Abstract: A method of closely interconnecting integrated circuits contained within a semiconductor wafer to electrical circuits surrounding the semiconductor wafer. Electrical interconnects are held to a minimum in length by making efficient use of polyimide or polymer as an inter-metal dielectric thus enabling the integration of very small integrated circuits within a larger circuit environment at a minimum cost in electrical circuit performance.

Abstract: A novel arrangement and method for depositing evaporation control agents so as to coat immersion lithographic solutions which are employed on the surface of semiconductor wafers in connection with the etching of the surfaces of the wafer through the intermediary of an immersion lithographic process.

Abstract: A coated steel strip product with a dense and hard abrasion resistant coating on one side or both sides of said strip. The thickness of said coating is in total maximally 25 ?m, the hardness of said coating is at least 600 HV and the tensile strength of the steel strip substrate is at least 1200 MPa. The coating is preferably applied by electron beam evaporation and the coating may be, e.g., of Al2O3. The coated metal strip is useful for the manufacturing of doctor and coater blades for paper and printing industry.

Abstract: A coated steel strip product with a dense and hard abrasion resistant coating on one side or both sides of said strip substrate is provided. The thickness of said coating is in total maximally 25 ?m, the hardness of said coating is at least 600 HV and the tensile strength of the steel strip substrate is at least 1200 MPa. The coating is preferably applied by electron beam evaporation and the coating may be, e.g., of Al2O3. The coated metal strip is suitable for shaving equipment, medical instruments, utility and industrial knives as well as saw applications.

Abstract: An improved catalyst system that includes a metal support structure and an anti-corrosive layer on the metal support structure, and has improved resistance to corrosion and other degradation under corrosive environments. Typically, a catalyst supporting layer is applied over the anti-corrosive layer.

Abstract: According to various embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided a dynamically tunable thin film interference coating including one or more layers with thermo-optically tunable refractive index. Tunable layers within thin film interference coatings enable a new family of thin film active devices for the filtering, control, modulation of light. Active thin film structures can be used directly or integrated into a variety of photonic subsystems to make tunable lasers, tunable add-drop filters for fiber optic telecommunications, tunable polarizers, tunable dispersion compensation filters, and many other devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a process for fabricating the semiconductor structure. The structure includes a first and second rigid dielectric layer and a first non-rigid dielectric wiring level between such layers. The non-rigid layer includes at least one interconnect. Dummy fill shapes are associated with the non-rigid dielectric wiring level for preventing local stresses and deflections in the vicinity of the interconnect. In one aspect, the dummy fill shapes are in proximity to the interconnect which have a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially the same as the first and second rigid dielectric layer and/or provide that the average local CTE matches the CTE of the surrounding regions and the interconnect as a whole.

Abstract: A high temperature splash plate for use in the combustor of a gas turbine engine that also is a specular optical reflector. A thin layer of a high temperature reflector is applied to the surface of the splash plate of the component that forms a boundary for hot combustion gases. The component typically includes a thermal barrier coating overlying the high temperature metallic component that permits the component to operate at elevated temperatures. The thermal barrier coating must be polished in order to provide a surface that can suitably reflect the radiation into the gas flow path. A thin layer of the high temperature reflector then is applied over the polished thermal barrier coating by a process that can adequately adhere the reflector to the polished surface without increasing the roughness of the surface. The surface reflects radiation in the direction of the turbine back into the hot gas flow path. The reflected radiation is not focused onto any other hardware component.

Abstract: Gallium nitride is grown by plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy on (111) and (001) silicon substrates using hafnium nitride buffer layers. Wurtzite GaN epitaxial layers are obtained on both the (111) and (001) HfN/Si surfaces, with crack-free thickness up to 1.2 m. However, growth on the (001) surface results in nearly stress-free films, suggesting that much thicker crack-free layers could be obtained.

