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Optical interferometry for surface measurements of CMP pads

Journal Article · · Journal of Electronic Materials
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02655586· OSTI ID:420692
 [1]; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. Sandia National Lab., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  3. WYKO Corporation, Tucson, AZ (United States)

Optical interferometry was used to quantitatively characterize the surface of chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) pads used to polish oxide films. We discuss the optical interferometry technique, including a description of the parameters necessary to compare pad samples. Flat, mesa-like structures formed on the pad during the first 5 min polish when conditioning was not used. The data from the optical interferometer indicated that the surface topography did not change with subsequent polishing, even though the thermal oxide removal rate continued to decrease. We found conditioning roughened the pad surface. Rougher pad surfaces removed more oxide during a single 5 min polish than comparatively smooth pad surfaces. Data indicate that conditioning increases and stabilizes pad surface roughness. 5 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
420692
Report Number(s):
CONF-960202--
Journal Information:
Journal of Electronic Materials, Journal Name: Journal of Electronic Materials Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 25; ISSN JECMA5; ISSN 0361-5235
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English