Abstract: Cu metallization is treated to reduce defects and effect passivation by removing a thin surface layer or removing corrosion stains, subsequent to CMP and barrier layer removal, employing a cleaning composition comprising deionized water, an acid and ammonium hydroxide and/or an amine. Embodiments include removing up to about 100 Å of the Cu metallization surface in a damascene opening by sequentially treating the exposed Cu surface with: an optional corrosion inhibitor; a solution having a pH of about 4 to about 11 and containing an acid, ammonium hydroxide and/or an amine, and deionized water; and a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system and apparatus for cleaning a polishing pad, such as a fixed abrasive pad, in a substrate processing system. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more nozzles which spray a fluid at pressures of about 30 psi to about 300 psi or greater, as measured at the nozzle, onto a polishing pad at acute angles to the surface of the polishing pad. The nozzles can spray downward and outward toward the perimeter of the pad to facilitate the debris removal therefrom. The system can include a pressure source to produce a sufficient fluid pressure substantially higher than the typical fluid pressure available from a facility installation.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The carrier head includes a housing, a base, a loading mechanism, a gimbal mechanism, and a substrate backing assembly. The substrate backing assembly includes a support structure positioned below the base, a substantially horizontal, annular flexure connecting the support structure to the base, and a flexible membrane connected to the support structure. The flexible membrane has a mounting surface for a substrate, and extends beneath the base to define a chamber.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a flexible membrane, the lower surface of which provides a substrate-receiving surface. The carrier head may include a projection which contacts an upper surface of the flexible membrane to apply an increased load to a potentially underpolished region of a substrate. Fluid jets may be used for the same purpose.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The carrier head includes a housing, a base, a loading mechanism, a gimbal mechanism, and a substrate backing assembly. The substrate backing assembly includes a support structure positioned below the base, a substantially horizontal, annular flexure connecting the support structure to the base, and a flexible membrane connected to the support structure. The flexible membrane has a mounting surface for a substrate, and extends beneath the base to define a chamber.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a flexible membrane, the lower surface of which provides a substrate-receiving surface. The carrier head may include a projection which contacts an upper surface of the flexible membrane to apply an increased load to a potentially underpolished region of a substrate. Fluid jets may be used for the same purpose.

Abstract: Deposited Cu is initially removed by CMP with fixed abrasive polishing pads stopping on the barrier layer, e.g., Ta or TaN. Buffing is then conducted selectively with respect to Cu: Ta or TaN and Cu: silicon oxide to remove the barrier layer and control dishing to no greater than 100 Å.

Abstract: A carrier head with a flexible member connected to a base to define a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber. A lower surface of the flexible member provides a substrate receiving surface with an inner portion associated with the first chamber, a substantially annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion and associated with the second chamber, and a substantially annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion and associated with the third chamber. The width of the cuter portion may be significantly less than the width of the middle portion. The carrier head may also includea flange connected to a drive shaft and a gimbal pivotally connecting the flange to the base.

Abstract: A process for treating a copper or copper alloy substrate surface with a composition and corrosion inhibitor solution to minimize defect formation and surface corrosion, the method including applying a composition including one or more chelating agents, a pH adjusting agent to produce a pH between about 3 and about 11, and deionized water, and then applying a corrosion inhibitor solution. The composition may further comprise a reducing agent and/or corrosion inhibitor. The method may further comprise applying the corrosion inhibitor solution prior to treating the substrate surface with the composition.

Abstract: A carrier head with a flexible member connected to a base to define a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber. A lower surface of the flexible member provides a substrate receiving surface with an inner portion associated with the first chamber, a substantially annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion and associated with the second chamber, and a substantially annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion and associated with the third chamber. The width of the outer portion may be significantly less than the width of the middle portion. The carrier head may also include a flange connected to a drive shaft and a gimbal pivotally connecting the flange to the base.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The carrier head includes a housing, a base, a loading mechanism, a gimbal mechanism, and a substrate backing assembly. The substrate backing assembly includes a support structure positioned below the base, a substantially horizontal, annular flexure connecting the support structure to the base, and a flexible membrane connected to the support structure. The flexible membrane has a mounting surface for a substrate, and extends beneath the base to define a chamber.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The carrier head includes a housing, a base, a loading mechanism, a gimbal mechanism, and a substrate backing assembly. The substrate backing assembly includes a support structure positioned below the base, a substantially horizontal, annular flexure connecting the support structure to the base, and a flexible membrane connected to the support structure. The flexible membrane has a mounting surface for a substrate, and extends beneath the base to define a chamber.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a flexible membrane, the lower surface of which provides a substrate-receiving surface. The carrier head may include a projection which contacts an upper surface of the flexible membrane to apply an increased load to a potentially underpolished region of a substrate. Fluid jets may be used for the purpose.

Abstract: A carrier head with a flexible member connected to a base to define a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber. A lower surface of the flexible member provides a substrate receiving surface with an inner portion associated with the first chamber, a substantially annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion and associated with the second chamber, and a substantially annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion and associated with the third chamber. The width of the outer portion may be significantly less than the width of the middle portion. The carrier head may also includea flange connected to a drive shaft and a gimbal pivotally connecting the flange to the base.

Abstract: A carrier head with a flexible member connected to a base to define a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber. A lower surface of the flexible member provides a substrate receiving surface with an inner portion associated with the first chamber, a substantially annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion and associated with the second chamber, and a substantially annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion and associated with the third chamber. The width of the outer portion may be significantly less than the width of the middle portion. The carrier head may also include a flange connected to a drive shaft and a gimbal pivotally connecting the flange to the base.

Abstract: A conditioner apparatus uses one or more linear conditioners. The linear conditioners extend from the edge of the polishing pad almost to the center of the pad. The conditioner apparatus may use two conditioner rods located on either side of a radial segment. The rods gimbal so that if one rod rises, the other rod is forced downwardly. In addition, the rods can pivot independently about a lateral axis, but they cannot pivot around the vertical axis. The linear conditioners may be actuated by a piezoelectric member or swept by an arm toward and away from the center of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A polishing pad for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The polishing pad includes a plurality of concentric circular grooves uniformly spaced over the polishing surface of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A process using a retaining ring assembly of a carrier head to precompress a polishing pad to reduce or minimize the edge effect in a chemical mechanical polishing process.