Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad

US6626743B1 · kind B1 · utility

17Cited by
36References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 31, 2000
Grant dateSep 30, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 31, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB24B57/02
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad is described. The method includes applying a stream of pressurized liquid to the polishing pad, and removing a significant amount of slurry and liquid from the polishing pad using a vacuum. The apparatus includes a liquid distribution unit forming at least one opening upon which liquid is forced through at high pressure, the opening directed at the polishing pad, and a liquid recovery unit positioned downstream from the liquid distribution unit and in communication with the polishing pad, the liquid recovery unit connected with a vacuum for removing liquid and slurry from the polishing pad.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.