Abstract: The present invention provides new prodrugs of therapeutically active compounds, including oligomeric prodrugs, and compositions to treat medical disorders, for example glaucoma, a disorder or abnormality related to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), a disorder requiring neuroprotection, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include autonomous robotic systems and methods for disinfecting an environment. An autonomous disinfecting system comprises, in a housing, a first unit comprising a first plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a first wireless base comprising a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the first unit further comprises a docking port for a second unit comprising a second plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a second wireless base, and a motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit comprised in the autonomous disinfecting system wherein the processing unit is configured to shut down the system when it receives a signal indicating a detected movement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming an encapsulation bilayer over a chalcogenide material on a semiconductor substrate are provided. Methods involve forming a bilayer including a barrier layer directly on chalcogenide material deposited using pulsed plasma plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PP-PECVD) and an encapsulation layer over the barrier layer deposited using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). In various embodiments, the barrier layer is formed using a halogen-free silicon precursor and the encapsulation layer deposited by PEALD is formed using a halogen-containing silicon precursor and a hydrogen-free nitrogen-containing reactant.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory structure includes memory cells and a plurality of oxide layers and a plurality of word line layers. The plurality of oxide layers and the plurality of word line layers are alternately stacked in a first direction. A plurality of double channel holes extend through the plurality of oxide layers and the plurality of word line layers in the first direction. The plurality of double channel holes have a peanut-shaped cross-section in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include autonomous robotic systems and methods for disinfecting an environment. An autonomous disinfecting system comprises, in a housing, a first unit comprising a first plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a first wireless base comprising a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the first unit further comprises a docking port for a second unit comprising a second plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a second wireless base, and a motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit comprised in the autonomous disinfecting system wherein the processing unit is configured to shut down the system when it receives a signal indicating a detected movement.

Abstract: Channel material is conformally deposited along sidewalls of one or more etched features of a mold stack in fabricating a three-terminal memory device. The channel material is deposited in recessed regions and non-recessed regions of the one or more etched features. A sacrificial liner is deposited on the channel material. A directional etch removes the sacrificial liner from non-recessed regions of the one or more etched features. An isotropic etch removes the channel material from non-recessed regions of the one or more etched features, leaving the channel material and the sacrificial liner intact in the recessed regions. The sacrificial liner is removed, leaving the channel material intact and isolated with minimal loss of channel material from over-etch.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include autonomous robotic systems and methods for disinfecting an environment. An autonomous disinfecting system comprises, in a housing, a first unit comprising a first plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a first wireless base comprising a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the first unit further comprises a docking port for a second unit comprising a second plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a second wireless base, and a motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit comprised in the autonomous disinfecting system wherein the processing unit is configured to shut down the system when it receives a signal indicating a detected movement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming an encapsulation bilayer over a chalcogenide material on a semiconductor substrate are provided. Methods involve forming a bilayer including a barrier layer directly on chalcogenide material deposited using pulsed plasma plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PP-PECVD) and an encapsulation layer over the barrier layer deposited using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). In various embodiments, the barrier layer is formed using a halogen-free silicon precursor and the encapsulation layer deposited by PEALD is formed using a halogen-containing silicon precursor and a hydrogen-free nitrogen-containing reactant.

