Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms to mitigate warping of a composite chiplet. In an embodiment, multiple via structures each extend through an insulator material in one of multiple levels of a composite chiplet. The insulator material extends around an integrated circuit (IC) component in the level. For a given one of the multiple via structures, a respective annular structure extends around the via structure to mitigate a compressive (or tensile) stress due to expansion (or contraction) of the via structure. In another embodiment, the composite chiplet additionally or alternatively comprises a structural support layer on the multiple levels, wherein the structural support layer has formed therein or thereon dummy via structures or a warpage compensation film.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reinforcement system including: a framed pellicle including: a center part of a pellicle surrounded by a peripheral part of the pellicle, wherein the peripheral part is adhered to a pellicle frame; and an edge reinforcement for reinforcing the framed pellicle, positioned at a boundary between the center part of the framed pellicle and the pellicle frame.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for forming a bond between two wafers. In an embodiment, a first wafer and a second wafer are positioned with respective wafer holders, and are deformed to form a first deformation of the first wafer and a second deformation of the second wafer. The first deformation and the second deformation are symmetrical with respect to a centerline which is between the first wafer and the second wafer. A portion of the first deformation is made to contact, and form a bond with, another portion of the second deformation. The bond is propagated along respective surfaces of the wafers to form a coupling therebetween. In another embodiment, one of the wafer holders comprises one of an array of elements to locally heat or cool a wafer, or an array of displacement stages to locally deform said wafer.