Patent ID: 7618528

Claim:
An apparatus for processing microelectronic substrates, comprising: a support member configured to releasably carry a microelectronic substrate; a first electrode spaced apart from the microelectronic substrate when the microelectronic substrate is carried by the support member; a second electrode spaced apart from the microelectronic substrate when the microelectronic substrate is carried by the support member, the second electrode being spaced apart from the first electrode, with at least one of the electrodes being coupleable to a source of varying electrical signals, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes has flow passage coupleable to a source of liquid, the flow passage having an aperture; and a polishing medium, at least a portion of which is positioned between the electrodes and the support member, the polishing medium having a polishing pad portion between the first and second electrodes, the polishing pad portion having a polishing surface positioned to contact the microelectronic substrate when the microelectronic substrate is carried by the support member, the polishing medium being positioned at least proximate to the aperture of the flow passage.