Patent ID: 8052860
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: B23H

Abstract:
1. A shaping and polishing system, comprising: first means adapted to mechanically shape and polish the surface of a material selected from the group consisting of electrically semi-conductive and conductive materials, said first means including a polishing lap adapted to be controllably positioned on the surface, said polishing lap being electrically non-conductive, said first means causing relative movement between said polishing lap and the surface; an electrode disposed in said polishing lap with said electrode adapted to be placed in spaced-apart juxtaposition with respect to the surface when said polishing lap is positioned on the surface; a liquid electrolyte disposed between the surface and said electrode, said electrolyte having an electrochemical stability constant such that cathodic material deposition on said electrode is not supported when a current flows through said electrode, said electrolyte and the material; and second means, adapted to be electrically coupled to the material and electrically coupled to said electrode, for causing said current to flow through said electrode, said second means adjusting said current based on (i) adherence to Faraday's Law, and (ii) a pre-processing profile of the surface and a desired post-processing profile of the surface, wherein the surface is deterministically shaped and polished as said polishing lap is controllably positioned on the surface.