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Houston area volleyball teams hit the ground running in September as the season officially began for 5A and 6A schools.
For Shadow Creek, this season marks the beginning of their legacy in the 6A classification, having been 5A since opening. They find themselves in District 23-6A with the Pearland ISD and Alief ISD schools, and they seem to be doing just fine.
The Shadow Creek Sharks only return six players from last season's thirteen-man roster, and the team includes many fresh faces with an abundance of talent to offer. Despite losing their six starters from last season, the Lady Sharks have demonstrated an incredible amount of potential in such a small amount of time.


text:
** Note this is included in Goonie Bird Greene Activities & Author Study
Text Connection Posters Customized to Gooney Bird Green series, by Newbery Author, Lois Lowry
Encouraging text connections encourages deeper understandings of what is being read!
Includes Gooney Bird Greene Customized Class Poster:
Text to Text
Text to World
Text to Self

domain: library


text:
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The City of Henderson is launching a program called Henderson Hope Squad to prevent teen suicides at seven middle schools and five high schools. The program is the first of its kind in Nevada and will be implemented through a partnership between the City of Henderson and the Clark County School District.
Hope Squad is a school-based peer support program that trains students to recognize and respond to their friends and classmates who are struggling with emotional issues such as depression and suicide contemplation and to share their concerns with an adult.
“The loss of a young life to suicide is devastating to their friends, family and our community and we must do everything in our power to stop these tragedies,” said Mayor Debra March. “Hope Squad members can be the eyes and ears in our schools to effectively recognize and help prevent suicides and other self-destructive behaviors among Henderson students.”
"Social-emotional support is critical for our students' well-being. Programs like this help students reduce stigma about mental health and improve the opportunities for them to seek assistance when in distress," said CCSD Superintendent Jesus F. Jara. "I thank Hope Squad and the City of Henderson for their partnership to provide teachers, administrators and students with valuable tools to prevent tragic loss.
Friends and classmates are the most effective receptors of suicide warning signs because they spend so much time together and can recognize when someone is acting differently. Evidence-based research shows that seven out of 10 adolescents experiencing depressive or suicidal thoughts will confide in a friend or trusted peer before approaching an adult.
Henderson Hope Squad will be implemented at Brown, Burkholder, Greenspun, Mannion, Miller, Del Webb and Thurman White middle schools; and Basic, Coronado, Foothill, Green Valley and Liberty high schools.

domain: psychology


When iOS 12 releases this fall, iPhone and iPad owners will be able to unlock their phone in either portrait or landscape orientation, removing yet another friction to using Apple’s infrared-based facial recognition system.
If a customer reports that their iPhone X is having Face ID issues that a TrueDepth camera repair is unable to resolve, Apple Stores and third-party technicians are now authorized to issue a whole-unit replacement instead of providing a same-unit display repair.
One of the welcomed enhancements for iPhone and iPad afforded by the upcoming iOS 11.3 update will permit parents to approve family purchases using iPhone X’s Face ID facial recognition system, a feature that was previously unavailable.
BioLockout is a simple Activator add-on that lets you toggle biometric authentication on or off on demand. Once configured, invoking the gesture renders your device’s Touch ID or Face ID authentication useless for the time being.
Are you worried about your HomePod being in a place where anyone outside your home can interact with Siri? Afraid that a thief might yell at Siri to unlock the front door while you’re away? Apple thought of that, too—HomePod requires an iOS device to authenticate unlocking security HomeKit accessories.
When your iPhone X can’t see or recognize your face, don’t wait on it to display the passcode keypad. Use this simple trick to quickly unlock your device using the passcode keypad, and save a few precious seconds.


