Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer program products method for monitoring a life cycle of one or more parts for an automobile and providing suggestions for maintenance of the automobile. The computer-implemented method includes monitoring, using a processor, a plurality of parts of an automobile. The processor compares a health state associated with each of the plurality of parts to a health threshold associated with each of the plurality of parts. The processor further predicts a health life for each of the plurality of parts based on the comparison for each of the plurality of parts. The processor provides an alert to a driver in response to a least one part of the plurality of parts exceeding an associated health threshold. The processor further provides at least one cost estimate for repair, replacement or maintenance of the at least one part to the driver.

Abstract: A method for depositing a conductor in the via opening electronic structure removes the via bottom liner so that the conductor deposited in the via opening directly contacts the underlying conductive layer. The method includes depositing amorphous silicon over the dielectric layer and the liner layer on the via opening sidewalls and bottom. The amorphous silicon extends substantially over the entire via opening while leaving below a void within the via opening. The amorphous silicon over the via opening and on the via opening bottom and the liner layer on the via opening bottom are anisotropically etched to leave a layer of amorphous silicon over the dielectric layer and the via opening side walls. The amorphous silicon is then removed to form a via opening having a substantially open-bottom liner. The conductor is then deposited in the via opening and contacts the underlying conductive layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming embedded silicon germanium (eSiGe) in source and drain regions of a p-type field-effect-transistor (pFET) through a disposable spacer process; depositing a gap-filling layer directly on the eSiGe in the source and drain regions in a first process; depositing a layer of offset spacer material on top of the gap-filling layer in a second process different from the first process; etching the offset spacer material and the gap-filling layer, thus forming a set of offset spacers and exposing the eSiGe in the source and drain regions of the pFET; and finishing formation of the pFET.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming embedded silicon germanium (eSiGe) in source and drain regions of a p-type field-effect-transistor (pFET) through a disposable spacer process; depositing a gap-filling layer directly on the eSiGe in the source and drain regions in a first process; depositing a layer of offset spacer material on top of the gap-filling layer in a second process different from the first process; etching the offset spacer material and the gap-filling layer, thus forming a set of offset spacers and exposing the eSiGe in the source and drain regions of the pFET; and finishing formation of the pFET.

Abstract: A method removes the spacers from the sides of a transistor gate stack, and after the spacers are removed, the method implants an additional impurity into surface regions of the substrate not protected by the gate conductor (or alternatively just amorphizes these surface regions, without adding more impurity). The method then performs a laser anneal on the additional impurity (to activate the additional impurity) or amorphized regions (to recrystallize the amorphized regions). After this, permanent spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gate conductor. Then, the surface regions of the substrate not protected by the gate conductor and the permanent spacers are silicided, to create silicide source/drain regions. This forms the silicide regions in the additional impurity or in the recrystallized amorphized regions to reduce the source/drain resistance by improving the active dopant concentration at the silicon-silicide interface.