Patent Publication Number: US-2023158791-A1

Title: Pad removal method and device

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/229,311, filed Apr. 13, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/392,809, filed Apr. 24, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,987,913, issued Apr. 27, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/488,958, filed Apr. 17, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,272,661, issued Apr. 30, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing often includes chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processing operations in which chemical slurries and polish heads are applied to IC wafers. To facilitate control of movement and pressure during such operations, a wafer is typically supported by a CMP pad bonded to a platen. After a CMP pad reaches its useful lifetime, it is separated from the platen and replaced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  are diagrams of one or more pad removal devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  are diagrams of a pad guide, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are diagrams of a pad guide, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic diagram of a telescoping arm, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of an actuating assembly, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic diagram of an actuating assembly, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart of a method of removing a pad, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic view of a system for controlling a pad removal device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. 
     Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. 
     In various embodiments, a pad removal device includes a pad guide having a first end and a second end along a first direction, at least one actuator attached to the first end, and a control assembly mechanically coupled to the actuator. The control assembly causes the actuator to pull the first end toward the second end along the first direction such that the first end moves toward the second end, and the pad guide is configured to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by an amount dependent on a distance between the first end and the second end. By affixing the first and second ends of the pad guide to pad edges, the pad edges are pulled in a direction away from a pad center location, thereby separating the pad from a surface to which it is bonded. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are diagrams of a pad removal device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  1 A  is a diagram based on a side view of pad removal device  100  at a first position setting, and  FIG.  1 B  is a diagram based on the side view of pad removal device  100  at a second position setting. In addition to pad removal device  100 ,  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  depict a pad  140 , a surface  150 , a direction X, and a direction Z, perpendicular to direction X. 
     Pad removal device  100  includes a pad guide  110 , actuators  120 , and a control assembly  130 . Pad guide  110  includes a first end  112  and a second end  114 . A first actuator  120  extends from control assembly  130  to first end  112 , and a second actuator  120  extends from control assembly  130  to second end  114 . 
     In some embodiments, pad removal device  100  includes a single actuator  120  and one of actuators  120  is replaced by a support element (not shown). In some embodiments, pad removal device  100  includes a single actuator  120  and control assembly  130  is directly coupled to one of first end  112  or second end  114 . 
     In some embodiments, pad removal device  100  includes one or more pad guides (not shown) in addition to pad guide  110 . In some embodiments, pad removal device  100  includes one or more actuators (not shown) in addition to a first actuator  120  extending from control assembly  130  to first end  112  and a second actuator  120  extending from control assembly  130  to second end  114 . 
     Pad guide  110  includes an affixing component  116  at first end  112 , an affixing component  116  at second end  114 , and a lower surface  118 . As discussed below, affixing components  116  are configured to temporarily affix pad guide  110  to edges of pad  140 . 
     In operation, with pad removal device  100  positioned on top of pad  140 , at least a portion of lower surface  118  contacts an upper surface  149  of pad  140  for one or more position settings of pad removal device  100 . As depicted in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , at least a center portion of pad  140  is bonded to surface  150 . In some embodiments, pad  140  is a CMP polishing pad. In some embodiments, surface  150  is a surface of a platen of a CMP processing system. 
     At the first position setting depicted in  FIG.  1 A , first end  112  and second end  114  define a distance D 1  along direction X. Distance D 1  corresponds to pad guide  110  being in a non-actuated state such that lower surface  118  aligns along direction X and does not have a significant component along direction Z. 
     At the second position setting depicted in  FIG.  1 B , first end  112  and second end  114  define a distance D 2  along direction X. Distance D 2  is less than distance D 1  and corresponds to pad guide  110  being in an actuated state. In the actuated state, lower surface  118  deviates from alignment along direction X such that a significant component, distance D 3 , exists along direction Z. Distance D 3  is defined by the displacement along direction Z of the lowermost portion of lower surface  118  from its non-actuated position to its actuated position in response to first end  112  and second end  114  being moved toward each other along direction X. Reduction of the distance between first and second ends  112 ,  114  causes pad guide  110  to bend or flex. 