|Publication number||US4866346 A|
|Application number||US 07/065,281|
|Publication date||Sep 12, 1989|
|Filing date||Jun 22, 1987|
|Priority date||Jun 22, 1987|
|Also published as||CA1286427C, EP0318539A1, EP0318539A4, WO1988010506A1|
|Publication number||065281, 07065281, US 4866346 A, US 4866346A, US-A-4866346, US4866346 A, US4866346A|
|Inventors||Marcel P. J. Gaudreau, Donald K. Smith|
|Original Assignee||Applied Science & Technology, Inc.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (5), Referenced by (73), Classifications (18), Legal Events (6)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This invention relates to a microwave plasma generator and more particularly to a device which produces an axisymmetric microwave field for uniform plasma production for uniformly etching and/or doping a substrate and/or depositing a layer of material on a substrate.
Typically, direct current and radio frequency discharges have been used for substrate plasma processing. More recently, plasmas for substrate processing have been produced by introducing a microwave field into a vacuum chamber containing a gas to be ionized. In conventional techniques for microwave plasma generation, the microwave field used to ionize the gas is typically not axisymmetric or tunable. However, for uniform and controllable substrate processing, it is desirable to produce a symmetric plasma from a microwave field which is axisymmetric and which can be tuned to match the impedance of the plasma load.
Presently, uniform substrate processing is typically controlled by putting the substrate on a moving turntable and shaping the microwave discharge tube to form a plasma of only a segment of the circular cross section of the microwave guide. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,138. By controlling the shape of this plasma, a non-axisymmetric microwave discharge can be used to process a substrate somewhat uniformly.
However, this technique exhibits a number of disadvantages, such as the fact that the microwave discharge is not truly axisymmetric and thus does not create a truly uniform plasma, and a turntable must be used to get somewhat uniform substrate processing. In addition, because these microwave plasma production devices are generally not tunable, they cannot be used for plasma production with different substrates and/or different gases at a variety of pressures. Therefore, these traditional microwave plasma production techniques have very limited fixed ranges in which they are useful.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a microwave plasma generator which produces an axisymmetric microwave field and plasma.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a microwave plasma generator which is tunable to match the impedance of varied plasma loads.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a microwave plasma generator which produces an axisymmetric microwave field with no angular dependence and an integral number of radial mode nodes.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a microwave plasma generator which is useful at many microwave frequencies.
This invention results from the realization that truly effective uniform microwave plasma generation, which is useful with a variety of plasma gases at a variety of pressures, is possible with a waveguide apparatus which is tunable to match the resistive and reactive impedance of the plasma load and which couples an axisymmetric microwave field to a round waveguide for uniform plasma production.
This invention features a microwave plasma generator for producing an axisymmetric plasma which has a waveguide apparatus, means for introducing a microwave source into the waveguide apparatus, and means for generating a circular axisymmetric microwave field from the source. This means for generating may generate only a single mode circular axisymmetric microwave field. The microwave plasma generator further includes means for tuning the microwave field to match the impedance of a load. There is a vacuum chamber for containing a gas to be ionized to form a plasma, means for introducing the gas into the vacuum chamber, and means for coupling the microwave field to the vacuum chamber to form the plasma.
In a preferred embodiment, the waveguide apparatus, which may be tunable, is used to produce a circular axisymmetric microwave field, which may be a single mode, for plasma production. This waveguide apparatus includes an input waveguide with a rectangular cross section, means for introducing a microwave source into the input waveguide, an output waveguide with a circular cross section, and means for connecting the input waveguide to the output waveguide. The waveguide apparatus further includes a probe assembly, which may be adjustable, for generating the microwave field in the output waveguide from the source and substantially matching the resistive impedance of a plasma load. There is also a plunger assembly, which may be adjustable, disposed in the input waveguide for substantially matching the reactive impedance of the load, and means for coupling the output waveguide to a vacuum chamber containing a gas to be ionized to form a plasma.
In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of the microwave source is between 0.5 and 15 GHz and may be approximately 2.45 GHz. The rectangular input waveguide may be small and long enough to transmit only the fundamental transverse electric mode of the microwave source. This is called the TE10 mode.
The adjustable probe assembly may include a repeatably axially adjustable conductive rod passing through an opening in the input waveguide and transversely therethrough and coaxially into the output waveguide. This probe assembly may further include a probe tube communicating with the opening and an annular probe choke inside of and connected to the probe tube having a central opening for allowing the rod to pass therethrough. This rod may pass through the center of the input waveguide or may be positioned off center of the input waveguide. The rod may further include means for indicating the position of the end of the rod in the output waveguide.
The adjustable plunger assembly may include a repeatably axially adjustable waveguide stub with a rectangular cross section disposed coaxially within the input waveguide. This plunger assembly may include means for shorting the stub to the input waveguide, and the assembly may further include means for indicating the position of the end of the stub in the input waveguide. The probe choke and the stub are each preferably approximately one quarter wavelength long. The plunger assembly may alternatively include a repeatably axially adjustable shorting plunger in the input waveguide. This plunger assembly preferably includes means for indicating the position of its end in the waveguide.
The means for tuning the field to match the impedance of the load may include adjustment means for matching the resistive and reactive impedance of a plasma load. This adjustment means may include a repeatably adjustable axisymmetric probe and a repeatably adjustable rectangular shorting plunger choke. Both the probe and choke preferably include means for indicating their position in the waveguide. The microwave field may include a transverse magnetic mode with no angular dependence and an integral number of radial mode nodes. The diameter of the output waveguide may be small enough to transmit only one transverse magnetic mode having no angular dependence and one radial mode node. This diameter may be at least 10 cm and is preferably approximately 12 cm. Further, the length of the output waveguide may be made greater than its diameter.
In a preferred embodiment, the input waveguide is approximately 7.2 cm wide, 3.4 cm high, and 25.5 cm long from its entrance flange to the center of the probe assembly. The length of the output waveguide is preferably approximately 12.8 cm. The conductive rod may extend past the choke into the circular waveguide a distance of approximately an integral multiple of one half of the free-space wavelength of the microwave source. This rod may pass through the center of the input waveguide. The output waveguide may increase in diameter along its length in the direction of the vacuum chamber.
The vacuum chamber preferably includes a substrate for interacting with the plasma. There may also be means for heating or cooling the substrate and means for heating or cooling the vacuum chamber. The pressure of the gas to be ionized in the vacuum chamber is preferably between 10-7 and 103 Torr. There may also be means for keeping the pressure and mixture of this gas relatively constant.
The field which is coupled to the vacuum chamber preferably includes a transverse magnetic mode with no angular dependence and an integral number of radial mode nodes. The plasma generator may also include at least one magnet assembly disposed around the vacuum chamber and may further include means for generating an electric field in the vacuum chamber to accelerate the plasma. The tunable microwave waveguide apparatus may have a combined length of the output waveguide and the vacuum chamber of approximately an integral multiple of one half of the wavelength of the circular guide microwave field.
In an alternative preferred embodiment the microwave plasma generator for producing an axisymmetric plasma includes a repeatably tunable waveguide apparatus having an input tube with a rectangular cross section and a discharge tube with a circular cross section, means for introducing microwave energy into the input tube, and means for coupling an axisymmetric microwave field to the discharge tube. This plasma generator also includes a vacuum chamber for containing a gas to be ionized, means for introducing the gas into the vacuum chamber, and means for connecting the discharge tube to the vacuum chamber. The means for coupling preferably includes means for generating only a single mode axisymmetric microwave field.
Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a prior art microwave plasma generator;
FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the substrate of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a microwave guide according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a vacuum chamber for plasma generation according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram of an alternative vacuum chamber for microwave plasma generation according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a microwave plasma generator according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional end view of a microwave coupling probe of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional end view of an alternative microwave coupling probe of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the fundamental transverse electric microwave mode in a rectangular guide;
FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of a transverse magnetic microwave mode with no angular dependence and a single radial mode node in a circular guide;
FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of a transverse magnetic microwave mode with no angular dependence and two radial mode nodes in a circular guide;
FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of a transverse electric microwave mode with a single variation in the theta direction and a single radial variation in a circular guide;
FIG. 10A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an alternative circular output waveguide according to the present invention;
FIG. 10B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of another alternative circular output waveguide according to the present invention;
FIG. 10C is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a circular output waveguide with a very small diameter; and
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a microwave plasma generator according to the present invention.
A microwave plasma generator according to this invention may be accomplished using a waveguide apparatus which preferably is tunable for supplying an axisymmetric microwave field to a vacuum chamber containing a gas to be ionized to form a plasma. The device is especially useful for generating a microwave field with a single mode which may be a transverse magnetic mode microwave field with no angular dependence and a single radial mode node. This microwave field produces an axisymmetric plasma which results in uniform etching, doping, or deposition on a substrate, and is especially useful for semiconductor processing and deposition of hard protective coatings, such as diamond or diamond-like coatings.
The microwave plasma generator includes means for introducing a microwave source into the waveguide and means for generating a circular axisymmetric microwave field, which may be a single mode, from the microwave source. In addition, there are preferably means for tuning the field to match the impedance of a load and means for coupling the microwavefield to a vacuum chamber which contains a gas to be ionized to form a plasma. The vacuum chamber includes means for introducing the gas into the chamber.
The pressure of the gas to be ionized in the vacuum chamber is typically between 10-7 and 103 Torr. The gas includes atoms which are useful for etching and/or doping a substrate, and/or for being deposited on a substrate to form a coating layer. The vacuum chamber also typically includes a substrate for interacting with the plasma and may include means for heating or cooling the substrate and for heating or cooling the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber also preferably includes means for keeping the pressure of the gas in the chamber at a relatively constant level.
The waveguide apparatus typically includes means for tuning the circular microwave field to match the impedance of the plasma load. Typically, this includes adjustment means for matching both the resistive and reactive impedance of the plasma load. This adjustment means preferably includes a repeatably adjustable axisymmetric probe and a repeatably adjustable rectangular shorting plunger choke. Both the probe and the choke may include means for indicating their position in the waveguide so that these positions may be noted to make the impedance matching truly repeatable for different process conditions.
