Patent ID: 6057068
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B24B,H01L

Abstract:
A method of measuring the efficiency of a planarization process, comprising:(a) providing a substrate defining isolated features with varying dimensions separated by isolation areas;(b) forming a removable layer of material over the substrate, wherein the substrate features form corresponding features in the removable layer with varying dimensions;(c) measuring a pre-planarization thickness of the removable layer of material at each substrate feature and at one or more of the isolation areas;(d) planarizing the removable layer of material using the planarization process, the planarization process being associated with one or more process parameters;(e) measuring a post-planarization thickness of the removable layer of material at each substrate feature and at one or more of the isolation regions;(f) determining planarization efficiency of the planarization process as a function of one or more process parameters or the dimensions of the substrate features or corresponding removable layer features; and(g) outputting the determined planarization efficiency.