Abstract: A method of selectively forming a silicon film on an upper portion of each of protruded portions formed on a substrate, which includes: supplying a first silicon-containing gas to the substrate and forming a first silicon film so that a film thickness of the first silicon film becomes thicker in the upper portion rather than in a lower portion of a sidewall of each protruded portion; subsequently, supplying an etching gas to the substrate and removing the first silicon film on the sidewall of each protruded portion while leaving the first silicon film on an upper surface of each protruded portion; and subsequently, supplying a second silicon-containing gas to the substrate and forming a second silicon film so that a film thickness of the second silicon film becomes thicker in the upper portion rather than in the lower portion of a sidewall of each protruded portion.

Abstract: Polishing compositions that can selectively and preferentially polish certain dielectric films over other dielectric films are provided herein. These polishing compositions include either cationic or anionic abrasives based on the target dielectric film to be removed and preserved. The polishing compositions utilize a novel electrostatic charge based design, where based on the charge of the abrasives and their electrostatic interaction (forces of attraction or repulsion) with the charge on the dielectric film, various material removal rates and polishing selectivities can be achieved.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polishing composition enabling polishing of an object to be polished at higher speed. Provided is a polishing composition used for polishing an object to be polished in which the polishing composition contains surface-modified abrasive grains, in which an ionic dispersant is directly modified on the surface of the abrasive grains, and dispersing medium, and aggregation of the abrasive grains is suppressed in the dispersing medium.

Abstract: Methods of planarizing materials, such as where surface topographies are created as part of a thin film device fabrication process are described. These methods find particular application in the creation of nano-sized devices, where surface topographical features can be effectively planarized without adversely creating other surface topographies and/or causing deleterious effects a material junctions. Methods include the step of depositing a sacrificial layer overlying at least a portion of a first material layer and at least a portion of a backfilled second material at a junction between the first and second materials. The sacrificial layer substantially retains the surface topography of the microelectronic device. Chemical-mechanical planarization is performed on a surface of the sacrificial layer but leaving a remainder portion of the thickness of the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: The surface of a device that is surgically implantable in living bone is prepared. The device is made of titanium with a native oxide layer on the surface. The method of preparation comprises the steps of removing the native oxide layer from the surface of the device and performing further treatment of the surface substantially in the absence of unreacted oxygen.

Abstract: A system and method for two-sided etch of a semiconductor substrate. Reactive species are generated and flowed toward a substrate for processing. A diverter is positioned between the generation chamber and the substrate. A portion of the reactive species flows through the diverter for processing the front of the substrate. Another portion is diverted around the substrate to the backside for processing. A flow restricter is placed between the substrate and the exhaust system to increase the residence time of reactive species adjacent to the backside.

Abstract: A method of separating optical components is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a substrate structure having a plurality of optical components formed on the substrate structure. The method also includes performing a separation etch on a separation region of the substrate structure. The separation region is selected such that separating the substrate structure at the separation region separates at least one of the optical components from the other optical components.