To create a useful plasma density at low pressures, for example from 10-7 to 10-2 Torr, at least one permanent or electro-magnet disposed around the outside of the vacuum chamber may be added. These magnets form a magnetic field which is resonant with the electrons and the electric field and increases the energy of the free electrons. Where a high ion impinging velocity is required, the chamber may include means for generating an electric field to accelerate the plasma ions.
Typically, the frequency of the microwave source is between 0.5 and 15 GHz, and is preferably approximately 2.45 GHz.
The microwave waveguide apparatus for producing a circular axisymmetric microwave field, which may be a single mode, for axisymmetric plasma production typically includes a rectangular input waveguide connected to a circular output waveguide. There are means for introducing a microwave source into the rectangular waveguide and means for coupling the circular waveguide to a vacuum chamber which contains the gas to be ionized. Impedance matching is performed by a probe assembly, which may be adjustable, which generates the microwave field in the circular guide and substantially matches the resistive impedance of the plasma and a plunger assembly, which may be adjustable, inside of the rectangular waveguide which substantially matches the reactive impedance of the load. These two degrees of freedom can be adjusted to match the impedance of virtually any plasma load.
The probe assembly typically includes a probe tube, which may be rectangular, communicating with an opening in the rectangular waveguide. This tube has an annular probe choke inside of it and connected to its walls. The choke has a central opening for allowing a conductive rod to pass therethrough. The annular choke is typically approximately one-quarter free-space wavelength long and shorted at a current maximum point. The conductive rod passes through the choke, transversely through the rectangular waveguide, and coaxially into the circular waveguide. To couple a maximum amount of power, the rod passes through the center of the rectangular waveguide. By putting the probe off center, less power is coupled and impedance matching can also be performed. The adjustable rod typically extends past the end of the choke a distance which is approximately an integral multiple of one-half of the free-space wavelength of the microwave source. This creates a current minimum at the rod/choke interface, which keeps arcing and heating to minimum and eliminates rod jamming and welding. The adjustment means for the rod preferably includes means for indicating the position of the end of the rod in the circular waveguide. This allows easy tuning of the waveguide to repeatably match the impedance of different plasma loads.
The plunger assembly typically includes a rectangular, adjustable waveguide stub which is disposed coaxially within the rectangular waveguide. This stub is typically approximately one-quarter input waveguide wavelength long and is shorted to the rectangular waveguide at an end which corresponds to a low current point. This plunger assembly also preferably includes means for indicating the position of the stub in the rectangular waveguide to repeatably match the impedance of the plasma load. The plunger assembly may alternatively include a shorting plunger disposed in the rectangular waveguide. This embodiment typically includes means for indicating the position of the end of the plunger in the waveguide.
Preferably, the microwave source has a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz and a power of 50-2000 watts. The input waveguide is preferably small and long enough to transmit only the fundamental transverse electric mode of this source. This allows accurate power measurement. The microwave field coupled to the circular waveguide is typically a transverse magnetic mode with no angular dependence and an integral number of radial mode nodes. Preferably, it has one radial mode node. The diameter of the circular guide may be small enough to transmit only one transverse magnetic mode having no angular dependence and one radial mode node. This diameter can be increased to transmit transverse magnetic modes with more than one radial mode node, or can be decreased to transmit only a transverse magnetic mode with no radial mode nodes. This may be accomplished by providing a larger or smaller diameter output waveguide or by increasing the diameter of the output waveguide along its length in the direction of the vacuum chamber or increasing the diameter in a single step.
The circular output waveguide typically has a length which is greater than its diameter. This length may be approximately 12.8 centimeters. The diameter of the circular waveguide is typically at least 10 centimeters and may be approximately 12 centimeters.
The rectangular input waveguide is typically approximately 7.2 centimeters wide, 3.4 centimeters high, and 25.5 centimeters long from the entrance flange to the center of the coupling probe assembly.
For processing a plasma which does not absorb all of the incident microwave energy in one pass, the length of the output waveguide and the vacuum chamber attached to the waveguide may be held at approximately an integral multiple of one-half of the wavelength of the circular guide microwave field. This forms a cavity in which the microwave is resonant, and can create a high-intensity wave from a relatively low power microwave source. If the plasma is opaque, the length of the output waveguide and the vacuum chamber up to the plasma may be held at approximately an integral multiple of one-half of the wavelength of the circular guide microwave field. For plasmas which absorb in one pass, this length is not critical.
There is shown in FIG. 1A a prior art microwave plasma generator 10. Microwaves are generated by microwave oscillator 2. Waveguide 4 introduces these microwaves into discharge chamber 6. Chamber 6 contains a gas to be ionized in its interior 8. The bottom of chamber 6 is shaped to confine the plasma into a sectoral shape 15, FIG. 1B. The plasma impinges on substrate 12, which is transported in a circular path, indicated by arrow 16, by turntable 7.
As is more clearly shown in FIG. 1B, substrate 12a passes through fan-shaped plasma exposure region 15. Region focal point F coincides with the center of turntable 7. Accordingly, when substrate 12a revolves in a circular path around point F, each point on substrate 12a is exposed to the plasma for the same amount of time. Thus, this system allows relatively uniform substrate processing with a non-axisymmetric microwave field and plasma.
A waveguide apparatus for axisymmetric microwave field production is shown in FIG. 2. Waveguide apparatus 20 includes rectangular input waveguide 22 with flange 21 for mating with a microwave source generator, not shown. A conductive rod 25 passes transversely through input waveguide 22 and coaxially into circular output waveguide 29. Waveguide 29 has a circular flange 28 and mating flange 18 for mating with a vacuum chamber, not shown. Rod 25 is attached to worm drive mechanism 182, which is driven by repeatable indicating knob 23. Knob 23 may be turned in a counterclockwise direction to move rod 25 farther into waveguide 29. Knob 23 is moved in a clockwise direction to retract rod 25. Knob 23 includes indicating means, not shown, for indicating the depth of protrusion of rod 25 into waveguide 29. Annular probe choke 24 is centrally disposed in rectangular tube 184, and includes washer 13 connected to tube 184 which shorts the choke at a current maximum point. Choke 24 is typically one-quarter of a free-space wavelength long and its end 186 is located at a current minimum. By locating this point 186 at a current minimum, arcing and heat generation are minimized. This decreases the possibility of spot welding or probe jamming, and results in smooth operation of worm drive 182.
Rod 25 couples only axisymmetric mode microwaves to waveguide 29. By adjusting the probe up or down, the resistive impedance of the plasma load can be substantially matched. Thus, the guide can be used to couple axisymmetric mode microwave fields for plasma production and can be repeatably set to match the resistive impedance of a variety of plasma loads.
Rectangular waveguide 22 also includes repeatably axially adjustable waveguide stub 26 which has a rectangular cross section and is slightly smaller than input waveguide 22 so it does not touch the sides. Slug 100 is attached to stub 26 and shorts the stub to the wall of the waveguide at a current minimum. Stub 26 is axially adjustable by means of worm drive 27 driven by repeatably indicating knob 14 in the same manner as worm drive 182 and knob 23 described above. Stub 26 can be axially adjusted to reflect a wave which cancels the reactive wave component left over from internal reflections. By brazing conducting joints, locating all moving joints at low current points, and not including any insulating parts, waveguide apparatus 20 is able to handle high power continuous wave operation with low power loss and still remain smoothly and repeatably adjustable.
As a result, waveguide apparatus 20 can be adjusted to couple only the desired axisymmetric mode microwave field to a plasma load, not shown, and is tunable to cancel internally reflected waves and match the impedance of substantially any plasma load connected to it. Tuning of waveguide apparatus 20 is important because a properly tuned waveguide delivers the maximum available microwave energy to the vacuum chamber for plasma production. An incorrectly tuned waveguide causes power loss through loss of uncancelled internally reflected waves out of the waveguide through flange 21.
A waveguide apparatus for coupling a TM01 mode, generated from a TE10 mode, may be made by providing an input waveguide 22 which is approximately 7.2 cm wide, 3.4 cm high, and 25.5 cm long from its entrance flange 21 to the center of probe tube 184. Output waveguide 29 has a diameter of at least 10 cm, and is preferably approximately 12 cm. The length of the output waveguide from flange 28 to flange 18 is approximately 12.8 cm.
A vacuum chamber for use with the waveguide is shown in FIG. 3. Bell jar 31 is centrally located in circular vacuum chamber and waveguide 190. Chamber 190 is mated to the microwave guide, not shown, by flange 30. Single or double screen 32 is provided for viewing the interior of bell jar 31, exhausting cooling air, and preventing microwave leakage. There is also a protective ultraviolet shield, not shown, outside of screen 32 to prevent eye damage. Substrate 34 is located near the end of chamber 190, and may be heated by heater 86 supplied with power from power source 87 through wires 88. Substrate 34 may also be cooled by cooling block 93 supplied with water from water source 90 through pipes 89. This heating and cooling allows operation over a wide range of substrate operating temperatures. Substrate temperature is monitored by temperature indicator 92, which includes temperature probe 91. Perforated flange 36 allows evacuation of bell jar 31.
Once the chamber has been evacuated through perforated flange 36, gas is introduced through radially located pipes 37, which are connected to a gas pressure source and manifold, not shown. Gas enters through pipes 37 and is dispersed by baffle 33 so it flows axially uniformly into the top of bell jar 31. A blower, not shown, is provided to force air or other cooling gas through pipes 35 and 95 and around bell jar 31 and out through screen 32. This air flow cools bell jar 31. The blower may also blow hot air to heat bell jar 31.
An alternative vacuum chamber is shown in FIG. 4. Here, flange 56 is provided to meet with a flange, not shown, of the circular output waveguide of the axisymmetric waveguide apparatus. Vacuum window 50 preferably has a thickness of approximately one quarter wavelength. Flange 56 is preferably located at a field minimum. Therefore, a field maximum will be located at or just inside of the underside of window 50. Flange 57 is provided to mate with flange 56 to hold the window tightly in place. Viewing ports 52 and 58 are provided to allow visual and electronic inspection of the plasma process. Flange 59, at the far end of vacuum chamber 60, is sized to mate with a flange, not shown, which leads to a cavity which holds the substrate and provides a means for evacuating chamber 60.
In operation, chamber 60 is evacuated and the gas to be ionized is introduced by a means, not shown. Microwaves entering through window 50 generate a plasma in cavity 60. Annular magnets 55 and 53 create a magnetic field which is essentially parallel to the walls 51 of chamber 60. Magnet 55 also creates an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) and thereby increases electron energy and aids in plasma production at low pressures of, for example, between 10-2 to 10-7 Torr. Positively charged plasma ions then travel along magnetic field lines toward flange 59 and pass through opening 54 to impinge on the substrate, not shown.
A typical microwave plasma generator is shown completely assembled in FIG. 5. Rod 25 couples an axisymmetric mode microwave to circular guide 29. Gas to be ionized is introduced into bell jar 31 through pipe 37 supplied by a gas pressure source, not shown. The microwave field creates an axisymmetric plasma inside of bell jar 31. This plasma moves all through bell jar 31 and generally toward substrate 34. Pump 39 exhausts chamber 31 through flange 36 and pipe 40. Plasma ions may be accelerated by supplying a DC or RF electric potential to the substrate. Substrate 34 may be connected to a potential source 196 through wire 194. By providing a negative potential of, for instance, negative 100V, ions impinging on substrate 34 will be accelerated to an energy of approximately 100 eV. The generator can also be used as an ion gun for a high energy accelerator.
A centrally disposed adjustable probe for coupling a maximum power axisymmetric microwave field is shown in FIG. 6. Repeatably axially adjustable conductive rod 25a passes centrally through rectangular input waveguide 22a and coaxially into circular ouput waveguide 29. Waveguide 22a is made long enough to propagate only the TE10 mode. Therefore, centrally disposed rod 25a is at a high electric field energy point and thus couples the maximum amount of power to output guide 29.
