Abstract:
The chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) of products in general and semiconductor wafers in particular is controlled by monitoring the acoustic emissions generated during CMP. A signal (54) is generated with the acoustic emissions which is reflective of the energy of the acoustic emissions. The signals are monitored (75) and the CMP process (48/52) is adjusted in response to a change in the acoustic emission energy. Changes in the acoustic emission energy signal can be used to determine the end-point for CMP, particularly when fabricating semiconductor wafers for planarizing/polishing a given surface thereof. Long-term changes in the acoustic emission energy signals resulting from process changes including, for example, wear of the polishing pad (20), can also be detected with the acoustic emission energy signals so that desired or necessary process adjustments, such as a reconditioning of the polishing pad (20), for example, can be detected or the process can be stopped or an alarm signal can be generated when unacceptable process abnormalities occur.
Abstract:
Device (1) for working ceramic objects provided with at least one tool (2) operating in rotation to cut at least one ceramic article (4) positioned on a worktop (5), and comprising: at least one cooling element (6) adapted to send compressed air in correspondence with the area of contact between the tool and the article; at least one cleaning element (9) adapted to send compressed air from the tool and distinguished from the cooling element (6).
Abstract:
Embodiments described herein use closed-loop control (CLC) of conditioning sweep to enable uniform groove depth removal across the pad, throughout pad life. A sensor integrated into the conditioning arm enables the pad stack thickness to be monitored in-situ and in real time. Feedback from the thickness sensor is used to modify pad conditioner dwell times across the pad surface, correcting for drifts in the pad profile that may arise as the pad and disk age. Pad profile CLC enables uniform reduction in groove depth with continued conditioning, providing longer consumables lifetimes and reduced operating costs.
Abstract:
A truing and dressing machine for profiling an abrasive wheel. The truing and dressing machine includes a truing wheel assembly for positioning the truing wheel relative to an abrasive wheel mounted on an abrasive wheel spindle. The truing wheel assembly includes a truing wheel swivel located between a truing wheel spindle housing and a reciprocation slide that is attached to an infeed slide. An infeed slide swivel is located between the infeed slide and a bottom support swivel plate which is rotatably connected to a base plate. Utilization of both an infeed slide swivel and a truing wheel swivel allows for dressing both sides and the face of the abrasive wheel without having to remove, flip, and reinsert the abrasive wheel into the machine.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a composite material having non-planar geometries and edge-shaving surfaces comprising a CVD diamond coating applied to a composite substrate made from a ceramic material and a preferably unreacted carbide-forming material of various configurations and for a variety of applications.
Abstract:
A wafer planarization process with a conditioning tool (14) having an electrical insulator that electrically insulates the abrasive surface of the conditioning tool (14). The electrical insulator extends the useful life of the abrasive surface of the conditioning tool (14) by reducing the level of electrochemically driven corrosion.
Abstract:
Polishing pads having a surface morphology that results in a high degree of planarization efficiency when planarizing a wafer surface are disclosed. One conditioned polishing pad is non-porous and has a surface height distribution with a surface roughness Ra = 60%, or alternatively has an asymmetric surface height probability distribution characterized by an asymmetry factor A10
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved planarization apparatus for chemical mechanical planarization. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus having a back support (118) operatively coupled to the edge support, the bac support having at least one surface for supporting a back side of the object during planarization. The surface for supporting the back side provides a substantially friction free interface between the surface and the back side of the object to allow the object to move across the surface of the back support. In some embodiments, an edge support (120) is movably coupled to an edge of an object for supporting and positioning the object during planarization.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved planarization or polishing apparatus for chemical mechanical planarization and other types of polishing such as metal polishing and optical polishing. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for polishing an object (115) comprises a pad (117) having a polishing surface to be placed on the target surface of the object (115) to be polished. A pad drive member (116) is connected to the pad to move the pad relative to the object to chenge a position of the polishing surface of the pad on the target surface of the object. A drive support (251) is movably coupled with the pad drive member (116) to support the pad drive member (116) for rotation relative to the drive support around a pivot point (252) which is disposed substantially on the target surface of the object (115) during polishing.