Patent ID: 6858537
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B24B,C03C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A process for smoothing a rough surface on a substrate, said rough surface including protruding substrate portions separated by valleys, said process comprising: (a) depositing a coating on said rough surface so as to adhere to and to fill at least the valleys of said rough surface, (b) mechanically polishing the thus coated rough surface so as to achieve a smooth coated surface, and (c) dry etching the smooth coated surface so as to remove the remaining coating and at least the protruding portions of the substrate so as to achieve a smooth surface on the substrate, wherein in the mechanical polishing step (b) the coating is removed at a rate of reduction of thickness greater than the rate at which the substrate is subject to reduction of thickness by the mechanical polishing.