Based on investigations with an ESEC thermosonic wire bonder, we report a novel ultrasound calibration method which consists of measuring in-situ the friction heat generated by the gold ball as it scrubs on the oxide of an integrated microsensor. This procedure can be carried out in-process using a dedicated testchip and a modiÞed clamping plate. The calibration dependence on the process parame...

M ore and more nanoparticles are used in advanced materials, medical imaging and drug delivery, and their industrial scale production is just around the corner. The flip side of this is the risk associated with human exposure to nanoparticles, whether through unintentional inhalation or deliberate injection and ingestion. Detailed toxicity studies are needed to ensure the safe and successful us...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate early neuropathy in dental personnel exposed to high frequency vibrations. METHODS 30 dentists and 30 dental hygienists who used low and high speed hand pieces and ultrasonic scalers were studied, and 30 dental assistants and 30 medical nurses not exposed to vibration (all women). Vibrotactile sensibility, strength, motor performance, sensorineural symptoms and signs, an...