Coupled power can be reduced as shown in FIG. 7. Conductive rod 25b may be located off center of rectangular input waveguide 22b. Thus, rod 25b is not located at the highest electric field energy point and therefore couples less energy to output waveguide 29. In this embodiment, choke 24b ends at point 202, which is chosen to be a current minimum point. In each of the embodiments, conductive rod 25 preferably extends beyond the end of choke 24 a distance of approximately an integral multiple of one-half of the microwave free-space wavelength to make the rod approximately resonant. By making rod 25 axially adjustable, the length of protrusion can be changed to substantially match the resistive impedance of the plasma load.
The desired TE10 input mode is schematically depicted in FIG. 8. Rectangular waveguide 22c is shown in cross section, and Cartesian axes x, y, and z are superimposed on this cross section. The TE10 electric field E is indicated by the arrows. It can be seen that there is one degree of x dependence and zero dependence in the y direction.
Several forms of waves in a circular waveguide are shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C. FIG. 9A shows a desired transverse magnetic mode with no angular dependence and one radial mode node. Axes Z, R and Theta are superimposed for reference, Z being parallel to the direction of propagation, R being a radius of the circular waveguide, and Theta the angular axis. This mode is called the TM01 mode. The TM02 mode is shown in FIG. 9B. Here, electric field E has two radial mode nodes but still no angular dependence.
An undesirable TE11 mode is shown in FIG. 9C. Here, electric field E, which has a single angular variation and a single radial variation, is shown. This mode is nonaxisymmetric and, if coupled to circular guide 29c, would result in non-axisymmetric plasma production and non-uniform substrate processing.
Alternative circular output waveguide 29d, FIG. 10A, includes flared circular waveguide portion 152 which has flange 154 for mating with a flange, not shown, on a large vacuum chamber. Axisymmetric waves generated by conductive rod 25c propagate down circular guide 29d and enter waveguide portion 152, which has an increasingly larger diameter. This increased diameter waveguide propagates the same mode as generated, but increases the size of the field. This flared design can be used to create large, axisymmetric plasmas for processing large or multiple substrates.
FIG. 10B shows an alternative way of increasing the size of the microwave field. Rod 25d generates an axisymmetric mode microwave field, for example a TM01 field, in circular waveguide 29e. Annular connecting portion 159 connects larger diameter circular waveguide 158 to waveguide 29e. Guide 158 ends in flange 160, which mates with the vacuum chamber, not shown. This stepped increase in diameter propagates an axisymmetric mode microwave field with more radial mode nodes than the field generated by rod 25d, for example a TM02 or TM03 field. These larger fields can be used to generate large, axisymmetric plasmas for processing large or multiple substrates.
A cutoff electric field output waveguide is shown in FIG. 10C. Here, waveguide section 29f has a relatively small diameter and ends in flange 161, which meets with vacuum chamber flange or vacuum pump, not shown. In this embodiment, the substrate, not shown, is typically placed downstream of the end of rod 25e a distance of less than the diameter of circular waveguide section 29f. If the substrate is placed more than this distance from this point, the wave will be too small to be useful for plasma production.
The microwave plasma generator is shown in block diagram in FIG. 11. Microwave power supply 202 drives magnetron 204 with DC power. Circulator 206 allows forward power to pass, but deflects any reflected power into dummy load 208, which absorbs this reflected power. Circulator 206 thus keeps magnetron 204 from being damaged by any reflected power.
Directional coupler 210 couples the microwave field to waveguide apparatus 212 and also indicates the directions and quantity of power flow. Waveguide apparatus 212 couples an axisymmetric mode microwave field to vacuum chamber 214, and also matches the impedance of the plasma load in chamber 214.
Heater 218 heats the substrate being processed in vacuum chamber 214 to the desired temperature, and is powered by power supply 220. Cooling supply 224 supplies cooling water to the substrate to allow cooler temperature operation. Temperature control 222 includes a sensor for sensing the temperature of the substrate, and controls operation of power supply 220 and cooling supply 224 to alter the temperature of the substrate as required. Blower 216 blows hot or cold air around vacuum chamber 214 to heat or cool the surface of the chamber. Blower 216 can also circulate a cooling fluid around chamber 214 if greater cooling efficiency is required.
Vacuum pump 232, in conjunction with valve 226, is used to evacuate chamber 214. Gas flow from gas supply 242 and 244 is controlled and mixed by flow control manifold 240, which supplies the gas or gas mixture to chamber 214. Gas flow control 246 controls operation of manifold 240. The gas can be made up of several gases, and its composition and pressure are controlled by control 246 and manifold 240. Throttle valve 250 is situated in a bypass line, and is used to control the flow of gas out of chamber 214 by varying the flow to vacuum pump 232. Throttle control 236 controls throttle valve 250, and is responsive to pressure control 238, which senses the pressure in chamber 214. These controls allow accurate pressure regulation of gas in chamber 214. Vent valve 228 is used to vent chamber 214 to atmospheric pressure.
When extremely low gas pressures are required, for example 10-2 to 10-7 torr, vacuum assist pump 234 and valve 230 are employed. Magnets 252, which may be permanent or partially permanent or electro-magnets, are disposed around vacuum chamber 214. Power supply 254 energizes the electro-magnets. Magnets 252 help form the plasma at these low pressures, and also help guide it toward the substrate. System control 256 may be added to automate the complex heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure and magnet controls.
Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention.
Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims:
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|U.S. Classification||315/111.21, 315/39, 216/69, 118/723.00R|
|International Classification||H01J37/317, H01L21/3065, H01L21/302, H05H1/46, B01J19/08, H01J37/32|
|Cooperative Classification||H01J37/32229, H01J37/32256, H05H1/46, H01J37/32192|
|European Classification||H01J37/32M10D8B, H01J37/32M10D4, H01J37/32M10, H05H1/46|
|Sep 30, 1987||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: TECHNOLOGY, INC., 37 CEDAR STREET, NEWTON, MASSACH
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text:
Dreaming of tropical islands? When I look at these photos, I can feel the ocean breeze and hear the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. So let us take you around the world to the most beautiful islands on earth. We’ve had the privilege to visit many a beautiful tropical island paradise so we’ve rounded up our favorite to inspire wanderlust in you!
Table of Contents
Best Tropical Islands to Visit
When I think of our times on tropical locations, nothing but perfection springs to mind. All the complications of life completely melt away in the tropical heat as I dream of beautiful white sand beaches.
So let’s take you away, far far away to some of the most stunning tropical islands on earth.
1. Maldives is a Tropical Paradise
The famous over the water bungalows of the Maldives offer those quintessential images of what a luxury escape is all about. When staying in the Maldives, you can’t help but feel that you have found paradise.
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the is the most stunning island we’ve ever stayed at. The velvety white stand beach was perfect for walking barefoot on, and the glistening gin blue waters were so warm and inviting. Imagine swinging in a hammock under palm trees as you take in the ocean breeze.
There is excellent diving and coral reefs to explore in the Maldives. It’s famous for its abundance of sea turtles and we can attest, we saw many during our snorkeling trip. There is culture too! So get yourself to the islands of the Maldives.
We stayed at: the Cinnamon Donveli and loved our time at this exclusive resort of all over the water bungalows. We also stayed at the Cinnamon Hakkua Hura – It was more of a family resort, but still excellent with surfing, over the water bungalow, and a beautiful sand beach.
- Read more: 10 Best Things to do in the Maldives
2. St. Lucia
We only recently visited St. Lucia, but it immediately zoomed right up to the top of our top choice for the most beautiful tropical island in the world. With it’s grand and petit pitons jutting out from the Caribbean Sea, this lush island in the West Indies will take you breath away.
In fact, the woman in front of me on my flight gasped when she looked out the window spotting the pitons of St. Lucia for the first time. Saint Lucia is a small island, but it packs a huge punch with a diverse landscape.
St. Lucia is located in the Eastern Caribbean with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. With luxury villa retreats sitting on hTropiigh rocky slopes on one side of the island and sandy beach resorts on the other, it has something for everyone. Not only does St. Lucia have gorgeous white sand beaches, but St. Lucia is a volcanic island that creates those black sand beaches that are oh so rare on islands around the world.
- Where to stay in St. Lucia: Calabash Cove on the North side and Stonefield Villas on the South.
- Read more at: Where to Stay in St. Lucia – North vs South
- Fun and Interesting Facts about St. Lucia
3. Exuma Cays
The Exumas of the Bahamas were probably the very first islands that took our breath away. When looking out the windows of our twin otter plane, we were stunned by the beauty of these 365 atolls in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.
To me, this photograph captures that dreamy tropical island scene that we all want to escape to. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches make the Exurmas the perfect escape. I don’t think we had ever seen such pristine and smooth white sand on completely secluded beaches until our trip to the Exumas.
We stayed at the lovely family-run Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay it is a small island in the Exumas. Run by locals, it is a fantastic experience in the heart of the Exuma’s 360 islands. Explore more hotels in the Exumas at Booking.com
When thinking of the island Fiji, you can’t help but picture absolute paradise. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, this archipelago is one of those places that doesn’t disappoint. It has yet to reach the levels of development in the Caribbean and you can still find a quiet, secluded beach in this mother of all tropical islands.
There are 330 islands in Fiji situated in the middle of the South Pacific. And the beaches are downright perfect. Long stretches of white sand reach into the deep blue waters of the South Pacific. A boat trip from the main island of Vitu Levu, a stay at a private luxury resort or a stop on a cruise will give you the chance to witness these incredible beaches.
- Recommended Hotels – The Fiji Outrigger was very popular for families but we really enjoyed the Luxurious Pearl Fiji. It was easy to book day trips to everywhere on the main island here.
- See more photos at our time on a Dream Trip to Fiji
5. Southern Thailand’s Islands
Thailand has some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the world. I could do an entire best beaches article or photo story from its offshore getaways alone! The crown jewel of Southeast Asia for tropical islands, Thailand’s islands range from the remote and unspoiled to retreats full of luxurious resorts lining white sandy beaches.
Koh Lipe is one of our favorite islands, but Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao are all beautiful. And don’t forget the incredible state of Krabi filled with Kharst formations and white sand beaches. That is why we can’t just include one tropical island from Thailand on this list. They are all beautiful!
Located right on the Malaysian border, the trip out to Koh Lipe is worth it. Longtail boats line every beach in Southern Thailand making for the picture-perfect setting for anyone traveling to the tropics. And let’s not forget the many undeveloped islands of Thailand. If you book a kayaking tour with John Gray, you can camp on a secluded beach.
- Search for hotels in Krabi Province Thailand on TripAdvisor
- Read more about our favourite destination at Amazing Things to do in Thailand
Bali is really the island of dreams. Located in Indonesia, it offers the tourist an island experience with deep cultural roots. Temples line the coastline like the one above.With a mix of endless white-sand beaches, Bali also has volcanic black sand beaches Lovina Beach being the most famous.
Tana Lot is one of its most sacred temples and you can’t help but feel peaceful when visiting it or any of the great monuments on the island of Bali. Bali is not only about the beaches, this island has a rich Hindu culture, beautiful rice terraces in Ubud, temples, monkeys and awesome adventures like climbing the active volcano of Gunung Batur.
7. Grand Cayman Island
The blue waters of Grand Cayman Island are a tropical paradise making Grand Cayman one of the best tropical islands to visit in the world. Grand Cayman has crystal clear waters making it a scuba diving mecca.
There are a lot of things to do on the island like hiking to the Crystal Caves, frolicking with stingrays at Stingray City and this island has some of the best dining and cuisine in the Caribbean. The place to stay is on 7-mile beach where resorts line the soft white sand and any watersport that you can dream of take places off its shores.
- We stayed at the Grand Cayman Ritz Carlton and it was amazing. If you want a luxury tropical vacation book a stay here. Check for more hotels on Grand Cayman at Booking.com
- Check out our list of 15 Things to do on Grand Cayman
Jamaica is one of our favorite islands located in the West Indies is the ultimate tropical vacation destination for the package tours. But head out from behind the gates of your resort and you will discover a country filled with rich culture, fun activities and friendly and inviting people. And yes, the beaches are absolutely beautiful. Jamaica is such a huge Caribbean Island, that we’ve been four times and still have a lot more to see!
