Abstract: An environment detection apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the detection apparatus comprises: a first sensing device, a second sensing device in fluid communication with the first sensing device and a spectrum analyzer electrically connected to the first sensing device and the second sensing device. The first sensing device includes a pair of first electrodes configured to provide a first alternating current signal directly to a gas flowing into the first sensing device. The second sensing device includes a first filter configured to capture a solid in the gas flowing into the second sensing device and a pair of second electrodes configured to provide a second alternating current signal directly to the first filter with the solid captured by the first filter.

Abstract: A method includes: generating a contaminant distribution map by sampling an environment of a cleanroom; selecting a first fabrication tool of the cleanroom by comparing the contaminant distribution map with at least one diffusion image in a first database; comparing parameters of the first fabrication tool against process utility information in a second database; and when the parameters are consistent with the process utility information, taking at least one action. The one action may include moving a cleaning tool to a location associated with a contaminant concentration of the contaminant distribution map; turning on a fan of the cleaning tool; stopping pod transit to the first fabrication tool; or halting production by the first fabrication tool.

Abstract: A filter device includes one or more filter membranes, and a filter housing enclosing the one or more filter membranes. Each of the filter membranes includes a base membrane made of a ceramic material, and a plurality of through holes. The base membrane is coated with a coating material.

Abstract: A method includes: generating a contaminant distribution map by sampling an environment of a cleanroom; selecting a first fabrication tool of the cleanroom by comparing the contaminant distribution map with at least one diffusion image in a first database; comparing parameters of the first fabrication tool against process utility information in a second database; and when the parameters are consistent with the process utility information, taking at least one action. The one action may include moving a cleaning tool to a location associated with a contaminant concentration of the contaminant distribution map; turning on a fan of the cleaning tool; stopping pod transit to the first fabrication tool; or halting production by the first fabrication tool.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a slurry from a portable container; delivering the slurry from the portable container to a semiconductor tool through a tank and a first pipe; coupling a first capacitance sensor to the first pipe; measuring a first capacitance value of the first capacitance sensor while providing the slurry to the tank through the first pipe; deriving a quality metric of the slurry according to measurements of the first capacitance value; and determining whether a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) operation using the semiconductor tool is performed according to the quality metric of the slurry for the first pipe.

Abstract: A system and a method for testing a filter used in ultrapure water are provided. The method for testing a filter, which is used for removing particles from ultrapure water, comprises: providing a testing solution with particles; detecting the particles in the testing solution by a particle counter; passing the testing solution through a filter; and detecting the particles in the testing solution, which is passed through the filter, by another particle counter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluid sensor and a method for fabricating a fluid sensor. The fluid sensor includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a recess recessed from the first surface, a protection layer over the first surface and lining the recess, wherein the protection layer includes a material different from that of the substrate, a first conductive layer over the first surface of the substrate and lining the protection layer in the recess, a membrane over the second surface of the substrate and contacting the first conductive layer and the protection layer at the second surface of the substrate, and a through via connected to the recess and penetrating the first conductive layer.

Abstract: A system and a method for testing a filter used in ultrapure water are provided. The method for testing a filter, which is used for removing particles from ultrapure water, comprises: providing a testing solution with particles; detecting the particles in the testing solution by a particle counter; passing the testing solution through a filter; and detecting the particles in the testing solution, which is passed through the filter, by another particle counter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a measuring system. The measuring system includes an insulative tube, a capacitor and a static charge meter. The insulative tube is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. The capacitor is disposed on a surface of a section of the insulative tube. The capacitor includes a first metallic layer, a second metallic layer opposite to the first metallic layer, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer. The static charge meter is electrically coupled to the capacitor and configured to measure static charge accumulated inside the section of the insulative tube.

Abstract: A method of monitoring static charge is provided. The method includes the operations as follows. A conductive tape is wrapped around an outer surface of a non-conductive tube. A metallic plate is connected to the conductive tape. The conductive tape and the metallic plate are covered by a metallic box, wherein the conductive tape and the metallic plate are entirely disposed within a metallic box. A plurality of static charges are detected from the metallic plate by an electrostatic field meter.

