Abstract: External electrical connectors and methods of forming such external electrical connectors are discussed. A method includes forming an external electrical connector structure on a substrate. The forming the external electrical connector structure includes plating a pillar on the substrate at a first agitation level affected at the substrate in a first solution. The method further includes plating solder on the external electrical connector structure at a second agitation level affected at the substrate in a second solution. The second agitation level affected at the substrate is greater than the first agitation level affected at the substrate. The plating the solder further forms a shell on a sidewall of the external electrical connector structure.

Abstract: External electrical connectors and methods of forming such external electrical connectors are discussed. A method includes forming an external electrical connector structure on a substrate. The forming the external electrical connector structure includes plating a pillar on the substrate at a first agitation level affected at the substrate in a first solution. The method further includes plating solder on the external electrical connector structure at a second agitation level affected at the substrate in a second solution. The second agitation level affected at the substrate is greater than the first agitation level affected at the substrate. The plating the solder further forms a shell on a sidewall of the external electrical connector structure.

Abstract: External electrical connectors and methods of forming such external electrical connectors are discussed. A method includes forming an external electrical connector structure on a substrate. The forming the external electrical connector structure includes plating a pillar on the substrate at a first agitation level affected at the substrate in a first solution. The method further includes plating solder on the external electrical connector structure at a second agitation level affected at the substrate in a second solution. The second agitation level affected at the substrate is greater than the first agitation level affected at the substrate. The plating the solder further forms a shell on a sidewall of the external electrical connector structure.

Abstract: An etching gas having a good chemical property for silicon etch back is made by mixing a SF6 gas with a Cl2 gas. With addition of an inert gas, good chamber conditions are maintained during silicon etch back, and the etching selectivity for silicon to an etching stop layer is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a wafer under fabrication with an erosive plasma, in a contamination controlled environment. The apparatus includes a chamber for containing the wafer to be treated by the plasma, and for isolating the wafer from contaminants external to the chamber during treatment. The chamber also includes one or more plasma erosion resistive screws. Each screw has a shaft secured within the chamber so that the shaft is unexposed to the plasma, and a raised head which is integral with, and made of the same material as, the shaft. The head has a continuous, surface shape with a reduced number of edges so as to reduce the accumulation of charge thereon, thereby resisting erosion by the plasma.