Abstract: A system and method are provided for qualifying or calibrating lithographic apparatus or parts therefor, using a predetermined objective criterion such as Chauvenet's criterion is used to reject measurement points, individually, by field or by substrate.

Abstract: The invention includes SRAM constructions comprising at least one transistor device having an active region extending into a crystalline layer comprising Si/Ge. A majority of the active region within the crystalline layer is within a single crystal of the crystalline layer, and in particular aspects an entirety of the active region within the crystalline layer is within a single crystal of the crystalline layer. The SRAM constructions can be formed in semiconductor on insulator assemblies, and such assemblies can be supported by a diverse range of substrates, including, for example, glass, semiconductor substrates, metal, insulative materials, and plastics. The invention also includes electronic systems comprising SRAM constructions.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the selective dry etching of tantalum and tantalum nitride films. Tantalum nitride layers (30) are often used in semiconductor manufacturing. The semiconductor substrate is exposed to a reducing plasma chemistry which passivates any exposed copper (40). The tantalum or tantalum nitride films are selectively removed using an oxidizing plasma chemistry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least one phase change memory cell. The method at least fabricating at least one first lamellar spacer of conductive material, which is electrically coupled to the PCM material of the memory cell; fabricating at least one second lamellar spacer on top of the first lamellar spacer, wherein the second lamellar spacer crosses the first lamellar spacer in the area of the PCM material; partially removing the first lamellar spacer, wherein the second lamellar spacer serves as a hardmask for partially removing the first lamellar spacer, so that the first lamellar spacer forms at least one electrode contacting an area of PCM material.