A formidable challenge in the present multi-step Cu CMP process, employed in the ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) technology, is the control of wafer surface non-uniformity, which primarily is due to dielectric erosion and Cu dishing. In contrast with the earlier experimental and semi-theoretical investigations, a systematic way of characterizing and modeling dielectric erosion in both sing...

Electro-chemical polishing is a process of improving micro smoothness, micro topology, and material brightness by anodic dissolving of the substrate in an electrolyte with an external source of electricity. The resulting surface improvements depend on the uniformity of the material microstructure, the lack of surface inclusions, and the consistency of the surface finish all over the target area...

The resolution of patch-clamp recordings is limited by the geometrical and electrical properties of patch pipettes. The ideal whole-cell patch pipette has a blunt, cone-shaped tip and a low resistance. The best glasses for making patch pipettes are low noise, low capacitance glasses such as borosilicate and aluminasilicate glasses. Regrettably, nearly all borosilicate glasses form pipettes with...

AIM The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of Saudi dentists in finishing and polishing composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 306 Saudi dentists from March to April 2012. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 program and descriptive statistics were obtained. RESULTS Com...

OBJECTIVES To compare and evaluate the root surface roughness after using two polishing instruments for root planing. MATERIALS AND METHODS This comparative study was carried out on a sample of ten extracted human teeth with twenty interproximal root surfaces. Control group 1 and 2: (n=20 root surface): Gracey Curettes, 15 vertical strokes. Test group 1 (n=10): control group 1 + Termination D...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different polishing protocols on surface roughness and morphology of lithium disilicate ceramics (IPS e.max CAD). Fifty ceramic bars (2.0x3.0x2.5 mm) were produced and randomly divided into five groups (n=10), according to surface treatments: C: Control; Cer: Ceramaster (60 s); CW: cloth wheel with large-grit diamond (30 s) + cloth wheel with ...