Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a method for producing a raw material or materials that can be used by themselves or in combination with other ingredients to make glass of high quality at high efficiencies and short production times. The raw materials are capable of high reactivity in a glass melting furnace and therefore will allow glass to be produced either at lower temperatures or shorter residence times at the same temperatures as compared with known methods.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method for manufacturing fiberglass. In the method of the invention, quartz is replaced in whole or in part by silica containing raw materials. The use of silica containing raw materials as a replacement for quartz results in significant energy savings and a reduction in defect producing components in the glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a low-k dielectric structure on a substrate 10 that includes depositing, upon the substrate, a dielectric layer 12. A multi-film cap layer 18 is deposited upon the dielectric layer. The multi-film cap layer includes first 181 and second 182 films, with the second film being disposed between the dielectric layer and the first film. The first film typically has a removal rate associated therewith that is less than the removal rate associated with the second film. A deposition layer 20 is deposited upon the multi-film cap layer and subsequently removed. The properties of the multi-film cap layer are selected so as to prevent the dielectric layer from being exposed/removed during removal of the deposition film. In this manner, a deposition layer, having variable rates of removal, such as copper, may be planarized without damaging the underlying dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a low-k dielectric structure on a substrate 10 that includes depositing, upon the substrate, a dielectric layer 12. A multi-film cap layer 18 is deposited upon the dielectric layer. The multi-film cap layer includes first 181 and second 182 films, with the second film being disposed between the dielectric layer and the first film. The first film typically has a removal rate associated therewith that is less than the removal rate associated with the second film. A deposition layer 20 is deposited upon the multi-film cap layer and subsequently removed. The properties of the multi-film cap layer are selected so as to prevent the dielectric layer from being exposed/removed during removal of the deposition film. In this manner, a deposition layer, having variable rates of removal, such as copper, may be planarized without damaging the underlying dielectric layer.