Patent ID: 7582565

Claim:
A method for applying a planarizing layer on a surface of a wafer, comprising: applying an electroless plating solution to a wafer surface, the electroless plating solution being maintained at a temperature at which a plating reaction does not readily occur; positioning a planar member over and proximate to a top portion of the wafer surface, the planar member serving to expel a portion of electroless plating solution interposed between the planar member and the wafer surface, the planar member serving as an upper confinement boundary for material deposited on the wafer through electroless plating reactions; and exposing the wafer surface to radiant energy, the radiant energy passing through the planar member, the radiant energy being capable of increasing a temperature of the wafer surface to a state at which the plating reaction occurs at an interface between the electroless plating solution and the wafer surface, the plating reaction forming a planarizing layer between the wafer surface and the planar member.