Speedfam-ipec Corporation

Novellus Systems Incorporated

Saket Chadda

Ismail Emesh

Brian L Mueller

Nikolay N Korovin

Timothy S Dyer

Clinton O Fruitman

Chris E Barns

An electrochemical planarization apparatus for planarizing a metallized surface on a workpiece includes a polishing pad and a platen. The platen is formed of conductive material, is disposed proximate to the polishing pad and is configured to have a negative charge during at least a portion of a planarization process. At least one electrical conductor is positioned within the platen. The electrical conductor has a first end connected to a power source. A workpiece carrier is configured to carry a workpiece and press the workpiece against the polishing pad. The power source applies a positive charge to the workpiece via the electrical conductor so that an electric potential difference between the metallized surface of the workpiece and the platen is created to remove at least a portion of the metallized surface from the workpiece.

Method and apparatus for electrochemical planarization of a workpiece

An apparatus for planarizing a workpiece has a web with a face which is positioned adjacent the workpiece during planarization. At least one tension assembly is configured to maintain tension of the web. An orbiting assembly is configured to orbit the web relative to the workpiece. The apparatus for planarizing a workpiece may include first and second polishing surfaces where the first polishing surface has a substantially horizontal web with a face which is positioned adjacent the workpiece during the planarization process. The apparatus may also have a rotatable carousel and at least two workpiece carriers suspended from the carousel. Each of the carriers is configured to carry a workpiece and press the workpiece against one of the polishing surfaces while causing relative motion between the workpiece and the polishing surface. An apparatus for planarizing a workpiece which includes a plurality of polishing stations is also disclosed. At least one of the polishing stations has a web with a first face which is positioned adjacent the workpiece during planarization . The apparatus also includes an orbiting assembly configured to orbit the web relative to the workpiece.

Orbiting indexable belt polishing station for chemical mechanical polishing

A multi-process workpiece apparatus is disclosed. The multi-process workpiece apparatus includes an electrochemical deposition apparatus which has a wafer contacting surface having at least one electrical conductor disposed therein. The multi-process workpiece apparatus also includes a planarization apparatus and at least one workpiece handling robot configured to transport a workpiece from the electrochemical deposition apparatus to the planarization apparatus.

Apparatus for electrochemically depositing a material onto a workpiece surface

An apparatus for performing an electrochemical process on a metallic surface of a workpiece, comprised of a substantially incompressible workpiece support plate. A platen for supporting the workpiece support plate, has at least one opening coupled to a source of electrolyte for receiving an electrolyte solution therethrough and placing the electrolyte solution in contact with the support plate and workpiece. A first conductive element is coupled to, a first potential and positioned proximate the metallic surface, and the carrier is configured to position the workpiece proximate the support plate.

Method and apparatus for the electrochemical deposition and removal of a material on a workpiece surface

A process for removing a metallized surface from a workpiece is provided. A kinetic removal mechanism for removal of the metallized surface is characterized by a formation step for formation of a removable surface film and an abrasive step for removal of the film. The process includes causing the workpiece to contact a polishing surface while effecting relative motion between the workpiece and the polishing surface. The process also includes causing a polishing solution having less than 1 wt % of a polishing abrasive to be distributed at a contact area between the workpiece and the polishing surface so that the abrasive step is a rate-determining step of the removal mechanism.

Apparatus and process for polishing a workpiece

An electrochemical deposition apparatus and method for depositing a material onto a surface of a workpiece and for polishing the material are disclosed. The apparatus includes a platen and a polishing surface, including a conductive material and conductors embedded therein, disposed proximate the platen. During material deposition, a bias is applied across the conductor and the platen to cause deposition of material onto the workpiece surface.

Method and apparatus for electrochemically depositing a material onto a workpiece surface

An electrochemical planarization apparatus for planarizing a metallized surface on a workpiece includes a platen, a conductive element disposed adjacent the platen and a polishing surface disposed adjacent the conductive element. A workpiece carrier is configured to carry a workpiece and press the workpiece against the polishing surface while causing relative motion between the workpiece and the polishing surface. A voltage source is configured to effect an electric potential difference between the metallized surface on the workpiece and the conductive element so that an electric field is produced between the metallized surface and the conductive element. The apparatus further includes a solution application mechanism configured to supply an electrolytic solution to the polishing surface.

Growing community of inventors

Chandler, AZ, United States of America

Saket Chadda