Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low within a wafer non-uniformity values and low residue levels remaining after polishing.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low dishing and erosion levels during CMP processing.

Abstract: A slurry for use in a chemical mechanical planarization process for a wafer comprises a chemical portion and a mechanical portion. The chemical portion comprises a surfactant that forms a layer over a metallic layer of the wafer to decreasing dishing to less than an average of 843 ? reduce the static etch rate of the metallic layer. The mechanical portion comprises an abrasive agent to assist in the planarization of the metallic layer of the wafer. In another embodiment, a slurry for polishing a copper layer formed over a first layer is disclosed. The slurry comprises an abrasive agent; and a surfactant comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant to reduce the static etch rate of the copper layer. The shelf life of the slurry exceeds 90 days.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low dishing and erosion levels during CMP processing.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low within a wafer non-uniformity values and low residue levels remaining after polishing.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low dishing and erosion levels during CMP processing.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low within a wafer non-uniformity values and low residue levels remaining after polishing.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low dishing and erosion levels during CMP processing.

Abstract: A slurry for use in a chemical mechanical planarization process for a wafer comprises a chemical portion and a mechanical portion. The chemical portion comprises a surfactant that forms a layer over a metallic layer of the wafer to decreasing dishing to less than an average of 843 ? reduce the static etch rate of the metallic layer. The mechanical portion comprises an abrasive agent to assist in the planarization of the metallic layer of the wafer. In another embodiment, a slurry for polishing a copper layer formed over a first layer is disclosed. The slurry comprises an abrasive agent; and a surfactant comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant to reduce the static etch rate of the copper layer. The shelf life of the slurry exceeds 90 days.

Abstract: An effective method for forming through-base wafer vias in the fabrication of stacked devices is described. The base wafer can be a silicon wafer in which case the method relates to TSV (through-silicon via) technology. The method affords high removal rates of both silicon and metal (e.g., copper) under appropriate conditions and is tuneable with respect to base wafer material to metal selectivity.

Abstract: A method and associated composition for chemical mechanical planarization of a chalcogenide-containing substrate (e.g., germanium/antimony/tellurium (GST)-containing substrate) are described. The composition and method afford low defect levels as well as low dishing and local erosion levels on the chalcogenide-containing substrate during CMP processing.

Abstract: A method using an associated composition for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) is described. This method affords low dishing and local erosion levels on the metal during CMP processing of the metal-containing substrate.

Abstract: A method and associated composition for chemical mechanical planarization of a chalcogenide-containing substrate (e.g., germanium/antimony/tellurium (GST)-containing substrate) are described. The composition and method afford low defect levels as well as low dishing and local erosion levels on the chalcogenide-containing substrate during CMP processing.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus is provided which deposits material onto or removes material from the surface of a workpiece. The apparatus comprises a polishing pad and a platen which is in turn comprised of a first conductive layer in contact with the polishing pad and coupled to a first potential, a second conductive layer coupled to a second potential, and a first insulating layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers. At least one electrical contact is positioned within the polishing pad and is electrically coupled to the second conductive layer. A reservoir is provided which places an electrolyte solution in contact with the polishing pad and the workpiece. A carrier positions and/or presses the workpiece against the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method of post chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) cleaning to remove a CMP residue from a surface of an object is disclosed. The object is placed within a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is pressurized. A supercritical carbon dioxide process is performed to remove a residual CMP residue from the surface of the object. The pressure chamber is vented.

Abstract: A method for treating a wellbore (or well casing) and the contiguous wellbore area to remove scale (mineral deposits comprised of, e.g., BaSO4, CaCO3, etc.) in the context of hydrocarbon recovery and other applications is disclosed, said method including contacting the scale with a fluid comprised of an ionic liquid or liquids.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus is provided which deposits material onto or removes material from the surface of a workpiece. The apparatus comprises a polishing pad and a platen which is in turn comprised of a first conductive layer in contact with the polishing pad and coupled to a first potential, a second conductive layer coupled to a second potential, and a first insulating layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers. At least one electrical contact is positioned within the polishing pad and is electrically coupled to the second conductive layer. A reservoir is provided which places an electrolyte solution in contact with the polishing pad and the workpiece. A carrier positions and/or presses the workpiece against the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method of post chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) cleaning to remove a CMP residue from a surface of an object is disclosed. The object is placed within a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is pressurized. A supercritical carbon dioxide process is performed to remove a residual CMP residue from the surface of the object. The pressure chamber is vented.

Abstract: Non-aqueous base wellbore fluids characterized by enhanced electrical conductivity due to formulation with specified ionic liquids are disclosed. Drilling, completion, and workover methods utilizing the wellbore fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of fracturing, including the provision and use of a fracturing fluid suspension containing an effective amount of a solid particulate breaker material having delayed breaking or degradation characteristics, additionally including an amount of durable fibers and/or platelets sufficient to enhance wellbore solids, such as proppant, transport. In a preferred aspect, solid particulate matter, which comprises or is composed of a specified organic polymeric compound or composition having an average molecular weight of at least 10,000, or a mixture of such compounds or compositions, and which solid organic polymeric matter reacts or decomposes, as described, is combined in a fracturing fluid with or containing a specified gellant and proppant, to form a fracturing fluid suspension, and the suspension formed is pumped downwell and deposited as a gelled suspension in the subterranean formation, generally under fracturing conditions.