Abstract: The disclosure provides an integrated circuit (IC) structure with fluorescent materials, and related methods. An IC structure according to the disclosure may include a layer of fluorescent material on an IC component. The layer of fluorescent material defines a portion of an identification marker for the IC structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes fabricating devices with tunable gate height and effective capacitance. A method includes forming a first metal gate stack in a dummy region of a semiconductor substrate, the first metal gate stack including a first work function metal (WFM) layer; forming a second metal gate stack in an active device region of the semiconductor substrate, the second metal gate stack including a second WFM layer different than the first WFM layer; and performing a CMP process using a slurry including charged abrasive nanoparticles. The charged abrasive nanoparticles include a first concentration in the active device region different from a second concentration in the dummy region causing different polish rates in the active device region and dummy region. After the performing of the CMP process, the first metal gate stack has a first height different from a second height of the second metal gate stack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are integrated circuit (IC) components with dummy structures, as well as related methods and devices. For example, in some embodiments, an IC component may include a dummy structure in a metallization stack. The dummy structure may include a dummy material having a higher Young's modulus than an interlayer dielectric of the metallization stack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of forming a multi-layer integrated circuit (IC) structure that includes forming a first dielectric layer from a first dielectric material. A first conductive interconnect is formed having a first conductive interconnect surface. The first conductive interconnect is positioned in a first portion of the first dielectric layer, and the first conductive interconnect surface has a first conductive interconnect surface area. A second conductive interconnect is formed having a second conductive interconnect surface. The second conductive interconnect is above the first conductive interconnect and positioned in a second portion of the first dielectric layer. The second conductive interconnect surface has a second conductive interconnect surface area that is less than a first conductive interconnect surface area of the first conductive interconnect.

Abstract: An opening is formed through a dielectric material layer to physically expose a top surface of a conductive material portion in, or over, a substrate. A metallic nitride liner is formed on a sidewall of the opening and on the top surface of the conductive material portion. A metallic adhesion layer including an alloy of copper and at least one transition metal that is not copper is formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic nitride liner. A copper fill material portion may be formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic adhesion layer. The metallic adhesion layer is thermally stable, and remains free of holes during subsequent thermal processes, which may include reflow of the copper fill material portion. An additional copper fill material portion may be optionally deposited after a reflow process.

Abstract: A package includes a first die, a second die, an encapsulant, and through insulating vias (TIV). The first die has a first bonding structure. The first bonding structure includes a first dielectric layer and first connectors embedded in the first dielectric layer. The second die has a second bonding structure. The second bonding structure includes a second dielectric layer and second connectors embedded in the second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer is hybrid bonded to the second dielectric layer. The first connectors are hybrid bonded to the second connectors. The encapsulant laterally encapsulates the second die. The TIVs penetrate through the encapsulant and are connected to the first bonding structure.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical connection structure is provided. The method includes forming a first metal material in an opening of a dielectric layer. The first metal material includes a plurality of grains. The method also includes forming a second metal material over the first metal material. The method also includes annealing the second metal material so that the second metal material diffuses along grain boundaries of the grains of the first metal material. The method also includes removing the second metal material from the upper surface of the first metal material.

