Abstract: Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices, and associated systems and devices, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an opening in an insulative material at least partially over an electrically conductive feature. The method can further include forming a ring of electrically non-conductive material extending at least partially about a sidewall of the insulative material that defines the opening. The method can further include removing a portion of the ring to form an opening over the electrically conductive feature, and then depositing an electrically conductive material into the opening in the ring to form a conductive via electrically coupled to the electrically conductive feature.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices, and associated systems and devices, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an opening in an insulative material at least partially over an electrically conductive feature. The method can further include forming a ring of electrically non-conductive material extending at least partially about a sidewall of the insulative material that defines the opening. The method can further include removing a portion of the ring to form an opening over the electrically conductive feature, and then depositing an electrically conductive material into the opening in the ring to form a conductive via electrically coupled to the electrically conductive feature.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for data acquisition and image analysis that utilize twisted nematic liquid crystals (“TNLCs”) to create maps of bio/chemical functionality patterned on surfaces. The method involves the acquisition of a series of images of TNLC film that contacts the analytic surface followed by analysis of the series of images to yield maps of twist angle of the liquid crystal across the surface. This analysis technique effectively condenses a large data set (stack of images) into a compact form (map of twist angle), revealing features on the surface that were not apparent in the individual images comprising the original stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for data acquisition and image analysis that utilize twisted nematic liquid crystals (“TNLCs”) to create maps of bio/chemical functionality patterned on surfaces. The method involves the acquisition of a series of images of TNLC film that contacts the analytic surface followed by analysis of the series of images to yield maps of twist angle of the liquid crystal across the surface. This analysis technique effectively condenses a large data set (stack of images) into a compact form (map of twist angle), revealing features on the surface that were not apparent in the individual images comprising the original stack.