Abstract: An imprinting photomask including: a transparent substrate; a light blocking pattern provided on the transparent substrate; and a dry film resist (DFR) pattern provided on the light blocking pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming patterns on a substrate by double nanoimprint processes includes providing a first replicate mold and a second replicate mold. The first replicate mold includes numerous first patterns. The second replicate mold includes at least one second pattern. The second pattern corresponds to at least one of the first patterns. Later, a first substrate is provided. A first polymeric compound layer is coated on the first substrate. Next, the first patterns are nanoimprinted into the first polymeric compound layer. Subsequently, the first substrate is etched by taking the first polymeric compound layer as a mask. After that, a second polymeric compound layer is coated on the first substrate. Later, the second pattern is nanoimprinted into the second polymeric compound layer. Finally, the first substrate is etched by taking the second polymeric compound layer as a mask.

Abstract: A multi-layer lens is disclosed which includes a plurality of dual-layer structures staked on top of one-another, wherein each dual-layer Ri of the plurality of dual-layers includes i) a first curable material having a height of ZLi cured at a predetermined curing level CA, and ii) a second curable material having a height of Zgi cured at a predetermined curing level CB.

Abstract: Methods of making metal patterns on flexible substrates are provided. Releasable solid layer is selectively formed on a patterned surface of the flexible substrate by applying a liquid solution thereon. Metal patterns on the flexible substrate can be formed by removing the releasable solid layer after metallization. In some cases, the releasable solid layer can be transferred from the patterned surface to a transfer layer where the metal patterns are formed.

Abstract: Etchant solutions, pretreatment and methods for etching electroless nickel on metallic materials are provided herein. More specifically, etchant solutions for selectively removing electroless nickel from the surface of metallic materials containing copper, and optionally as containing stainless steel, methods of etching and pretreatment are provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a blazed diffraction grating comprises providing a master template substrate and imprinting periodically repeating lines on the master template substrate in a plurality of master template regions. The periodically repeating lines in different ones of the master template regions extend in different directions. The method additionally comprises using at least one of the master template regions as a master template to imprint at least one blazed diffraction grating pattern on a grating substrate.

Abstract: A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography includes: a substrate; a multilayer reflective film for reflecting EUV light; and a phase shift film for shifting a phase of EUV light, the multilayer reflective film and the phase shift film formed on or above the substrate in this order. The phase shift film includes a layer 1 including ruthenium (Ru) and at least one selected from the group consisting of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N). Among diffraction peaks derived from the phase shift film observed at 2?: from 20° to 50° by out-of-plane XRD method, a peak having the highest intensity has a half value width FWHM of 1.0° or more.

Abstract: A chemically amplified photosensitive composition used for forming a patterned resist film by photolithography on a metal surface of a substrate which at least partly has a surface consisting of metal. The composition includes an acid generator which generates an acid by irradiation of active rays or radioactive rays; and a compound and/or a precursor compound, in which the molar absorption coefficient ? at a wavelength of 365 nm of the compound is at least 3000, the compound has a metal coordination group, and the compound can be formed from the precursor compound during formation of the patterned resist film.

Abstract: Introduced here are carrier tape assemblies that can improve efficiency and reduce costs when utilized in the handling, transport, or storage of semiconductor components. A carrier tape assembly can include an adhesive film affixed to an elongated and/or extruded carrier tape. For example, the adhesive film may be integrally laminated onto the top surface of the elongate carrier tape as a single continuous (i.e., unbroken) sheet. The adhesive film may substantially conform to the top surface of the elongate carrier tape, including any punched cavities for holding semiconductor components. Proper securement of the semiconductor components to the carrier tape assembly depends on the adhesive property of the constituent material(s) of the adhesive film.

Abstract: Electromagnetic bandgap isolation systems and methods are provided. In one example, an electromagnetic bandgap isolator device includes a base support having a curved surface. The electromagnetic bandgap isolator device further includes a metamaterial. The metamaterial includes a continuous curved layer in contact with the base support. The metamaterial is configured to absorb energy associated with a frequency range. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of making substrates having an (AR) antireflective layer, substrates having an antireflective layer, devices including a substrate having an antireflective layer, and the like. The AR layer can have a total specular reflection of less than 10% at a wavelength of about 400-800 nm, and a height of about 500-1000 nm.