Abstract: A method includes forming a first metallization layer containing a first metal-containing line and a second metal-containing line disposed in a first interlevel dielectric layer. The first metal-containing line includes a first conductive metal and the second metal-containing line includes a second conductive metal. The first metal-containing line and the second metal-containing line are recessed to below a top surface of the interlevel dielectric layer. A metal-containing cap protection layer is deposited in a recessed portion of the first metal-containing line and the second metal-containing line. The metal-containing cap protection layer includes a third conductive metal which is different than the first conductive metal and the second conductive metal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a substrate including an active pattern; a gate electrode crossing the active pattern and extending in a first direction; a source/drain pattern on the active pattern and adjacent to a side of the gate electrode; and an active contact in a contact hole on the source/drain pattern, wherein the active contact includes a first contact in a lower region of the contact hole, the first contact including a barrier pattern and a conductive pattern; a diffusion barrier layer on the first contact; and a second contact on the diffusion barrier layer, and a top surface of the diffusion barrier layer is coplanar with a top surface of the barrier pattern of the first contact.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnect structure includes forming at least one second-level interconnect in a sacrificial dielectric layer that is formed on an upper surface of a sacrificial etch stop layer, and removing the sacrificial dielectric layer and the sacrificial etch stop layer while maintaining the at least one second-level interconnect so as to expose an underlying dielectric layer. The method further includes depositing a replacement dielectric layer on an upper surface of the underlying dielectric layer to embed the at least one second-level interconnect in the replacement dielectric layer. Accordingly, an interconnect structure can be formed that includes one or more first-level interconnect in a dielectric layer and one or more second-level interconnects in a replacement dielectric layer stacked on the dielectric layer. The replacement dielectric layer directly contacts the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method for repairing features of a host semiconductor wafer. The method includes forming a feature of the host semiconductor wafer, wherein the feature includes a first conductive material and a surface having a planar region and non-planar regions. The method further includes forming a metal conductive liner over the non-planar regions. The method further includes applying a second conductive material metal layer over said the conductive liner. The method further includes recessing the second conductive material to be substantially planar with the planar region.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method for repairing features of a host semiconductor wafer. The method includes forming a feature of the host semiconductor wafer, wherein the feature includes a first conductive material and a surface having a planar region and non-planar regions. The method further includes forming a metal conductive liner over the non-planar regions. The method further includes applying a second conductive material metal layer over said the conductive liner. The method further includes recessing the second conductive material to be substantially planar with the planar region.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices including bamboo tall via interconnect structures and methods of forming the bamboo tall via interconnect structures generally include a first via in a first dielectric layer including a liner layer and a bulk conductor in the first via, wherein the bulk conductor includes a recess filled with a conductive metal different from the bulk conductor and selected to prevent diffusion of the bulk conductor. At least one additional via is in a second dielectric layer including a liner layer and a bulk conductor in the least one additional via, wherein the second dielectric layer is on the first dielectric layer, and wherein the bulk conductor includes a recess filled with a conductive metal different from the bulk conductor and selected to prevent diffusion of the bulk conductor. The at least one additional via is aligned with the first via.

Abstract: One or more embodiments described herein include systems, and/or methods that facilitate fabrication of a semiconductor device using a spacer lithography-etch process. According to an embodiment, a method can comprise performing a first lithography exposure and etch over a first layer of a semiconductor device, where the first lithography exposure and etch comprises forming one or more mandrels on a first region of a second layer by employing a first photoresist layer. The method can further comprise forming one or more spacers on a sidewall of the one or more mandrels and covering a second region of the second layer, where the second region is adjacent to the one or more mandrels. The method can further comprise forming a cut over a third region of the second layer and filling the third region with first material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming an interconnect structure. The method can include providing a semiconductor substrate; depositing a photoresist and a BARC layer on the semiconductor substrate; forming an opening in the photoresist and the BARC layer and a portion of the semiconductor substrate; depositing a conductive material to fill the opening; and planarizing the conductive material and the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a preparation method of a Cu-based resistive random access memory, and a memory. The preparation method includes: performing composition and a chemical combination treatment on a lower copper electrode (10) to generate a compound buffer layer (40), wherein the compound buffer layer (40) is capable of preventing the oxidation of the lower copper electrode (10); depositing a solid electrolyte material (50) on the compound buffer layer (40); and depositing an upper electrode (60) on the solid electrolyte material (50) to form the memory.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include methods of processing a substrate. The method includes depositing a conformal layer on a substrate which contains seams. The substrate is treated using a high pressure anneal in the presence of an oxidizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to interconnect structures and methods of manufacture. The structure includes a metallization feature comprising a fill material and formed within a dielectric layer; at least one cap covering the fill material of the metallization feature, the at least one cap is comprised of a material different than the fill material of the metallization feature; and an interconnect structure in electrical contact with the metallization feature.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for forming a continuous adhesion layer for a contact plug. A method includes forming an opening through a dielectric layer to an active area on a substrate. The method includes performing a first plasma treatment along a sidewall of the opening. The method includes performing an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process to form a metal nitride layer along the sidewall of the opening. The ALD process includes a plurality of cycles. Each cycle includes flowing a precursor to form a metal monolayer along the sidewall and performing a second plasma treatment to treat the metal monolayer with nitrogen. The method includes depositing a conductive material on the metal nitride layer in the opening to form a conductive feature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a preparation method of a Cu-based resistive random access memory, and a memory. The preparation method includes: forming a copper wire in a groove through a Damascus copper interconnection process, wherein the copper wire includes a lower copper electrode for growing a storage medium, and the copper wire is arranged above a first capping layer; forming a second capping layer above the copper wire; forming a hole at a position corresponding to the lower copper electrode on the second capping layer, wherein the pore is used for exposing the lower copper electrode; performing composition and a chemical combination treatment on the lower copper electrode to generate a compound barrier layer, wherein the compound barrier layer is a compound formed by the chemical combination of elements Cu, Si and N, or a compound formed by the chemical combination of elements Cu, Ge and N; and depositing a solid electrolyte material and an upper electrode on the compound barrier layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus comprises a semiconductor substrate, a dummy trench section which is formed in a front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a first front-surface-side electrode which is formed above the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and contains metals, and the dummy trench section has a dummy trench formed in the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, an insulation film formed on an inner wall of the dummy trench, a dummy conductive section formed inside the dummy trench on an inner side than the insulation film, and a protection section having an opening to expose at least a part of the dummy conductive section and covering the insulation film on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the first front-surface-side electrode has a portion formed within the opening of the protection section and contacts with the dummy conductive section.

