Practicum Three, April 14, 2000. Ruthenium-based luminescence imaging fiber chemical sensors. Practicum Two, November 2, 1998. Implementation of improved software for particulate contamination control in integrated circuit manufacturing. Practicum One, Se

The fabrication and characterization of zeolite-modified imaging fiber oxygen sensors (ZMIFOSs) is presented. The approach involves encapsulating a ruthenium-based oxygen-sensitive luminophore (Ru(bpy)3 2+) in an aluminosilicate molecular sieve (Zeolite-Y). The resulting Ru(bpy)32+-Y was suspended in a polymer matrix and spin-coated/photopolymerized onto the distal face of an imaging fiber. Ru(bpy) 32+ luminescence images were collected through the ZMIFOS by an epifluorescence microscope/charge-coupled device imaging system. The ZMIFOS's Ru(bpy)32+-Y-luminescence displayed two-site Stern-Volmer quenching behavior, fast response times, and immunity to large Ru(bpy)32+-quenching molecules. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to characterize Ru(bpy)32+-Y particle sizes and lead to the fabrication of ZMIFOSs with spatial resolution on the order of 5 mum. These ZMIFOSs represent the first union in which Ru(bpy)32+ has been immobilized in a positively-charged polymeric matrix and zeolite-encased luminophores have been combined with optical imaging fibers for remote sensing applications.;Practicum two. Due to the significance of high yield in integrated circuit manufacturing, it is imperative to achieve consummate contamination control. Of particular interest in modern wafer FABs is particulate contamination on substrate surfaces attributed to process tools. The current particle measurement method utilizing difference calculation was compared to an improved method utilizing overlay capability on version 4.0 software, and the results support the future large-scale use of the version 4.0 software.;Practicum one. The Alzheimer's Disease associated paired helical filament was isolated by previously outlined methods. After isolation and verification by transmission electron microscope, the filaments were subjected to a variety of chemical methods including base hydrolysis and acetylation in order to purify PHF components. The components were analyzed using several techniques including thin-layer chromatography, one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The acquired spectra were compared to spectra of structures believed to be similar, and reasonable structures were suggested on this basis. From the methods employed it was found that an ether linkage was responsible for the bond between the lipid and carbohydrate moieties, and certain portions of the glycolipid contained amine residues.