Abstract: A method and system are provided using an offset dial gage for alignment and adjustment of a polishing pad that has been attached to a turntable of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) device. In a described embodiment, an offset dial gage has a surface that contacts a side of a turntable, while a sensor tip contacts the edge of a polishing pad positioned on the turntable. This provides an assessment of radial displacement of the polishing pad edge at this measurement point relative to the side of the turntable. Based on one or more such measurements, the polishing pad may be found acceptably positioned, may be trimmed, or may be replaced. The method and system reduce or eliminate the occurrence of a defect pattern found to be related to side unloading of semiconductor wafers from a CMP turntable.

Abstract: A method and system are provided using an offset dial gage for alignment and adjustment of a polishing pad that has been attached to a turntable of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) device. In a described embodiment, an offset dial gage has a surface that contacts a side of a turntable, while a sensor tip contacts the edge of a polishing pad positioned on the turntable. This provides an assessment of radial displacement of the polishing pad edge at this measurement point relative to the side of the turntable. Based on one or more such measurements, the polishing pad may be found acceptably positioned, may be trimmed, or may be replaced. The method and system reduce or eliminate the occurrence of a defect pattern found to be related to side unloading of semiconductor wafers from a CMP turntable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for diminishing contamination of an integrated circuit wafer caused by residual slurry components disposed on a back side of a carrier for engaging an integrated circuit wafer. Also disclosed is a CMP machine configured to wash a back side of a carrier.

Abstract: A carrier head for supporting a wafer during a chemical mechanical polishing process is provided. In one exemplary implementation, the carrier head may comprise a wear ring, and a slidably movable pressure plate disposed within the wear ring. The pressure plate may be arranged to provide slidable movement relative to the wear ring. This degree of freedom can accommodate height dimensional changes that may occur in the wear ring.