Abstract: An actuating and sensing module is disclosed and includes a bottom plate, a gas pressure sensor, a thin gas transportation device and a cover plate. The bottom plate includes a pressure relief orifice, a discharging orifice and a communication orifice. The gas pressure sensor is disposed on the bottom plate and seals the communication orifice. The thin gas transportation device is disposed on the bottom plate and seals the pressure relief orifice and the discharging orifice. The cover plate is disposed on the bottom plate and covers the gas pressure sensor and the thin gas-transportation device. The cover plate includes an intake orifice. The thin gas transportation device is driven to inhale gas through the intake orifice, the gas is then discharged through the discharging orifice by the thin gas transportation device, and a pressure change of the gas is sensed by the gas pressure sensor.

Abstract: Semiconductor structure and methods of forming the same are provided. An exemplary method includes receiving a workpiece including a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) and a conductive capping layer disposed on the MTJ, depositing a first dielectric layer over the workpiece, performing a first planarization process to the first dielectric layer, and after the performing of the first planarization process, patterning the first dielectric layer to form an opening exposing a top surface of the conductive capping layer, selectively removing the conductive capping layer. The method also includes depositing an electrode layer to fill the opening and performing a second planarization process to the workpiece such that a top surface of the electrode layer and a top surface of the first dielectric layer are coplanar.

Abstract: An optical proximity correction (OPC) device and method is provided. The OPC device includes an analysis unit, a reverse pattern addition unit, a first OPC unit, a second OPC unit and an output unit. The analysis unit is configured to analyze a defect pattern from a photomask layout. The reverse pattern addition unit is configured to provide a reverse pattern within the defect pattern. The first OPC unit is configured to perform a first OPC procedure on whole of the photomask layout. The second OPC unit is configured to perform a second OPC procedure on the defect pattern of the photomask layout to enhance an exposure tolerance window. The output unit is configured to output the photomask layout which is corrected.

Abstract: A multi-layer insert ring for engaging a shadow ring in a plasma etch chamber which includes at least two layers stacked together in an opening of the shadow ring. The multi-layer insert ring may be constructed by two layers or three layers by utilizing ground, reprocessed insert rings resulting in significant cost savings. Each of the layers of the multi-layer insert rings has a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface that is parallel to the planar top surface. Only the top layer need to be replaced after repeated usage of the insert ring in plasma etching processes.