Abstract: A method for detecting particles in a liquid includes following operations. A detection device is provided. A chemical liquid is provided to flow through the detection device. A capacitance of the detection device is measured during the flowing of the chemical liquid. A dielectric constant of the chemical liquid is calculated according to the capacitance of the detection device. When the dielectric constant of the chemical liquid is between an upper limit and a lower limit, the chemical liquid is determined to be normal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluid sensor and a method for fabricating a fluid sensor. The fluid sensor includes a substrate including a first material and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the substrate further comprises a recess recessed from the first surface, a first conductive layer over the first surface of the substrate, a protection layer between the first surface of the substrate and the first conductive layer, wherein the protection layer includes a second material, and a through via connected to the recess.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a measuring system. The measuring system includes an insulative tube, a capacitor and a static charge meter. The insulative tube is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. The capacitor is disposed on a surface of a section of the insulative tube. The capacitor includes a first metallic layer, a second metallic layer opposite to the first metallic layer, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer. The static charge meter is electrically coupled to the capacitor and configured to measure static charge accumulated inside the section of the insulative tube.

Abstract: A slurry monitoring device, a CMP system and a method of in-line monitoring a slurry are provided. The slurry monitoring device incudes a slurry metrology cell, a plurality of light sources, at least one optical lens, and at least one optical detector. The slurry metrology cell accommodates a slurry. The light sources emit light beams on the slurry in the slurry metrology cell. The at least one optical lens is disposed between the plurality of light sources and the slurry metrology cell. The at least one optical lens modifies a size of a light spot of the light beams impinged on the slurry. The at least one optical detector detects an intensity of the light beams scattered by abrasive particles in the slurry.

Abstract: A slurry monitoring device, a CMP system and a method of in-line monitoring a slurry are provided. The slurry monitoring device incudes a slurry metrology cell, a plurality of light sources and at least one optical detector. The slurry metrology cell is configured to accommodating a slurry. The light sources are configured to emit light beams on the slurry in the slurry metrology cell. The light sources include a first light source configured to emit a first light beam having a first wavelength, and a second light source configured to emit a second light beam having a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. The at least one optical detector is configured to detect an intensity of the light beams scattered by abrasive particles in the slurry.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell structure is formed. The MRAM cell structure includes a bottom electrode, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack and a top electrode. A first insulating cover layer is formed over the MRAM cell structure. A second insulating cover layer is formed over the first insulating cover layer. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed. A contact opening in the ILD layer is formed, thereby exposing the second insulating cover layer. A part of the second insulating cover layer and a part of the first insulating cover layer are removed, thereby exposing the top electrode. A conductive layer is formed in the opening contacting the top electrode. The second insulating cover layer has an oxygen getter property.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various methods and systems for monitoring real time efficiency of filters as well as testing the filters with tests that are similar to real world use of the filters to update technical specifications of the filters. The methods and systems monitoring the real time efficiency of the filters may utilize one or more particle counters to monitor their efficiency in real time. The data collected by the particle counters may be utilized to determine whether respective ones of the filters need to be replaced or regenerated by a backwash regeneration process. The updated technical specifications from the real world testing of the filters may be utilized in determining whether respective ones of the filters need to be replaced or regenerated. These real world testing and real time monitoring reduces the likelihood that workpieces are exposed to contaminant particles reducing scrap costs.

Abstract: A filter device includes one or more filter membranes, and a filter housing enclosing the one or more filter membranes. Each of the filter membranes includes a base membrane and a plurality of through holes.

Abstract: A filter device includes one or more filter membranes, and a filter housing enclosing the one or more filter membranes. Each of the filter membranes includes a base membrane and a plurality of through holes.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a semiconductor substrate on which a free magnetic element is positioned, which has first and second magnetic domains separated by a domain wall. A first magnet is positioned on the substrate near a first end of the free magnetic element, and has a first polarity and a first value of coercivity. A second magnet is positioned on the substrate near a second end of the free magnetic element, and has a second polarity, antiparallel relative to the first polarity, and a second value of coercivity different from the first value of coercivity.