     Pad guide  110  is a mechanical component or assembly capable of translating the displacement of first end  112  and second end  114  along direction X into the displacement of lower surface  118  along direction Z. Displacement of first end  112  and second end  114  along direction X includes displacement having a component in a direction in addition to direction X. The amount of the displacement of lower surface  118  along direction Z is dependent on the distance between first end  112  and second end  114 . As the distance between first end  112  and second end  114  decreases, the amount of the displacement of lower surface  118  along direction Z increases. 
     In some embodiments, first end  112  and second end  114  are aligned above a longitudinal axis (not shown) of pad guide  110  so that, in operation, the displacement of lower surface  118  along direction Z is away from actuators  120  and control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, a proximity of pad guide  110  to one or both of control assembly  130  and/or actuator  120  causes the displacement of lower surface  118  along direction Z to be away from actuators  120  and control assembly  130 , in operation. In some embodiments, pad guide  110  is configured so that the displacement of lower surface  118  along direction Z is greatest at a center of lower surface  118 . 
     By the configuration described above, in operation, pad guide  110  responds to decreasing separation between first end  112  and second end  114  along direction X by increasing a distance along direction Z between a center of pad  140  and edges of pad  140  at locations corresponding to affixing components  116 . In operation, because pad  140  is initially bonded to surface  150 , pad guide  110  acts to pull each of the pad edge locations away from a center pad region along direction Z in response to first end  112  being moved toward second end  114  along direction X and/or second end  114  being moved toward first end  112  along direction X. 
     Pad guide  110  includes a material having sufficient strength and stiffness to exert a force in direction Z capable of overcoming the bonding strength between pad  140  and surface  150 . In various embodiments, pad guide  110  includes one or more of a metal such as stainless steel, a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or another sufficiently strong and stiff material. In some embodiments, pad guide  110  includes a material having one or more features of anti-corrosion, anti-deformation, or a non-stick surface. 
     In some embodiments, pad guide  110  includes a plurality of hinged plate segments such as pad guide  210 , discussed below with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . In some embodiments, pad guide  110  includes an elastic plate such as pad guide  310 , discussed below with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . 
     Each of first end  112  and second end  114  is a terminal portion of pad guide  110 . In some embodiments, one or both of first end  112  or second end  114  includes affixing component  116 . In some embodiments, affixing component  116  is a separate component or assembly attached to first end  112  and/or second end  114 . 
     Each of first end  112  and second end  114  is configured to mechanically couple pad guide  110  to another component of pad removal device  100  such as actuator  120 . In some embodiments, one or both of first end  112  or second end  114  is configured to removably couple pad guide  110  to another component of pad removal device  100 . In some embodiments, one or both of first end  112  or second end  114  is configured to couple pad guide  110  to another component of pad removal device  100  on a continued basis, such as for a lifetime of pad guide  110  or actuator  120 . In various embodiments, each of first end  112  and second end  114  includes one or more of a pin, a hook, a fastening device, an opening, or another configuration capable of mechanically coupling pad guide  110  to another component of pad removal device  100 . 
     Affixing component  116  is a mechanical component or assembly capable of affixing first end  112  or second end  114  to an edge of pad  140  while exerting a force in direction Z capable of overcoming a bonding strength between pad  140  and surface  150 . 
     In some embodiments, affixing component  116  is configured to temporarily affix first end  112  or second end  114  to an edge of pad  140 . In some embodiments, affixing component  116  includes a clipper having a pair of arms and a spring such that, in operation, the arms are held in place on opposite sides of a pad edge by a force exerted by the spring. In some embodiments, affixing component  116  includes more than one clipper. 
     In some embodiments, affixing component  116  includes a clamping device or another component or assembly capable of gripping pad  140  so as to temporarily affix first end  112  or second end  114  to an edge of pad  140 . In some embodiments, affixing component  116  includes a hook, needle, or another component or assembly capable of piercing pad  140  so as to temporarily affix first end  112  or second end  114  to an edge of pad  140 . 
     In some embodiments, affixing component  116  is configured to be removable from pad guide  110  and to permanently affix first end  112  or second end  114  to an edge of pad  140 . In some embodiments, affixing component  116  includes an adhesive device, a needle, or another component or assembly capable of permanently affixing a first end  112  or second end  114  to an edge of pad  140 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , pad guide  110  includes two ends, first end  112  and second end  114 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  1 D , pad guide  110  includes ends in addition to first end  112  and second end  114 . 