Abstract: Methods for forming patterned multi-layer stacks including a metal-containing layer are provided herein. Methods involve using silicon-containing non-metal materials in a multi-layer stack including one sacrificial layer to be later removed and replaced with metal while maintaining etch contrast to pattern the multi-layer stack and selectively remove the sacrificial layer prior to depositing metal. Methods involve using silicon oxycarbide in lieu of silicon nitride, and a sacrificial non-metal material in lieu of a metal-containing layer, to fabricate the multi-layer stack, pattern the multi-layer stack, selectively remove the sacrificial non-metal material to leave spaces in the stack, and deposit metal-containing material into the spaces. Sacrificial non-metal materials include silicon nitride and doped polysilicon, such as boron-doped silicon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming an encapsulation bilayer over a chalcogenide material on a semiconductor substrate are provided. Methods involve forming a bilayer including a barrier layer directly on chalcogenide material deposited using pulsed plasma plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PP-PECVD) and an encapsulation layer over the barrier layer deposited using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). In various embodiments, the barrier layer is formed using a halogen-free silicon precursor and the encapsulation layer deposited by PEALD is formed using a halogen-containing silicon precursor and a hydrogen-free nitrogen-containing reactant.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include autonomous robotic systems and methods for disinfecting an environment. An autonomous disinfecting system comprises, in a housing, a first unit comprising a first plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a first wireless base comprising a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the first unit further comprises a docking port for a second unit comprising a second plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a second wireless base, and a motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit comprised in the autonomous disinfecting system wherein the processing unit is configured to shut down the system when it receives a signal indicating a detected movement.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory structure includes memory cells and a plurality of oxide layers and a plurality of word line layers. The plurality of oxide layers and the plurality of word line layers are alternately stacked in a first direction. A plurality of double channel holes extend through the plurality of oxide layers and the plurality of word line layers in the first direction. The plurality of double channel holes have a peanut-shaped cross-section in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: Methods of etching cobalt on substrates are provided. Some methods involve exposing the substrate to a boron-containing halide gas and an additive, and exposing the substrate to an activation gas and a plasma. Additives improve selectively depositing a thicker layer of a boron-containing halide material on a surface of a mask than on a surface of a metal. Additives include H2, CH4, CF4, NF3, and Cl2. Boron-containing halide gases include BCl3, BBr3, BF3, and BI3. Exposures may be performed in two or more cycles, with variations in durations and/or bias power for each exposure in the two or more cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming an encapsulation bilayer over a chalcogenide material on a semiconductor substrate are provided. Methods involve forming a bilayer including a barrier layer directly on chalcogenide material deposited using pulsed plasma plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PP-PECVD) and an encapsulation layer over the barrier layer deposited using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). In various embodiments, the barrier layer is formed using a halogen-free silicon precursor and the encapsulation layer deposited by PEALD is formed using a halogen-containing silicon precursor and a hydrogen-free nitrogen-containing reactant.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for fabricating metal interconnects, lines, or vias by subtractive etching and liner deposition methods are provided. Methods involve depositing a blanket copper layer, removing regions of the blanket copper layer to form a pattern, treating the patterned metal, depositing a copper-dielectric interface material such that the copper-dielectric interface material adheres only to the patterned copper, depositing a dielectric barrier layer on the substrate, and depositing a dielectric bulk layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for fabricating metal interconnects, lines, or vias by subtractive etching and liner deposition methods are provided. Methods involve depositing a blanket copper layer, removing regions of the blanket copper layer to form a pattern, treating the patterned metal, depositing a copper-dielectric interface material such that the copper-dielectric interface material adheres only to the patterned copper, depositing a dielectric barrier layer on the substrate, and depositing a dielectric bulk layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of etching cobalt on substrates are provided. Some methods involve exposing the substrate to a boron-containing halide gas and an additive, and exposing the substrate to an activation gas and a plasma. Additives improve selectively depositing a thicker layer of a boron-containing halide material on a surface of a mask than on a surface of a metal. Additives include H2, CH4, CF4, NF3, and Cl2. Boron-containing halide gases include BCl3, BBr3, BF3, and Bl3. Exposures may be performed in two or more cycles, with variations in durations and/or bias power for each exposure in the two or more cycles.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for fabricating metal interconnects, lines, or vias by subtractive etching and liner deposition methods are provided. Methods involve depositing a blanket copper layer, removing regions of the blanket copper layer to form a pattern, treating the patterned metal, depositing a copper-dielectric interface material such that the copper-dielectric interface material adheres only to the patterned copper, depositing a dielectric barrier layer on the substrate, and depositing a dielectric bulk layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of etching cobalt on substrates are provided. Some methods involve exposing the substrate to a boron-containing halide gas and an additive, and exposing the substrate to an activation gas and a plasma. Additives improve selectively depositing a thicker layer of a boron-containing halide material on a surface of a mask than on a surface of a metal. Additives include H2, CH4, CF4, NF3, and Cl2. Boron-containing halide gases include BCl3, BBr3, BF3, and BI3. Exposures may be performed in two or more cycles, with variations in durations and/or bias power for each exposure in the two or more cycles.

Abstract: A method of planarizing an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate in a plasma etch chamber comprises supporting the substrate on a support surface of a substrate support assembly that includes an array of independently controlled thermal control elements therein which are operable to control the spatial and temporal temperature of the support surface of the substrate support assembly to form independently controllable heater zones which are formed to correspond to a desired temperature profile across the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate. The etch rate across the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate during plasma etching depends on a localized temperature thereof wherein the desired temperature profile is determined such that the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate is planarized within a predetermined time. The substrate is plasma etched for the predetermined time thereby planarizing the upper surface of the substrate.