Abstract: A high temperature gas turbine component for use in the gas flow path that also is a specular optical reflector. A thin layer of a high temperature reflector is applied to the flow path surface of the component, that is, the surface of the component that forms a boundary for hot combustion gases. The component typically includes a thermal barrier coating overlying the high temperature metallic component that permits the component to operate at elevated temperatures. The thermal barrier coating must be polished in order to provide a surface that can suitably reflect the radiation into the gas flow path. A thin layer of the high temperature reflector then is applied over the polished thermal barrier coating by a process that can adequately adhere the reflector to the polished surface without increasing the roughness of the surface. The high temperature reflector can be applied to any surface aft of the compressor, such as on a combustor wall. The surface reflects radiation back into the hot gas flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming an article having a protective ceramic coating which reduces radiation heat transport through the ceramic coating. The protective ceramic coating includes one or more embedded reflective metallic layers for reducing the radiation heat transport. The method for forming the protective coating broadly comprises the steps of forming a ceramic coating on a substrate and embedding at least one reflective metallic layer within the ceramic coating.

Abstract: A device having an improved thermal barrier coating (46) and a process for manufacturing the same. A support structure (28) for retaining a ceramic insulating material (46) on a substrate (16) is formed by the deposition of a support structure material through a patterned masking material (14). The support structure can define cells into which the ceramic insulating material is deposited following removal of the masking material. The masking material may be patterned by known photolithographic techniques (22,24) or by laser etching (48). The support structure (28) may be a composite metal-ceramic material having either discreet layers (30,34) or a graded composition and may be deposited by an electro-desposition process followed by a heat treatment to form a solid state diffusion bond with the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming an article having a protective ceramic coating which reduces radiation heat transport through the ceramic coating. The protective ceramic coating includes one or more embedded reflective metallic layers for reducing the radiation heat transport. The method for forming the protective coating broadly comprises the steps of forming a ceramic coating on a substrate and embedding at least one reflective metallic layer within the ceramic coating.

Abstract: Lead-free solder alloys based on a Sn—Ag—Mg system are disclosed. The alloy compositions have a melting temperature close to 183° C. and a similar surface tension to that of Sn—Pb solder, and can thus be a readily substituted for conventional Sn—Pb solders. P may be added to the alloy compositions to reduce its tendency of oxidation.

Abstract: A configuration for laminated antiferromagnetically coupled magnetic recording layers for a magnetic recording medium is described. For this purpose, a stabilization layer (top layer) is put on top of the main magnetic recording layer (middle layer) and another stabilization layer (bottom layer) is put under the main magnetic recording layer. The top layer, middle layer and bottom layer are antiferromagnetically coupled. This configuration can double the antiferromagnetic coupling on the recording layer and thus increase the thermal stability. This configuration can also further reduce the remnant magnetization thickness product (Mr&dgr;), which is critical for low noise media. A traditional or new intermediate layer, underlayer and seedlayer can be used under magnetic layers of the present invention. Further, a tradition or new overcoat and lubricant can be used over the magnetic layers of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for making electronic devices where a molecular monolayer or multilayer is sandwiched between top and bottom electrodes at electrode intersections. The molecular layer has an electrical characteristic such as bistable switching. A layer of electrically conductive material is used to protect the molecular layer during formation of the top electrode pattern. The electrically conductive material remains sandwiched between the top and bottom electrodes at the electrode intersections in the final electronic device.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises a polymer basecoat layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited at relatively low pressure on the polymer layer a protective and decorative color layer comprised of the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen wherein the nitrogen and oxygen content of the reaction products are each from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: A susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing equipment obtained by laminating plural aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrates with a high melting point metallic layer and an adhesive layer, and in particular, the aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrate contains a compound of a Group 3a element in an amount of from 0.01 to 1% by weight in terms of the element, and the balance consisting essentially of aluminum nitride (AlN), in which the average particle size of an AlN crystal is from 2 to 5 &mgr;m. The susceptor is prepared by obtaining substrates from a mixture of the material powders through the steps of molding, sintering in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1,600 to 2,000° C. and forming into a desired substrate shape, and then laminating a plurality of the thus obtained substrate with a high melting point metallic layer and an adhesive layer inserted between the substrates, firing the laminate in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1,500 to 1,700° and finishing the fired laminate.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises a polymeric basecoat layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited on the polymeric basecoat layer a stack layer containing layers of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy alternating with layers containing the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen. Over the stack layer is vapor deposited at relatively low pressures a protective color layer comprised of the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen wherein the total nitrogen and oxygen content of these reaction products is from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent, with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: A group of alloys suitable for use in a high-temperature, oxidative environment, a protective coating system comprising a diffusion barrier that comprises an alloy selected from the group, an article comprising the diffusion barrier layer, and a method for protecting an article from a high-temperature oxidative environment comprising disposing the diffusion barrier layer onto a substrate are presented.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermal barrier coating (12) having a porous first layer of ceramic insulating material (20) and a second relatively dense layer of ceramic insulating material (22) having a plurality generally vertical gaps (26) formed therein. The porous conventional as-deposited APS microstructure of the first layer provides thermal and chemical protection for the substrate, while the gaps of the columnar-grained second layer provide thermal shock resistance for the coating. An air plasma spray process may be used to deposit both the first and the second layers of material, as well as any underlying bond coat layer. The gaps of the columnar-grained second layer do not extend into the first layer. The pores (28) of the first layer function as crack-arrestors for cracks initiating at the gaps of the second layer.