Abstract: A method of forming bump structures for interconnecting components includes dry etching a layer of insulating material to create a pattern for bump structures. A seed layer is deposited on the insulating material over the pattern. The seed layer is patterned with a photo resist material. The method also includes forming bump structures over the seed layer and the photo resist material with a plating material to form bump structures in the pattern, wherein the bump structures are isolated from one another.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for electroplating material onto substrates. Often the substrate is a semiconductor substrate. Various techniques described herein utilize a number of different electroplating stages, where the convection conditions vary between the different electroplating stages. In many cases, at least one ultra-low convection stage is used. The ultra-low convection stage may be paired with an initial stage and a final stage that have higher convection conditions. By controlling the convection conditions as described herein, very uniform plating results can be achieved, even when differently sized and/or shaped features are provided on a single substrate.

Abstract: A simulation method of CMP process comprises: building a CMP model, and forming a matrix table of line width logarithm-density according to the CMP model, and making each intersection of the matrix table correspond to each CMP result under the corresponding line width and density; dividing a layout into a plurality of grids, and converting the equivalent line width and density of each grid into the coordinate of line width logarithm-density in the matrix table; fitting and calculating preliminary CMP simulation results of each grid according to the coordinate of each grid in the matrix table and the CMP simulation results of its adjacent intersections of the matrix table; fitting and computing final CMP simulation results of each grid according to a related weighting factor which considers the impact of adjacent grids for the current grid on the layout; outputting the final CMP simulation results of the whole layout.

Abstract: A method of forming copper interconnects includes: depositing a dielectric layer on a silicon wafer substrate; forming vias and/or trenches in the dielectric layer; next, depositing a barrier layer and a copper seed layer sequentially from bottom to up on the dielectric layer; depositing a copper layer on the copper seed layer, and performing an annealing process; then performing a multi-step polishing process to remove bulk coppers and stopping at the barrier layer; performing a planarization process to remove the barrier layer on the surface of the dielectric layer, a portion of the dielectric layer, and a portion of the copper in the vias and/or trenches to form the copper interconnects in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Techniques relate to forming an integrated circuit. Trench contacts are formed on top of at least one source and drain of an intermediate structure. An interlayer dielectric is formed on top of the intermediate structure. A trench is cut through the interlayer dielectric, through at least one of the trench contacts, down to a shallow trench isolation area. The trench is filled with a filling material. Upper contacts are formed on top of the trench contacts in the interlayer dielectric. A first metal layer pattern is patterned such that a separation is formed by a filling material width of the filling material. First metal layers are formed according to the first metal layer pattern, where tips of the first metal layers are aligned to the filling material that fills the trench, such that the tips of the first metal layers are separated by the filling material width.

