Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes which are formed from a core material and a material that partially coats the surface of the probe. Other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes which are formed from a core material and a material that completely coats the surface of each layer from which the probe is formed including interlayer regions. These first two groups of embodiments incorporate both the core material and the coating material during the formation of each layer. Still other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobe arrays that are partially encapsulated by a dielectric material during a post layer formation coating process. In even further embodiments, the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes from two or more materials may occur by incorporating a coating material around each layer of the structure without locating the coating material in inter-layer regions.

Abstract: Embodiments of invention are directed to the formation of microprobes (i.e. compliant electrical or electronic contact elements) on a temporary substrate, dicing individual probe arrays, and then transferring the arrays to space transformers or other permanent substrates.

Abstract: Multi-layer microscale or mesoscale structures are fabricated with adhered layers (e.g. layers that are bonded together upon deposition of successive layers to previous layers) and are then subjected to a heat treatment operation that enhances the interlayer adhesion significantly. The heat treatment operation is believed to result in diffusion of material across the layer boundaries and associated enhancement in adhesion (i.e. diffusion bonding). Interlayer adhesion and maybe intra-layer cohesion may be enhanced by heat treating in the presence of a reducing atmosphere that may help remove weaker oxides from surfaces or even from internal portions of layers.

Abstract: A process kit is described that resists plasma erosion, preserves the spatial uniformity of plasma properties, reduces particle generation in the chamber, and significantly enhances the lifetime of the process kit. A layer of polymer material covers the top surface of the process kit. The polymer material is fluorocarbon-based and not reactive with the species in the plasma. The polymer material not only protects the process kit from progressive erosion, but also prevents the generation of particles in the chamber. The polymer material has similar permittivity to that of the process kit and therefore maintains the spatial uniformity of plasma properties, e.g., etch rate, near the wafer perimeter. The thickness of the layer is controlled between 0.5 and 1.5 mm such that the difference between its coefficient of thermal expansion and that of the process kit will not cause the layer to peel off the process kit's top surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck provides reduced electric field effects about its peripheral edge. In one version, the chuck comprises a dielectric covering an electrode having a perimeter and a wire loop extending about the perimeter, the wire loop having a radially outwardly facing surface that is substantially rounded. Alternatively, the electrode may have a central planar portion comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, and a peripheral arcuate portion having a tip with a curvature length of at least about ?/8 radians between a normal to the top surface of the central planar portion and a normal to the upper surface of the tip. The electrostatic chuck is used to hold a substrate in a process chamber of a substrate processing apparatus.

Abstract: New digital optical imaging techniques are provided which can enable intravascular, external, or minimally-invasive transpercutaneous tracking of vascular gene expression and diagnosis of a variety of disorders and diseases including atherosclerosis. Preferred optical imaging systems for use in the invention can detect extrinsic/intrinsic fluorescent/luminous signals emitted from deep-seated vessels.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a magnetic resonance imaging antenna, including an inner conductor, an outer shield slideably displaceable with respect to the inner conductor, and an insulator electrically insulating the inner conductor from the outer shield. Herein is disclosed a biopsy needle antenna, including a magnetic resonance imaging antenna, having an outer shield, and an inner conductor electrically insulated from the outer shield by a dielectric; and a biopsy needle electrically connected to the inner conductor and electrically insulated from the outer shield by the dielectric. Herein is disclosed a method of obtaining a sample with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, including providing a sampling needle magnetic resonance imaging antenna, advancing the antenna to a structure from which the sample is to be taken, detecting magnetic resonance data by the antenna, and coupling the sample to the antenna.

Abstract: The invention describes an improved process for the preparation of malononitrile by using a porous particulate solid substance as efficient absorbent. Cyanoacetamide is reacted with POCl3 as a dehydrating agent in a suitable solvent in the presence of an organic N-donor base as catalyst and a porous particulate solid substance as efficient absorbent. The product is then distilled under vacuum from the crude in the presence of a stabilizer into a receiver containing the same stabilizer, to obtain malononitrile of high purity and shelf-life.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer chuck for retaining a semiconductor wafer during semiconductor wafer processing in a semiconductor wafer processing system including a connector connecting DC chucking voltage and RF biasing power to an electrode embedded in the body of the chuck. The connector for the chuck includes two or more members joined by resilient banana connections. The connector may be adapted for use as a high temperature connector for an electrostatic chuck operated at an elevated temperature and such connector includes a thermal impedance for reducing the heat transferred from the chuck to the bottom of the connector.

Abstract: In a multi-level wiring structure wires and vias are formed by an isotropic deposition of a conductive material, such as copper, on a dielectric base, such as a polyimide. In a preferred embodiment of the invention copper is electroplated to a thin seed conducting layer deposited on the surface of the dielectric base in which via openings have been formed. Openings in a resist formed on the surface of the dielectric base over the seed layer forms a pattern defining the wiring and via conductor features. Electroplated copper fills the via openings and wire pattern openings in the resist isotropically so that the upper surfaces of the wiring and vias are co-planar when the plating step is complete. In adding subsequent wiring levels, the resist is removed and the via conductor and wiring pattern covered with another dielectric layer which both encapsulates the conductors of the previous layer and serves as the base for the next level which is formed in the same manner as the previous level.