Abstract: A pellicle made of a polymer material contains fullerenes within the polymer material to reduce the damaging effects of radiation that is transmitted through the pellicle during an exposure operation. The fullerenes may comprise nanotubes and/or buckyballs. The buckyballs may also enclose molecules of a gas that further reduce the damaging effects of the radiation on the polymer material.

Abstract: A method including providing a residual bacteria-inhibiting property to a post-chemical mechanical polish (post-CMP) brush. A method including forming a post-chemical mechanical polish (post-CMP) brush; and residually modifying a bacteria-inhibiting property of a portion of an exterior surface of the formed brush. An apparatus including a post-chemical mechanical polish (post-CMP) brush including a residual bacteria inhibiting property.

Abstract: Disclosed are pellicle compositions and methods of making such pellicle compositions. The pellicle compositions provided include highly fluorinated polymers as well as fluorinated polymer/PVDF co-polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are pellicle compositions and methods of making such pellicle compositions. The pellicle compositions provided include highly fluorinated polymers as well as fluorinated polymer/PVDF co-polymers.

Abstract: A pellicle membrane is mounted between an outer frame and an inner frame. At least one of the frames is attached to the reticle without using conventional adhesives. The pellicle and reticle may be used in a lithography system. The pellicle allows radiation to pass through the pellicle to the reticle and may prevent particles from passing through the pellicle.

Abstract: A pellicle membrane is mounted between an outer frame and an inner frame. At least one of the frames is attached to the reticle without using conventional adhesives. The pellicle and reticle may be used in a lithography system. The pellicle allows radiation to pass through the pellicle to the reticle and may prevent particles from passing through the pellicle.

Abstract: A pellicle made of a polymer material contains fullerenes within the polymer material to reduce the damaging effects of radiation that is transmitted through the pellicle during an exposure operation. The fullerenes may comprise nanotubes and/or buckyballs. The buckyballs may also enclose molecules of a gas that further reduce the damaging effects of the radiation on the polymer material.

Abstract: A brush assembly includes a first brush having a central portion and end portions. The central portion is recessed from the end portions. A second brush is provided having an outer surface and opposed to the first brush. The first brush and the second brush are adapted to receive a planar object therebetween. The outer surface and the end portions are in contact with the planar object and the central portion avoids contact with the planar object.

Abstract: A manufactured chemical mechanical polishing pad is annealed after manufacture to improve its operating characteristics. Annealing can stabilize the operational properties of the pad, such as coefficient of thermal expansion and compressibility. In one embodiment, annealing partially or fully completes a curing process that was incomplete after the pad was manufactured.