Abstract: This invention provides a dense, high-purity colloidal silica containing silica secondary particles having a branched and/or bent structure, and a production method thereof. Specifically, this invention provides a method for producing a colloidal silica, comprising the steps of 1) preparing a mother liquid containing an alkali catalyst and water, and having a pH of 9 to 12; and 2) adding a hydrolysis liquid obtained by hydrolysis of an alkyl silicate to the mother liquid, wherein the step of adding the hydrolysis liquid to the mother liquid sequentially comprises A) step 1 of adding the hydrolysis liquid until the pH of the resulting liquid mixture becomes less than 7; B) step 2 of adding an aqueous alkali solution until the pH of the liquid mixture becomes 7 or more; and C) step 3 of adding the hydrolysis liquid while maintaining the pH of the liquid mixture at 7 or more, and a colloidal silica containing silica secondary particles having a branched and/or bent structure, obtained by this method.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of metal substrates on semiconductor wafers are described. The composition contains a nonionic fluorocarbon surfactant and a per-type oxidizer (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The composition and associated method are effective in controlling removal rates of low-k films during copper CMP and provide for tune-ability in removal rates of low-k films in relation to removal rates of copper, tantalum, and oxide films.

Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum wheel includes a cleaning step, in which the surface of the aluminum wheel is chemically etched with an alkali cleaning liquid which contains an alkali builder, an organic builder, and a chelating agent to such an extent that the Si atomic ratio of metal Si to oxide Si is from 0.01 to 9, and a shot blast treatment step can be omitted for cleaning the surface of the aluminum wheel.

Abstract: An etching paste suitable for etching films comprising an etchant and a component is provided. The etching process comprises applying the etching paste of the present invention to the transparent conductive metal oxide film by a paste application method so that the film is etched. Through the combination of the etching paste and the paste application method, the transparent conductive metal oxide film having stable scattering properties is obtained and can be used in the manufacture of a-Si solar cells.

Abstract: An etchant composition is provided. The etchant composition includes about 40 to about 65 wt % of phosphoric acid, about 2 to about 5 wt % of nitric acid, about 2 to about 20 wt % of acetic acid, about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of a compound containing phosphate, about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of a compound simultaneously containing an amino group and a carboxyl group, and a remaining weight percent of water for the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An etching solution for titanium-based metals, tungsten-based metals, titanium/tungsten-based metals or their nitrides. The etching solution contains 10-40 mass % hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-15 mass % of an organic acid salt, and water.

Abstract: A removal composition and process for removing low-k dielectric material, etch stop material, and/or metal stack material from a rejected microelectronic device structure having same thereon. The removal composition includes hydrofluoric acid. The composition achieves at least partial removal of the material(s) from the surface of the microelectronic device structure having same thereon, for recycling and/or reuse of said structure, without damage to the underlying polysilicon or bare silicon layer employed in the semiconductor architecture.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing composition comprising silica, an aminophosphonic acid, a polysaccharide, a tetraalkylammonium salt, a bicarbonate salt, an azole ring, and water, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 7 to about 11. The invention further provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing composition.

Abstract: C4 compounds selected from the group of trifluorobutadienes and tetrafluorobutenes can be used as etching gases, especially for anisotropic etching in the production of etched items, for example, of semiconductors, e.g. semiconductor memories or semiconductor logic circuits, flat panels, or solar cells. Preferred compounds are 1,1,3-trifluoro-1,3-butadiene, (E)-1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene, 2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene and (Z)-1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene which can be obtained from halotetrafluorobutanes or 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane by thermal, base-induced or catalytic dehydrohalogenation, especially by catalytic dehydrofluorination. The C4 compounds have the especial advantage that they allow the direct etching of photoresist-protected items where the pattern of the photoresist is defined by light of a wavelength of 193 nm, or even “extreme UV light”. Nodes with a very narrow gap, for example, nodes with gaps of 130 nm, 90 nm, 45 or 32 nm and even 22 nm can be produced.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing a surface. One composition comprises about 0.01 wt. % to about 20 wt. % ?-alumina particles, wherein the ?-alumina particles have an average diameter of 200 nm or less, and 80% of the ?-alumina particles have a diameter of about 500 nm or less, an organic acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and water. Another composition comprises ?-alumina particles, an organic acid, dual corrosion inhibitors of triazole and benzotriazole, wherein the wt. % ratio of the triazole to benzotriazole is about 0.1 to about 4.8, and water.

