Picodeon Ltd., li, Finland, developed ColdAb ultra-short pulsed laser deposition technology (US PLD) for use in the application of gold and platinum thin films, enabling thinner films and thereby reducing precious metal costs. Precious metals like gold and platinum are finding more and more industrial applications in memory storage, energy harvesting, energy storage, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications.
Azzurro Semiconductors, Germany, has successfully achieved superior electrical performance and established a volume production track record for large size high-voltage GaN-on-Si high-voltage wafers. Unlike silicon, which has inherent limitations for fast switching at high voltage, GaN can meet these performance requirements with its excellent breakdown voltage and low leakage characteristics. At present, the availability in the industry is still limited for production-suitable 6 in.
Integran, Pittsburgh, Pa., says it has demonstrated that its Nanovate CoP (cobalt-phosphorus) coating outperforms hard chrome in corrosion resistance, sliding wear, and cost effectiveness. Its better corrosion resistance is due to its fully dense structure, which provides better protection of steel even at reduced thicknesses. It achieves better sliding wear resistance because its coefficient of friction is lower than that of hard chrome.
Aided by funding from NASA and using methods similar to 3D printing, researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, are running computer simulations of processes that could lead to stronger, more durable materials for the space agency. The researchers plan to fabricate some of these new materials soon, says Frank Liou, director of the Laser Aided Manufacturing Process (LAMP) Laboratory and the Michael and Joyce Bytnar professor of product innovation and creativity.
NSL Analytical Services, Cleveland, Ohio, recently added the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle sizing instrument from Malvern Instruments Ltd. to its arsenal of testing equipment. This instrument enables measurement of particle sizes from 10 nm to 3.5 mm with better than 1% accuracy. The analyzer provides the ability to evaluate powder samples, emulsions, and suspensions in a variety of different dispersion liquids.
