Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous electroless copper plating bath, including a source for Cu(II) ions, glyoxylic acid as the reducing agent for Cu(II) ions, at least one complexing agent for Cu(II) ions and at least one source for hydroxide ions selected from the group consisting of RbOH, CsOH and mixtures thereof, wherein the electroless copper plating bath is substantially free of Na+, K+ and tetraalkylammonium ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a copper seed layer on top of a barrier layer wherein said seed layer is deposited onto said barrier layer from an aqueous electroless copper plating bath comprising a water-soluble source for Cu(II) ions, a reducing agent for Cu(II) ions, at least one complexing agent for Cu(II) ions and at least one source for hydroxide ions selected from the group consisting of RbOH, CsOH and mixtures thereof. The resulting copper seed layer has a homogeneous thickness distribution and a smooth outer surface which are both desired properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additives which may be employed in electroless metal and metal alloy plating baths and a process for use of said plating baths. Such additives reduce the plating rate and increase the stability of electroless plating baths and therefore, such electroless plating baths are particularly suitable for the deposition of said metal or metal alloys into recessed structures such as trenches and vias in printed circuit boards, IC substrates and semiconductor substrates. The electroless plating baths are further useful for metallization of display applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additives which may be employed in electroless metal and metal alloy plating baths and a process for use of said plating baths. Such additives reduce the plating rate and increase the stability of electroless plating baths and therefore, such electroless plating baths are particularly suitable for the deposition of said metal or metal alloys into recessed structures such as trenches and vias in printed circuit boards, IC substrates and semiconductor substrates. The electroless plating baths are further useful for metallisation of display applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a copper seed layer on top of a barrier layer wherein said seed layer is deposited onto said barrier layer from an aqueous electroless copper plating bath comprising a water-soluble source for Cu(II) ions, a reducing agent for Cu(II) ions, at least one complexing agent for Cu(II) ions and at least one source for hydroxide ions selected from the group consisting of RbOH, CsOH and mixtures thereof. The resulting copper seed layer has a homogeneous thickness distribution and a smooth outer surface which are both desired properties.

Abstract: A composition for forming a seed layer, the composition comprising: (a.) a first metal fine particle; and (b.) a metallic component selected from a metal oxide fine particle, an organic metal complex, a second metal fine particle, and combinations thereof, wherein the second metal fine particle has a greater affinity for oxygen than the first fine particle. A seed layer as defined, and a coating including a seed layer and the use of this coating. Further, the invention relates to a method of forming a seed layer comprising applying a composition comprising a first metal fine particle, and a metallic component selected from a metal oxide fine particle, an organic metal complex, a second fine metal particle, and combinations thereof, wherein the second metal fine particle has a greater affinity for oxygen than the first metal fine particle to a surface of a substrate, and setting the composition.

Abstract: To improve the transmission properties of antennae manufactured with known methods, more specifically antennae for application in the UHF range, a method is proposed of producing pattern-forming metal structures on a carrier substrate. The method comprises the following method steps: providing the carrier substrate, forming the pattern on the carrier substrate with a composite material containing dispersed metal, bringing the carrier substrate into contact with halide ions, and thereafter depositing a metal layer onto the pattern formed by the composite material, producing thereby metal structures.

Abstract: To improve the transmission properties of antennae manufactured with known methods, more specifically antennae for application in the UHF range, a method is proposed of producing pattern-forming metal structures on a carrier substrate. The method comprises the following method steps: providing the carrier substrate, forming the pattern on the carrier substrate with a composite material containing dispersed metal, bringing the carrier substrate into contact with halide ions, and thereafter depositing a metal layer onto the pattern formed by the composite material, producing thereby metal structures.