IP Library Granted Patent US 7,077,731
Granted Patent B1
US 7,077,731 · App. 10/743,963 · Granted Jul 18, 2006

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system and method for preparing a wafer in a cleaning module

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,077,731
App. No.
10/743,963
Granted
Jul 18, 2006
Kind
B1
Abstract

A method for preparing a wafer in a cleaning module is described. In this method, slurry is dispensed onto a surface of a wafer. Next, a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) operation is conducted in the cleaning module by contacting a surface of a brush with the surface of the wafer. Subsequently, a cleaning operation is conducted in the cleaning module. A CMP pad and a CMP system also are described.

Claims (18)

1. A chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system, comprising:

a first brush having a CMP pad covering an outer portion of the first brush;

a second brush, the second brush being oriented relative to the first brush to receive a wafer between the first and second brushes;

a first drive roller;

a second drive roller, the first and second drive rollers being configured to receive an edge of the wafer to stabilize and rotate the wafer when placed between the first and second brushes; and

a slurry dispenser disposed above the two drive rollers, the slurry dispenser being configured to dispense slurry onto the surface of the wafer.

2. The CMP system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a third drive roller, the first, second, and third drive rollers being configured to receive an edge of the wafer to stabilize and rotate the wafer when placed between the first and second brushes.

3. The CMP system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a housing, the housing being configured to enclose the CMP system.

4. The CMP system of claim 1 , wherein the first brush and the second brush apply a pressure between about 1 pound per square inch and about 6 pounds per square inch to corresponding surfaces of the wafer.

5. The CMP system of claim 4 , wherein the CMP pad includes:

a cylindrical core; and

a CMP pad material disposed on an outer portion of the cylindrical core.

6. The CMP system of claim 5 , wherein the CMP pad material is configured for buffing.

7. The CMP system of claim 5 , wherein the CMP pad material is comprised of porous rubber.

8. The CMP system of claim 5 , wherein the CMP pad material is configured for cleaning.

9. The CMP system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second brushes are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 18, 2008
From: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
To: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
Reel/Frame 020951/0935 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 22, 2003
From: ZHANG, XIUHUA
To: LAM RSEARCH CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 014847/0715 →