In contrast to other works we show patterned growth

of multi walled CNTs on substrates with pre-structured bond pads including a complete metallization system for electrical characterization. Furthermore, we succeeded achieving a reliable flip chip connection between CNT-covered contact pads and metal pads at temperatures lower than 200 degrees C. Our goal is a reversible electrical and mechanical chip assembly with CNT bumps.\n\nFor bonding experiments and electrical characterization a test structure with a damascene metallization including a layer stack of TiN/Cu/TiN was prepared. For CNT growth a thin nickel catalyst layer was selectively deposited with sputtering and a lift-off technique on the contact pads. The CNTs were grown by thermal CVD with ethylene as carbon source. CNT growth parameters like catalyst thickness, gas composition, growth time and temperature were optimized to get dense

CNT growth. The metal bumps of the check details counter chip consist of electroless deposited Ni. With the selected layout we can obtain daisy chain and four-point measurements for lossless determination of single contact resistance. We have obtained Z-DEVD-FMK reliable electrical contacts with relatively small resistance reaching values as low as 2.2 Omega. As CNT-quality is strongly dependent on the growth temperature we observed a strong change in resistivity of the flip chip connection as the growth temperature was varied. Reliability tests showed long time stability under thermal

Smoothened Agonist cost stress proving a reliable electrical contact between the contact pads. There is an appropriate Potential for further optimization of the CNT bump resistance and applying this technology for IC-devices. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Use of herbal extracts and essences as natural antibacterial compounds has become increasingly popular for the control of oral infectious diseases. Therefore, finding natural antimicrobial products with the lowest side effects seems necessary. The present study sought to assess the effect of Punica granatum L. water extract on five oral bacteria and bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire. Methods: Antibacterial property of P. granatum L. water extract was primarily evaluated in brain heart infusion agar medium using well-plate method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by macro-dilution method. The inhibitory effect on orthodontic wire bacterial biofilm formation was evaluated using viable cell count in biofilm medium. At the final phase, samples were fixed and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results: The growth inhibition zone diameter was proportional to the extract concentration. The water extract demonstrated the maximum antibacterial effect on Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC 10556 with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.