Sputtering, once no more than a scientific curiosity, is increasingly widely used to produce thin coatings. Magnetron sputtering, in particular, shows how the application of simple physical principles has led to a successful commercial technology.
Magnetron sputtering
S Swann 1988 Physics in Technology 19 67
The physics of welding
J.F. Lancaster 1984 Physics in Technology 15 73
Greater understanding of the physics of welding is leading to improved application and control of welding processes. Further gains in welding productivity could follow. Electric arc welding, high energy density welding and future developments are described
The heat pipe
P.D. Dunn and D.A. Reay 1973 Physics in Technology 4 187
The heat pipe is a device having a high thermal conductance which utilizes the transport of a vapour and rejection of latent heat to achieve efficient thermal energy transport. The theory of heat pipes is well developed. Their use in applications involving temperatures in the cryogenic regime, and with development units running as high as 2000 degrees C, shows that they can function over a large part of the temperature spectrum. Applications in spacecraft, electronics and die casting are but few of the uses for these devices
The history and mathematics of rockets
J C Newby 1988 Physics in Technology 19 172
Rocketry is both a fascinating exercise in the application of elementary physics and a first-class demonstration of the linkages between science, technology and society.
Getting it together - and
keeping it that way: the
integrity of aircraft
structures
W G Heath 1988 Physics in Technology 19 181
View article, Getting it together - and keeping it that way: the integrity of aircraft structuresPDF, Getting it together - and keeping it that way: the integrity of aircraft structures
Structural integrity has been a prime concern of every aircraft designer since the Wright brothers. Here the author describes the various technologies underlying this important aspect of-aeronautical engineering.
Electronic dot generation
A A Mortimer 1988 Physics in Technology 19 188
The art of colour reproduction is also a science. If coloured ink can only be printed as solid dots, how can the dots best be produced to give full colour pictures.
Processing light signals: Applications of MBE-grown quantum wells and superlattices to lasers and other photonic devices
Klaus Ploog 1988 Physics in Technology 19 196
View article, Processing light signals: Applications of MBE-grown quantum wells and superlattices to lasers and other photonic devicesPDF, Processing light signals: Applications of MBE-grown quantum wells and superlattices to lasers and other photonic devices
Electro-optic devices are beginning to find practical application as the basis of 'photonics' - the optical equivalent of electronics.
Physics and the problems of defective vision
W N Charman 1988 Physics in Technology 19 206
View article, Physics and the problems of defective visionPDF, Physics and the problems of defective vision
Optical physics has always played a key role in the analysis and treatment of visual deficiencies. Now, ultrasound and various forms of tomography can be used for imaging of the visual system, new computer-assisted designs are improving spectacle and contact lenses, and lasers are finding new uses in surgery on the eye.