The present invention is related to methods and apparatus for processing weak ferroelectric films on semiconductor substrates, including relatively large substrates, e. According to the invention, the surface of the paper is surface-treated by arranging on the surface sufficient density in such manner that the density of at least one surface layer of the paper is sufficiently high to yield a Gurley-Hill value of over 7000 s100 ml as measured from the entire paper. , using frustrated total internal reflection, includes applying a predetermined actuation force on the label particles and determining the effect of the applied actuation force in a binding volume or surface of a sensor cartridge of the biosensor device. A mesh grid is provided between the backplate and the faceplate. A first etch is conducted to form a first set of trenches within the semiconductor substrate and a plurality of recesses within the field oxide areas. In addition, several heat-pipe electric-power generating devices can be arranged into an array to form a heat electric-power generator or disposed inside an apparatus with a heat source for recycling the conventional waste thermal energy into useful electrical energy.