We have stayed at several different accommodations around Jamaica and have never been disappointed. Jamaica caters to couples, friends and families from adult’s only resorts to hotels with kids’ clubs to nightclubs for the party crowds. and Browse TripAdvisor for reviews and bookings that suit your needs.
- Read More: 14 Fun and Unique Things to do in Jamaica
9. Galapagos Islands
Even though most people go to the Galapagos Islands to see wildlife and take boat tours, they are indeed a tropical destination. Located on the Equator, you can expect hot weather year-round.
Some of the best beaches we’ve ever been to are on the Galapagos and you can stay on islands there and have a proper beach vacation. Not only does the Galapagos have the whitest of sand beaches, you’ll also find yellow, red and black sand beaches. So, it may not be your typical island vacation, but The Galapagos totally deserves to be in our list of best tropical vacation destinations.
Before going to Bermuda, all I knew was the old tales I hear about the Bermuda Triangle as a kid. But those days are long gone and Bermuda is a top island destination full of Colonial heritage buildings and fantastic beaches.
It has a shorter season than the Caribbean Islands, but there is plenty to do, so hop on a motorbike and check out the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pink beaches, dive sites and lovely towns.
The beaches of Bermuda are beautiful. Don’t miss the Pink Sand Beach at Horseshoe bay leading out to clear waters in a turquoise hue.
- Where to stay Fairmont Southhampton – A Great Location and a fantastic historic hotel.
- Read More: Bermuda and a Superyacht Regatta
The tropical paradise of Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania. Known as the spice island, Zanzibar is located on the Indian Ocean and has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world.
The old Stone Town is filled with history from the spice trade. Zanzibar was known as the spice island. And cool fact, Freddie Mercery of the rock band queen was born here!
Zanzibar’s turquoise waters are like nothing I’ve ever seen and when the tide goes out, there isn’t a more beautiful coastline on earth. Make your way to Nungwi and spend time chillaxin’ on the beach. Read: Best Beaches in Zanzibar.
We loved chilling in Zanzibar after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
12. The Florida Keys
Hanging out in Key West feels more like the Caribbean than being in the United States. It’s a great road trip to drive to the Florida Keys and getting to Key West feels like you’ve made it to the end of the world.
Chill out at one of the many bars on the strip, take in a festival or visit the Southernmost Point in the continental US. But make sure you take a boat trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is located 70 miles from the coast of Key West housing a pristine fort, great beaches, and excellent snorkeling. It’s also the most remote national park in the US outside of Alaska.
It is when you get out of the tourist strip that you see the beauty of the Florida Keys. We really took in the sights when parasailing and seeing the bridges connecting each island. Read more fun facts about Florida
- Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza La Concha Key West – Located right in the heart of town.
- Read about our time in Key West and Check out the best things to do in Central Florida
- Best Beaches in Florida for Fun in the Sun
- The Best Places to Visit in Florida
13. Fraser Island
Fraser Island in Australia isn’t on another list of tropical islands that I’ve seen, but it should be. The beaches are gorgeous! It’s a grand adventure to four-wheel it down the 75-mile beach of Fraser Island, but it is also a great tropical vacation. Resorts have swimming pools, you can swim inland on freshwater beaches with pure white sand, there are champagne pools to relax in and there are plenty of spots to unwind.
Fraser Island feels completely off the beaten path as walk dingoes walk the beaches and single track trails go through the interior jungle to secluded lakes. See all about it here on our Fraser Island Tour
Maui is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and has that fantastic laid-back vibe of the tropics. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean the Hawaiian Islands have so much to offer. While the Big Island has the nightlife and Oahu has the highrises, Maui has stayed low keyed and relaxed. We have gone back to Maui a couple of times and on each trip, we find something amazing to do. Be it learning to surf, stand up paddleboard, drive the Hana Highway, whale watching or learning to make Poke.
With world-class surf breaks, white and black sand beaches, volcanic hikes, and jungle waterfalls, when it comes to visiting the island of Maui, you will never want to leave!
Where to stay in Maui: We stayed at all of these hotels and each one had a very different and unique experience. We can confidently recommend each one.
- Fairmont Kea Lani – Located in Wailea this luxury resort was outstanding. Check out our tour of it on YouTube.
- Napili Kai – Fantastic traditional Hawiian Luxury Resort. It feels like the Maui of the movies.
- Paia Inn – In the heart the surfing community where things are laid back on the road to Hana and
- Mekena Beach Hotel – A big chain like hotel that works for people that want something familiar and comfortable.
- Read: Unique Hotels in Maui
We had the opportunity to take a helicopter flight over the island of Oahu to really take in the beauty of its beaches. Seeing the break on the North Shore was scary from the sky! I can’t imagine surfing those waves.
This island has so much history and beauty. Pearl Harbour can be visited to pay respects to the fallen heroes of World War II, incredible surf can be seen on the North Shore and it has a huge infrastructure for shopping and dining. This is an amazing island to visit!
It’s an excellent choice when planning a trip to Hawaii. You really can’t go wrong when you visit any of the Hawaiian Islands. From the Big Island of Hawai’i to Lanai or Molokai, get yourself to Hawaii! Watch our video of our helicopter flight over Oahu
When it comes to Hawaii, we could list all of the islands from Kauai to Lanai. Instead, why not read our post Best Island to Visit in Hawaii so we can move on to other tropical islands of the world.
16. Kangaroo Island
Who knew Australia has so many islands? Another off the beaten path island in Australia is Fraser Island. Not too many tourists make it to South Australia compared to the more popular New South Whales and Queensland, but this is a special island.
Kangaroo Island houses what was voted Australia’s most beautiful beach. Vivonne Beach was voted the best beach in Australia because it is pristine, clear waters and you won’t find any crowds! So our travel guide of the best islands around the world would not be complete without including it! Kangaroo Island is not only beautiful, but there are also so many things to see and do. Especially for wildlife lovers. Kangaroos, Koalas, Seals and don’t forget about a place so remarkable, it is actually called, the Remarkables!
- Where to Stay on Kangaroo Island – We stayed at Seascape Lodge, for more Kangaroo Island Accommodations explore TripAdvisor
- Read all about our time on Kangaroo Island Check it out here!
17. Cay Caulker
Cay Caulker of Belize is a little slice of paradise. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island and it’s a fantastic place to chill out and relax. The coral reef and crystal clear waters off the coast is an amazing place for scuba diving and snorkelling and you must take a trip out to Shark Ray Alley to swim with the nurse sharks.
We found a great place to stay called Deb and Dave’s Last Resort. It is run by a fantastic couple with fantastic names!
Located off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a dream destination for many people. The three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue can be easily explored by the Inter-Island Ferry Services.
Explore crystal clear waters, sandy secluded beaches, and gorgeous waterfalls. Seychelles is a must-visit for island lovers.
- Read More: 10 Unmissable Things to do in Seychelles
The Whitsundays are a group of 75 islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia that are famous for the white sandbars creating gorgeous formations under crystal clear water. Beautiful white sand beaches, swirl effortlessly with the turquoise water. Oh, did we mention it is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef? The best way to explore the coral reefs fully is to book a liveaboard cruise to spend time in the islands.
The largest and most famous of all the islands, Whitehaven Beach is a good choice to stay. Located in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef with crystal clear waters, it is difficult to compete for a better coral reef than that surrounding the Whitsundays. If you want to do diving and snorkeling, this is a great place to stay. For a luxury tropical vacation in Australia, this is the place to be.
- Read more: 23 Iconic Places to Visit in Australia
20. the Dominican Republic
Dave and I honeymooned in the Dominican Republic so it has a very special place in our hearts. The Dominican is a part of the second largest island in the Caribbean and it is one of the most popular destinations in the area.
But this one from Puerto Plata captures that postcard view of what a tropical island vacation should look like. Beautiful skies, over the water bungalows and a cruise ship off in the distance. What could be better than that?
It is the dream destination for honeymooners and the original over the water bungalow destination. Immerse in French Polynesia and pure luxury in Tahiti. It is one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations on earth and with good reason. Tahiti has really figured out how to turn tropical island vacations into luxury island vacations. Book a stay on a private island resort and spend a week doing nothing but relaxing with the one you love.
- Tahiti is expensive, so you may want to also check out Moorea in French Polynesia too!
I was debating whether or not to put Santorini, Greece in this post or not. Is it considered tropical? Well, when we visited it was hot hot hot and definitely felt tropical. It is more of a Mediterranean climate but for the most part, it is mild year-round. It is also one of the most beautiful islands we’ve ever visited. Most people think of Santorini’s blue domes, but there are plenty of beaches to hang out including the Black Beach, Red Beach, and Amoudi Bay.
- Read More:
Dave and I haven’t visited every island in the Caribbean, but we have seen quite a few and they are all so beautiful. Curacao stands out not only because of its beautiful beaches, but it’s colorful colonial buildings of Willemstad.
Curacao is part of the ABC islands of the Lesser Antilles that are territory islands of the Netherlands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Curacao feels like a little slice of Europe in the middle of the Caribbean. Being just outside the hurricane area, Curacao is a good option to visit year-round.
Known to have the least amount of rainfall in the Caribbean Islands, Aruba is a great year-round destination. The trade winds keep it temperate with a balmy average temperature of 82 degrees.
It’s another tropical island located outside the hurricane belt making for a great choice in the stormy months of June to November.
25. Palawan – Philippines
Palawan, often dubbed “The Last Frontier” of the Philippines, is a pristine paradise that promises an unrivaled tropical experience. Its natural wonders stretch from crystalline blue waters to lush rainforests. The main draw for many is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which offers an enchanting boat ride through a cave filled with dramatic rock formations and fluttering bats.
Palawan is also home to the mesmerizing El Nido and Coron, both teeming with limestone karsts and coral-rich waters. Dive into the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO-listed marine sanctuary, or kayak through the tranquil lagoons of El Nido. With its biodiverse ecosystems, both above and below the water, Palawan stands as a testament to nature’s artistry and an absolute must-visit for those seeking an idyllic tropical escape.
26. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, known as “La Isla del Encanto” (The Island of Enchantment), lives up to its name with a captivating blend of beaches, mountains, and vibrant culture. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this U.S. territory boasts a rich tapestry of Spanish, Taino, and African influences that are reflected in its music, dance, and festivals.
Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored colonial buildings, offers a historical journey marked by forts and passionate stories. For nature enthusiasts, the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States, provides lush trails and cascading waterfalls. Bioluminescent bays in Vieques and Fajardo are a spectacle after sunset, where microorganisms light up the waters creating a magical glow. In essence, Puerto Rico offers not just picturesque landscapes but also a pulsating heart of culture and history that beckons travelers for an immersive experience.
27. Turks and Caicos
A constellation of 40 coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos is the epitome of tropical luxury. Celebrated for its postcard-perfect beaches, the islands possess the world-renowned Grace Bay, frequently touted as one of the most beautiful beaches globally. The powdery white sands juxtaposed against azure waters create a scene straight out of a dream.
But what makes Turks and Caicos truly special is its underwater realm. With one of the most extensive coral reef systems, it’s a diver’s paradise, teeming with marine life and vibrant corals. For those looking for tranquility, the islands’ upscale resorts offer sublime relaxation, while history enthusiasts can explore the colonial past at Cockburn Town. A visit to Turks and Caicos is more than just a vacation; it’s an indulgence for the senses, promising both serenity and adventure in equal measure.
Did you enjoy our round-up of the best tropical Islands? Pin this post to Pinterest for Future Reference
And there you have it, our choices for the best tropical islands to visit in the world. Do you have a favorite tropical vacation destination? What did we miss?