Abstract: A heat treatable coated article including an infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., of or including Ag), the coated article being able to attain a &Dgr;E* (glass side) no greater than about 3.0, more preferably no greater than 2.5, and even more preferably no greater than 2.0, following or due to heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering). Accordingly, low-E (i.e., low emissivity) coated articles of certain embodiments of this invention appear from the glass side thereof visually similar to the naked eye both before and after heat treatment. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windshields, or any other suitable applications. In certain embodiments of this invention, an exemplary layer stack includes: glass/Si3N4/NiCr/Ag/NiCr/Si3N4. Other materials may instead be used without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the instant invention which is a low-E matchable product.

Abstract: A honeycomb body configuration includes an intermediate layer for reducing transmission of heat from a honeycomb body to a housing by heat radiation and prevents erosion of ends of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a plurality of layer portions formed from at least one metal sheet and at least one layer of ceramic material. The intermediate layer preferably includes a thermally insulating layer portion, a metal sheet and a swell mat. Ends of the metal sheet cover at least one of the layer portions at the end. The invention is particularly suitable for supporting honeycomb bodies of thin wall ceramic for uses close to the engine in exhaust gas cleaning systems of motor vehicles. It is, however, generally also suitable for the thermal insulation of honeycomb bodies of all kinds with respect to a housing. A sandwich structure, in particular for a honeycomb body configuration, is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element including a composite comprising an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetic layer; hard bias layers for orienting the magnetic vectors of the free magnetic layer in a direction substantially orthogonal to the magnetization vector of the pinned magnetic layer; and a conductive layer for supplying a sense current is provided. The hard bias layers are provided at the two sides of the free magnetic layer. The hard bias layers and the free magnetic layers are in contact with each other at least partly. Bias underlayers are provided at the bottom of the hard bias layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming an article having a protective ceramic coating which reduces radiation heat transport through the ceramic coating. The protective ceramic coating includes one or more embedded reflective metallic layers for reducing the radiation heat transport. The method for forming the protective coating broadly comprises the steps of forming a ceramic coating on a substrate and embedding at least one reflective metallic layer within the ceramic coating.

Abstract: After deposition of a conductor film made of titanium tungsten over a main surface of a semiconductor substrate formed with grooves, a conductor film made of aluminium is further deposited. Subsequently, the conductor film is made to reflow and run into the grooves. Thereafter, while heating, conductor films are respectively deposited, thereby causing the conductor films to run into the grooves. The provision of the conductor film suppresses or prevents aluminium in the conductor films and silicon in the semiconductor substrate from reacting with each other upon reflowing of the conductor films.

Abstract: At least a portion of a free layer structure in a spin valve sensor is composed of nickel iron molybdenum (NiFeMo) so that the free layer structure does not have to be reduced in thickness in order to have a reduced magnetic moment for responding to lower signal fields from smaller bits on a rotating magnetic disk.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing coated steel sheet has the steps of: immersing a steel sheet in a hot-dip coating bath to form an Al—Zn base coating layer containing 20 to 95 mass % Al on the steel sheet, forming a passivated layer on the coating layer; and applying thermal history to the coating layer. The thermal history is applied immediately after the steel sheet left the hot-dip coating bath or in a temperature range of from T(° C.) between 130° C. and 300° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: A structure which exhibits magnetic properties when it receives electromagnetic radiation is formed from an array of capacitive elements each of which is smaller, and preferably much smaller, than the wavelength of the radiation. Each capacitive element has a low resistance conducting path associated with it and is such that a magnetic component of the received electromagnetic radiation induces an electrical current to flow around the path and through the associated element. The creation of internal magnetic fields generated by the flow of the induced electrical current gives rise to the structure's magnetic properties.

