Abstract: A method for producing a normalized surface on a substrate for a chemical mechanical planarization process is provided. The method initiates with grinding a surface of the substrate with a first surface associated with a first planarization length. The method includes planarizing the surface of the substrate with a second surface associated with a second planarization length. Here, the second planarization length being less than the first planarization length. A system for processing a semiconductor substrate is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evenly distributing a polishing fluid onto a polishing pad during a chemical mechanical planarization process, wherein the polishing fluid is dispersed by way of a spray being emitted from a spray nozzle. The pattern of polishing fluid applied to the polishing pad can be modified by adjustment of geometric parameters of the spray nozzle. The apparatus is configured with actuating mechanisms for translating and rotating the spray nozzle relative to the polishing pad in order to adjust a pattern of distribution of the polishing fluid. The method of dispersing polishing fluid onto the polishing pad produces an even distribution of polishing fluid across a width of the polishing pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evenly distributing a polishing fluid onto a polishing pad during a chemical mechanical planarization process, wherein the polishing fluid is dispersed by way of a spray being emitted from a spray nozzle. The pattern of polishing fluid applied to the polishing pad can be modified by adjustment of geometric parameters of the spray nozzle. The apparatus is configured with actuating mechanisms for translating and rotating the spray nozzle relative to the polishing pad in order to adjust a pattern of distribution of the polishing fluid. The method of dispersing polishing fluid onto the polishing pad produces an even distribution of polishing fluid across a width of the polishing pad.

Abstract: Methods for dispensing slurry in a linear chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system are provided. One method involves the use of a pulsing flow of slurry instead of a continuous flow of slurry. Another method involves spraying a mist of slurry onto the polishing pad. Yet another method involves controlling the gap between the nozzles from which the slurry is dispensed and the top surface of the polishing pad. Each of these methods reduces the amount of slurry used during a CMP operation.