Analysis of tungsten and titanium migration during ESD contact burnout

A physical and chemical analysis of a machine model (MM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) failure in a silicon circuit was carried out. Focused ion beam (FIB) was used to make cross sections through the region of contact burnout. The resulting samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and two-dimensional (2-D) auger electron spectroscopic (AES) mapping. It is shown for the first time that both titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W) migrated throughout the melted silicon filament. Large pellets of the W plug were embedded in the bulk silicon but only on the cathode side of the junction. Mechanisms are discussed to explain these phenomena. These involve the melting of titanium disilicide (TiSi/sub 2/), dissolution of Ti and W in the molten silicon and the formation of W pellets through electromigration at temperatures below /spl sim/1800 K.     

Ab-initio primitive cell parameters from single convergent-beam electron diffraction patterns: a converse route to the identification of microcrystals with electrons.

A new method for the ab initio derivation of Buerger-reduced primitive cell parameters from coordinate measurements of spots on single convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns is described, which does not involve trial-and-error. The pattern can be taken along any zone axis, and misorientations of the crystallite by as much as a few degrees are taken into account without loss of accuracy. This derivation of cell parameters by least-squares analysis of the measurements has been automated in a program called NRCBED. Present accuracy is about 1% on lengths and 2 degrees on angles, but could be significantly improved by modelling projector lens aberrations, or by using a microscope without a projector lens. With present technology, it is possible to obtain a CBED pattern and a semi-quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis simultaneously from a single microcrystal a few hundred Angstr?ms across. It becomes therefore possible to identify the material of the crystal on a single CBED pattern: a cell parameter database for known compounds is searched with the primitive cell parameters obtained in the above way, and with a mask describing the EDX results qualitatively. Feasibility is demonstrated on a crystallite of CeO2 500 Angstr?ms across. With this new approach, trial-and-error should disappear from the solution of other long-standing problems: interpretation of X-ray powder patterns for new compounds in the presence of impurity lines, or in the case of multiple phases should become straight-forward.     

Highly integrated direct conversion receiver for GSM/GPRS/EDGE with on-chip 84-dB dynamic range continuous-time /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ ADC

This paper describes a highly digitized direct conversion receiver of a single-chip quadruple-band RF transceiver that meets GSM/GPRS and EDGE requirements. The chip uses an advanced 0.25-/spl mu/m BiCMOS technology. The I and Q on-chip fifth-order single-bit continuous-time sigma-delta (/spl Sigma//spl Delta/) ADC has 84-dB dynamic range over a total bandwidth of /spl plusmn/135 kHz for an active area of 0.4 mm/sup 2/. Hence, most of the channel filtering is realized in a CMOS IC where digital processing is achieved at a lower cost. The systematic analysis of dc offset at each stage of the design enables to perform the dc offset cancellation loop in the digital domain as well. The receiver operates at 2.7 V with a current consumption of 75 mA. A first-order substrate coupling analysis enables to optimize the floor plan strategy. As a result, the receiver has an area of 1.8 mm/sup 2/.     

Prebiotic synthesis of sequential peptides on the Hadean beach by a molecular engine working with nitrogen oxides as energy sources

Addressing the still open question of the prebiotic origin of sequential macromolecules (peptides, nucleic acids) on the primitive Earth, we describe a molecular engine (the primary pump), which works at ambient temperature and continuously generates, elongates and complexifies sequential peptides. This new scenario is based on a cyclic reaction sequence, whose keystep is the activation of amino acids into their N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA) through nitrosation by NOx. This process could have taken place on tidal beaches; it requires a buffered ocean, emerged land and a nitrosating atmosphere. With the help of geochemical studies and computer simulations of atmosphere photochemistry, we show that the primitive Earth during the Hadean may have satisfied all these requirements. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.     

A distributed approach for access and visibility task with a manikin and a robot in a virtual reality environment

This paper presents a new method, based on a multi-agent system and on a digital mock-up technology, to assess an efficient path planner for a manikin or a robot for an access and visibility task taking into account ergonomic constraints or joint and mechanical limits. In order to solve this problem, the human operator is integrated in the process optimization to contribute to a global perception of the environment. This operator cooperates, in real time, with several automatic local elementary agents. The result of this work validates solutions through the digital mock-up; it can be applied to simulate maintainability and mountability tasks.     

(BETS)2[RuX5NO] (X = Cl, Br): An Explanation of Different Conductive Properties Through Structural and Spectroscopic Studies

For the development of new crystal and electronic structures in molecular conductors, dimeric tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and tetraselenafulvalenes (TSFs)1–3 linked by single or double methyl antimony bridge(s) have been prepared and their neutral crystal structures have been investigated. The donor2 (cis-2) forms a metallic cation radical salt with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) containing one-dimensional array interactions.     

Elastic properties of polycrystalline gold thin films: Simulation and X-ray diffraction experiments

The elastic behavior of supported gold thin films has been studied using a framework in which the elastic interaction between grains and the actual structure of the film (i.e. preferential grain orientation and grain shape) are taken into account. Experiments were carried out using synchrotron X-ray diffraction combined with in-situ tensile testing and thereafter, no assumptions on the residual stress state and on the stress-free lattice parameter a₀ have to be made. Modeling of grain elastic interactions is based on the extension of Eshelby-Kröner model, which allows for estimating the elastic behavior of polycrystals considering the texture and the shape of the crystallites. Flat-disc shaped grains arrangement is shown to yield the best representation of the elastic behavior of the fiber-textured gold thin films composed of columnar grains. This non-intuitive representation results from free-surface effect.     

In situ regeneration of the Ni-based catalytic reformer of a 5 kW PEMFC system

The paper reports the results of on-site regeneration catalytic bed of the natural gas reformer in a 5 kW PEM fuel cell system. The Ni catalyst previously poisoned by sulphur from the available natural gas, could be re-activated by injection of pure water steam, following the method developed for industrial reformers using the same metal catalyst: this method was shown to be perfectly efficient, provided no natural gas was fed during the operation. Results of the tests conducted are presented and discussed in relation to published data on S-sorption on Ni surfaces.     

Characterization of the ntrBC genes of Azospirillum brasilense Sp7: their involvement in the regulation of nitrogenase synthesis and activity

The in vitro effect of citric acid application on periodontally involved root surfaces was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Teeth were selected following specific criteria. The specimens were prepared for observation, and the features of the root surface were studied. The results demonstrated that a 3-minute application of citric acid (pH = 1.0) to the root surface after scaling and root planing demineralized the outer root surface, opened the dentinal tubules, and exposed collagen fibers. Scaling and root planing alone left the surface with a smear layer, scattered islands of cementum, and no collagen fibers or exposed dentinal tubules.