Method of endpoint detection during chemical/mechanical planarization of semiconductor wafers

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5036015
SERIAL NO

07586996

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Abstract

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A method and apparatus for detecting a planar endpoint on a semiconductor wafer during chemical/mechanical planarization of the wafer. The planar endpoint is detected by sensing a change in friction between the wafer and a polishing surface. This change of friction may be produced when, for instance, an oxide coating of the wafer is removed and a harder material is contracted by the polishing surface. In a preferred form of the invention, the change in friction is detected by rotating the wafer and polishing surface with electric motors and measuring current changes on one or both of the motors. This current change can then be used to produce a signal to operate control means for adjusting or stopping the process.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
ROUND ROCK RESEARCH LLC26 DEER CREEK LANE MT KISCO NY 10549

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Doan, Trung T Boise, ID 253 14083
Sandhu, Gurtej S Boise, ID 1223 33846
Schultz, Laurence D Boise, ID 17 1921

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