Patent · US Expired

Method for controlling a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) operation

US6932671B1 · kind B1 · utility

17Cited by
2References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 5, 2004
Grant dateAug 23, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 5, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB24B49/04
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method is provided for controlling a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) operation. The method is operative in a CMP apparatus having a plurality of end point detection probes and in which a plurality of process variables can be set to adjust the removal rate across a layer that is to be polished. In accordance with the method, the process variables are adjusted to a first setting and a layer overlying a work piece is polished using that setting. Information from the plurality of end point detection probes is collected and evaluated to determine removal rate of the layer. The process variables are adjusted in response the evaluation and a second layer on a second work piece is polished using the adjusted settings.

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