Abstract: Provided are an etchant, a method for fabricating a wire using the etchant, and a method for fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate using the etchant. The etchant includes a material having the formula 1, ammonium acetic acid, and the remainder of deionized water, wherein the formula 1 is expressed by: M(OH)XLY??(1) where M indicates Zn, Sn, Cr, Al, Ba, Fe, Ti, Si, or B, X indicates 2 or 3, L indicates H2O, NH3, CN, COR, or NH2R, Y indicates 0, 1, 2, or 3, and R indicates an alkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) methods and compositions for polishing copper-containing substrates. The methods of the present invention entail abrading a surface of a copper-containing substrate with a CMP composition of the invention, preferably in the presence of an oxidizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The CMP compositions of the invention comprise a particulate abrasive, a copper-complexing agent, a copper-passivating agent bearing an acidic OH group and an additional oxygen substituent in a 1,6 relationship to the acidic OH group, and an aqueous carrier. A preferred composition of the invention comprises about 0.01 to about 1 percent by weight of the particulate abrasive, about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight of the copper-complexing agent, about 10 to about 1000 ppm of the copper-passivating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates a composition which is useful in printing by extruding a metalized fiber on a substrate. Zinc oxide is incorporated in combination with glass frit into a composition to etch the substrate and a binder polymer is used to allow extrusion of narrow fibers which also may have adequate height to provide sufficient electrical conduction. The present invention is also a process to extrude a pattern of the composition. The present invention is further directed to a solar cell formed from such composition and the process.

Abstract: Provided are a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) composition used for polishing a semiconductor device which contains polysilicon film and insulator, and a chemical mechanical polishing method thereof. The CMP composition is especially useful in a isolation CMP process for semiconductor devices. Provided is a highly selective CMP composition containing a polysilicon polish finisher which can selectively polish semiconductor insulators since it uses a polysilicon film as a polish finishing film.

Abstract: A polishing composition that allows polishing speed to be increased and surface roughness to be reduced is provided. The polishing composition according to the present invention includes a compound including at least an oxyethylene group or an oxypropylene group in a block polyether represented by the following general formula (1), a basic compound, and abrasives: >N—R—N< (1) where R represents an alkylene group expressed as CnH2n and “n” is an integer not less than 1.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a polishing slurry, wherein said polishing slurry comprises a carrier and functionalized alumina grains. The polishing slurry, which comprises functionalized alumina grains having desirable dispersibility, has desirable stability and is able to lower the defect rate of the substrate surface, improve the surface quality, decrease the total metal loss and enlarge the variation range of the technical parameters.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes (A) abrasive grains, (B) an organic acid, and (C1) copper ions or (C2) at least one kind of metal atoms selected from Ta, Ti, and Rb, the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion including the copper ions (C1) at a concentration of 1×101 to 2×105 ppm, or including the at least one kind of metal atoms (C2) selected from Ta, Ti, and Rb at a concentration of 1×10?1 to 1×103 ppm.

Abstract: Process for polishing silicon surfaces, in which a dispersion which comprises cerium oxide particles, at least one polymeric, anionic dispersing additive and at least one oxidizing agent and which has a pH of 7 to 10.5 is used, said cerium oxide particles having a positive charge and polymeric, anionic dispersing additive and oxidizing agent being soluble in the liquid phase of the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing cerium oxide which enables preparation of cerium oxide showing improved polishing performance, cerium oxide prepared therefrom, and CMP slurry comprising the same. The method for preparing cerium oxide comprises the step of contacting cerium oxide with primary alcohol to increase specific surface area of the cerium oxide 10% or more.

Abstract: Composition and method to remove undoped silicon-containing materials from microelectronic devices at rates greater than or equal to the removal of doped silicon-containing materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are etching compositions and processes of using the same for etching the surface of CdTe-containing layers.

Abstract: The proposed slurry can be used to planarize polymeric candidate ILD materials such Benzocylobutene (BCB), SILK, Polyimide, etc. The slurry consists of colloidal suspension of nanoparticle abrasives made up of Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)-derived silica and Zirconium-dioxide (ZrO2), its derivatives and any materials modified from ZrO2 and/or TEOS, in a chemically active medium. The base solution of the slurry consists of deionized (Dl) water, buffering agents like inorganic buffer comprised of inorganic acids such as TRIS-Hcl, its derivatives and variants, cleansing agents, surface modified catalysts, and surface reagents. The organic solvents like isopropyl alcohol, methanol, and other organic alcohols ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05% are employed for active dissolution of the chemical surface complex formed as a result of the slurry chemical action. The inorganic buffer is so chosen that the complex salts resulting from the reaction impart hydrophobicity to the polished thin film surface.