domain: travel


Singer and actress Mélissa Bédard pays tribute to her former high school music teacher in Québec city and delivers another surprise : $25 000 in music instruments!08 | 06 | 2022
On May 11th, Mélissa Bédard surprised a group of music students with a tribute to Stéphane Boulanger, her former music teacher and close friend since then. Stéphane played a major role in her music path:
“Stéphane was my music teacher. He has so much love for music and music education! Stéphane, I will never thank you enough. I wouldn’t be where I am now career-wise, if it wasn’t for you!” - Mélissa Bédard.
Mélissa and Stéphane shared anecdotes from her time in high school: it is where it all started for her! Music was keeping her focused in school and made her blossom into the great artist that she is now!
Mélissa also introduced the music students to their brand new 11 saxophones, a $25 000 donation.
Those new instruments will motivate the kids to play and practice more, allow them to experience a unique quality of sound and progress faster in their learning abilities which will lead them to be proud of themselves.
" The music students at Neufchâtel High School lived a memorable moment with the special visit of Mélissa Bédard that had a similar music path! It was beautiful to see that the kids realize the chance that they have to have access to music education with a devoted teacher like Stéphane. The instruments were the cherry on top that will accompany them and remind them of that special day!"
- Nathalie Roberge, director of the evenko foundation.


text:
The area is off-limits to the Maldraxxi defectors under Vyraz, though multiple liches are seen throughout (likely working with Kel'Thuzad). The helhound Ylva, Guarm's mate, and their children Vargir, Girs, Frekki, Hrodvetni, and Vanargun all reside here. Every level of Helgarde Keep has prison cells along its inner walls with various prisoners, including Benedictus Voss.
The instance portal to Sanctum of Domination can be found at in the northern extent of the keep.
- Named and notable
- Generic hostile
- From development and prior to patch 9.1.0, this area was labeled Penderghast.
- Patch 9.1.0 (2021-06-29): Renamed from Penderghast and made available to players.
- Patch 9.0.2 (2020-11-17): Added.