Abstract: A circuit board and an assembly including the circuit board are provided. The circuit board includes a first insulation layer, a first conductive pattern disposed on the first insulation layer, an insulation film disposed on the first conductive pattern, and a second conductive pattern disposed on the insulation film. The insulation film includes an insulation thin film contacting the first conductive pattern, and a function film disposed on the insulation thin film and contacting the second conductive pattern.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method of removing a metal-containing layer is provided. The method comprises generating a plasma from a fluorine-containing gas. The plasma comprises fluorine radicals and fluorine ions. The fluorine ions are removed from the plasma to provide a reactive gas having a higher concentration of fluorine radicals than fluorine ions. A substrate comprising a metal-containing layer is exposed to the reactive gas. The reactive gas dopes at least a portion of the metal-containing layer to form a metal-containing layer doped with fluorine radicals. The metal-containing layer doped with fluorine radicals is exposed to a nitrogen and hydrogen containing gas mixture and the reactive gas to remove at least a portion of the metal-containing layer doped with fluorine radicals.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating layer including a first insulating layer on a substrate, and a plurality of interconnections in the first insulating layer. The interlayer insulating layer includes a first region, and a second region including an air gap. The air gap is defined between a pair of the interconnections in the second region. A top surface of the first insulating layer of the first region is lower than a top surface of at least one of the interconnections in the first region.

Abstract: Metallic layers can be selectively deposited on surfaces of a substrate relative to a second surface of the substrate. In preferred embodiments, the metallic layers are selectively deposited on copper instead of insulating or dielectric materials. In preferred embodiments, a first precursor forms a layer or adsorbed species on the first surface and is subsequently reacted or converted to form a metallic layer. Preferably the deposition temperature is selected such that a selectivity of above about 90% is achieved.

Abstract: A variable resistance memory device and a driving method thereof are provided. The variable resistance memory device includes a base layer and a pillar-shaped gate electrode formed on the base layer and extending substantially perpendicular to a surface of the base layer. A current transfer layer is formed to surround the pillar-shaped gate electrode. A variable resistance layer formed in an outer portion of the current transfer layer. A blocking layer blocks a path of current flowing through the current transfer layer based on a voltage applied voltage to the pillar-shaped gate electrode, and diverts the current flowing through the current transfer layer to the variable resistance layer.

Abstract: Compositions containing an adhesive material, a release additive and a copper passivation agent are suitable for temporarily bonding two surfaces, such as a semiconductor substrate active side and a carrier substrate. These compositions are useful in the manufacture of electronic devices where a temporary bonding of a component to a substrate having a copper surface is desired.

