Patent ID: 7131889
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A method for planarizing a microelectronic workpiece, comprising: removing material from a microelectronic workpiece during a first abrasive stage of a planarizing cycle by pressing the workpiece against a first planarizing surface having a first roughness and an abrasive slurry on the first planarizing surface, wherein the first planarizing surface is on a first type of planarizing media; terminating the first abrasive stage when a cover layer on a face of the workpiece is at least substantially planar at an elevation in an overburden portion of the cover layer; removing additional material from the workpiece during a second abrasive stage of the planarizing cycle by pressing the workpiece against a second planarizing surface having a second roughness and an abrasive slurry on the second planarizing surface, wherein the second planarizing surface is on the first type of planarizing media, and wherein the first roughness is greater than the second roughness, the second abrasive stage commencing after terminating the first abrasive stage; and terminating the second abrasive stage at a desired endpoint.