Abstract: Protective caps residing at an interface between metal lines and dielectric diffusion barrier (or etch stop) layers are used to improve electromigration performance of interconnects. Protective caps are formed by depositing a first layer of aluminum-containing material over an exposed copper line by treating an oxide-free copper surface with an organoaluminum compound in an absence of plasma at a substrate temperature of at least about 350° C. The formed aluminum-containing layer is passivated either partially or completely in a chemical conversion which forms Al—N, Al—O or both Al—O and Al—N bonds in the layer. Passivation is performed in some embodiments by contacting the substrate having an exposed first layer with an oxygen-containing reactant and/or nitrogen-containing reactant in the absence of plasma. Protective caps can be formed on substrates comprising exposed ULK dielectric.

Abstract: Embodiments related to the cleaning of interface surfaces in a semiconductor wafer fabrication process via remote plasma processing are disclosed herein. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a semiconductor processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber, a load lock coupled to the processing chamber via a transfer port, a wafer pedestal disposed in the load lock and configured to support a wafer in the load lock, and a remote plasma source configured to provide a remote plasma to the load lock.

Abstract: Embodiments related to the cleaning of interface surfaces in a semiconductor wafer fabrication process via remote plasma processing are disclosed herein. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a semiconductor processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber, a load lock coupled to the processing chamber via a transfer port, a wafer pedestal disposed in the load lock and configured to support a wafer in the load lock, a remote plasma source configured to provide a remote plasma to the load lock, and an ion filter disposed between the remote plasma source and the wafer pedestal.

Abstract: Adhesive layers residing at an interface between metal lines and dielectric diffusion barrier (or etch stop) layers are used to improve electromigration performance of interconnects. Adhesion layers are formed by depositing a precursor layer of metal-containing material (e.g., material containing Al, Ti, Ca, Mg, etc.) over an exposed copper line, and converting the precursor layer to a passivated layer (e.g., nitridized layer). For example, a substrate containing exposed copper line having exposed Cu—O bonds is contacted with trimethylaluminum to form a precursor layer having Al—O bonds and Al—C bonds on copper surface. The precursor layer is then treated to remove residual organic substituents and to form Al—N, Al—H bonds or both. The treatment can include direct plasma treatment, remote plasma treatment, UV-treatment, and thermal treatment with a gas such as NH3, H2, N2, and mixtures thereof. A dielectric diffusion barrier layer is then deposited.

Abstract: An atomic clock comprises endohedral fullerene systems which provide the standard frequency oscillations. A magnet device applies a magnetic field to the endohedral fullerenes. The applied magnetic field is adjustable. An excitation device both excites each endohedral fullerene system to cause it to undergo transitions which generate the time-keeping oscillations, and also probes the systems such that the oscillations can be measured and the device controlled. A detection device senses the response of the systems induced by the excitation device. The output of the detection device is fed to a controller. The controller produces the atomic clock output, which is the clock signal or frequency standard, and also controls the magnet device and the excitation device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing distributable computer readable media in a client/server computer system in a manner specified by a user. The method includes the steps of providing a login construct to a client computer from a server computer. A server computer accepts a login identifier from the client computer that corresponds to the user. The login identifier is used to locate an unprocessed user profile associated with the login identifier in a user profile database when the unprocessed user profile exists. A home networked information monitor is delivered to the client computer in accordance with instructions in a processed user profile. The home networked information monitor is capable of accessing each networked information monitor associated with the login identifier. Each networked information monitor is capable of processing distributable computer readable media.

Abstract: Protective caps residing at an interface between metal lines and dielectric diffusion barrier (or etch stop) layers are used to improve electromigration performance of interconnects. Protective caps are formed by depositing a source layer of dopant-generating material (e.g., material generating B, Al, Ti, etc.) over an exposed copper line, converting the upper portion of the source layer to a passivated layer (e.g., nitride or oxide) while allowing an unmodified portion of a dopant-generating source layer to remain in contact with copper, and, subsequently, allowing the dopant from the unmodified portion of source layer to controllably diffuse into and/or react with copper, thereby forming a thin protective cap within copper line. The cap may contain a solid solution or an alloy of copper with the dopant.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of presenting distributable computer readable media to a user in response to a user request. The method comprises the steps of identifying a definition of a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). A NIM frame is defined for the NIM using the definition. Content is then retrieved for the NIM. Then, the content is placed in NIM viewer defined by the frame. The invention also includes a method of altering a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). The method includes the step of receiving a message at a NIM. The message specifies a configurable feature of the NIM. The NIM is altered in accordance with the configurable feature of the message.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of tracking distributed content within a computer network. The method includes the step of identifying the delivery of a set of Network Information Monitors (NIMs). Information about each NTM within the set of NIMs is tracked. The information includes a first time at which a user opens a selected NIM, a second time at which the user closes the selected NW, and an identifier for the selected NIM. The information is used to determine sub-sets of NIMs that are displayed simultaneously. The invention also includes a method of identifying the delivery of a Network Information Monitor (NIM) to a user. Content information for the NIM is recorded. NIM use activity is tracked the user for a set of NIMs. The content information is correlated with the NIM use activity.