     Actuator  120  is a mechanical component or assembly capable of applying a force sufficient to pull, and thereby move, first end  112  toward second end  114  along direction X and/or second end  114  toward first end  112  along direction X responsive to control assembly  130 . In various embodiments, actuator  120  includes one or more of a telescoping assembly, a wire, a moveable stage, a threaded or grooved arm, or another component or assembly capable of applying a force to first end  112  or second end  114 . 
     In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a telescoping arm such as a telescoping arm  420 , discussed below with respect to  FIG.  4   . In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a wire such as a wire  520 , discussed below with respect to actuating assembly  500  and  FIG.  5   . In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a moveable stage such as a moveable stage  620 , discussed below with respect to actuating assembly  600  and  FIG.  6   . 
     Actuator  120  is configured to be coupled to control assembly  130  so as to respond to control assembly  130  by applying a force to first end  112  sufficient to pull, and thereby move, first end  112  toward second end  114  along direction X and/or applying a force to second end  114  sufficient to pull, and thereby move, second end  114  toward first end  112  along direction X. In some embodiments, actuator  120  is configured to be mechanically coupled to control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is configured to be electrically or communicatively coupled to control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is configured to respond to voltage levels or other signals from control assembly  130 . 
     In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a telescoping arm configured to respond to a screw or threaded device. In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a telescoping arm configured to respond to a pneumatic device. In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a wire configured to respond to a winding device. In some embodiments, actuator  120  includes a moveable stage configured to respond to a tracking device. 
     Actuator  120  is configured to be mechanically coupled to first end  112  and/or second end  114 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is configured to be removably coupled to first end  112  or second end  114 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is configured to be coupled to first end  112  or second end  114  on a continual basis, such as for a lifetime of pad guide  110  or actuator  120 . In various embodiments, actuator  120  includes one or more of a pin, a hook, a fastening device, an opening, or another configuration capable of mechanically coupling to first end  112  or second end  114 . 
     Control assembly  130  is a mechanical or electro-mechanical assembly capable of controlling actuator  120 . In some embodiments, control assembly is capable of supporting actuator  120 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is supported by a component or assembly (not shown) other than control assembly. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to generate and/or output voltage levels or other signals to actuator  120 . Control assembly  130  includes a user interface  132  and a carrier  134 . 
     Control assembly  130  is configured to be mechanically coupled to actuator  120  so that at least a portion of actuator  120  has a fixed position relative to control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is a telescoping arm and control assembly  130  includes mounting hardware configured to fix a position of at least one section of the telescoping arm relative to control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is a wire and control assembly  130  includes a winding device configured to fix a position of at least a portion of the wire relative to control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, actuator  120  is a moveable stage and control assembly  130  includes a tracking device configured to fix a position of the moveable stage relative to control assembly  130 . 
     Control assembly  130  is configured to cause a first actuator  120  to pull first end  112  toward second end  114  along direction X and simultaneously cause a second actuator  120 , if present, to pull second end  114  toward first end  112  along direction X. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a screw device configured to control a length of a telescoping arm. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a pneumatic device configured to control a length of a telescoping arm. 
     In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a winding device configured to control a length of a wire extending from the winding device. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a winding device configured to control lengths of a plurality of wires extending from the winding device. 
     In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a tracking device configured to control a positioning of a moveable stage. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a tracking device configured to control positioning of a plurality of moveable stages. 
     In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to be directly mechanically coupled to one of first end  112  or second end  114 . In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to be mechanically coupled to a support element that is mechanically coupled to one of first end  112  or second end  114 . 
     Control assembly  130  is configured to control a speed at which actuator  120  moves first end  112  and/or second end  114  along direction X. By controlling the speed at which actuator  120  moves first end  112  and/or second end  114  along direction X, control assembly  130 , in operation, controls a speed at which pad guide  110  pulls pad edge locations away from the center pad region, and thereby the rate at which pad  140  is separated from surface  150 . 
     In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to control a direction and a rate at which at least one screw turns to effect mechanical control of actuator  120 . In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to control a direction and a rate at which air is moved to effect pneumatic control of actuator  120 . In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to control a direction and a rate at which at least one winding device turns to effect mechanical control of actuator  120 . In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to control a direction and a rate at which at least one tracking device moves to effect mechanical control of actuator  120 . 