Abstract: Techniques relate to forming an integrated circuit. Trench contacts are formed on top of at least one source and drain of an intermediate structure. An interlayer dielectric is formed on top of the intermediate structure. A trench is cut through the interlayer dielectric, through at least one of the trench contacts, down to a shallow trench isolation area. The trench is filled with a filling material. Upper contacts are formed on top of the trench contacts in the interlayer dielectric. A first metal layer pattern is patterned such that a separation is formed by a filling material width of the filling material. First metal layers are formed according to the first metal layer pattern, where tips of the first metal layers are aligned to the filling material that fills the trench, such that the tips of the first metal layers are separated by the filling material width.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one example, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes selectively depositing a metal capping layer on first sidewalls of a copper line while leaving exposed portions of a dielectric layer that are laterally adjacent to the copper line exposed. An ILD layer is deposited overlying the metal capping layer and the exposed portions of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Provided are methods of fabricating a semiconductor device and semiconductor devices fabricated thereby. In the methods, dummy recess regions may be formed between cell recess regions and a peripheral circuit region. Due to the presence of the dummy recess regions, it may be possible to reduce a concentration gradient of a suppressor contained in a plating solution near the dummy pattern region, to make the concentration of the suppressor more uniform in the cell pattern region, and to supply an electric current more effectively to the cell pattern region. As a result, a plating layer can be more uniformly formed in the cell pattern region, without void formation therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to, among other things, an illustrative method that includes forming an opening in a dielectric material of a contact level of a semiconductor device, and selectively depositing a conductive material in the opening to form a contact element therein, the contact element extending to a contact area of a circuit element and having a laterally restricted excess portion formed outside of the opening and above the dielectric material. The disclosed method further includes forming a sacrificial material layer above the dielectric material and the contact element, the sacrificial material layer surrounding the laterally restricted excess portion. Additionally, the method includes planarizing a surface topography of the contact level in the presence of the sacrificial material so as to remove the laterally restricted excess portion from above the dielectric material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an improved process for depositing tungsten-containing materials. In one embodiment, the method for forming a tungsten-containing material on a substrate includes forming an adhesion layer containing titanium nitride on a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate, forming a tungsten nitride intermediate layer on the adhesion layer, wherein the tungsten nitride intermediate layer contains tungsten nitride and carbon. The method further includes forming a tungsten barrier layer (e.g., tungsten or tungsten-carbon material) from the tungsten nitride intermediate layer by thermal decomposition during a thermal annealing process (e.g., temperature from about 700° C. to less than 1,000° C.).

Abstract: A plug structure including a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a barrier layer and a second plug is provided. The first dielectric layer having a first plug therein is located on a substrate, wherein the first plug physically contacts a source/drain in the substrate. The second dielectric layer having an opening exposing the first plug is located on the first dielectric layer. The barrier layer conformally covers the opening, wherein the barrier layer has a bottom part and a sidewall part, and the bottom part is a single layer and physically contacts the first plug while the sidewall part is a dual layer. The second plug fills the opening and on the barrier layer. Moreover, a process of forming a plug structure is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods of fabricating a semiconductor device and semiconductor devices fabricated thereby. In the methods, dummy recess regions may be formed between cell recess regions and a peripheral circuit region. Due to the presence of the dummy recess regions, it may be possible to reduce a concentration gradient of a suppressor contained in a plating solution near the dummy pattern region, to make the concentration of the suppressor more uniform in the cell pattern region, and to supply an electric current more effectively to the cell pattern region. As a result, a plating layer can be more uniformly formed in the cell pattern region, without void formation therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device makes it possible to efficiently polish with a polishing tape a peripheral portion of a silicon substrate under polishing conditions particularly suited for a deposited film and for silicon underlying the deposited film. The method includes pressing a first polishing tape against a peripheral portion of a device substrate having a deposited film on a silicon surface while rotating the device substrate at a first rotational speed, thereby removing the deposited film lying in the peripheral portion of the device substrate and exposing the underlying silicon. A second polishing tape is pressed against the exposed silicon lying in the peripheral portion of the device substrate while rotating the device substrate at a second rotational speed, thereby polishing the silicon to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer detects voltage applied across electrodes, and judges whether voltage value falls within set voltage range. When the detected voltage value is lower than minimum value of set voltage range, the analyzer calculates the deficient amount of base solution based on the detected voltage value, controls a valve to supply the deficient amount of base solution, then, performs operation control of the valve so as to keep the prescribed amount of plating solution in plating solution tank, and discharges plating solution. When the detected voltage value is higher than maximum value of set voltage range, the analyzer calculates the excess amount of base solution based on the detected voltage value, controls a valve, and supplies pure water into the tank so that the base solution concentration falls within prescribed range to dilute plating solution, then controls a valve, and discharges plating solution so as to keep prescribed amount.

Abstract: A fabrication method for improving surface planarity after tungsten chemical mechanical polishing (W-CMP) is disclosed. The method forms contact holes and dummy patterns by performing two respective photolithography-and-etching processes to ensure that the dummy patterns have a depth smaller than that of the contact holes. Then the method fills tungsten into the contact holes and dummy patterns and removes the redundant tungsten by a W-CMP process. With such a method, difference of wiring density between areas can be reduced by the dummy patterns, and hence a better surface planarity of the contact hole layer can be achieved. Besides, as the dummy patterns are formed in a pre-metal dielectric layer and their depth is well controlled, tungsten filled in the dummy patterns will not contact with the device area below the pre-metal dielectric layer, and thus will not affect the performance of the device.

