Patent ID: 6391779
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A polisher-independent planarization method for a planar top surface on a material to form a planarized material of final thickness TF from an original material of initial thickness T0, the material to be planarized having a plurality of recesses through said planar top surface to be removed by planarization, the method comprising:applying across the planar top surface a first polishing pressure against a continuous polishing surface to: maintain the planarity of the top surface; and decrease the thickness of the material to a thickness T1, wherein TF10, said applying a first polishing pressure causes the formation of scratches on the top surface of said material of thickness T1, and the decrease of the thickness of the material to a thickness T1 consists of material removal from the planar top surface in a first amount of removed material; applying across the planar top surface a second polishing pressure against said continuous polishing surface, the second polishing pressure being less than the first polishing pressure, to: maintain the planarity of the top surface; and remove the plurality of recesses; â€ƒsuch that the applying of the second polishing pressure is initiated before the scratches caused on the surface of said material of thickness T1 penetrate into the material of final thickness TF, and the plurality of recesses removal consists of material removal from the planar top surface in a second amount of removed material, wherein said first amount of removed material is greater than said second amount of removed material.