Abstract: A fluorocarboxylic acid-containing polymer comprising recurring units having formula (A1), but not acid labile group-containing recurring units is provided. A resist composition comprising the same offers a high sensitivity and is unsusceptible to nano-bridging or pattern collapse independent of whether it is of positive or negative tone.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a high-density optical waveguide structure, a printed circuit board and a preparation method thereof. The high-density optical waveguide structure comprises an undercladding layer, a core layer and an upper cladding layer in sequence; wherein, the lower cladding layer is arranged at intervals. The trench is filled with an optical waveguide material to form a core layer. The waveguide structure integrates an optical waveguide into a PCB to realize photoelectric interconnection. The waveguide structure can better achieve higher parallel interconnection density, maintain good signal integrity, reduce device and device size, and at the same time, consume less power. The structure is configured to easily dissipate heat, enabling a simpler physical architecture and design, maximizing the wiring space of printed circuit boards, facilitating the fabrication of ultra-fine wire boards; and improving the wiring density and reliability of existing manufacturing methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides chips, devices and methods for sequencing a biomolecule. The biomolecule may be DNA, RNA. a protein, or a peptide. The chip comprises a substrate; a first and second fluid chamber; fluid channels connecting the first and second fluid chamber; a first and second electrode disposed on opposing sides of the central fluid channel and having a nanogap therebetween, wherein the width of the nanogap is modulated by confined electrochemical deposition; and a passivation layer disposed on top of the first and second electrodes and the fluid channel.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe optical interposers that utilize waveguides to detect light. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes an optical detector having a first layer. The first layer includes at least one of polysilicon or amorphous silicon. The first layer forms a diode that includes a p-doped region and an n-doped region. The apparatus further includes a waveguide optically coupled to the diode and disposed on a different layer than the first layer.

Abstract: A composition comprising (A) a polymer comprising recurring units (a1) having a carboxyl group protected with an acid labile group and recurring units (a2) having a cyclic ester, cyclic carbonate or cyclic sulfonate structure, (B) a thermal acid generator, and (C) an organic solvent is suited to form a protective film between a substrate and a resist film. Even when a metal-containing resist film is used, the protective film is effective for preventing the substrate from metal contamination.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a material layer over a substrate and forming a resist layer over the material layer. The method includes exposing a portion of the resist layer. The resist layer includes a photoacid generator (PAG) group, a quencher group, an acid-labile group (ALG) and a polar unit (PU). The method also includes performing a baking process on the resist layer and developing the resist layer to form a patterned resist layer. The method further includes doping a portion of the material layer by using the patterned resist layer as a mask to form a doped region. In addition, the method includes removing the patterned resist layer.

Abstract: A metallic stamp and die for the craft industry comprises a predetermined acid-etched design on a surface of a metallic plate. A first layer of a metallic paint is applied over the front and back surfaces of the metallic stamp and die. A second layer of a rubber paint is applied over the metallic paint. The metallic paint facilitates bonding of the rubber paint to the metallic plate and increases the life of the coating of the rubber paint. The rubber paint is configured to absorb and store an ink and facilitate transfer of the ink to one or more substrates, thus enabling stamping of the design on the substrate. The metallic die can be configured for a plurality of uses, such as embossing, cutting, heat-foiling, stamping, scoring, and inserting patterns or designs in a plurality of substrates.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal mask includes providing a growth substrate with a conductive surface. Then, a cover pattern is formed on the conductive surface, which has at least one opening and an insulated surface touching the conductive surface. Next, using the cover pattern as a mask, a first electroforming is performed to form a mold part on the conductive surface. The mold part fills the opening and has a conductive pattern surface touching the conductive surface. The conductive pattern surface is flush with the insulated surface. After the first electroforming, the growth substrate is removed, while the cover pattern and the mold part are reserved. After removing the growth substrate, a second electroforming is performed to the conductive pattern surface of the mold part to form a metal pattern. Afterwards, the mold part and the cover pattern are removed from the metal pattern.

Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece may include forming a first layer on a first side of a base layer. The base layer may be part of a substrate including a plurality of layers. The method may also include forming a second layer on the first layer. A material of the second layer may include metal. The method may also include forming an opening in the second layer, forming an opening in the first layer by etching, and removing the second layer. The method may include dry etching of the first layer.

Abstract: A substrate treatment method of treating a substrate using a block copolymer containing a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic polymer, includes: a resist pattern formation step of forming a predetermined resist pattern by a resist film on the substrate; a thin film formation step of forming a thin film for suppressing deformation of the resist pattern on a surface of the resist pattern; a block copolymer coating step of applying a block copolymer to the substrate after the formation of the thin film; and a polymer separation step of phase-separating the block copolymer into the hydrophilic polymer and the hydrophobic polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are approaches for forming a semiconductor device. In some embodiments, a method may include providing a plurality of patterning structures over a device layer, each of the plurality of patterning structures including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an upper surface, and forming a mask by depositing a masking material at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to a perpendicular to a plane defined by a top surface of the device layer. The mask may be formed over the plurality of patterning structures without being formed along the second sidewall. The method may further include selectively forming a metal layer along the second sidewall of each of the plurality of patterning structures.