     In some embodiments, control assembly  130  includes a processor or other logic device capable of controlling the speed at which actuator  120  moves first end  112  and/or second end  114  along direction X. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to increase a rate at which actuator  120  moves first end  112  and/or second end  114  along direction X as the distance between first end  112  and second end  114  decreases. 
     In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to control the speed at which actuator  120  moves first end  112  and/or second end  114  along direction X based on one or more predetermined values. In some embodiments, control assembly  130  is configured to control the speed at which actuator  120  moves first end  112  and/or second end  114  along direction X based on one or more values received as input from an external source. 
     User interface  132  is a mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical assembly capable of receiving input from a user and communicating the input with control assembly  130 . In some embodiments, user interface  132  is configured to receive input directly from a user. In some embodiments, user interface  132  is configured to receive input in the form of electrical signals transmitted by one or more wires or wireless devices. 
     In various embodiments, user interface  132  includes one or more of a switch, a variable-speed controller, a connector, a plug, a receptacle, a wireless interface, or another assembly capable of receiving and communicating user input. In various embodiments, user input includes one or more indications of one or more of an on-off status, an actuation status, an actuation direction, a speed value or values, or another indication related to control of pad removal device  100 . 
     Carrier  134  is a mechanical component or assembly configured to be usable to maintain control assembly  130  in one or more positions above surface  150 . In some embodiments, carrier  134  is a handle configured to be gripped by a human operator of pad removal device  100 . In some embodiments, carrier  134  is an interface configured to mechanically couple pad removal device  100  to an external mechanical component or assembly. 
       FIGS.  1 C- 1 E  are schematic diagrams of a top view of one or more pad removal devices  100 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIGS.  1 C- 1 E  include one or more pad removal devices  100  and pad  140 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . In addition to one or more pad removal devices  100  and pad  140 ,  FIGS.  1 C- 1 E  depict direction X, discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , and a direction Y, perpendicular to directions X and Z. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  1 C , a single pad removal device  100  is positioned across pad  140  and overlies a pad center region  141 . First end  112  is affixed to pad  140  at a pad edge location  142 , and second end  114  is affixed to pad  140  at a pad edge location  143 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  1 D , a single pad removal device  100  including four actuators  120  is positioned across pad  140  and overlies pad center region  141 . First end  112  is affixed to pad  140  at pad edge location  142 , second end  114  is affixed to pad  140  at pad edge location  143 , a third end  111  is affixed to pad  140  at a pad edge location  144 , and a fourth end  113  is affixed to pad  140  at a pad edge location  145 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  1 E , two pad removal devices  100  are positioned across pad  140 . Each pad removal device  100  overlies pad center region  141 . First end  112  of a first one of the two pad removal devices  100  is affixed to pad  140  at pad edge location  142 , and second end  114  of the first one of the two pad removal devices  100  is affixed to pad  140  at pad edge location  143 . First end  112  of a second one of the two pad removal devices  100  is affixed to pad  140  at a pad edge location  146 , and second end  114  of the second one of the two pad removal devices  100  is affixed to pad  140  at a pad edge location  147 . In some embodiments, more than two pad removal devices  100  are positioned across pad  140 . 
     By the configuration described above, in operation, pad removal device  100  is usable to overcome the bonding strength between pad  140  and surface  150  more easily than with other devices that do not have the configuration of pad removal device  100 . Pad removal device  100  thereby facilitates the removal of a pad from a surface, for example the removal of a CMP pad from the top surface of a platen. Compared to other approaches, pad removal device  100  enables easier and faster removal of a pad that is bonded to a surface. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  are diagrams of a pad guide  210 , in accordance with some embodiments. Pad guide  210  is usable as part or all of pad guide  110 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
       FIG.  2 A  is a diagram based on a side view of pad guide  210  at a first position setting,  FIG.  2 B  is a diagram based on the side view of pad guide  210  at a second position setting, and  FIG.  2 C  is a top view of pad guide  210  at the first position setting. In addition to pad guide  210 ,  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  depict directions X, Y, and Z as discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     Pad guide  210  includes a plurality of plate segments  212  joined by a corresponding plurality of hinges  214 . At the first position setting depicted in  FIG.  2 A , pad guide  210  is in a non-actuated state in which it extends distance D 1  along direction X and does not have a significant component along direction Z. At the second position setting depicted in  FIG.  2 B , pad guide  210  is in an actuated state in which it extends distance D 2  along direction X and distance D 3  along direction Z. 
