阅读说明：本技术 用于化学机械抛光的浆料分布设备 (Slurry distribution apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing ) 是由 Y-C·杨 S·朱 J·唐 H·吴 S-S·常 P·D·巴特菲尔德 A·J·菲舍 B· 于 2017-06-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于化学机械抛光的装置,包括：可旋转平台,具有用以支撑抛光垫的表面；载体头,用以将基板保持与所述抛光垫接触；以及抛光液分布系统。所述抛光液分布系统包括：分配器,被定位为向所述抛光垫的抛光面的一部分递送抛光液,以及第一屏障,定位在所述抛光面的所述部分之前,且被配置为阻挡使用过的抛光液到达所述抛光面的所述部分。(An apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing, comprising: a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad; a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad; and a slurry distribution system. The polishing solution distribution system comprises: the polishing system includes a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing fluid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad, and a first barrier positioned before the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing fluid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface.)

1. An apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing, comprising:

a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad;

a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with a polishing surface of the polishing pad;

a slurry distribution system, the slurry distribution system comprising:

a dispenser positioned to deliver polishing fluid to a portion of the polishing surface of the polishing pad, an

A back barrier positioned between the dispenser and the carrier head to spread polishing slurry across the polishing pad, wherein the back barrier comprises a solid body having a flat bottom surface positioned parallel to and in contact with the polishing surface and a front surface in contact with fresh polishing slurry, the front surface extending upward from an edge of the bottom surface and curving about an axis perpendicular to the bottom surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a concave side of the front surface of the second barrier faces a direction of movement of the platform.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the rear body comprises ceramic or hard plastic.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the front surface is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the front surface is oriented at an acute angle relative to the flat bottom surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an actuator configured to adjust a height of the rear barrier relative to the polishing surface and/or a pressure of the rear barrier on the polishing surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an actuator configured to sweep the back barrier laterally across the polishing pad.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a splash shield to inhibit splashing of the polishing fluid impinging on the front surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front surface is curved such that an end closer to an outer edge of the platform is more along a direction of motion of the platform than an end closer to a center of the platform.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the distribution of polishing fluid (e.g., abrasive slurry) during chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate.

Background

Integrated circuits are typically formed on a substrate by the sequential deposition of conductive, semiconductive, or insulative layers on a silicon wafer. Various manufacturing processes require planarization of layers on a substrate. For example, one fabrication step involves depositing a conductive filler layer over a patterned insulating layer to fill trenches or holes in the insulating layer. The filler layer is then polished until the raised pattern of the insulating layer is exposed. After planarization, the portions of the conductive filler layer remaining between the raised patterns of the insulating layer form vias (via), plugs, and lines that provide conductive paths between thin film circuits on the substrate. Planarization may also be used to smooth and remove (to a desired thickness) the insulating layer overlying the patterned conductive layer.

Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) is an accepted planarization method. This planarization method generally requires that the substrate be mounted on a carrier head. The exposed surface of the substrate is placed against a rotating polishing pad. The carrier head provides a controllable load on the substrate to urge the substrate against the polishing pad. A polishing fluid (e.g., a slurry having abrasive particles) is supplied to the surface of the polishing pad.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, an apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes: a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad; a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad; and a polishing solution distribution system. The polishing solution distribution system comprises: a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing fluid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad; and a first barrier positioned in front of the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing fluid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The first barrier may be configured to contact the polishing surface during operation. The first actuator may be configured to adjust a height of the first barrier relative to the polishing surface and/or a pressure of the first barrier on the polishing surface. The first barrier may include a first wiper blade. The leading edge of the first wiper blade may be oriented at an acute angle relative to the polishing surface. The first wiper blade may include a first portion having the acute angle and a second portion oriented parallel to the polishing surface. The dispenser may be positioned to deliver the polishing liquid onto the rear surface of the first wiper blade. The dispenser may be positioned to deliver the polishing liquid to a section of the rear surface on a side of the first wiper blade closer to a center of the platform.

A second barrier may be positioned behind the dispenser and may be configured to dispense fresh polishing fluid delivered by the dispenser to the portion of the polishing surface. The second barrier may be configured to contact the polishing surface during operation. The second actuator may be configured to adjust a height of the second barrier relative to the polishing surface and/or a pressure of the second barrier on the polishing surface. The second barrier may include a second wiper blade. The leading edge of the second wiper blade may be oriented at an acute angle relative to the polishing surface. The first barrier may be positioned parallel to the second barrier. The first barrier may extend to an edge of the platform and the second barrier may be spaced apart from the edge of the platform. The second barrier may be positioned higher or pressed against the polishing pad at a lower pressure than the first barrier.

An actuator may be configured to sweep the first barrier and/or the second barrier laterally across the polishing pad. A reservoir may hold the polishing liquid, the dispenser may be fluidly coupled to the reservoir, and the polishing liquid may be an abrasive slurry.

