Patent ID: 6057245
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B24B,B24D,H01L

Abstract:
A method for improving planarization of a semiconductor wafer, said method comprising the steps of:(a) placing a semiconductor wafer onto a polishing pad of a mechanical abrading machine, wherein said semiconductor wafer includes a dielectric layer, wherein said semiconductor wafer and said polishing pad are located within a vacuum chamber;(b) forming a vacuum within said vacuum chamber;(c) breaking or weakening a plurality of chemical bonds of said dielectric layer of said semiconductor wafer through an action of frictionally moving said dielectric layer against a dry surface of said polishing pad, wherein said step of breaking or weakening said plurality of chemical bonds results in material of said dielectric layer becoming amenable for chemical attack; and(d) removing said material of said dielectric layer from said vacuum chamber utilizing a reactive gas.