Abstract: An adherent separator structure with a post projecting from a surface which may be a substrate, and a separator adhering to the post, the separator spaced a distance above the surface. A discontinuous film is then formed in a single process step having a first portion on the substrate and a second portion on the post, the discontinuity proximate to and caused by the separator. The structure is made into a stacked capacitor with the second (post) portion of the discontinuous film being the bottom electrode, by forming a continuous dielectric layer on the bottom electrode and a continuous top electrode layer on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A system and method of measurement of emissivity and radiance of a wafer in a rapid thermal processing chamber enables determination of wafer temperature and control of temperature of the wafer. Mirrors enclose the chamber and reflect radiation from lamps within the chamber to heat the workpiece of interest. One or more viewing ports are provided in one of the mirrors to allow for the egress of radiant energy emitted by the wafer. The wavelength of the exiting radiation is selected by an optical filter having a passband which passes radiation at wavelengths emitted by the wafer while excluding radiation emitted by heating lamps. A chopper having surface regions differing in their reflectivity and transmissivity is positioned along an optical path of radiation propagating through the one or more ports, this resulting in a pulsation of detected radiation.

Abstract: A brushing system to be used in the manufacturing of electronic modules for removing unwanted particles from the substrate surface before the final encapsulation of the modules. The system provides an epicycloidal movement of the brush bristles on the substrate, which results in very effective in the removal of the particles. The system comprises a rotatable shaft with an eccentric bore. The hub of a rotatable brush can freely move inside the bore. When the shaft is rotated by a motor and the brush bristles are subject to friction, the brush describes an epicycloidal movement.

Abstract: A discontinuous film structure on a substrate, with an etch stop layer on the substrate, a separator layer with an opening formed therein on the etch stop layer and a discontinuous-as-deposited film on the separator layer, the discontinuity substantially in register with the opening. The structure is made into a stacked capacitor with the discontinuous film being the bottom electrode, by forming a continuous dielectric layer on the bottom electrode and a continuous top electrode layer on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit wafer topography monitor is disclosed for sensing mis-processing in the fabrication of integrated circuits. In particular, the monitor senses unacceptable variations in layer planarity resulting from over polishing, over etching, scratches and mishandling. The topography monitor may be placed within the chip active area, the chip kerf area or in unutilized areas of the wafer such as a partial chip site. The monitor is formed when, first a conformal insulator is deposited over the topography of interest. Then, runs of wire are formed in the conformal insulator by a damascene or similar process. The wire runs are formed directly above the topography of interest. A puddle of metal is formed corresponding to any unacceptably non-planar topography. The puddle electrically couples the wires together. This effects a change in the metal runs which may be sensed as an electrical short or change in resistance.