System, method, and apparatus for wetting slurry delivery tubes in a chemical mechanical polishing process to prevent clogging thereof
US7108588B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B57/02
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A moisturizing process for slurry delivery tubes in chemical mechanical polishing is disclosed. A mist of deionized water is dispensed directly into the tubes each time a high pressure spray bar automatically cycles. The tips of the tubes are kept wet enough to prevent the slurry from drying in and clogging the tubes. A fan-type spray nozzle is located in the bar and, when pressurized, dispenses a fine mist. A direction of the nozzle is modified to avoid overspraying the tool. Only the tips of the delivery tubes and part of the polishing pad receive the misted spray. The slurry is moisturized and never dries at the point of use as the mist is dispensed with each cycle of a pad rinse feature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.