Patent ID: 6953382
Filing Date: 2005-10-11
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A method for conditioning a polishing surface that is utilized during a CMP process, the method comprising: contacting the polishing surface and a conditioning surface with a first force, one of the polishing surface and the conditioning surface coupled to a support member having an axis; moving at least one of the polishing surface and the conditioning surface relative to the other at a constant velocity; measuring a torque exerted by the support arm about the axis to effect a relative position between the conditioning surface and the polishing surface; calculating a process variable from the measured torque; comparing the process variable to a setpoint value predetermined for the relative position of the conditioning surface and the polishing surface; and calculating a second force to be exerted between the conditioning surface and the polishing surface, if the process variable differs from the setpoint value by more than an allowed tolerance.