Patent ID: 6623329
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: B24B,G05B

Abstract:
A method for planarizing a microelectronic substrate, comprising:facing a first surface of the microelectronic substrate toward a planarizing surface of a planarizing pad; biasing the microelectronic substrate toward the planarizing surface by directing a flow of planarizing liquid toward a second surface of the microelectronic substrate facing generally opposite the first surface; disposing the planarizing liquid between the first surface of the microelectronic substrate and the planarizing surface of the planarizing pad by moving at least one of the microelectronic substrate and the planarizing pad relative to the other; controlling a rate and/or manner of material removal from the microelectronic substrate by engaging the planarizing liquid with the first surface of the microelectronic substrate; monitoring a characteristic of the planarizing liquid adjacent to the second surface of the microelectronic substrate, wherein monitoring a characteristic of the planarizing liquid adjacent to the second surface of the microelectronic substrate includes monitoring a thickness of a planarizing liquid layer adjacent to the second surface; and controlling a rate and/or pressure of the planarizing liquid directed toward the second surface in response to receiving a signal corresponding to the thickness of the planarizing liquid layer.