Abstract: In one embodiment, the semiconductor die includes a selective epitaxial layer including device regions, and a masking structure disposed around sidewalls of the epitaxial layer. The masking structure is part of an exposed surface of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a glass substrate, a semiconductor substrate disposed on the glass substrate, and a magnetic sensor disposed within and/or over the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are provided relating to separation of a substrate into a plurality of parts. For example, first a partial separation is performed and then the partially separated substrate is completely separated into a plurality of parts.

Abstract: A method of producing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes: providing a semiconductor wafer, the wafer including an upper layer of a semiconductor material, an inner etch stop layer and a lower layer; forming a plurality of functional areas in the upper layer; performing a selective first etch process on the upper layer so as to separate the plurality of functional areas from each other by trenches etched through the upper layer, the first etch process being substantially stopped by the inner etch stop layer; and removing the lower layer by a second etch process, the second etch process being substantially stopped by the inner etch stop layer.

Abstract: A method of processing a plurality of packaged electronic chips being connected to one another in a common substrate is provided, wherein the method comprises etching the electronic chips, detecting information indicative of an at least partial removal of an indicator structure following an exposure of the indicator structure embedded within at least a part of the electronic chips and being exposed after the etching has removed chip material above the indicator structure, and adjusting the processing upon detecting the information indicative of the at least partial removal of the indicator structure.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are provided relating to separation of a substrate into a plurality of parts. For example, first a partial separation is performed and then the partially separated substrate is completely separated into a plurality of parts.

Abstract: A method for separating a plurality of dies is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes attaching a substrate to a carrier using an adhesive component and forming a through trench through the substrate to expose the adhesive component. At least a portion of the adhesive component is etched and a metal layer is formed over sidewalls of the through trench.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device includes a micro-mechanical structure and a semiconductor material arranged over the micro-mechanical structure. A side surface of the semiconductor material includes a first region and a second region. The first region has an undulation, and the second region is a peripheral region of the side surface and decreases towards the micro-mechanical structure.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a process tool includes a chuck configured to hold a substrate. The chuck is disposed in a chamber. The process tool further includes a shielding unit with a central opening. The shielding unit is disposed in the chamber over the chuck.

Abstract: Methods for processing a semiconductor workpiece can include providing a semiconductor workpiece that includes one or more kerf regions; forming one or more trenches in the workpiece by removing material from the one or more kerf regions from a first side of the workpiece; mounting the workpiece with the first side to a carrier; thinning the workpiece from a second side of the workpiece; and forming a metallization layer over the second side of the workpiece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the semiconductor die includes a selective epitaxial layer including device regions, and a masking structure disposed around sidewalls of the epitaxial layer. The masking structure is part of an exposed surface of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a micro lens array is provided. The method includes forming a first lens material structure on a substrate. The first lens material structure includes a plurality of elevated portions. The elevated portions are separated by recesses. Moreover, the plurality of elevated portions have an average height of at least 3 micrometers. Furthermore, the method for fabricating a micro lens array includes depositing a dielectric material on the first lens material structure and the recesses to form a second lens material structure. The second lens material structure has an average thickness of at least 1 micrometer. Moreover, the first and second lens material structures form together the micro lens array.

Abstract: A method of forming a thinned encapsulated chip structure, wherein the method comprises providing a separation structure arranged within an electronic chip, encapsulating part of the electronic chip by an encapsulating structure, and thinning selectively the electronic chip partially encapsulated by the encapsulating structure so that the encapsulating structure remains with a larger thickness than the thinned electronic chip, wherein the separation structure functions as a thinning stop.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method of making a semiconductor structure, comprising: forming a opening partially through a semiconductor substrate, the opening including an upper portion and a lower portion; forming a first dielectric layer over a sidewall surface of the upper portion, wherein the first dielectric layer does not overlie a sidewall surface of the lower portion; and forming a conductive material over a sidewall surface of the first dielectric layer, the conductive material not being in direct contact with a sidewall surface of the lower portion.

Abstract: A method includes a step of performing a time multiplexed etching process, wherein the last etching step of the time multiplexed etching process is of a first time duration. After performing the time multiplexed etching process, an etching step having a second time duration is performed, wherein the second time duration is greater than the first time duration.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method of making a semiconductor structure, comprising: forming a patterned metallic layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming a second layer over the patterned metallic layer; and etching the substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a process tool includes a chuck configured to hold a substrate. The chuck is disposed in a chamber. The process tool further includes a shielding unit with a central opening. The shielding unit is disposed in the chamber over the chuck.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are provided relating to separation of a substrate into a plurality of parts. For example, first a partial separation is performed and then the partially separated substrate is completely separated into a plurality of parts.

Abstract: A method for separating semiconductor die includes forming a porous region on a semiconductor wafer and separating the die at the porous region using mechanical or other means.