     Plurality of plate segments  212  and plurality of hinges  214  are configured so that, in operation, the decrease from distance D 1  to distance D 2  along direction X causes pad guide  210  to extend to distance D 3  along direction Z based on at least one segment of plurality of plate segments  212  rotating about a corresponding hinge of plurality of hinges  214  relative to a second segment of plurality of plate segments  212 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , plurality of plate segments  212  has five hinged plate segments. In some embodiments, plurality of plate segments  212  has fewer than five segments. In some embodiments, plurality of plate segments  212  has more than five segments. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  2 C , a middle segment of a plurality of plate segments  212  is wider along direction Y than the other segments of the plurality of plate segments  212 , and the endmost segments of plurality of plate segments  212  are narrower along direction Y than the other segments of plurality of plate segments  212 . In some embodiments, the segments of plurality of plate segments  212  have width relationships other than those of the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  2 C . In some embodiments, each segment of plurality of plate segments  212  has as a same width along direction Y. 
     Pad guide  210  includes one or more components or assemblies (not shown) at one or both ends configured to mechanically couple pad guide  210  to other components of a pad removal device such as pad removal device  100 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     By the configuration described above, pad guide  210  is capable of translating the movement of first end  112  and second end  114  toward each other in direction X into movement along direction Z such that the benefits described above with respect to pad removal device  100  can be realized. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are diagrams of a pad guide  310 , in accordance with some embodiments. Pad guide  310  is usable as part or all of pad guide  110 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
       FIG.  3 A  is a diagram based on a side view of pad guide  310  at a first position setting,  FIG.  3 B  is a diagram based on the side view of pad guide  310  at a second position setting, and  FIG.  3 C  is a top view of pad guide  310  at the first position setting. In addition to pad guide  310 ,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  depict directions X, Y, and Z, discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     Pad guide  310  is a single elastic plate. At the first position setting depicted in  FIG.  3 A , pad guide  310  is in a non-actuated state in which it extends distance D 1  along direction X and does not have a significant component along direction Z. At the second position setting depicted in  FIG.  3 B , pad guide  310  is in an actuated state in which it extends distance D 2  along direction X and distance D 3  along direction Z. 
     Pad guide  310  is configured so that, in operation, the decrease from distance D 1  to distance D 2  along direction X causes pad guide  310  to extend to distance D 3  along direction Z based on a combination of elasticity and stiffness. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  3 C , a middle portion of plurality of pad guide  310  is wider along direction Y than the other portions of pad guide  310 , and the endmost portions of pad guide  310  are narrower along direction Y than the other portions of pad guide  310 . In some embodiments, the portions of pad guide  310  have width relationships other than those of the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  3 C . In some embodiments, each portion of plurality of pad guide  310  has a same width along direction Y. 
     Pad guide  310  includes one or more components or assemblies (not shown) at one or both ends configured to mechanically couple pad guide  310  to other components of a pad removal device such as pad removal device  100 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     By the configuration described above, pad guide  310  is capable of translating the movement of first end  112  and second end  114  toward each other in direction X into movement along direction Z such that the benefits described above with respect to pad removal device  100  can be realized. 
       FIG.  4    is a schematic diagram of a telescoping arm  420 , in accordance with some embodiments. Telescoping arm  420  is usable as part or all of actuator  120 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIG.  1   . 
     Telescoping arm  420  includes a first segment  422  and a second segment  424 . First segment  422  is configured to allow a range of portions of second segment  424  to recede into first segment  422  such that an overall length of telescoping arm is variable. 
     In some embodiments, an overall length of telescoping arm  420  is capable of being reduced or extended in response to a screw device. In some embodiments, an overall length of telescoping arm  420  is capable of being reduced or extended in response to a pneumatic device. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  4   , telescoping arm  420  has two segments. In some embodiments, telescoping arm  420  has more than two segments. 
     Telescoping arm  420  includes one or more components or assemblies (not shown) at one or both ends configured to mechanically couple telescoping arm  420  to other components of a pad removal device such as pad removal device  100 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . 
     By the configuration described above, telescoping arm  420  is capable of actuating the movement of first end  112  and/or second end  114  of pad guide  110  toward each other in direction X such that the benefits described above with respect to pad removal device  100  can be realized. 
       FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of an actuating assembly  500 , in accordance with some embodiments. Actuating assembly  500  includes wire  520  usable as part or all of actuator  120  and winding device  530  usable as part of control assembly  130 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     Wire  520  includes a metal or other similarly strong material and a coupling device  522  configured to mechanically couple wire  520  to a pad guide such as pad guide  110 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , pad guide  210 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , or pad guide  310 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . 
     Winding device  530  includes one or more reels  532  configured to adjust, by rotation, a length of an extended portion of wire  520 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  5   , a single reel  532  is configured to adjust extended portions of two wires  520 . In some embodiments, a single reel  532  is configured to adjust an extended portion of a single wire  520 . In some embodiments, a single reel  532  is configured to adjust extended portions of more than two wires  520 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  5   , winding device  530  includes a single reel  532 . In some embodiments, winding device  530  includes reels (not shown) in addition to reel  532 . 
     By the configuration described above, actuating assembly  500  is capable of actuating the movement of first end  112  and/or second end  114  of pad guide  110  toward each other in direction X such that the benefits described above with respect to pad removal device  100  can be realized. 
       FIG.  6    is a schematic diagram of an actuating assembly  600 , in accordance with some embodiments. Actuating assembly  600  includes moveable stages  620  usable as part or all of actuator  120  and tracking device  630  usable as part of control assembly  130 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     Moveable stages  620  are mechanical components or assemblies configured to be positioned by tracking device  630  while mechanically coupled to a pad guide such as pad guide  110 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , pad guide  210 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , or pad guide  310 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  6   , actuating assembly  600  includes two moveable stages  620 . In some embodiments, actuating assembly  600  includes a single moveable stage  620 . In some embodiments, actuating assembly  600  includes more than two moveable stages  620 . 
     By the configuration described above, actuating assembly  600  is capable of actuating the movement of first end  112  and/or second end  114  of pad guide  110  toward each other in direction X such that the benefits described above with respect to pad removal device  100  can be realized. 
       FIG.  7    is a flowchart of a method  700  of removing a pad, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, method  700  is a method of removing a CMP pad from a surface of a platen. Method  700  is implemented using a pad removal device such as pad removal device  100 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     The sequence in which the operations of method  700  are depicted in  FIG.  7    is for illustration only; the operations of method  700  are capable of being executed in sequences that differ from that depicted in  FIG.  7   . In some embodiments, operations in addition to those depicted in  FIG.  7    are performed before, between and/or after the operations depicted in  FIG.  7   . 
     At operation  710 , a first end of a pad guide is affixed to a first pad edge location on the pad, and a second end of the pad guide is affixed to a second pad edge location on the pad. In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a pad guide includes affixing first end  112  and second end  114  of pad guide  110 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a pad guide includes affixing first and second ends of pad guide  210 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a pad guide includes affixing first and second ends of pad guide  310 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . 
     In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a pad guide includes affixing one or both of first or second ends using clippers. In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a pad guide includes affixing one or both of first or second ends using affixing component  116 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a pad guide includes affixing the first end to pad edge location  142  of pad  140  and the second end to pad edge location  143  of pad  140 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 C- 1 E . 
     In some embodiments, operation  710  includes affixing a third end of the pad guide to a third pad edge location and affixing a fourth end of the second pad guide to a fourth pad edge location. In some embodiments, affixing third and fourth ends of the pad guide includes affixing the first end to pad edge location  144  of pad  140  and the second end to pad edge location  145  of pad  140 , discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 D . 
     In some embodiments, operation  710  includes affixing a first end of a second pad guide to a third pad edge location and affixing a second end of the second pad guide to a fourth pad edge location. In some embodiments, affixing first and second ends of a second pad guide includes affixing the first end to pad edge location  146  of pad  140  and the second end to pad edge location  147  of pad  140 , discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 E . 
     At operation  720 , the first end is pulled toward the second end using an actuator. The first end is pulled toward the second end along a first direction. In some embodiments, operation  720  includes pulling the second end toward the first end with another actuator. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes using actuator  120 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes reducing a length of telescoping arm  420 , discussed above with respect to  FIG.  4   . 
     In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes using control assembly  130 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes using wire  520  and winding device  530 , discussed above with respect to actuating assembly  500  and  FIG.  5   . In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes using moveable stage  620  and tracking device  630 , discussed above with respect to actuating assembly  600  and  FIG.  6   . 