Abstract: A copper interconnect includes a copper layer formed in a dielectric layer. A glue layer is formed between the copper layer and the dielectric layer. A barrier layer is formed at the boundary between the glue layer and the dielectric layer. The barrier layer is a metal oxide.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices with through silicon vias (TSVs) are formed without copper contamination. Embodiments include exposing a passivation layer surrounding a bottom portion of a TSV in a silicon substrate, forming a silicon composite layer over the exposed passivation layer and over a bottom surface of the silicon substrate, forming a hardmask layer over the silicon composite layer and over the bottom surface of the silicon substrate, removing a section of the silicon composite layer around the bottom portion of the TSV using the hardmask layer as a mask, re-exposing the passivation layer, and removing the hardmask layer and the re-exposed passivation layer to expose a contact for the bottom portion of the TSV.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an improved process for depositing tungsten-containing materials. In one embodiment, the method for forming a tungsten-containing material on a substrate includes forming an adhesion layer containing titanium nitride on a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate, forming a tungsten nitride intermediate layer on the adhesion layer, wherein the tungsten nitride intermediate layer contains tungsten nitride and carbon. The method further includes forming a tungsten barrier layer (e.g., tungsten or tungsten-carbon material) from the tungsten nitride intermediate layer by thermal decomposition during a thermal annealing process (e.g., temperature from about 700° C. to less than 1,000° C.).

Abstract: A multilayer device and method for fabricating a multilayer device is disclosed. An exemplary multilayer device includes a substrate, a first interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed over the substrate, and a first conductive layer including a first plurality of conductive lines formed in the first ILD layer. The device further includes a second ILD layer disposed over the first ILD layer, and a second conductive layer including a second plurality of conductive lines formed in the second ILD layer. At least one conductive line of the second plurality of conductive lines is formed adjacent to at least one conductive line of the first plurality of conductive lines. The at least one conductive line of the second plurality of conductive lines contacts the at least one conductive line of the first plurality of conductive lines at an interface.

Abstract: A MOSFET is described incorporating a common metal process to make contact to the source, drain and the metal gate respectively which may be formed concurrently with the same metal or metals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a back-end-of-the-line metallization layer. The method is performed by forming a plurality of freestanding metal layer structures (i.e., metal layer structures not surrounded by a dielectric material) on a semiconductor substrate within an area defined by a patterned photoresist layer. A diffusion barrier layer is deposited onto the metal layer structure in a manner such that the diffusion barrier layer conforms to the top and sides of the metal layer structure. A dielectric material is formed on the surface of the substrate to fill areas between metal layer structures. The substrate is planarized to remove excess metal and dielectric material and to expose the top of the metal layer structure.

Abstract: Contact elements in the contact level of a semiconductor device may be formed on the basis of a selective deposition technique, such as electroless plating, wherein an efficient planarization of the contact level is achieved without subjecting the contact elements to undue mechanical stress. In some illustrative embodiments, an overfilling of the contact openings may be reliably avoided and the planarization of the surface topography is accomplished on the basis of a non-critical polishing process. In other cases, electrochemical etch techniques are applied in combination with a conductive sacrificial current distribution layer in order to remove any excess material of the contact elements without inducing undue mechanical stress.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device makes it possible to efficiently polish with a polishing tape a peripheral portion of a silicon substrate under polishing conditions particularly suited for a deposited film and for silicon underlying the deposited film. The method includes pressing a first polishing tape against a peripheral portion of a device substrate having a deposited film on a silicon surface while rotating the device substrate at a first rotational speed, thereby removing the deposited film lying in the peripheral portion of the device substrate and exposing the underlying silicon. A second polishing tape is pressed against the exposed silicon lying in the peripheral portion of the device substrate while rotating the device substrate at a second rotational speed, thereby polishing the silicon to a predetermined depth.