Abstract:
Novel methods for the texturing of photovoltaic cells is described, wherein texturing minimizes reflectance losses and hence increases solar cell efficiency. In one aspect, a microstamp with the mirror inverse of the optimum surface structure is described. The photovoltaic cell substrate to be etched and the microstamp are immersed in a bath and pressed together to yield the optimum surface structure. In another aspect, nanoscale structures are introduced to the surface of a photovoltaic cell by depositing nanoparticles or introducing metal induced pitting to a substrate surface. In still another aspect, remote plasma source (RPS) or reactive ion etching (RIE), is used to etch nanoscale features into a silicon-containing substrate.
Abstract:
A method and composition for removing bulk and ion-implanted photoresist and/or post-etch residue material from densely patterned microelectronic devices is described. The composition includes a co-solvent, a chelating agent, optionally an ion pairing reagent, and optionally a surfactant. The composition may further include dense fluid. The compositions effectively remove the photoresist and/or post-etch residue material from the microelectronic device without substantially over-etching the underlying silicon-containing layer(s) and metallic interconnect materials.
Abstract:
A method and composition for removing ion-implanted photoresist from semiconductor substrates having such photoresist is described. The removal composition contains supercritical CO 2 (SCCO 2 ), a co-solvent and a reducing agent for use in removing ion-implanted photoresist. Such removal composition overcomes the intrinsic deficiency of SCCO 2 as a removal reagent, viz., the non-polar character of SCCO 2 and its associated inability to solubilize species such as inorganic salts and polar organic compounds that are present in the photoresist and that must be removed from the semiconductor substrate for efficient cleaning.
Abstract:
A composition including supercritical fluid and at least one additive selected from fluoro species, and primary and/or secondary amines, optionally with co-solvent, low k material attack-inhibitor(s) and/or surfactant(s). The composition has particular utility for cleaning of semiconductor wafers to remove post-ashing residues therefrom.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods of using said composition for removing polymeric materials from surfaces, preferably cleaning contaminant buildup from a lithography apparatus without total disassembly of said apparatus.
Abstract:
Removal compositions and processes for removing at least one material layer from a rejected microelectronic device structure having same thereon. The removal composition includes hydrofluoric acid. The composition achieves substantial removal of the material(s) to be removed while not damaging the layers to be retained, for reclaiming, reworking, recycling and / or reuse of said structure.
Abstract:
Non-aqueous and semi-aqueous removal compositions for removing resist and/or other materials from microelectronic devices. The non-aqueous removal composition includes tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and at least one dibasic ester. The semi-aqueous removal composition includes tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, at least one dibasic ester, at least one corrosion inhibitor, and no more than 30 wt% water. The removal compositions effectively removes resist and/or other materials while not damaging the underlying low-k dielectric or metallic materials.
Abstract:
A method and composition for removing copper-containing post-etch and/or post-ash residue from patterned microelectronic devices is described. The removal composition includes a diluent, a solvent and a copper corrosion inhibitor, wherein the diluent may be a dense fluid or a liquid solvent. The removal compositions effectively remove the copper-containing post-etch residue from the microelectronic device without damaging exposed low-k dielectric and metal interconnect materials.
Abstract:
A method and self assembled monolayer (SAM)-containing compositions for removing bulk and hardened photoresist material from microelectronic devices have been developed. The SAM-containing composition includes at least one solvent, at least one catalyst, at least one SAM component, and optionally a surfactant. The SAM-containing compositions effectively remove the hardened photoresist material while simultaneously passivating the underlying silicon-containing layer(s) in a one step process.