Abstract: In a cleaning composition, a method of cleaning a semiconductor substrate and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the cleaning composition includes about 0.5 to about 5% by weight of an organic ammonium hydroxide compound, about 0.1 to about 3% by weight of a fluoride compound, about 0.1 to about 3% by weight of a buffering agent, about 0.5 to about 5% by weight of an etching accelerant, and a remainder of water.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing composition useful for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a silicon oxide material and a silicon nitride material; and methods of making and using the chemical mechanical polishing composition. The chemical mechanical polishing composition comprises, as initial components: at least one of a first substance and a second substance; wherein the first substance is according to formula I wherein the second substance is according to formula II an abrasive; and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions and methods for polishing copper- and/or silver-containing substrates. The compositions of the present invention comprise a particulate abrasive, a primary film-forming metal-complexing agent, and a secondary film-forming metal-passivating agent in an aqueous carrier. Methods of polishing a substrate with the compositions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a high efficiency solar cell using novel methods to form the active region(s) and the metal contact structure of a solar cell device. In one embodiment, the methods include the use of various etching and patterning processes that are used to define point contacts through a blanket dielectric layer covering a surface of a solar cell substrate. The method generally includes depositing an etchant material that enables formation of a desired pattern in a dielectric layer through which electrical contacts to the solar cell device can be formed.

Abstract: A polishing solution for metal films that comprises an oxidizing agent, a metal oxide solubilizer, a metal corrosion preventing agent, a water-soluble polymer and water, wherein the water-soluble polymer is a copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, the copolymerization ratio of methacrylic acid in the copolymer being 1-20 mol % based on the total of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromium-free etching composition suitable for treating various silicon-containing surfaces, including strained silicon on insulator surfaces as well as stressed silicon surfaces. The novel and inventive etching composition in accordance with the present invention includes hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid and an alkali iodide, preferably potassium iodide, present in an amount of 1 mmol/100 ml or more.

Abstract: Semiconductor processing compositions for use with silicon wafers having an insulating layers, and metallization layers on the wafers comprising water and one or more Troika acids which is also referred to as a, ?-disubstituted trifunctional oximes or ?-(Hydroxyimino) Phosphonoacetic acids, their salts, and their derivatives.

Abstract: A dry etching gas that comprises a compound having a CF3CF fragment directly bonded to a double bond (provided that the compound is exclusive of CF3CF?CFCF?CF2). Said dry etching gas permits the formation of a pattern such as a contact hole with a high aspect ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a concentrate for use in chemical mechanical polishing slurries, and a method of diluting that concentrate to a point of use slurry. The concentrate comprises abrasive, complexing agent, and corrosion inhibitor, and the concentrate is diluted with water and oxidizer. These components are present in amounts such that the concentrate can be diluted at very high dilution ratios, without affecting the polishing performance.

Abstract: Fluoroalkyl phosphates containing a tertiary carbon and a nonfluorinated chain are useful as surfactants and additives. The f can be used to alter a surface property of a medium and to provide resistance to blocking, open time extension, or oil repellency to a substrate.

Abstract: A liquid agent for the surface treatment of monocrystalline wafers, which contains an alkaline etching agent and also at least one low-volatile organic compound. Systems of this type can be used both for the cleaning, damage etch and texturing of wafer surfaces in a single etching step and exclusively for the texturing of silicon wafers with different surface quality, whether it now be wire-sawn wafers with high surface damage or chemically polished surfaces with minimum damage density.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition consisting essentially of flumed alumina, alpha alumina, silica, a nonionic surfactant, an additive compound selected from the group consisting of glycine, alanine, iminodiacetic acid, and maleic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and water. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate comprising contacting a substrate with a polishing pad and the chemical-mechanical polishing composition, moving the polishing pad and the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display array substrate includes forming a gate wiring line having a gate pad electrode, forming a data wiring line having a data pad electrode, forming a protection layer over the gate pad electrode and the data pad electrode, and positioning etching tapes on the protection layer over the gate pad electrode and the data pad electrode.

Abstract: Semiconductors are textured with aqueous solutions containing non-volatile alkoxylated glycols, their ethers and ether acetate derivatives having molecular weights of 170 or greater and flash points of 75° C. or greater. The textured semiconductors can be used in the manufacture of photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes (A) silica particles, and (B1) an organic acid, the number of silanol groups included in the silica particles (A) calculated from a signal area of a 29Si-NMR spectrum being 2.0 to 3.0×1021/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel solution for the removal of post-etch residues having improved properties and to the use thereof in the production of semiconductors. The invention relates, in particular, to an aqueous solution having a reduced etching rate on metallisations and on surfaces which have to be freed from post-etch residues and particles during the semiconductor production process.

Abstract: The aqueous abrasive-free composition is useful for chemical mechanical polishing of a patterned semiconductor wafer containing a nonferrous metal. The composition includes an oxidizer, an inhibitor for the nonferrous metal, 0 to 15 weight percent water soluble modified cellulose, 0 to 15 weight percent phosphorus compound, 0.005 to 5 weight percent of an acidic polymer, and water. The acidic polymer has a methacrylic acid portion having a carbon number of 4 to 250. The methacrylic acid portion includes either methacrylic acid or an acrylic acid/methacrylic acid copolymer. The acidic polymer including a segment from a mercapto-carboxylic acid chain transfer agent.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate afford low dishing levels in the polished substrate while simultaneously affording high metal removal rates. Suitable metal-containing substrates include tungsten- and copper-containing substrates. Components in the composition include a silatrane compound, an abrasive, and, optionally, a strong oxidizing agent, such as a per-compound.