Abstract: A spin-valve thin-film magnetic element includes a substrate; an antiferromagnetic layer; a pinned magnetic layer in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer, the magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer being pinned by an exchange coupling magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic layer; a nonmagnetic conductive layer in contact with the pinned magnetic layer; a free magnetic layer in contact with the nonmagnetic conductive layer, the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer being aligned in a direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer; and a back layer composed of a nonmagnetic conductive material formed in contact with the free magnetic layer at the opposite side of the nonmagnetic conductive layer. The back layer is composed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ru, Pt, Ir, Rh, Pd, Os, and Cr.

Abstract: Coated articles are provided with an anti-reflective (AR) layer(s) system which enables reduced reflection, increased visible transmission, and/or neutral color. In certain embodiments, the AR layer(s) system includes a silicon nitride layer(s), a silicon oxynitride layer, and/or a silicon oxide layer on the substrate over an infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) such as silver. The AR system surprisingly enables improved visible transmission and/or reflection to be combined with more neutral color.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises a polymeric layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited on the polymeric layer a stack layer containing layers of refractory metal or metal alloy alternating with layers containing the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen wherein the total nitrogen and oxygen content of these reaction products is from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent, with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating having a stainless steel color. The coating comprises an electroplated layer or layers on the article surface, a refractory metal or refractory metal alloy strike layer on the electroplated layer or layers, a color layer containing a refractory metal oxide or refractory metal alloy oxide having a substoichiometric oxygen content on the strike layer, and a refractory metal oxide or refractory metal alloy oxide having a substantially stoichiometric oxygen content layer on said color layer.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises one or more electroplated layers on the surface of said article and vapor deposited on the electroplated layers a stack layer containing layers of refractory metal or metal alloy alternating with layers containing the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen wherein the total nitrogen and oxygen content of these reaction products is from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: A method of patterning metallic building elements, and also to a metallic building element, where the measuring accuracy achieved can lie in the sub-micrometer range is disclored. Starting from a silicon master or original that can be etched to sub-micrometer precision and then plated with a metal, such as nickel, on the silicon surface, there can be produced a nickel shim where precision and surface fineness can lie in the sub-micrometer range. Subsequent to removal of the silicon master, a photo-sensitive material can be used in liquid form or in film form to create mould cavities that reach down to the nickel shim. These cavities can then be metal-plated to provide a building element of higher precision in three dimensions.

Abstract: A neutral blue-green heat treatable and matchable glass laminate or I.G. unit employs a layer system whose visible transmittance increases by at least 4% during heat treatment and whose &Dgr;E*ab is less than about 3.0 and &Dgr;a* is less than about 0.7. The sputter coated layer system includes a silver layer sandwiched between nichrome layers and thereafter layers of Si3N4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming an article having a protective ceramic coating which reduces radiation heat transport through the ceramic coating. The protective ceramic coating includes one or more embedded reflective metallic layers for reducing the radiation heat transport. The method for forming the protective coating broadly comprises the steps of forming a ceramic coating on a substrate and embedding at least one reflective metallic layer within the ceramic coating.

Abstract: A heat treatable coated article including an infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., of or including Ag), the coated article being able to attain a &Dgr;E*ab (glass side) no greater than about 3.0, more preferably no greater than 2.5, and even more preferably no greater than 2.0, following or due to heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering). Accordingly, low-E (i.e., low emissivity) coated articles of certain embodiments of this invention appear from the glass side thereof visually similar to the naked eye both before and after heat treatment. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windshields, or any other suitable applications. In certain embodiments of this invention, an exemplary layer stack includes: glass/Si3N4/NiCr/Ag/NiCr/Si3N4. Other materials may instead be used without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the instant invention which is a low-E matchable product.

