Abstract: An apparatus for applying a layer to a hydrophobic surface. The apparatus including: a chuck having a top surface and rotatable about a axis perpendicular to the top surface and passing through a center point of the top surface; and hollow first and second dispense nozzles having respective first and second bores, the first and second dispense nozzles mounted on a application head disposed above the top surface of the chuck, the application head moveable in a direction parallel to the top surface of the chuck, the first dispense nozzle alignable over the center point when the application head is in a first position and the second dispense nozzle alignable over the center point when the application head is in a second position, at least a portion of the bore of second dispense tube having a maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 0.5 millimeters and about 2.0 millimeters.

Abstract: A structure and method for increasing the sensitivity of pixel sensors by eliminating a gap space formed between adjacent microlens structures in a pixel sensor array. Advantageously, exposure and flowing conditions are such that adjacent microlens structures touch (are webbed) at a horizontal cross-section, yet have a round lens shape in all directions. Particularly, exposure and flowing conditions are such that each touching microlens structure is formed to have a matched uniform radius of curvature at a horizontal cross-section and at a 45 degree cross-sections. To improve quality of mircrolens structure uniformity exhibited at all pixel locations including those near a pixel array edge or corner, a top anti-reflective coating layer is applied on top of a photoresist layer prior to the exposure and flowing steps.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a layer to a hydrophobic surface. The apparatus including: a chuck having a top surface and rotatable about a axis perpendicular to the top surface and passing through a center point of the top surface; and hollow first and second dispense nozzles having respective first and second bores, the first and second dispense nozzles mounted on a application head disposed above the top surface of the chuck, the application head moveable in a direction parallel to the top surface of the chuck, the first dispense nozzle alignable over the center point when the application head is in a first position and the second dispense nozzle alignable over the center point when the application head is in a second position, at least a portion of the bore of second dispense tube having a maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 0.5 millimeters and about 2.0 millimeters.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating. The method includes: providing a substrate having a surface; forming a layer of water on the surface; and forming a layer of a material on the layer of water.