In another aspect, an apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes: a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad; a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad; and a polishing solution distribution system. The polishing solution distribution system comprises: the polishing system includes a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing fluid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad, and a first barrier positioned in front of the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing fluid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface. The front surface of the first barrier is curved between an inner end of the first barrier closer to the center of the plateau and an outer end of the first barrier closer to the edge of the plateau.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The platform may be configured to rotate to provide a direction of motion under the first barrier, and the front surface of the first barrier may be curved such that a concave side of the front surface of the first barrier faces the direction of motion.

A second barrier may be positioned behind the dispenser and may be configured to dispense fresh polishing fluid delivered by the dispenser to the portion of the polishing surface. The front surface of the second barrier may be curved between an inner end of the second barrier closer to the center of the plateau and an outer end of the second barrier closer to the edge of the plateau. The front surface of the second barrier may be curved such that a concave side of the front surface of the second barrier faces the direction of motion. The radius of curvature of the second barrier may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first barrier.

In another aspect, an apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes: a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad; a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad; and a polishing solution distribution system. The polishing solution distribution system comprises: a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing fluid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad; and a first barrier positioned in front of the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing fluid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface. The first barrier includes a solid first body having a first flat bottom surface and having a first front surface configured to contact used polishing fluid.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The body may have a width along a direction of movement of the polishing pad under the first barrier, the width being greater than a height of the first body perpendicular to the polishing surface.

The splash shield can be raised from the first front surface. The first front surface of the first body of the first barrier may be substantially vertical and the splash shield may be substantially horizontally convex.

A second barrier may be positioned behind the dispenser and may be configured to dispense fresh polishing fluid delivered by the dispenser to the portion of the polishing surface. The second barrier may include a solid second body having a second flat bottom surface and having a second front surface configured to contact the fresh polishing liquid. The second front surface may be oriented at an acute angle relative to the polishing surface. The front surface of the first body of the first barrier may be substantially vertical. The first barrier may extend to an edge of the platform and the second barrier may be spaced apart from the edge of the platform. The second barrier may be positioned higher or pressed against the polishing pad at a lower pressure than the first barrier.

In another aspect, an apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes: a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad; a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad; and a polishing solution distribution system. The polishing solution distribution system comprises: a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing fluid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad; a first barrier positioned in front of the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing fluid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface; a second barrier positioned behind the dispenser and configured to spread fresh polishing liquid delivered by the dispenser toward the portion of the polishing surface; and a common actuator coupled to the first barrier and the second barrier to adjust lateral positions of the first barrier and the second barrier on the polishing surface.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The common lateral actuator may include an arm having a first end coupled to the first barrier and the second barrier and a second end coupled to a rotational actuator to sweep the arm laterally over the platform. A first actuator may be coupled between the first barrier and the arm, and a second actuator may be coupled between the second barrier and the arm. The first actuator may be configured to adjust the height of the first barrier relative to the polishing surface and/or the pressure of the first barrier on the polishing surface, and the second actuator may be configured to independently adjust the height of the second barrier relative to the polishing surface and/or the pressure of the second barrier on the polishing surface.

Certain implementations may include one or more of the following advantages. The polishing uniformity can be improved. The defect rate can be reduced. The polishing process may be less sensitive to pattern density and may reduce dishing and erosion. The amount of slurry used can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of ownership. The polishing rate may be improved, or the polishing pressure may be reduced while maintaining the polishing rate.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features and advantages will be understood from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view, partially in cross-section, of a chemical mechanical polishing station including a slurry distribution system.

Fig. 2A is a schematic top view of the chemical mechanical polishing station of fig. 1.

Figure 2B is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a chemical mechanical polishing station.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view, partially in cross-section, of a slurry distribution system.

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a portion of a chemical mechanical polishing station.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a slurry distribution system having an actuator.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a slurry distribution system having an actuator.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Detailed Description

One of the chemical mechanical problems is the sensitivity to pattern density, as exhibited by erosion and dishing (for example). By positioning the barrier to block used slurry from being sent back under the substrate, the polishing process may be less sensitive to pattern density and dishing and erosion may be reduced.

Another problem in chemical mechanical polishing is the defect rate. A possible cause of the defect rate is polishing by-products. An apparatus that blocks used polishing fluid from returning to the area below the carrier head can help reduce the amount of polishing byproducts that reach the substrate during polishing.

Another problem in chemical mechanical polishing is within-wafer non-uniformity (WIWNU). A possible cause of polishing non-uniformity is non-uniform distribution of slurry to the interface between the substrate and the polishing pad. By placing the slurry spreader in contact with the polishing pad, the slurry can be spread across the polishing pad in a more uniform manner.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a polishing station 20 of a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The polishing station 20 includes a rotatable disk-shaped platen 24 on which a polishing pad 30 is positioned. Platform 24 is operable to rotate about axis 25. For example, the motor 22 may rotate a drive shaft 28 to rotate the platform 24.

The polishing pad 30 can be a two-layer polishing pad having a polishing layer 32 and a softer backing layer 34. A plurality of grooves 38 may be formed in the polishing surface 36 of the polishing pad 30 (see fig. 3).

