Patent ID: 8257142
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A method of polishing a substrate, comprising: providing a substrate selected from at least one of a magnetic substrate, an optical substrate and a semiconductor substrate; providing a shape memory chemical mechanical polishing pad having a pad thickness, PT; wherein the polishing pad comprises a polishing layer set in a densified state, wherein the polishing layer comprises a shape memory matrix material having an original shape and a programmed shape; wherein the polishing layer exhibits an original thickness, OT, when the shape memory matrix material is in its original shape; wherein the polishing layer exhibits a densified thickness, DT, in the densified state when the shape memory matrix material is set in the programmed shape; wherein the DT is <80% of the OT; creating dynamic contact between a polishing surface of the polishing layer and the substrate to polish a surface of the substrate; monitoring at least one polishing pad property selected from a polishing pad thickness and at least one groove depth; and, exposing at least a portion of the polishing layer proximate the polishing surface to an activating stimulus; wherein the portion of the polishing layer proximate the polishing surface exposed to the activating stimulus transitions from the densified state to a recovered state.