Patent ID: 6884144
Filing Date: 2005-04-26
Classification: B24B,C09G,C09K,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of planarizing a microelectronic workpiece which includes a substrate having a surface, an outer layer defining an unpolished face of the workpiece, and an intermediate layer disposed between the substrate surface and the outer layer, the outer layer comprising (Ge x Se y ) a Ag b , wherein x is about 20-80, y is about 20-80, a is about 90-100, and b is about 0-10, the method comprising: delivering a planarizing solution to a planarizing surface of a planarizing pad, the planarizing solution and the planarizing pad comprising a planarizing medium, the planarizing solution comprising a fluid component having a pH of about 8-11.5, the planarizing medium including an abrasive comprising abrasive particles having a mean particle size of about 30-100 nm and a Vickers hardness number of less than about 1500; and removing material of the outer layer by pressing the unpolished face of the workpiece against the polishing medium with a down force of at least about 0.1 psi and no more than about 2 psi.