48) is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The isolative barrier electrically isolates the first contact from the second electrode layer and electrically isolates the second contact from the first electrode layer. In another embodiment, the invention comprises an edge-isolation channel formed in the edge region of the substrate. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system including insulative material and a channel to achieve edge-wise electrical isolation and interconnection between the layers. The invention may also comprise a conductive elastomeric pad for electrically connecting a contact and a conductor. The invention also comprises a process for manufacturing an electrochromic device, the process including the steps of using a release agent. The invention also comprises a device and an associated process, for applying coating material to the perimeter of an eccentric substrate. The invention also comprises a process of mass producing large substrates with layers coated thereon such that the substrates can be stored, and thereafter cut to custom sizes. A channel is then cut in the custom-sized device to permit edge-wise electrical isolation and connection to power the device.

Electrochromic edge isolation-interconnect system, process and device for its manufacture

Methods and apparatus for plasma-assisted joining of one or more parts together are provided. The joining process may include, for example, placing at least first and second joining areas in proximity to one another in a cavity, forming a plasma in the cavity by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst, and sustaining the plasma at least until the first and second joining areas are joined. Plasma catalysts, and methods and apparatus for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a joining plasma, are provided. Additional cavity shapes, and methods and apparatus for selective plasma-joining, are also provided.

Plasma-assisted joining

Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for synthesizing carbon structures. In one embodiment, a method is provided for synthesizing a carbon structure including forming a plasma by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst and adding at least one carbonaceous material to the plasma to grow the carbon structures on a substrate. Various types of plasma catalysts are also provided.

Plasma-assisted formation of carbon structures

A method of synthesizing electro-optically active reaction products from a plurality of reactants by inducing a reaction by plasma deposition among the reactants. The plasma reaction is effective for consolidating the reactants and producing thin films of electro-optically active transition metal oxides.

Method of synthesizing a plurality of reactants and producing thin films of electro-optically active transition metal oxides

LOW VOLTAGE SOLID-STATE LATERALCOLORATION ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE ABSTRACT A solid-state transition metal oxide device (40) comprising plurality of layers having a predisposed orientation including an electrochromic oxide layer (46). Conductive material including an anode contact (42) and a cathode contact (52) is secured to the device (40). Coloration is actuated within the electrochromic oxide layer (46) after the application of a predetermined potential between the contacts. The coloration action as adapted to sweep or dynamically extend across the length of the electrochromic oxide layer (46).

Marta R. Ruth

Papers

Method of synthesizing a plurality of reactants and producing thin films of electro-optically active transition metal oxides

Low voltage solid-state lateral coloration electrochromic device

Dispositif a l'etat solide electrochromique a coloration laterale a faible tension