Electrostatic chucks support and help cool silicon wafers during manufacturing. Conventional types use expensive, dielectric materials in the chuck's face that can introduce contaminants. Moreover, mechanical damage may result if the static-holding charge takes too long to discharge, as is often the case.
To lower costs, decrease cycle time, and generate less scrap, a new chuck face made of an easily produced, patterned silicon wafer, uses tiny, non-conductive silicon dioxide islands on its surface. These micromachined, non-conductive raised areas on the chuck face prevent excessive currents when the strong electric field is applied between the chuck face and the clamped wafer. Result: fast on/off cycling for quicker de-chucking.
Carl Seager, Sandia National Laboratories, (E) Albuquerque, NM 87185; (505) 844-9168.
By experimenting with the photovoltaic reaction in solar cells, researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in energy efficiency that significantly pushes the boundaries of current commercial cells on the market.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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