In-situ pad conditioning process for CMP
US6022266A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B37/042
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved method of in-situ conditioning of a polishing pad for use with a stationary pad conditioner during chemical mechanical polishing is described. A polishing table having a polishing pad on its surface is rotated in a first direction during polishing of a semiconductor wafer. A polishing pad conditioner is adjustably attached to the rotating polishing table such that the conditioner is stationary in relation to the rotating polishing table. The conditioner has a roughened surface which is in contact with the polishing pad providing in-situ conditioning during polishing of a semiconductor wafer. After polishing of the semiconductor wafer, the polishing table is rotated in a second direction while the conditioner is still in contact with polishing pad. Rotating the polishing pad in a second direction dislodges the polishing debris clogging the roughened surface of the conditioner and redistributes CMP slurry. The roughened surface of the pad conditioner is refreshed allowing more effective conditioning of the polishing pad. Pad life is prolonged, polishing is stabilized, and the polish cycle time is reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.