Abstract: The invention relates to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by detecting the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are etched with markings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with materials that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, baby formula powder and liquid bulk materials. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by detecting the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are etched with markings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with materials that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, baby formula powder and liquid bulk materials. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by either detecting, or failing to detect, the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are magnetically attractable, with micromarkings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with food grade materials and of a particle size suitable for ingestion by humans. The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, and baby formula. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an MRAM bit that includes depositing a spacer layer that protects the tunneling barrier layer during processing is disclosed. The deposited spacer layer prevents byproducts formed in later processing from redepositing on the tunneling barrier layer. Such redeposition may lead to product failure and decreased manufacturing yield. The method further includes non-corrosive processing conditions that prevent damage to the layers of MRAM bits. The non-corrosive processing conditions may include etching without using a halogen-based plasma. Embodiments disclosed herein use an etch-deposition-etch sequence that simplifies processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for removing materials from a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of controlling contaminants in a process chamber may include flowing a first gas into the process chamber during an interval between completion of a process and start of a subsequent process in the process chamber to remove the contaminants from the process chamber; and flowing a second gas into the process chamber at a specific flow rate during the subsequent process to generate a same species as the contaminants.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an MRAM bit that includes depositing a spacer layer that protects the tunneling barrier layer during processing is disclosed. The deposited spacer layer prevents byproducts formed in later processing from redepositing on the tunneling barrier layer. Such redeposition may lead to product failure and decreased manufacturing yield. The method further includes non-corrosive processing conditions that prevent damage to the layers of MRAM bits. The non-corrosive processing conditions may include etching without using a halogen-based plasma. Embodiments disclosed herein use an etch-deposition-etch sequence that simplifies processing.

Abstract: Methods of forming material junctions for magnetic memory devices are described. The methods involve providing a material stack including a bottom magnetic tunneling junction layer, a tunneling barrier layer, and a top magnetic tunneling junction layer (from bottom to top) on a substrate. The top magnetic tunneling junction layer is patterned to form a top magnetic tunneling junction and then a dielectric spacer layer may be formed over the top magnetic tunneling junction. The dielectric spacer is etched to leave a vertical dielectric spacer to maintain electrical separation between the top magnetic tunneling junction and the bottom magnetic tunneling junction during and following subsequent etching/processing. In an alternative embodiment the spacer layer is lithographically defined.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by either detecting, or failing to detect, the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are magnetically attractable, with micromarkings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with food grade materials and of a particle size suitable for ingestion by humans. The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, and baby formula. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.