     In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes pulling the first end toward the second end with a first actuator and pulling the second end toward the first end with a second actuator. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes at least one of pulling a third end toward a fourth end of the pad guide or pulling the fourth end toward the third end using at least one additional actuator. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes at least one of pulling a first end of a second pad guide toward a second end of the second pad guide or pulling the second end of the second pad guide toward the first end of the second pad guide using at least one additional actuator. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling a speed or speeds at which one or both of the first end is moved toward the second end or the second end is moved toward the first end. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling a speed or speeds using a controller such as controller  802 , discussed below with respect to system  800  and  FIG.  8   . Controlling the speed or speeds at which one or both of the first end is moved toward the second end or the second end is moved toward the first end controls a speed or speed at which one or more pad edge locations are pulled away from a surface, as discussed below. In some embodiments, pulling the first end and second end toward each other includes increasing the speed as a distance between the first end and the second end decreases. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling the speed using a screw device. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling the speed using a pneumatic controller. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling the speed using a winding device. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling the speed using a tracking device. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling the speed based on one or more predetermined speed values. In some embodiments, at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end includes controlling the speed using one or more speed values based on user input. 
     At operation  730 , using the pad guide, in response to the at least one of pulling the first end toward the second end or pulling the second end toward the first end, each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location is pulled in a second direction, also called a removal direction, away from a pad center region. In some embodiments, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. 
     In some embodiments, using the pad guide to pull each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction includes using pad guide  110 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     In some embodiments, using the pad guide to pull each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction includes rotating a first segment of a plurality of plate segments about a hinge relative to a second segment of the plurality of plate segments. In some embodiments, using the pad guide to pull each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction includes using pad guide  210 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . 
     In some embodiments, using the pad guide to pull each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction includes bending an elastic plate. In some embodiments, using the pad guide to pull each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction includes using pad guide  310 , discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . 
     In some embodiments, pulling each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction away from the pad center region includes pulling pad edge location  142  and pad edge location  143  away from pad center region  141  in direction Z, discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 C- 1 E . In some embodiments, pulling each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction away from the pad center region includes pulling pad edge location  144  and pad edge location  145  away from pad center region  141  in direction Z, discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 D . In some embodiments, pulling each of the first pad edge location and the second pad edge location in the removal direction away from the pad center region includes pulling pad edge location  146  and pad edge location  147  away from pad center region  141  in direction Z, discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 E . 
     By controlling the speed or speeds at which at least one first end of at least one pad guide is pulled toward at least one second end of the at least one pad guide, a speed or speeds at which at least first and second pad edge locations are pulled away from a pad center region is also controlled through the use of the pad guide. Method  700  thereby enables automated control of the forces applied to a pad during a pad removal process. 
     By executing the operation of method  700 , the bonding strength between a pad and a surface is therefore overcome more easily than with other methods that do not include the operations of method  700 . Method  700  thereby facilitates the removal of a pad from a surface, for example the removal of a CMP pad from the top surface of a platen. Compared to other approaches, method  700  enables easier and faster removal of a pad that is bonded to a surface. 
       FIG.  8    a schematic view of a system  800  for controlling a pad removal device, in accordance with some embodiments. System  800  includes a hardware processor  802  and a non-transitory, computer readable storage medium  804  encoded with, i.e., storing, the computer program instructions 86, i.e., a set of executable instructions. Instructions  806  include instructions for controlling a pad removal device. The processor  802  is electrically coupled to the computer readable storage medium  804  via a bus  808 . The processor  802  is also electrically coupled to an I/O interface  810  by bus  808 . A network interface  812  is also electrically connected to the processor  802  via bus  808 . Network interface  812  is connected to a network  814 , so that processor  802  and computer readable storage medium  804  are capable of connecting to external elements via network  814 . In some embodiments, at least one of network interface  812  or network  814  is a component of user interface  132 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . The processor  802  is configured to execute the computer program instructions  806  encoded in the computer readable storage medium  804  in order to cause system  800  to be usable for performing a portion or all of the operations as described in method  700 . 
     In some embodiments, the processor  802  is a central processing unit (CPU), a multi-processor, a distributed processing system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or a suitable processing unit. 