domain: geography


text:
Jazz in the Garden is back for the summer! Grab some friends a blanket and some cash to get a pitcher of sangria this Friday night at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. A DC favorite, Jazz in the Garden is a night you won't want to miss. Get there early so you don’t miss this night of jazz, dancing and fun!
PHOTO COURTESY OF: ERIC CHAN

domain: entertainment


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Miss America is a big deal in my family, my immediate family. As kids Maggie and I were hooked. We didn’t just watch Miss America live on TV, we recorded Miss America. We watched certain years in the ‘90s over and over again. I have vivid memories of the one contestant that sang “I Fall to Pieces” and sounded so much like the original singer that the audience burst into applause immediately. Another contestant sang “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera and I think she had on this giant dress. I remember how odd it was to watch her mouth twitch on the long notes and the way she moved her head from side to side. There were all the impressive piano players and dancers. There were also the random talents that were weird and we would hit fast forward instead of watching. We loved the dresses too of course, but the talents really stand out to me.
These are the Miss Americas of my childhood (and there’s a link to each if you’re interested in finding out just a small bit more on each lady). We definitely recorded 1993-1995 (the first three) and while I think the last three were in our collection too, I might just remember their faces from TV.
We’ve always tried to guess who the next Miss America would be during the compeition. At some point in high school, Maggie decided we needed ballots to keep track of our picks and better decide the winnner. For anyone unfamiliar, Miss America contestants are gradually removed from the running. The exact process changes from time to time but the idea is the same. Quick introductions at the start of the show followed by the reveal of the top 15 (or so, this is where it tends to change). There’s a compeition of some kind (gowns, talent, or swim suits) and the remaining constestants drop again, and the process continues. Maggie’s ballots have a space for you to write your picks for each round and then a space to record the actual picks.
(Imagine this as a tri-fold.)
We have just one rule: you have to pick the ladies from every state you’ve ever lived in the first round. So I am required each year to put Miss New York, Miss Delaware, Miss Maryland, and Miss Virginia in my first round picks. Sean is required to pick Miss Missouri, Miss District of Columbia, Miss New York, and Miss Virginia. Yes, that’s right. This is not just for the women in my family, this is for everyone. My dad is probably the best at this than all of us. We don’t keep track from year to year, but if we did I think he’d have the most correct guesses.
This is a long introduction to tell you that this past Sunday was the 2013 Miss America pageant!! The pagaent itself is entertaining for a variety of reasons, but the real reason I love Miss America is because this little tradition has survived for so long in my family. We’ve been watching with ballots for more than 10 years and have kept it alive despite the fact that we’re no longer watching in the same living room all together. We are just as excited about Miss America now as we were when Maggie first introduced the ballot! So excited that we started texting about this last Thursday! This year was a little different with my parents living on the West Coast. They weren’t able to watch at the same time as us. So I texted with Maggie and one of my cousins about our top picks during the show and debreifed about it with my parents yesterday morning.
Unfortunately we couldn’t print Maggie’s pretty ballots, so we used regular paper. Everyone has their own method for keeping track of who they like best and who they think will move on to the next round.
Miss New York won! Honestly she wasn’t on our radars. Miss New York won last year and we were kind of hoping someone else would take the crown. But! This year’s winner is a Sigma Kappa, which makes me happy! And there’s always next year to break the Miss New York streak!


October began today for some of the world, but here in Chicago the 29°C weather (at Midway and downtwon; it's 23°C at O'Hare) would be more appropriate for July. October should start tomorrow for us, according to forecasts.
This week has a lot going on: rehearsal yesterday for Apollo's support of Chicago Opera Theater in their upcoming performances of Everest and Aleko; rehearsal tonight for our collaboration Saturday with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony of Carmina Burana; and, right, a full-time job. (The Dallas Opera put their video of Everest's premiere on YouTube.)
We also have a few things going on in the news, it seems:
I will now return to reverse-engineering a particularly maddening interface.


Emery, who took over at the Gunners after Arsene Wenger resigned in 2018, led Villarreal to their first European final since 2005 - after a 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
However, not just satisfied with dumping the London-based side out of the competition: Villarreal took another shot at Arsenal on their English Twitter account.
The Tweet, which simply reads "Good Evening," features a photo of the Spaniard with the words "Unai Emery, Masterclass" brandished across the middle.
The caption - from the video in question - is from a video uploaded by Coaches Voice, in August of last year, from their 'Masterclass' series.
The Spaniard is something of a Europa League specialist; he claimed three titles at Sevilla - including two on the bounce - and he took Arsenal to the final in 2019.
The "Good Evening" is a reference to the phrase that the Spaniard was routinely mocked for during his time in London.
However, Emery had the last laugh as he started his post-match interview on BT Sport with the phrase.


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Banning multibuy discounts shown to drive sales rather than curb appetites
With the government under pressure to devise policies that help curb excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) finds that banning multibuy deals has the opposite effect.
In an article published today in the European Economic Review, Profs Farasat Bokhari and Paul Dobson examine the impact on alcohol sales in Scotland following the ban in 2011 on multibuy discounts such as "three for two" and "buy six, save 25%" deals. Their research found the ban increased rather than reduced sales, as retailers switched to using more straight money-off discounts, encouraging high-consumption households to increase their shopping frequency and buy more alcohol.
A proposal to ban multibuy deals on high-fat, -salt or -sugar (HFSS) foods and drinks was supposed to be implemented in England from October 2022, but the government delayed it for one year citing fears that removing such discounts would stoke inflation and raise costs for consumers.
The research from UEA's Norwich Business School and the School of Economics shows that when Scotland introduced such a ban on multibuy deals for alcohol, retailers switched to using more straight money-off discounts, which encouraged more frequent alcohol buying.
Profs Bokhari and Dobson said their findings suggest the UK government should re-think its intention to ban multibuy deals in England for HFSS foods and drinks due to come into force in October. Such a ban may backfire if retailers simply replace multibuy deals with other types of price promotions that encourage even more spending on unhealthy foods and drinks.
More information: Farasat A.S. Bokhari et al, Banning volume discounts to curb excessive consumption: A cautionary tale, European Economic Review (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2023.104480
Provided by University of East Anglia

domain: news


British musical icon Bryan Ferry has announced his first major UK headline tour since his celebrated London Palladium shows in 2016 and will be coming to Manchester’s O2 Apollo.
Bryan Ferry is one of the most innovative singers and lyricists in popular music, with an original vocal brilliance of breathtaking elegance.
The past few years have been extremely busy for Ferry with a worldwide tour and release of his first solo live album. Recorded during the 2015 Avonmore Tour, ‘Bryan Ferry Live 2015’ which features songs from his highly acclaimed latest album, Avonmore, and classic hits from the Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music back catalogue. This year has seen Ferry tour all across North America with his incredible live show.
Tickets for Bryan Ferry’s newly announced go on sale Friday 13 October at 10am via www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
He plays the Apollo on the 13th April 2018


A Hymn to the Virgin
A-cappella concert by two Zug choirs, with compositions to "Maria" composed over the last 1,500 years
The praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary has inspired composers of all eras to some of their most beautiful and moving works. Feelings and emotion are thereby expressed, ranging from pious worship, enthusiastic reverence and jubilant praise.
The programme moves from the Gregorian chant "Salve Regina", through compositions from the Medieval (Ave Maria by Arcadelt) and Romantic period (including “Bogoroditse Devo” by Rachmaninov), to the contemporary "To the Mothers in Brazil" by Jars Jansson, “A Hymn to the Virgin” by Benjamin Britten and “Ave Maria” from the Jazz Mass by local composer Martin Völlinger. A particular focus is thereby placed on the contemporary sound creations of our time.
Saturday, 7th December 2019 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, 8th December 2019 at 5 pm.
in the St. Johannes Church in Zug
Choir Audite Nova Zug
Zug Chamber Choir
Free admission, with door collection
07 Dec 2019 20:00 - 21:30
08 Dec 2019 17:00 - 18:30
- St. Johannes Church , St-Johannes-Strasse 9 Zug
- Free entry, door collection


