Patent ID: 7273408
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A method for polishing semiconductor substrates, comprising: providing a first load cup; providing a first polishing station configured to perform a first polishing step; providing a second polishing station configured to perform a second polishing step; providing first and second pivot arms independently pivotable about a first pivot point and configured to carry substrates among the first load cup and the first and second polishing stations; providing a second load cup; providing a third polishing station configured to perform the second polishing step; providing a fourth polishing station configured to perform a third polishing step; providing third and fourth pivot arms independently pivotable about a second pivot point and configured to carry substrates among the second load cup, the third and fourth polishing stations; performing the first polishing step to a first substrate by pivoting the first pivot arm over the first polishing station; performing the second polishing step to the first substrate by pivoting the first pivot arm over the second polishing station while performing the first polishing step to a second substrate by pivoting the second pivot arm over the first polishing station; transferring the second substrate to the third pivot arm; and performing the second polishing step to the second substrate by pivoting the third pivot arm over the third polishing station.