Abstract: A device and method include forming a mask on a substrate supporting a plurality of metallic nanocrystals such that a portion of the metallic nanocrystals is exposed. Protective shells are formed about the exposed metallic nanocrystals. Unprotected metallic nanocrystals are removed.

Abstract: A method of forming a device includes forming protective shells about metallic nanocrystals supported by a substrate. The metallic nanocrystals having protective shells are encapsulated with a layer formed with process parameters that are not compatible with the integrity of unprotected metallic nanocrystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabricating a semiconductor structure, which comprises: a step a) of providing an Si substrate having a front face and a rear face; and a step b) that includes the epitaxial deposition, on the front face of the Si substrate, of a thick Ge layer, of an SiGe virtual substrate or of a multilayer comprising at least one thick Ge layer or at least one SiGe virtual substrate, and which is characterized in that it further includes the deposition, on the rear face of the Si substrate, of a layer or a plurality of layers generating, on this rear face, flexural stresses that compensate for the flexural stresses that are exerted on the front face of said substrate after step b). The invention also relates to a process for fabricating semiconductor-on-insulator substrates implementing the above process. Applications in microelectronics and optoelectronics.

Abstract: Polymer sites are formed on a support. These sites are subjected to a plasma deposition of dielectric material and preferably react with this plasma so as to form openings at the level of said sites. A pattern structure is then formed in the dielectric material and/or in the polymer.

Abstract: In certain embodiments methods for depositing materials on substrates, and more particularly, methods for depositing dielectric layers, such as silicon oxides or silicon oxynitrides, on germanium substrates are provided. The methods involve depositing a barrier layer on the germanium substrate to prevent oxidation of the germanium substrate when forming a dielectric layer on the germanium substrate. In certain embodiments, a silicon layer is deposited on the germanium substrate to form a barrier layer. In certain embodiments, nitridation of the germanium substrate forms a GexNy layer which functions as a barrier layer. In certain embodiments, a silicon nitride layer is deposited on the germanium substrate to form a barrier layer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming optical devices, such as waveguides, with minimal defect formation. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for forming a waveguide structure on a substrate surface including forming a cladding layer on the substrate surface, forming a core layer on the cladding layer, depositing an amorphous carbon hardmask on the core layer, forming a patterned photoresist layer on the amorphous carbon hardmask, etching the amorphous carbon hardmask, and etching the core material.

Abstract: A germanium substrate is positioned in a process chamber. A plasma is generated from a treatment gas that includes a flow of a hydrogen-containing gas. The plasma is provided to the process chamber to react with GeO2 in the germanium substrate.

Abstract: A germanium substrate is positioned in a process chamber. A plasma is generated from a treatment gas that includes a flow of a hydrogen-containing gas. The plasma is provided to the process chamber to react with GeO2 in the germanium substrate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming optical devices, such as waveguides, with minimal defect formation. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for forming a waveguide structure on a substrate surface including forming a cladding layer on the substrate surface, forming a core layer on the cladding layer, depositing an amorphous carbon hardmask on the core layer, forming a patterned photoresist layer on the amorphous carbon hardmask, etching the amorphous carbon hardmask, and etching the core material.