Patent ID: 6664189
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A process for chemical mechanical polishing of a semiconductor wafer whose upper surface has a central region and a peripheral region, comprising:providing a first chemical mechanical polishing apparatus that further comprises a first retaining ring and a first polishing pad, whereby, after polishing with said first apparatus, said peripheral region differs in height from said central region by a first amount; providing a second chemical mechanical polishing apparatus that further comprises a second retaining ring and a second polishing pad, whereby, after polishing with said second apparatus, said peripheral region differs in height from said central region by a second amount whose direction, relative to said upper surface, is opposite to that of said first amount; depositing a plurality of layers onto said wafer; and planarizing each layer prior to the deposition of the next layer using one of said chemical mechanical apparatuses.