Ten percent of those diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder suffer symptoms at the brightest time of the year. The summer’s brutal heat, bright light, and long days can affect a person’s circadian rhythm and contribute to depression for the opposite reasons that winter conditions do. If you’re a Summer Hater, or just notice that your mood is affected negatively by the heat, here are some summer depression busters that may help you better tolerate these months — maybe even enjoy the
Therese Borchard writes, “It’s that time of year again when the highly sensitive types among us who thrive with lots of sunlight begin to wither with the plants as the sun begins to hide.Not only do we get less vitamin D (and deficiencies have been linked to depression), but the change in sunlight affects our circadian rhythm — the body’s internal biological clock that governs certain brain activity and hormone production. In some people, the change of mood-related chemicals can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter blues or seasonal depression.” Read the rest of her blog.
“I’m trying to get comfortable with the idea that I am a human BEING not DOING, and that being a child of God is enough. With therapy and lots of soul searching, I am digging inside for the strength that lies at my core — naked, unassociated with any accolade or achievement,” writes Therese Borchard. Read her Blog
Blogger Therese Borchard writes, “The harder you try, the more negative things can get. A study published in August 2007 in The Journal of Neuroscience showed that there was a breakdown in normal patterns of emotional processing that prevented depressed and anxious people from suppressing negative emotions. In fact, the more they tried, the more they activated the fear center of their brain — the amygdala — which fed them more negative messages.” Read the Blog
When first squashed by clinical depression years ago, some told me to think of all the things I had to be thankful for – as if this would cure my “blues.”
But I didn’t have the blues. I didn’t just feel “sad.” I had an illness. I had entered a long, dark tunnel. I didn’t see a glimmer of light at the end of it. I wandered in it for years before things got better. At some point, I saw an end, of sorts, in sight. I exited that tunnel and felt the warming sun of life reinvigorating my body. I knew I was going to be okay.
It was only after having exiting the tunnel that I was capable of even thinking about gratitude. But now it’s an important part of my “Depression Toolkit”: things I do to keep what sufferer Winston Churchill called “the black dog” at bay.
Listen to the podcast of my interview with Rabbi Mark Gellman
Blogger Therese Borchard writes, “A substantial amount of research points to the benefits of faith to mitigate symptoms of depression. In one study, for example, researchers at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, found that belief in God was associated with better treatment outcomes. Of all my sanity tools, my faith is what has kept me alive during severe depressive episodes. When I’m convinced that no one else could comprehend the intense suffering I’m experiencing, I cling to my belief in a God who created me for a reason, who knows my pain more intimately than any other human being, and who will see me through to the other side.” Read the Blog
Depression blogger Therese Borchard writes, “Whenever I hit a severe depressive episode, I am reminded once more that I can’t make people understand depression any more than I can make a person who hasn’t gone through labor understand the intense experience that is unique to that situation. Some people are able to respond with compassion to something that they don’t understand. But that is very rare.” Read the Blog
How do we get through our work days when depressed? Blogger Therese Borchard offers these 12 great tips. Read the Blog
Check out these 20 great quotes on depression assembled by blogger, Therese Borchard. Read the Blog
Depression blogger Therese Borchard writes, “Stuck thoughts. Painful ruminations. Unrelenting obsessions. They are the curse of depression — among the most excruciating symptoms, in my opinion. More than any other symptom of my depression — more so even than unrestrained tears and bawling my eyes out in public — the stuck thoughts make me feel truly insane, scared to be living inside my body and mind.” Check out her 5 ways to help loosen depression’s grip. Read her Blog


Donna Smith is the founder and owner of A Time to Dance. She has been teaching dance in the Houston area since 1983.
Photo by Joylita Photography
"From fifth grade through high school I studied dance at the Academy of Ballet in the Royal Academy style. Occasionally, I would take classes at Margo Marshall School of Dance. In college I studied under Stanley Hall at the University of Texas and the Austin Ballet Theater and also the Austin Civic Ballet. In 1983 I began teaching dance for Susan Bates of Super Stars Dance. Eventually, I formed my own dance program called A Time Dance. I love teaching children to dance and want very much to provide dance classes that are wholesome and God honoring."
Donna and her team (see below) are happy to offer to you and your child a dance program that is progressively age appropriate, wholesome and fun! Our goal is to provide quality dance classes that incorporate fun and discipline to help develop a stronger body, self-esteem and confidence.
The name "A Time to Dance" comes from Ecclesiastes 3:4 in the Bible, referring to the fact that dancing is a delightful part of life. As a woman who is devoted to a biblical Christ-centered life, Donna wants her classes to be a joyful, God honoring experience for the students.
Let them praise His name with dancing...Psalm 149:3
A Time to Dance Staff
Cat studied and danced at the Margo Marshall School of Ballet for 12 years and the Vero Classical Ballet in Florida. Her dance teaching career includes the Little Gym Activities for Kids and Super Stars Dance with Donna Smith and Susan Bates for over 8 years. She is now the owner of Super Stars Dance and works with A Time to Dance on a part-time basis.
We are grateful to have her on staff. She brings a love for dance and the children along with a great amount of experience to our classes.
Scarlett began her ballet and tap training at age 3 with the Texas Tap Ensemble. Her dance experience spans across the Houston area, including time at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, West University Dance Centre and the Tribble School of Musical Theatre and Dance. Scarlett graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 2012 and went onto Loyola University New Orleans. There she received her Bachelor's of Arts as well as a Minor in Ballet in 2016. Scarlett has taught with Banbury's School of Dance (Houston), Articulate Motions Dance Academy, and Loyola University’s Ballet Prep School (New Orleans). Scarlett studied Psychology in college and enjoys expanding her knowledge on similar subjects in her spare time.
This is her fourth year to work with Ms. Donna. She is grateful for Scarlett's great rapport with the children and excellent teaching skills.


Biomass Boiler systems
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The fuel is burnt in automated boilers for easy of use
so you can literally ‘fill and forget’.
Biomass heating systems can offer substantial fuel cost
and carbon savings for your home. Added to which, the
Domestic RHI scheme provide a guaranteed income stream for
7 years for all residential customers.
If you haven’t already applied to be part of the RHI Scheme
you’ll need the paperwork below to qualify :
• Your Green Deal Assessment (GDA) • Your MCS certificate
• Your bank details • Your emissions certificate
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We stock a variety MCS certified boilers that have been certified to ensure
that they are of a high quality and meet the standards expected they are all
supported by the RHI government grant scheme.
Whether you’re considering pellet boiler stoves, pellet boilers, and log gasification
boilers we have a full range that are all MCS certified. Acumen only fit MCS certified
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Biomass is the number one solution in the RHI scheme and can easily replicate and replace
your current convenient gas system. The biomass solution is cheaper,
more efficient and is far superior to gas from an environmental stand point.
Biomass Current RHI Tarrif 12.2p
per kilowatt hour of renewable heat


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HAZLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- People in Hazle Township are dealing with the aftermath of this week’s grand jury report into child sex abuse in the Catholic Church.
A street in the township is named after a priest accused of sexually assaulting a young boy.
The report found Rev. Girard Angelo was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy at a parish in Williamsport during the 1960s.
Now, people who live on Father Angelo Drive in Hazle Township want the name changed.
“My first thought was, well what are they going to do with the street sign that I look at every day. It was devastating,” Joe Tranguch said.
Fr. Angelo was a priest at Church of the Sacred Heart, just a few blocks away from the street that bears his name.
People who knew him said he wasn't particularly friendly.
“He just had this sort of attitude, like, what's the word I'm looking for, arrogant,” Tranguch said.
Catholics who live on Father Angelo Drive said it used to be a point of pride, but now it’s disgraceful.
“It's another hit to the Catholic church because there are good people who believe and there are good Catholic followers and I just think this is another hit to us,” Taylor Prehotsky said.
Township supervisors are letting the people who live on the street vote on a name change.
Neighbors said even though it will be a lot of work, it’s worth it.
“It's on everything, I mean your drivers licenses, billing, addresses in the mail. It's just going to remind me of that now, so I'd rather not,” Mark Prehotsky said.
Fr. Angelo died in 2009.
People who live on Father Angelo Drive are going to vote on a name change later this month.


text:
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Le Creuset Colors 4 Piece Cocottes Set - Caribbean Blue
Great for storing spices, leftovers, decorating, or even using it as a mini Dutch oven to cook up cute individual sides and desserts. The Le Creuset 4 Cocottes set in cool Caribbean Blue will jump start your creative side. If these cute little 8 oz Dutch ovens don't inspire you to cook up some delicious creations the included Cocotte Cookbook with 25 different recipes sure will. The Le Creuset Colors Collection offers this 4 piece Cocottes set in many different colors to fit any kitchen.
Le Creuset Stoneware Caribbean Blue Cocottes (PG1164CB-0817) Features:
Le Creuset Stoneware Cocottes Set Dimensions: 11.5 x 11.5 x 5.8 inches
Le Creuset Stoneware Cocottes Set Weight: 6 lbs
By Le Creuset
Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly butter 6 small or 1 large casserole dish.
To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour and cook for a few minutes to cook the flour, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the heated milk until smooth, then stir with a wooden spoon until bubbling and thick. Add 1 cup of the grated cheese and stir until melted. Season well.
Fry the diced bacon until nice and crispy. Melt the extra tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumbs.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your macaroni noodles until al dente. As you are going to heat them again, they must still have some bite in the middle. Drain in a colander and rinse in cold water. Drain very well and then stir into the cheese sauce along with the bacon.
Spoon into the prepared dishes. Top with the remaining grated cheese, followed by the breadcrumbs and bake for 20-25 minutes until brown and crispy on top.
|Name||Le Creuset Stoneware Cocottes and Cookbook - Caribbean Blue|
|GTIIN / UPC Code||00630870047388|
|Home or Commercial||Home|
|Manufacturer's Warranty||Lifetime Limited Manufacturer Warranty|
|Weight (in Lbs)||6|

domain: food