Patent ID: 6213844
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B24B,H01L

Abstract:
A method for removing an amount of material from a workpiece surface to obtain a desired film thickness on the workpiece surface, the method comprising the steps of:placing the workpiece surface in contact with a polishing surface;applying pressure to cause the workpiece to contact said polishing surface;moving said workpiece surface and said polishing surface relative to each other while in contact to remove material from said workpiece surface;moving the workpiece away from a center of said polishing surface such that the workpiece is proximate a perimeter of said polishing surface;reducing said pressure causing contact between the workpiece and the polishing surface;moving the workpiece further from said center of said polishing surface such that at least a portion of the workpiece surface overhangs said polishing surface; andmeasuring a film thickness on said at least a portion of the workpiece surface which overhangs said polishing surface.