Abstract: The methods and systems described provide for an in-situ endpoint detection for material removal processes such as chemical mechanical processing (CMP) performed on a workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, an optical detection system is used to detect endpoint during the removal of planar conductive layers using CMP. An optically transparent polishing belt provides endpoint detection through any spot on the polishing belt. Once endpoint is detected, a signal can be used to terminate or alter a CMP process that has been previously initiated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the conversion or generation of a video signal intended to be displayed on an image display with different luminance response times for rise and fall. The conversion or generation of the video signal is so that motion artefacts which are caused by the difference in luminance response times for rise and fall such as large area luminance jumps, large-area flicker and faulty temporary large-area luminance are fundamentally cancelled in the displayed image.

Abstract: A method is designed for writing new information subsequently to an end of previous information written in a track of a record medium having a pre-recorded signal along the track. The method is carried out by the steps of reading a part of the previous information including the end thereof to generate a read signal divided into a sequence of frames, start generating of a write signal in synchronization with a phase of the last frame of the read signal at the end of the previous information to thereby write the new information continuously from the end of the previous information, and then shifting a period of a frame of the write signal relative to a period of a synchronization signal contained in the pre-recorded signal, thereby gradually adjusting a phase of the frame of the write signal to a phase of the synchronization signal of the pre-recorded signal.

Abstract: A lens (15) for a scanning electron microscope is adapted to be removably mounted on a specimen stage (1). The lens (15) includes a magnetic circuit (2, 3, 4, 7) having a first magnetic pole piece (7) and a second magnetic pole piece (4), and a specimen holder (5). The specimen holder (5) is located between the first and second magnetic pole pieces (4, 7). The magnetic circuit (2, 3, 4, 7) also includes a lens bore (18) to permit an electron beam (9) to strike a surface of a specimen mounted on the specimen holder (5), in use. The lens bore (18) has a width of greater than 1 mm.

Abstract: An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, coordinated by electronic communication links between the modules is provided. A multi-function hub for use in the assist system includes a physical interface for providing mechanical support within the assist system. The hub can implement controlled functions. Furthermore, the hub can include an input/output (“I/O”) interface for communication to computational nodes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has an element substrate including a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type being formed over a semiconductor substrate with a dielectric film interposed therebetween. A groove is formed in the element substrate with a depth extending from a top surface of the semiconductor layer into the dielectric film, the groove having a width-increased groove portion in the dielectric film as to expose a bottom surface of the semiconductor layer. An impurity diffusion source is buried in the width-increased groove portion to be contacted with the bottom surface.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a projection beam of primary radiation, a support structure for supporting patterning structure, the patterning structure serving to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern, a substrate table for holding a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, a radiation sensor which is moveable in a path traversed by the projection beam, for receiving primary radiation out of the projection beam, the sensor including a radiation-sensitive material which converts incident primary radiation into secondary radiation, a radiation detector capable of detecting said secondary radiation emerging from said material, and a filter material for preventing secondary radiation from traveling in a direction away from the radiation detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact two-group zoom optical system which has an angle of view of 70° or greater at the wide-angle end and satisfactory image-formation capability all over the zoom range while maintaining a zoom ratio of 3 or greater. The zoom optical system comprises a first lens group G1 having positive refracting power and a second lens group G2 having negative refracting power. For zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the respective lens groups move toward the object side while the spacing between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 becomes narrow.

Abstract: A method for performing channel configuration of a base station in a cellular radio network, and a network element of the cellular radio network employing the method. In the method, the base station is directed by a controller controlling the base station to transmit a logical control channel on at least one physical channel allowed for the cellular radio network, a fixed receiver box is directed to receive the physical channel transmitted by the base station and to measure at least one channel parameter representing the properties of said physical channel, a measurement report on measurements made by the receiver box is transmitted to the controller, the controller selects on the basis of at least one measurement report at least one physical channel enabling good range, the base station is directed to use at least one physical channel enabling good range.

Abstract: This invention provides a perpendicular magnetic recording type disk drive comprised of a double-layered disk medium and a magnetic head containing a read head element containing a GMR element. The GMR element has a linear response dynamic range characteristic larger than an average value of a reproduction magnetic field from a disk 101 and a characteristic capable of avoiding or suppressing saturation phenomenon even if it is affected by a strong reproduction magnetic field from the disk medium.

Abstract: In a lithographic projection apparatus, a slider is provided for motion of the substrate table or mask table. The slider is supported on a gas-bearing and separates a region at atmospheric pressure from a vacuum space region. A differential pressure pump is provided to maintain the pressure difference in the presence of the gas-bearing. A pressure compensation vessel is provided on top of the slider and also contains a vacuum. Over most of the area of the slider, the pressure on its opposed first and second sides is the same and so deformation of the slider is avoided. The sidewalls of the pressure compensation vessel transmit the external gas pressure to the slider such that they are in line with the forces of the gas-bearing.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor for glucose measurement comprises a substrate, a first optical waveguide layer formed on a surface of the substrate, an entrance grating and an exit grating which are formed contacting with the first optical waveguide layer and being spaced from each other, a second optical waveguide layer located between the entrance grating and the exit grating while being in contact with the first optical waveguide layer, the second optical waveguide layer having a higher refractive index that that of the first optical waveguide layer, and a functioning layer containing an enzyme and a coloring reagent which is formed on the second optical waveguide layer.

Abstract: A digital mobile communication system is provided with a facility by means of which it can establish a connection to the Internet network (12) via an Internet access point (14, 15). IAP settings needed for establishing a connection are stored in a mobile station (MS). When a mobile station (MS) roams, the closest point may, however, change, and IAP settings should be updated in the mobile station (MS). The invention comprises dividing the mobile communication system into IAP areas, which are given preferred IAPs. An IAP area may be e.g. a mobile communication network (11, 17). Mobile communication networks broadcast system information on the basis of which a mobile station may detect that the IAP area has changed and start a procedure for updating IAP settings. Updating may comprise retrieval of IAP settings from a special server (13) in the network maintained by an Internet service provider. Retrieval can be done e.g. via a short message service center (10).

Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for inter-thread communications. A first group of thread includes at least one thread. A thread from the first group buffers a request in a first buffer. A thread from a second group of thread retrieves the request buffered in the first buffer. The thread from the second group performs an operation based on the request and generates a response. The thread from the second group buffers the response in a second buffer. A thread from the first group of thread retrieves the response from the second buffer.

Abstract: Sub-information is embedded in main image information having undergone thinning-out processing and rotation processing. The resultant composite image information in which the sub-information is embedded is recorded on a recording medium after performing transformation processing of rotation reverse to the rotation processing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a write compensator which suppresses bit shift caused by distortion of a read signal waveform of a read head in a disk drive adopting a perpendicular magnetic recording system. The write compensator executes write compensation during recording data based on the known relationship between bit shift which is beyond an allowable range and a pattern of a data bit string of a data signal. A write amplifier converts the write-compensated data signal into an electrical signal by using the write compensator so as to suppress the bit shift, and supplies it to a write head.

Abstract: A method of treating protozoal and fungal diseases is described, in which an effective amount of a compound of formula I is administered to a host having a protozoal or fungal disease.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite trash container that includes a container body defining a trash chamber and an opening that provides access to the trash chamber; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational mounting a tubing cassette above the trash chamber, wherein the support encloses less than all of the opening to the trash chamber so that trash can be passed through the opening and into the trash chamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube sealing means for forming trash packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.