Abstract: Vacuum-integrated photoresist-less methods and apparatuses for forming metal hardmasks can provide sub-30 nm patterning resolution. A metal-containing (e.g., metal salt or organometallic compound) film that is sensitive to a patterning agent is deposited on a semiconductor substrate. The metal-containing film is then patterned directly (i.e., without the use of a photoresist) by exposure to the patterning agent in a vacuum ambient to form the metal mask. For example, the metal-containing film is photosensitive and the patterning is conducted using sub-30 nm wavelength optical lithography, such as EUV lithography.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and related apparatus that facilitate patterning by performing highly non-conformal (directional) deposition on patterned structures. The methods involve depositing films on a patterned structure, such as a hard mask. The deposition may be both substrate-selective such that the films have high etch selectivity with respect to an underlying material to be etched and pattern-selective such that the films are directionally deposited to replicate the pattern of the patterned structure. In some embodiments, the deposition is performed in the same chamber as a subsequent etch is performed. In some embodiments, the deposition may be performed in a separate chamber (e.g., a PECVD deposition chamber) that is connected to the etch chamber by a vacuum transfer chamber. The deposition may be performed prior to or at selected intermittences during at etch process. In some embodiments, the deposition involves multiple cycles of a deposition and treatment process.

Abstract: Apparatuses for etching metal by depositing a material reactive with a metal to be etched and a halogen to form a volatile species and exposing the substrate to a halogen-containing gas and activation gas to etch the substrate are provided. Deposited materials may include silicon, germanium, titanium, carbon, tin, and combinations thereof. Apparatuses are suitable for fabricating MRAM structures and may be used to integrate ALD and ALE processes without breaking vacuum.

Abstract: A system is described for presenting information relating to lifting and moving a load object with a vehicle. Upon the lifting, a dimensioner determines a size and a shape of the load object, computes a corresponding spatial representation, and generates a corresponding video signal. During the moving, an imager observes a scene in front of the vehicle, relative to its forward motion direction, and generates a video signal corresponding to the observed scene. The imager has at least one element moveable vertically, relative to the lifting. A display renders a real time visual representation of the scene observed in front of the vehicle based on the corresponding video signal and superimposes a representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object.

Abstract: A method for generating a data visualization is provided. The method includes displaying a representation of a portion of detected data from a substrate to a user. The method further includes generating a data quality value for the portion of detected data and displaying, along with the representation of the portion of detected data, an indication of data quality value for the portion of detected data. The method further includes selecting, by the user, a quality value threshold, and displaying an adjusted indication of data quality value for the portion of detected data meeting the quality value threshold.

Abstract: Techniques for inserting advertising content into digital content are disclosed. The system may determine a compatibility between advertising content and digital content, determine candidate advertising content and candidate digital content using the determined compatibility, determine that the candidate digital content includes an advertising zone specifying an area where advertising content may be inserted, determine that an advertising slot of the candidate advertising content matches the advertising zone, and select digital content from the candidate digital content. The system may further select advertising content from the candidate advertising content, and combine selected digital content and selected advertising content by inserting the selected advertising content into the advertising zone.

Abstract: A sub-ranging time-to-digital converter (TDC) is disclosed that includes two ring oscillators for determining a time difference between two clock edges.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flagpost to facilitate visibility and safety of an object. Accordingly, the flagpost may include a flagpole and a flag. Further, the flagpole may include a plurality of flagpole segments. Further, any two flagpole segments of the plurality of flagpole segments may be detachably coupled. Further, the flag stand may be configured to be affixed on at least one surface of an object using at least one adhesive. Further, the flag stand may be detachably coupled to the flagpole.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a band limited reference voltage. The band limited reference voltage is generated from a supply voltage combined with a feedback path to provide a band reject power supply rejection ratio (PSRR). The voltage regulator also includes a feedforward path to extend the band reject PSRR.

Abstract: Methods are provided for integrating atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition by performing both processes in the same chamber or reactor. Methods involve sequentially alternating between atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition processes to prevent feature degradation during etch, improve selectivity, and encapsulate sensitive layers of a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A cargo bed liner for protecting a cargo bed of a vehicle. Plural rigid floor panels are interconnected to form a cargo liner platform suspended above the cargo bed by suspension rails to disperse impacts and otherwise to protect the cargo bed. The floor panels are interlocked by tabs projecting from at least some of the panels. The floor panels are fixed to the suspension rails by locking slots in combination with locking studs. The suspension rails are fixed to the cargo bed in retention of the cargo liner platform. Anchors with extendable and retractable clamping members and registration members are selectively retained relative to apertures of an array of paired apertures in the platform for permitting secure and adjustable retention and transport of cargo. The clamping and registration members have outer surfaces separated by a distance less than a longitudinal dimension of apertures within the array of apertures.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamic digital advertising are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a dynamic advertising method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor associated with a dynamic advertising device, from a client device, first advertising content information including timepoint data for a playback event associated with first advertising content of a first advertising slot on a webpage; configuring, by the computer processor, a recall request for the first advertising content, the recall request including identification data associated with the first advertising content and specifying a timepoint obtained from the timepoint data; receiving, by the computer processor, from the client device, first advertising content resume request; and requesting, by the computer processor, for the client device, using the recall request, timepoint-configured first advertising content having a playback start time equal to the timepoint.

Abstract: Vacuum-integrated photoresist-less methods and apparatuses for forming metal hardmasks can provide sub-30 nm patterning resolution. A metal-containing (e.g., metal salt or organometallic compound) film that is sensitive to a patterning agent is deposited on a semiconductor substrate. The metal-containing film is then patterned directly (i.e., without the use of a photoresist) by exposure to the patterning agent in a vacuum ambient to form the metal mask. For example, the metal-containing film is photosensitive and the patterning is conducted using sub-30 nm wavelength optical lithography, such as EUV lithography.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: A sub-ranging time-to-digital converter (TDC) is disclosed that includes two ring oscillators for determining a time difference between two clock edges.

Abstract: A biological analysis system and an associated method are provided. The method is used for recovering off scale data in an image produced by a camera in a capillary electrophoresis instrument. The method comprises the steps of identifying bins of the image where electron counts exceed a maximum number of counts; setting an off-scale flag for the identified bins; and processing the image to obtain a recovered dye signal, based on the flag set for each bin, and using a dye matrix.

Abstract: Embodiments implementing selected automated quality control operations in sample processing instruments that analyze dye-labeled samples are disclosed. In some embodiments, temperature and/or pressure parameters are measured and compared to thresholds to determine whether warning should be provided and/or actions taken. Embodiments for implementing automated correction of spectral error during the instrument's normal runtime operation without requiring the user to conduct a special, separate calibration run are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for using an augmented reality interface to adjust the results from a dimensioning system are disclosed. The augmented reality interface allows users to easily correct dimensioning errors, improve dimensioning results, and guide dimensioning analysis. In one embodiment, the user may adjust/select the results via hand gesturing/positioning within the system's field of view. In another embodiment, the user may use virtual tools, enabled by hand gesturing/positioning, to adjust the results. In still another embodiment, the user may shine a light into the system's field of view to adjust the results. The augmented reality interface embraced by the present invention provides the user with an easier, more-intuitive means for interacting with dimensioning system results.

Abstract: A subranging time-to-digital converter (TDC) is disclosed that includes two ring oscillators for determining a time difference between two clock edges.