Patent ID: 8298043
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A method for extending the service life of a chemical mechanical polishing pad dresser used to dress a chemical mechanical polishing pad, the dresser having a substrate and a plurality of superabrasive particles disposed thereon, comprising: dressing the chemical mechanical polishing pad with the dresser; determining superabrasive particle wear by measuring a mechanical property of the pad, dresser, or combination thereof; responding to the mechanical property measurement by varying pressure and RPM between the pad and the dresser in relation to the superabrasive particle wear; and vibrating, in a direction substantially parallel to a working surface of the pad, a member selected from the pad, the dresser, a wafer being polished by the pad, or any combination thereof, to minimize a mechanical stress on the pad, dresser, wafer, or combination thereof, in order to extend dresser life.