MKS Instruments (Germany)

The rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) market has created an urgent demand for innovative and efficient solutions in the manufacturing of integrated circuit (IC) substrates. A critical aspect of IC-substrate production is electrolytic copper plating, essential for ensuring electrical conductivity, reliability, and overall performance of the circuits. Traditional copper plating techniques often face challenges in achieving uniform deposition and adequate copper thickness in through-holes, which are crucial for high-performance AI applications. This paper explores recent advancements in electrolytic copper plating technologies, focusing on the application of pulse plating in vertical conveyorized equipment to address these challenges and deliver superior results.

Abstract A detailled study of the impact of stereoelectronic effects of olefins in the Matsuda‐Heck‐reaction was addressed by kinetic studies. In addition to the stereoelectronic effects of the olefins used, their influence on the formation of the catalytic Pd colloids was also investigated. Depending on the olefin used, different particle size distributions were obtained on the one hand and, on the other hand, inhibition effects due to adsorption of the olefins on the Pd colloids were observed. Based on these findings, it was possible to optimize reaction conditions for the respective olefins. The presented kinetic data were supplemented by STEM‐measurements.

Abstract Workpieces that are lightweight, easy building of complicated structures, fast production cycles – the advantages of additive manufacturing are many and appealing. But what started out as an approach for rapid prototyping will soon be used even to produce critical parts for airplanes or space shuttles. As the number of applications grows, so do the technological requirements. This is why it is so important for the parameters of the laser beam always to be reproducible – and not only on one machine over time, but also from one machine to the next.

A study is made of the effect of dissolved CO2 on cavitation inception and activity in an ultrasound system with a sound frequency of 928 kHz. It is shown that measurable cavitation activity is completely absent at moderate acoustic power densities (≤1.7 W cm-2) when only CO2 is dissolved in ultra pure water. It is suggested that the enhanced stability of CO2 bubbles against coalescence might be the origin of the delayed cavitation inception when compared to other dissolved gases. A combination of dissolved O2 and CO2 can lead to a measurable cavitation activity at an acoustic power of 420 mW cm-2, but an increase of the dissolved CO2 level reduces, in general, the observed cavitation activity. In order to compare results with different dissolved gas concentrations, measurements are performed with acoustic pulses and the pulse off time is varied. An optimal pulse-off time exists, where a maximum of cavitation activity is observed. However, the pulse-off time interval with enhanced cavitation activity is narrowed with increasing dissolved CO2 concentrations. Again, a decrease in bubble coalescence might explain the narrowing of the “enhancement peak”.