Abstract: A computer program product that determines a polishing endpoint includes obtaining spectra from different zones on a substrate during different times in a polishing sequence, matches the spectra with indexes in a library and uses the indexes to determining a polishing rate for each of the different zones from the indexes. An adjusted polishing rate can be determined for one of the zones, which causes the substrate to have a desired profile when the polishing end time is reached.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a polishing module configured to use in a polishing system. The polishing module comprises a base member, two polishing stations disposed on the base member, one load cup, and a carousel having three polishing heads.

Abstract: A method for forming a polishing media and an article of manufacture is described. The article of manufacture may be formed into a polishing article. The polishing article includes a polymer base material and a plurality of nano-scale structures disposed in or on the polymer base material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring polishing pad conditioning mechanisms is provided. In one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate polishing system includes a rinse station, a polishing surface, a conditioning element, and a conditioning mechanism. The conditioning mechanism selectively positions the conditioning element over the polishing surface and over the rinse station. At least one sensor is provided and is configured to detect a first position and a second position of the conditioning element when disposed over the rinse station.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a track system in a polishing system. One embodiment described herein provides a track system configured to transfer polishing heads in a polishing system. The track system comprises a supporting frame, a track coupled to the supporting frame and defining a path along which the polishing heads are configured to move, and one or more carriages configured to carry at least one polishing head along the path defined by the track, wherein the one or more carriages are coupled to the track and independently movable along the track.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing one or more measurements of a substrate at one or more radii along the substrate are described. Thickness measurements taken at various radii along the substrate can be averaged together to obtain an average value that reflects an overall substrate thickness. A more accurate measurement of the overall substrate thickness can be obtained by performing multiple measurements and averaging the measurements together. Using the average value, polishing can be adjusted to ensure that the substrate achieves a desired planarized thickness profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing and refurbishing a conductive polishing pad assembly for performing an electrochemical process on a substrate is disclosed. The conductive polishing pad assembly is formed using a contact surface as a foundation that is coated with a metallic coating to create a conductive contact surface. In one embodiment, the metallic coating is a high purity tin/zinc alloy that is sprayed on the contact surface. The contact surface contains abrasive particles while the metallic coating provides at least conductive qualities to the contact surface.

Abstract: A method for conditioning an Ecmp pad is provided. In one embodiment, a method for electrochemically processing a substrate includes the steps of providing an electrical bias voltage between the top surface of the pad assembly and an electrode, and electrochemically removing contaminants from the top surface of the pad.

Abstract: A computer program product that determines a polishing endpoint includes obtaining spectra from different zones on a substrate during different times in a polishing sequence, matches the spectra with indexes in a library and uses the indexes to determining a polishing rate for each of the different zones from the indexes. An adjusted polishing rate can be determined for one of the zones, which causes the substrate to have a desired profile when the polishing end time is reached.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical property of a substrate includes recording a first spectrum obtained from a substrate, the first spectrum being obtained during a polishing process that alters a physical property of the substrate. The method includes identifying, in a database, at least one of several previously recorded spectra that is similar to the recorded first spectrum. Each of the spectra in the database has a physical property value associated therewith. The method includes generating a signal indicating that a first value of the physical property is associated with the first spectrum, the first value being determined using the physical property value associated with the identified previously recorded spectrum in the database. A system for determining a physical property of a substrate includes a polishing machine, an endpoint determining module, and a database.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical property of a substrate includes recording a first spectrum obtained from a substrate, the first spectrum being obtained during a polishing process that alters a physical property of the substrate. The method includes identifying, in a database, at least one of several previously recorded spectra that is similar to the recorded first spectrum. Each of the spectra in the database has a physical property value associated therewith. The method includes generating a signal indicating that a first value of the physical property is associated with the first spectrum, the first value being determined using the physical property value associated with the identified previously recorded spectrum in the database. A system for determining a physical property of a substrate includes a polishing machine, an endpoint determining module, and a database.

Abstract: A method of generating a library from a reference substrate for use in processing product wafers is described. The method includes measuring substrate characteristics at a plurality of well-defined points of a reference substrate, measuring spectra at plurality of measurement points of the reference substrate, there being more measurement points than well-defined points, and associating measured spectra with measured substrate characteristics.

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing module to process a substrate, a factory interface module configured to accommodate at least one cassette for holding the substrate, a spectrographic monitoring system positioned in or adjoining the factory interface module, and a substrate handler to transfer the substrate between the at least one cassette, the spectrographic monitoring system and the processing module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electroprocessing a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, a method for electroprocessing a substrate includes the steps of biasing a first electrode to establish a first electroprocessing zone between the electrode and the substrate, and biasing a second electrode disposed radially inward of the first electrode with a bias that is different than the bias applied to the first electrode. In one embodiment, the first electrode is coated with an inert material and in this way the same polish rate is obtained with a lower potential level applied to the first electrode.

Abstract: A method for determining a polishing endpoint includes obtaining spectra from different zones on a substrate during different times in a polishing sequence, matching the spectra with indexes in a library and using the indexes to determining a polishing rate for each of the different zones from the indexes. An adjusted polishing rate can be determined for one of the zones, which causes the substrate to have a desired profile when the polishing end time is reached.

Abstract: A processing pad and platen assembly for processing a substrate is provided. The platen assembly includes a spacer having an upper surface adapted to contact a lower surface of a pad assembly, an upper plate having a recessed area coupled to and disposed below the spacer, and a lower plate coupled to and disposed below the upper plate. The pad assembly includes at least a processing layer having a working surface adapted to process a substrate and an electrode disposed below the working surface of the processing layer. The spacer and the pad assembly have apertures therethrough to provide an electrolyte pathway to the platen assembly for removal of residual materials and other byproducts.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical property of a substrate includes recording a first spectrum obtained from a substrate, the first spectrum being obtained during a polishing process that alters a physical property of the substrate. The method includes identifying, in a database, at least one of several previously recorded spectra that is similar to the recorded first spectrum. Each of the spectra in the database has a physical property value associated therewith. The method includes generating a signal indicating that a first value of the physical property is associated with the first spectrum, the first value being determined using the physical property value associated with the identified previously recorded spectrum in the database. A system for determining a physical property of a substrate includes a polishing machine, an endpoint determining module, and a database.

Abstract: During polishing of a substrate, polysilicon can be removed from a surface of the substrate. Detecting an endpoint during polishing of polysilicon can include polishing the substrate having a polysilicon residue on an area of oxide area and optically detecting clearance of the polysilicon residue.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and apparatus are provided for processing a substrate surface. In one aspect, an article of manufacture is provided for polishing a substrate including polishing article comprising a body having at least a partially conductive polishing surface. An electrode is disposed below the polishing surface having a dielectric material therebetween. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the polishing surface and the dielectric material to at least partially expose the electrode to the polishing surface. A membrane may be disposed between the electrode and the polishing surface that is permeable to ions and current to promote continuity between the electrode and the polishing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and apparatuses for electroprocessing a substrate. In one embodiment, an apparatus for electrochemically processing the substrate includes a conductive processing surface adapted for processing a substrate thereon, and a polishing head for retaining the substrate against the processing surface. At least one drive mechanism provides relative motion between the conductive processing surface and the substrate. A first electrode is disposed below the conductive processing surface and is comprised of a first material. A second electrode is disposed radially inward of the first electrode and comprised of a second material.