Patent ID: 6066564
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: B24B,H01L

Abstract:
A method for detecting the endpoint for removal of a target film overlying a stopping film, comprising the steps of:removing the target film by chemical-mechanical polishing, thereby generating a chemical reaction product with one of the stopping film and the target film, the chemical reaction product being contained in a slurry used in the chemical-mechanical polishing;extracting the chemical reaction product as a gas from the slurry, where the extracting comprisescontacting a first side of a hydrophobic membrane with the slurry,contacting a second side of the hydrophobic membrane with a gas stream, andallowing the chemical reaction product to pass through the membrane as a gas and become entrained in the gas stream;converting the chemical reaction product present to a separate product; andmonitoring the level of the separate product as the target film is removed.