Abstract: A low pass filter having a coaxial structure of an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a metal powder composite interposed between the inner and outer conductor. Embodiments include a 50? characteristic impedance. The metal powder can be bronze, copper or other metals, mixed in an epoxy carrier.

Abstract: A control system for lift-generating unit, the control system comprising: detector unit for detecting at least one parameter from which stall may be calculated; scaling unit for determining a scale factor dependent on the or each detected parameter; and multiplier unit for multiplying an incoming lift demand signal by the scale factor to provide an outgoing lift demand signal.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of hosting Internet content. The method includes the step of receiving an address of a definition from a computing device, where the definition defines a frame and a location of content with which to fill in the frame. The definition is located in a database utilizing the address. The definition is transmitted to the computing device. A method of the invention also includes permitting access to a database containing a set of definitions, where the set of definitions defines a frame and a location of content with which to fill in the frame. Instructions are received to modify a selected definition of the set of definitions. The selected definition is modified to create a new selected definition.

Abstract: An information register stores information represented by the states of endohedral fullerenes in a nanotube. Possible states are spin-states or morphological states, such as endohedral species having intrinsic or induced electric dipole moment or characteristic electric polarizility. The states of successive endohedral fullerenes along the nanotube are coupled by interaction mediated by electrons in the nanotube. The register can be used as part of a quantum computer or a classical computer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for setting a frequency reference in an integrated receiver decoder (IRD). More specifically, the present invention discloses an electrical circuit arrangement in which the voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) is set to oscillate at the desired frequency prior to the initial use thereof and that frequency is stored in a non-volatile memory unit. Upon initial use, the IRD receives a data signal corresponding to a frequency reference. The IRD uses a threshold value to compare the frequency reference of the incoming data signal with the frequency stored in the non-volatile memory. If the frequencies differ by a predetermined value, the frequency from the incoming data signal is stored in the non-volatile memory and is used to set the VCXO.

Abstract: User-wearable sensor arrays for use with projectile-detection systems, and methods of detecting a projectile with user-wearable sensor arrays.

Abstract: A wireless electronic device includes a rechargeable battery, a receiver, and a shut down module. The rechargeable battery is at least partially charged. The receiver is configured to enable wireless communications for the wireless device. The receiver is capable of receiving wireless commands configured to cause corresponding functions to be performed in the wireless electronic device, which may include test functions, calibration functions, and shut down functions. The shut down module is configured to cause the wireless electronic device to initiate a shut down protocol according to a shut down command received by the receiver.

Abstract: Powders having contact biocidal properties comprise a polysaccharide carrying atomic/metallic silver. The preferred polysaccharide is chitin, although other polysaccharides including chitosan, carboxymethyl celluloses and carrageenans can be used. The chitin may be obtained from deproteinated crustacean shells without demineralisation, thus being admixed with calcium carbonate and other naturally occurring minerals present in the shells, and may be enzyme deacetylated. The powders of the invention can be used as biocidal dusting powders, formulated into pastes, gels, hydrogels, creams, foams and aerosol sprays for pharmaceutical applications, or dissolved to form solutions for coating substrates such as skin, fabrics, glass, leather and paper to give a bactericidal surface. A particular application of such a solution is as a protective, post-wash treatment for workwear in a laundering process.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first set of electrodes, a second set of electrodes, and at least one electrical circuit. The first set of electrodes is completely submergible in a fluid. The second set of electrodes is partially submergible in the fluid. The at least one electrical circuit is configured to measure resistance of the fluid between the first set of electrodes and configured to measure resistance of the fluid between the second set of electrodes.

Abstract: A paint roller including a roller cover retainer that is releasable to permit a roller cover to be easily removed. The device includes a locking lever pivotable relative to the frame which actuates retainers located within the roller assembly. The locking lever also exerts an axial force adapted to disengage the roller cover from the roller assembly when the retainer is disengaged. A used roller cover can be removed without the need to grasp the used roller cover. Installation of a roller cover onto the roller assembly automatically engages the retainers and shifts the locking lever into the locked position.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of presenting distributable computer readable media to a user in response to a user request. The method comprises the steps of identifying a definition of a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). A NIM frame is defined for the NIM using the definition. Content is then retrieved for the NIM. Then, the content is placed in a NIM viewer defined by the frame. The invention also includes a method of altering a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). The method includes the step of receiving a message at a NIM. The message specifies a configurable feature of the NIM. The NIM is altered in accordance with the configurable feature of the message.