Patents by Inventor Christopher R. McGuirk

Christopher R. McGuirk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6723224
    Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for electro-chemical polishing a metal layer disposed on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the electro-chemical polishing apparatus generally includes a substrate support having a plurality of contact members, a cathode and at least one nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to centrally dispose a polishing fluid on the substrate supported by the substrate support. The cathode is adapted to couple the polishing fluid to a negative terminal of a power source. A positive terminal of the power source is electrically coupled through the contact members to the conductive layer of the substrate. The nozzle creates a turbulent flow in the portion of the polishing fluid boundary layer proximate the center of the substrate which enhances the polishing rate at the center of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Yahalom, Srinivas Gandikota, Christopher R. McGuirk, Deenesh Padhi
  • Publication number: 20030024826
    Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for electrochemical polishing a metal layer disposed on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the electrochemical polishing apparatus generally includes a substrate support having a plurality of contact members, a cathode and at least one nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to centrally dispose a polishing fluid on the substrate supported by the substrate support. The cathode is adapted to couple the polishing fluid to a negative terminal of a power source. A positive terminal of the power source is electrically coupled through the contact members to the conductive layer of the substrate. The nozzle creates a turbulent flow in the portion of the polishing fluid boundary layer proximate the center of the substrate which enhances the polishing rate at the center of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Yahalom, Srinivas Gandikota, Christopher R. McGuirk, Deenesh Padhi