Abstract: In one example, a method for wafer drying includes providing a surface of a first wafer, the surface of the first wafer including a liquid to be removed with a drying process. The method further includes replacing the liquid with a first solid film in a first processing chamber, the first solid film covering the surface of the first wafer. The method further includes transferring the first wafer from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber. The method further includes processing the first wafer in the second processing chamber by flowing a supercritical fluid through the second processing chamber, where the supercritical fluid removes the first solid film.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a conductive layer, a nitride mask layer, a carbon mask layer and an anti-reflective coating stack. The conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The nitride mask layer is disposed on the conductive layer, wherein the nitride mask layer has a first stress. The carbon mask layer is disposed on the nitride mask layer, wherein the carbon mask layer has a second stress and a difference between the second stress and the first stress is smaller than 200 MPa. The anti-reflective coating stack is disposed on the carbon mask layer.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition includes electrically conductive particles (A) whose surfaces are coated with a carbon simple substance and/or a carbon compound; an alkali-soluble resin (B) containing an acid-dissociation group; and a metal chelate compound (C) wherein the metal chelate compound (C) includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Bi, Pb, Zn, Pd, Pt, Al, Ti, Zr, W and Mo.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel and a mask are disclosed. The OLED display panel includes a first film layer, and a second film layer disposed on the first film layer and made of an organic material. The second film layer includes an edge slope corner formed at an acute angle less than a predetermined value. Since the edge slope corner of the second film layer is formed at the acute angle less than a predetermined value, a technical problem existing in conventional OLED display panels that edge slope corners of organic layers are formed at approximately a right angle can be mitigated.

Abstract: Embodiments enhance graphic capabilities in projected-capacitive (PCAP) touch sensitive systems, and more specifically to a border component of a PCAP touchscreen. Embodiments include a method and an apparatus for a PCAP touchscreen layered structure. Some embodiments include screen printing a border component on a cover sheet, curing the border component, ablating a pattern on the border component, and screen printing one colored ink onto the pattern on the border component. In some embodiments the border layer is black, and the colored ink is coupled to a cover sheet. The pattern causes the colored ink to appear as a continuous gradient of the colored ink. In some embodiments the border component includes two or more border-layer components. At least one of the border-layer components may include an ablated pattern. Each ablated pattern may be coupled to a different colored ink.

Abstract: An additional non-photoresist layer may be formed on patterned photoresist layers. The additional layer may be preferentially formed on the tops of the photoresist layer versus the sidewalls of the photoresist layer. In addition, the additional layer may be preferential formed on the tops of the photoresist layer versus exposed surfaces of layers underlying the photoresist layer. In this manner, the patterned structures formed by the photoresist layer are less likely to have line opens due to photoresist height variability or the relative thinness of the photoresist height used. Further, the formation of the additional layer may be through a cyclic deposition/trim process. The trim step of the cyclic process may also serve as a descum step that helps reduce line bridging and scumming. In one embodiment, the additional non-photoresist layer may be an organic polymer layer.

Abstract: Micro- and nano-patterns in imprint layers formed on a substrate and lithographic methods for forming such layers. The layers include a plurality of structures, and a residual layer having a residual layer thickness (RLT) that extends from the surface of the substrate to a base of the structures, where the RLT varies across the surface of the substrate according to a predefined pattern.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula I, a negative liquid crystal composition comprising such a compound, and a liquid crystal display element or liquid crystal display comprising the compound or liquid crystal composition are provided. The compound represented by formula I contains two hydroxy groups. In an ODF process for a panel, due to an intermolecular force between the hydroxyl groups and the surface of the panel (a glass surface or an ITO electrode surface), the compound is spontaneously aligned, in a standing manner, on the panel glass or transparent ITO electrode substrate, causing liquid crystal molecules similar to the compound represented by formula ITO be vertically aligned, and UV light irradiation, a polymer layer with a rough surface is formed on the substrate by means of polymerization, and achieves the effects of PI insulation and vertical alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: An imprint mold and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The imprint mold includes a plurality of substantially identical or different mold patterns, wherein there isn't any height difference between the mold patterns.

