Endpointing detection for chemical mechanical polishing based on spectrometry

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9117751
SERIAL NO

14010193

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Abstract

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Methods and apparatus for spectrum-based endpointing. An endpointing method includes selecting a reference spectrum. The reference spectrum is a spectrum of white light reflected from a film of interest on a first substrate and has a thickness greater than a target thickness. The reference spectrum is empirically selected for particular spectrum-based endpoint determination logic so that the target thickness is achieved when endpoint is called by applying the particular spectrum-based endpoint logic. The method includes obtaining a current spectrum. The current spectrum is a spectrum of white light reflected from a film of interest on a second substrate when the film of interest is being subjected to a polishing step and has a current thickness that is greater than the target thickness. The method includes determining, for the second substrate, when an endpoint of the polishing step has been achieved. The determining is based on the reference and current spectra.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
APPLIED MATERIALS INC3050 BOWERS AVENUE SANTA CLARA CA 95054

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Benvegnu, Dominic J La Honda, US 140 1623
David, Jeffrey Drue San Jose, US 126 1680
Swedek, Boguslaw A Cupertino, US 196 2384

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