Abstract: Within a method for removing from over a substrate a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) residue layer there is first provided a substrate. There is then formed over the substrate: (1) a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) substrate layer having an aperture formed therein; (2) a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) planarized patterned layer formed within the aperture within the chemical mechanical polish (CMP) substrate layer; and (3) a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) residue layer formed upon at least one of the chemical mechanical polish substrate layer and the chemical mechanical polish (CMP) planarized patterned layer, where at least one of the chemical mechanical polish (CMP) substrate layer and the chemical mechanical polish (CMP) planarized patterned layer has a first aqueous contact angle.

Abstract: An insulated trench isolation structure is formed in a semiconductor substrate omitting a barrier nitride polish stop layer while avoiding substrate damage, thereby simplifying trench formation and improving planarity. After trench fill, polishing is conducted to effect substantial planarization without exposing the substrate surface, thereby avoiding substrate damage. Etching is then conducted to expose the substrate surface. The omission of the barrier nitride polish stop avoids generation of a topographical step at the substrate/trench fill interface, thereby enhancing the accuracy of subsequent photolithographic techniques in forming features with minimal dimensions.