Abstract: A patterning stack and methods are provided for semiconductor processing. The method includes forming a graded hardmask, the graded hardmask including a first material and a second material with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) absorption cross sections for absorption of EUV wavelengths, the second material configured to provide adhesion to photoresist materials. The method also includes depositing a photoresist layer over the graded hardmask. The method additionally includes patterning the photoresist layer. The method further includes etching the graded hardmask. The method also includes removing the photoresist layer.

Abstract: A cluster tool includes a polyhedral transfer chamber, at least one processing chamber, at least one load lock chamber, and an electron beam (e-beam) source. The processing chamber is connected to the polyhedral transfer chamber. The processing chamber is configured to perform a manufacturing procedure to a wafer present therein. The load lock chamber is connected to the polyhedral transfer chamber. The e-beam source is configured to performing an e-beam treatment to the wafer after the wafer is performed the manufacturing procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing semiconductor devices is provided. An embodiment comprises using an etchant to remove a portion of a substrate to form an opening with a 45° angle with a major surface of the substrate. The etchant comprises a base, a surfactant, and an oxidant. The oxidant may be hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a graphene layer. The substrate includes an insulator and a semiconductor. The graphene layer is grown on a surface of the semiconductor. The semiconductor includes at least one of a group IV material and a group III-V compound. A method of manufacturing the semiconductor device is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing decorative panels made of flat glass for electronic household appliances, in particular household appliances that are fixed in position. The method comprises, in the specified order, at least the steps of providing a flat glass, producing a blank decorative panel by forming the provided flat glass with at least one of the steps of forming the outer contour of the decorative panel, edge treatment, or making at least one indentation on the operational front, the thermal tempering of the produced blank decorative panel, and applying at least one decorative print on the operational back of the thermally tempered blank decorative panel by means of a digital printing method.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method. The method includes providing a substrate having a structure formed on the substrate, and forming a spacer layer on the structure. Then, the method includes forming a mask layer over the spacer layer. The mask layer includes a first layer, a second layer over the first layer, and a third layer over the second layer. Further, the method includes patterning the third layer of the mask layer, and etching the first layer and the second layer of the mask layer with a dry etching process using the third layer as an etch mask to form an opening that exposes a portion of the spacer layer. Then, the method includes removing the second layer using a wet etchant before a formation of a backfill material layer in the opening and over the first layer.

Abstract: A mask and a method of manufacturing a mask assembly, the mask including a body, and the body including one end and another end facing each other in a length direction and having a first surface and a second surface facing each other in a thickness direction; and a pattern region between the one end and the other end, the pattern region including a plurality of pattern holes and a plurality of ribs between the plurality of pattern holes, wherein a curl value of the mask, which is defined as a shortest distance from a plane tangent to a center of the body to the one end or the other end of the body, is 1,000 ?m to 4,000 ?m.

Abstract: Lithographic patterning methods are provided which implement directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers to enable self-aligned cutting of features. A first layer and second layer of material are formed on a substrate. The second layer of material is lithographically patterning to form a guiding pattern. A DSA process is performed to form a block copolymer pattern around the guiding pattern, which comprises a repeating block chain that includes at least a first block material and a second block material, which have etch selectivity with respect to each other. A selective etch process is performed to selectively etching one of the first block material and the second block material to form self-aligned openings in the block copolymer pattern which expose portions of the first layer of material. The first layer of material is patterned by etching the exposed portions of the first layer of material.

Abstract: Methods for patterning highly sensitive materials, such as organic materials, organic semiconductors, biomolecular materials, and the like, with photolithographic resolution are disclosed. In some embodiments, a germanium mask (304) is formed on the surface of the sensitive material (302), thereby protecting it from subsequent processes that employ harsh chemicals that would otherwise destroy the sensitive material (302). A microlithography mask (306) is patterned on the germanium mask layer (304), after which the germanium exposed by the microlithography mask (306) is removed by dissolving it in water. After transferring the pattern of the germanium mask (304) into the sensitive material (302), the germanium and microlithography masks (304, 306) are completely removed by immersing the substrate in water, which dissolves the remaining germanium and lifts off the microlithography mask material.

Abstract: Techniques that can assist with fabricating a semiconductor package that includes a zero misalignment-via (ZMV) and/or a trace formed using a polarization process are described. The disclosed techniques can result in creation of ZMVs and/or traces between the ZMVs using a process comprising application of polarized light to one or more resist layers (e.g., a photoresist layer, etc.). One embodiment of a technique includes modulating an intensity of light applied to one or more resist layers by interaction of a light source with a photomask and at least one polarizer such that one or more patterns are created on the one or more resist layers. One embodiment of another technique includes creating patterns on one or more resist layers with different types of polarized light formed from a photomask and at least one polarizer. The disclosed techniques can assist with reducing manufacturing costs, reducing development time, and increasing I/O density.