     In some embodiments, the computer readable storage medium  804  is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/or a semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) for storing instructions and/or data in a non-transitory manner. For example, the computer readable storage medium  804  includes a semiconductor or solid-state memory, a magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk. In some embodiments using optical disks, the computer readable storage medium  804  includes a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W), and/or a digital video disc (DVD). 
     In some embodiments, the storage medium  804  stores the computer program code  806  configured to cause system  800  to perform a portion or all of method  700 . In some embodiments, the storage medium  804  also stores information needed for performing method  800  as well as information generated during the performance of the method  800 , such as speed values  820 , and/or a set of executable instructions to perform the operation of method  700 . 
     System  800  includes I/O interface  510 . I/O interface  810  is coupled to external circuitry. In some embodiments, I/O interface  810  includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and/or cursor direction keys for communicating information and/or commands to processor  802 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  510  is a component of user interface  132 , discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100  and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . 
     System  800  also includes network interface  812  coupled to the processor  802 . Network interface  812  allows system  800  to communicate with network  814 , to which one or more other computer systems are connected. Network interface  812  includes wireless network interfaces such as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA; or wired network interface such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In some embodiments, method  700  is implemented in two or more systems  800 , and information such as speed values are exchanged between different systems  800  via network  814 . 
     System  800  is configured to receive information related to pad removal operations. The information is transferred to processor  802  via bus  808  and is then stored in computer readable medium  804  as speed values  820 . In some embodiments, the pad removal operations are accessed in operation  730  ( FIG.  7   ). 
     By being configured to execute a portion or all of method  700 , system  800  enables the realization of the advantages discussed above with respect to pad removal device  100 , method  700 , and  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E and  7   . 
     An aspect of this description relates to a pad removal method. The method includes affixing a first end of a pad guide to a first location of a pad. The method further includes affixing a second end of the pad guide to a second location of the pad. The method further includes moving the first end from a first position, a first distance from the second location, to a second position, a second distance from the second location, wherein the first distance is greater than a diameter of the pad, and the second distance is less than the width of the pad. In some embodiments, moving the first end from the first position to the second position includes using an actuator. In some embodiments, moving the first end from the first position to the second position includes controlling the actuator using a control assembly. In some embodiments, moving the first end includes bending the pad guide. In some embodiments, the method further includes moving the second end from a third position, the first distance from the first location, to a third position, a third distance from the first location. In some embodiments, moving the second end includes moving the second end using an actuator. In some embodiments, moving the second end includes moving the second end using a second actuator different from a first actuator used to move the first end. In some embodiments, affixing the first end to the first location includes using an affixing component. In some embodiments, affixing the second end to the second location includes using an affixing component. 
     An aspect of this description relates to a pad removal method. The method includes affixing a first end of a pad guide to a first location of a pad. The method further includes affixing a second end of the pad guide to a second location of the pad. The method further includes moving the first end in a first direction from a first position to a second position using a first actuator, wherein moving the first end from the first position to the second position includes bending the pad guide in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, affixing the first end to the first location includes affixing the first end to an outermost periphery of the pad. In some embodiments, affixing the second end to the second location includes affixing the second end to an outermost periphery of the pad. In some embodiments, the method includes moving the second end from a third position to a fourth position using a second actuator. In some embodiments, the method further includes moving the second end from a third position to a fourth position using a second actuator different from the first actuator. In some embodiments, moving the first end includes bending the pad guide. 
     An aspect of this description relates to a pad removal device. The pad removal device includes a pad guide extending along a first direction. The pad guide includes a first affixing component configured to affix a first end of the pad guide to a pad at a first pad location. The pad guide further includes a second affixing component configured to affix a second end of the pad guide to the pad at a second pad location different from the first pad location, wherein a central portion of the pad guide between the first affixing component and the second affixing component is free of any affixing components. The pad removal device further includes an actuator attached to the pad guide. The pad removal device further includes a control assembly coupled to the actuator, wherein the control assembly is configured to cause the actuator to move the first end toward the second end along the first direction. In some embodiments, the pad guide is configured to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by an amount dependent on a distance between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the pad guide is flexible. In some embodiments, the pad removal device further includes a carrier configured to position the pad guide relative to the pad. In some embodiments, the pad removal device further includes a user interface configured to receive instructions from a user, wherein the user interface is connected to the control assembly. 
     The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.