Patent ID: 6316276
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: B24B,H01L

Abstract:
A method of planarizing a semiconductor wafer that includes (i) a substrate material, (ii) a first reflective substance positioned on said substrate material, (iii) an intermediate material positioned on said first reflective substance, wherein a channel is defined in a structure which includes said substrate, said first reflective substance, and said intermediate material, and (iv) a second reflective substance positioned on said intermediate material and in said channel, comprising the steps of:directing light onto a first side of said semiconductor wafer;polishing said first side of said semiconductor wafer in order to remove matter therefrom and expose said first reflective substance, said matter including said second reflective substance and said intermediate material;detecting when light directed in said directing step is simultaneously reflected by (i) said first reflective substance positioned on said substrate, and (ii) said second reflective substance positioned in said channel, and generating an endpoint detection signal in response thereto; andterminating said polishing step in response to generation of said endpoint detection signal.