Abstract: A method for polishing Through-Silicon Via (TSV) wafers is provided. The method comprises a step of subjecting the surface of a TSV wafer to a polishing treatment with a polishing composition containing an organic alkaline compound, an oxidizing agent selected from sodium chlorite and/or potassium bromate, silicon oxide abrasive particles, and a solvent to simultaneously remove Si and conductive materials at their respective removal rates. By using the method of this invention, Si and conductive materials can be simultaneously polished at higher removal rates to significantly save the necessary working-hour costs for polishing TSV wafers. A polishing composition used in the above method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a cerium oxide powder for a CMP slurry and a method of preparing a CMP slurry using the same, and more particularly, to a method of preparing a cerium oxide powder for a CMP slurry and a method of preparing a CMP slurry using the same in which the specific surface area of the powder is increased by preparing a cerium precursor, and then decomposing and calcinating the prepared cerium precursor. The pore distribution is controlled to increase the chemical contact area between a polished film and a polishing material, thereby reducing polishing time while the physical strength of powder is decreased, which remarkably reduces scratches on a polished film.

Abstract: A CMP slurry for metallic film is provided, which includes water, 0.01 to 0.3 wt %, based on a total quantity of the slurry, of polyvinylpyrrolidone having a weight average molecular weight of not less than 20,000, an oxidizing agent, a protective film-forming agent containing a first complexing agent for forming a water-insoluble complex and a second complexing agent for forming a water-soluble complex, and colloidal silica having a primary particle diameter ranging from 5 to 50 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing composition comprising (a) silica, (b) one or more compounds that increases the removal rate of silicon, (c) one or more tetraalkylammonium salts, and (d) water, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 7 to about 11. The invention further provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing composition.

Abstract: An aqueous polishing liquid is provided that includes an oxidizing agent, a five-membered monocyclic compound having at least three nitrogen atoms or a compound in which a hetero ring is fused to said compound, and a compound having an imidazole skeleton or an isothiazolin-3-one skeleton. The five-membered monocyclic compound having at least three nitrogen atoms and/or the compound in which a hetero ring is fused to said compound is used at a total concentration of less than 300 mg/L, and the compound having an imidazole skeleton or an isothiazolin-3-one skeleton is used at a concentration of at least 10 mg/L but no greater than 500 mg/L. There is also provided a chemical mechanical polishing method that includes a step of polishing by making a surface to be polished and a polishing surface move relative to each other while being in contact with each other in the presence of the aqueous polishing liquid.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes (A) a graft polymer that includes an anionic functional group in a trunk polymer, and (B) abrasive grains.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion including (A) silica particles, and (B1) an organic acid, the sodium content, the potassium content, and the ammonium ion content of the silica particles (A) determined by ICP atomic emission spectrometry, ICP mass spectrometry, or ammonium ion quantitative analysis using ion chromatography having a relationship in which the sodium content is 5 to 500 ppm and at least one of the potassium content and the ammonium ion content is 100 to 20,000 ppm.

Abstract: A process for producing an elastic silicate foam by foaming a mixture comprising 10% to 80% by weight of an aqueous dispersion of SiO2 particles A) which have an average particle diameter in the range from 1 to 100 nm, 5% to 30% by weight of a polymer B) in solution in water, 10% to 50% by weight of a blowing agent C), 1% to 5% by weight of an emulsifier D), 0.01% to 5% by weight of a crosslinker E) which is reactive with the polymer B), and also the foam obtainable by the process, and the use of the foam.

Abstract: An etchant for copper or copper alloy, which contains water as a main component and comprises (1) 1 to 20 mass % of iron (III) chloride and (2) 5 to 100 mass %, based on the iron chloride, of oxalic acid, and an etching method using the above etchant are provided, and the etching method includes pretreatment to be carried out with an aqueous solution containing at least one component selected from a component that dissolves copper or copper alloy and an acid, whereby well yields can be materialized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition suitable for polishing a substrate comprising a phase change alloy (PCA), such as a germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) alloy. The composition comprises not more than about 6 percent by weight of a particulate abrasive material in combination with an optional oxidizing agent, at least one chelating agent, and an aqueous carrier therefor. The chelating agent comprises a compound or combination of compounds capable of chelating a phase change alloy or component thereof (e.g., germanium, indium, antimony and/or tellurium species) that is present in the substrate, or chelating a substance that is formed from the PCA during polishing of the substrate with the CMP composition. A CMP method for polishing a phase change alloy-containing substrate utilizing the composition is also disclosed.