Abstract: A heat treatable coated article including an infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., of or including Ag), the coated article being able to attain a &Dgr;E* (glass side) no greater than about 3.0, more preferably no greater than 2.5, and even more preferably no greater than 2.0, following or due to heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering). Accordingly, low-E (i.e., low emissivity) coated articles of certain embodiments of this invention appear from the glass side thereof visually similar to the naked eye both before and after heat treatment. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windshields, or any other suitable applications. In certain embodiments of this invention, an exemplary layer stack includes: glass/Si3N4/NiCr/Ag/NiCr/Si3N4. Other materials may instead be used without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the instant invention which is a low-E matchable product.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact in a flash memory device utilizes a local interconnect process technique. The local interconnect process technique allows the contact to butt against or overlap a stacked gate associated with the memory cell. The contact can include tungsten. The stacked gate is covered by a barrier layer which also covers the insulative spacers.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating having the appearance of nickel. The coating comprises a polymeric basecoat layer on the surface of said article, vapor deposited on the polymeric layer, a stack layer comprised of alternating layers of refractory metal compound or refractory metal alloy compound alternating with refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, and vapor deposited on said stack layer a refractory metal or refractory metal alloy nitride color layer where the nitrogen content of said nitride is from about 6 to about 45 atomic percent.

Abstract: A titanium aluminide turbine blade (10) includes an aerofoil (12), a platform (14) and a root (16). A protective coating (2) is applied to the aerofoil (12) and the platform (14) of the turbine blade (10). The protective coating (2) comprises austenitic stainless steel. A chromium oxide layer (22) is formed on the protective coating (2). The protective coating (20) and chromium oxide layer (22) provides oxidation and sulphidation resistance for the titanium aluminide article (10).

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter which include a thin metallic and/or metallic oxide, nitride, carbide, silicide, boride, or sulfide coating disposed directly upon a polymeric substrate, in the absence of a carrier layer for the thin coating. Also disclosed are methods to make the composition and an apparatus to practice the method.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating (TBC) system for components designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as the turbine, combustor and augmentor sections of a gas turbine engine. The TBC system employs a thermal-insulating ceramic topcoat that is compatible with known metallic bond coats, such as diffusion aluminides and MCrAlY and NiAl coatings. The ceramic topcoat is formed of zirconia partially stabilized by about one up to less than six weight percent yttria and further stabilized by about one to about ten weight percent of magnesia and/or hafnia, to exhibit improved impact resistance.

Abstract: Durable—long lived plastic films carrying sputter-deposited metal layers such as reflective metal layers on both sides are disclosed. The slip side of the plastic film is not preglowed. The nonslip side is preglowed. This combination of glowing and not preglowing leads to the desired long life.

Abstract: An improved gas phase synthesized diamond, CBN, BCN, or CN thin film having a modified region in which strain, defects, color and the like are reduced and/or eliminated. The thin film can be formed on a substrate or be a free-standing thin film from which the substrate has been removed. The thin film can be stably and reproducibly modified to have an oriented polycrystal structure or a single crystal structure. The thin film is modified by being subjected to and heated by microwave irradiation in a controlled atmosphere. The thin film has a modified region in which a line width of the diamond spectrum evaluated by Raman spectroscopy of 0.1 microns or greater is substantially constant along a film thickness direction of the thin film, and the line width of the modified region is 85% or less of a maximum line width of the residual portion of the film thickness.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a processing method, comprising: a) providing a substrate having a high aspect ratio opening therein; b) forming a metal-comprising layer over the opening; c) providing a first pressure against the metal-comprising layer; and d) ramping the pressure that is against the metal-comprising layer to a second pressure at a rate of from about 1 atmosphere per second about 100 atmospheres per second.

Abstract: A laminate for use as a surface laminate in a multi-layer printed circuit board. The laminate is comprised of a film substrate formed of a first polymeric material. At least one layer of a flash metal is applied to a first side of the film substrate. At least one layer of copper is disposed on the layer of flash metal. An adhesive layer formed of a second polymeric material has a first surface that is attached to a second side of the film substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming an oxide film on a substrate by a sputtering process using a target comprising a metal as the main component, wherein sputtering is carried out in an atmosphere which contains a gas containing carbon atoms.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a chrome layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a polyurethane layer deposited on the chrome layer.