Patent ID: 6106379
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
A carrier assembly for polishing semi-conductor wafers, the carrier assembly comprising:a body member having an outer wall portion and a pressure plate portion, cooperating to form a concave recess;a hub member having an upper portion and a lower portion disposed within the recess;a diaphragm disposed within the recess between said hub member and said pressure plate portion, said diaphragm having a central portion joined to the lower portion of the hub, an outer portion disposed immediately adjacent the wall portion in sealing engagement therewith, and an intermediate flexible portion connecting the center and outer portions of the diaphragm, the diaphragm further having a pair of opposed major faces including a first major surface disposed immediately adjacent and spaced apart from said pressure plate portion so as to form a gap therewith and an opposed second major surface;said hub member and said diaphragm member cooperating to define an internal passageway communicating with the first major surface of said diaphragm for introduction of a pressurized fluid between said diaphragm and said pressure plate portion;a ring extension carried by said hub and extending beyond said pressure plate portion so as to surround a wafer being pressed by said pressure plate portion;position control means carried by said hub member;a connecting means connecting said ring extension to said position control means, said connecting wall cooperating with said position control means to move said ring extension so as to vary the amount of extension of said ring extension beyond said pressure plate portion.