Abstract: Techniques herein include an etch process that etches a layer of material incrementally, similar to mono-layer etching of atomic layer etching (ALE), but not necessarily including self-limiting, mono-layer action of ALE. Such techniques can be considered as quasi-atomic layer etching (Q-ALE). Techniques herein are beneficial to precision etching applications such as during soft-mask open. Techniques herein enable precise transfer of a given mask pattern into an underlying layer. By carefully controlling the polymer deposition relative to polymer assisted etching through its temporal cycle, a very thin layer of conformal polymer can be activated and used to precisely etch and transfer the desired patterns.

Abstract: A heat-reactive resist material contains copper oxide, and silicon or silicon oxide, and is formed so that the content of silicon or silicon oxide in the heat-reactive resist material is 4.0 mol % or more less than 10.0 mol % in terms of mole of silicon. A heat-reactive resist layer is formed using the heat-reactive resist material, is exposed, and then, is developed with a developing solution. Using the obtained heat-reactive resist layer as a mask, dry etching is performed on a substrate with a fluorocarbon to manufacture a mold having a concavo-convex shape on the substrate surface. At this point, it is possible to control a fine pattern comprised of the concavo-convex shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first film on a substrate. The method further includes housing the substrate provided with the first film in a chamber, and introducing a first gas into the chamber. The method further includes generating plasma discharge of the first gas in the chamber or applying radiation to the first gas in the chamber. The method further includes introducing a second gas containing a metal component into the chamber to cause the metal component to infiltrate into the first film after the generation of the plasma discharge or the application of the radiation is started.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for an electronic display device includes a frame, and a mask coupled to the frame, in which the mask includes a pattern hole defining a first area over which material may be deposited, and a dam surrounding the pattern hole and defining a second area smaller than the first area over which the material may be deposited. A method of manufacturing a mask frame assembly for an electronic display device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography for a resist underlayer film usable as a hardmask. A resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography, including: as a silane, a hydrolyzable silane, a hydrolysis product thereof, or a hydrolysis-condensation product thereof, wherein the hydrolyzable silane includes a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1) or a hydrolyzable silane containing a combination of a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1) with a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (2), and a content of the hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1) or the hydrolyzable silane containing a combination of a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1) with a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (2) in all silanes is less than 50% by mole, R1aR2bSi(R3)4?(a+b)??Formula (1) R4a1R5b1Si(R6)4?(a1+b1)??Formula (2).

Abstract: An organic layer composition includes a first compound having a thermal shrinkage ratio of about 10% to about 70%, a second compound having a smaller thermal shrinkage ratio than the first compound, and a solvent, and an organic layer obtained by curing the organic layer composition and a method of forming patterns using the organic layer composition are disclosed. A method of measuring the thermal shrinkage ratio is described in the detailed description.

Abstract: A phenolic hydroxyl-containing compound is provided. The compound dissolves well in solvents and can be formulated into compositions that give coatings superior in thermal decomposition resistance, alkali developability, resolution, and dry-etch resistance. Specifically, the compound is a phenolic hydroxyl-containing calixarene represented by structural formula (1): (where A is a structural unit including a dihydroxynaphthalene- or naphthol-derived structure optionally with a substituent alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or aralkyl group or halogen atom on the aromatic rings and a methylene group optionally having an alkyl or aryl group in place of one of the hydrogen atoms) and obtained using a dihydroxynaphthalene in combination with a naphthol, with the total repeat number p being an integer of 2 to 10.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a first hardmask, a planarizing layer, and a second hardmask on a substrate. Removing portions of the second hardmask and forming alternating blocks of a first material and a second material over the second hardmask. The blocks of the second material are removed to expose portions of the planarizing layer. Exposed portions of the planarizing layer and the first hardmask are removed to expose portions of the first hardmask. Portions of the first hardmask and portions of the substrate are removed to form a first fin and a second fin. Portions of the substrate are removed to further increase the height of the first fin and substantially remove the second fin. A gate stack is formed over a channel region of the first fin.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling pressure in a process chamber having a continuous gas inlet flow and a continuous gas outlet flow comprising providing a pulsed valve at a gas outlet, a pressure gauge, and a programmable controller and varying the pulse rate of the pulsed valve, wherein either the open time or closed time, or both open and closed times, is lengthened or shortened, depending on whether the gauge pressure is above or below the programmed setpoint.