The polishing station 22 may include a pad conditioner 40 having a conditioner disk 42 to maintain the condition of the polishing pad 30 (see fig. 2). The conditioning disk 42 may be positioned at the end of an arm 44, which arm 44 may move the disk 42 radially across the polishing pad 30.

The carrier head 70 is operable to hold the substrate 10 against the polishing pad 30. The carrier head 70 is suspended from a support structure 72 (e.g., a turntable or track) and is connected by a drive shaft 74 to a carrier head rotation motor 76 so that the carrier head can rotate about an axis 71. Alternatively, the carrier head 70 may oscillate laterally, such as on a slider on a turntable or track 72; or laterally by rotational oscillation of the turntable itself. In operation, the platen rotates about its central axis 25 and the carrier head rotates about its central axis 71 and translates laterally across the top surface of the polishing pad 30. If multiple carrier heads are present, each carrier head 70 may independently control its polishing parameters, e.g., each carrier head may independently control the pressure applied to each respective substrate.

The carrier head 70 may include a flexible membrane 80 having a substrate mounting surface to contact the backside of the substrate 10 and a plurality of pressurizable chambers 82 for applying different pressures to different zones (e.g., different radial zones) on the substrate 10. The carrier head may also include a retaining ring 84 to retain the substrate.

The slurry distribution system 100 delivers and distributes a polishing fluid (e.g., an abrasive slurry) over the surface of the polishing pad 30. The slurry distribution system 100 also prevents used slurry from returning to the substrate 10.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2A, polishing liquid distribution system 100 includes a dispenser 110 to deliver polishing liquid 105 from a reservoir 112 to polishing pad 30. The dispenser 110 includes one or more passageways 114 having one or more ports 116 positioned above the polishing pad 30. For example, the distributor 110 may include a rigid body through which the passageway 114 extends, or the distributor 110 may include a flexible conduit supported by an arm. In either case, one or more holes or nozzles coupled to the passageway 114 may provide the port 116.

The slurry distribution system 100 also includes a first barrier 120 that blocks slurry that has passed under the carrier head 70 or conditioning disk 42 from reaching the location on the polishing pad 30 where fresh slurry is delivered by the dispenser 110. The first barrier 120 is positioned "before" (relative to the direction of motion of the pad) the location on the polishing pad where the dispenser 110 delivers the polishing liquid 105. For example, as shown in fig. 2, if the platform 24 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by arrow a, the first barrier 120 is positioned clockwise relative to the dispenser 110.

In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 is positioned between the dispenser 110 and the regulator 40 (or between the dispenser 110 and the carrier head 70, if there is no regulator). In certain embodiments, a first barrier is positioned between the regulator 40 and the carrier head 70.

In certain embodiments, first barrier 120 is a body that contacts surface 36 of polishing pad 30 and substantially blocks passage of polishing fluid (other than any used polishing fluid that may be present in grooves 38 and/or a thin film of used polishing fluid 105) thereunder. The body of the first barrier may rest solely on the polishing pad 30 or may be positively pressed against the polishing pad 30 (e.g., by an actuator). In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 is a body that is located slightly above the surface 36 of the polishing pad 30.

The first barrier 120 may be a generally elongated body (e.g., a linear body (as shown in fig. 2A)) and may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the platform 24 (e.g., generally along a radius of the platform 24). Alternatively, the first barrier may be inclined at a substantial angle (e.g., 10-30 °) relative to a radius of the platform.

In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 is a curved body, for example as shown in fig. 2B. The barrier 120 may be curved such that the end closer to the outer edge of the platform 24 is more in the direction of motion (indicated by arrow a) than the end closer to the center of the platform. The first barrier 130 may be bent such that the concave side is oriented in the direction of motion.

The front surface of the first barrier 120 is oriented at an angle of 15 to 90 degrees with respect to the polishing surface 36 (see angle B in fig. 3). In certain embodiments, the front surface is inclined relative to the polishing surface, for example, at an angle less than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the front surface is vertically oriented, i.e., oriented at a right angle relative to the polishing surface. The front surface of the first barrier 120 may be inclined from top to bottom in the moving direction of the polishing pad (see arrow a in fig. 3).

In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 is a wiper blade. The front surface of the wiper blade provides the front surface of the first barrier 120. The wiper blade of the first barrier 120 may be formed of a flexible material, such as natural rubber or a similarly flexible synthetic material (e.g., a flexible plastic) or may be formed of a rigid material (e.g., a rigid plastic, such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)).

Assuming that the wiper blade is a sheet having a uniform width, the wiper blade of the first barrier 120 may be positioned at an angle of 15 to 90 degrees with respect to the polishing surface 36 (see angle B in fig. 3). In some embodiments, the wiper blade of the first barrier 120 is tilted relative to the polishing surface, for example, at an angle of less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the wiper blade of the first barrier 120 is oriented vertically, i.e., at a right angle relative to the polishing surface. The wiper blade of the first barrier 120 may be oriented such that the wiper blade is inclined from top to bottom in the direction of movement of the polishing pad (see arrow a in fig. 3).

In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 is suspended from a first actuator 124 that can control the vertical position of the first barrier 120 relative to the polishing surface 36 and/or the downward force of the first barrier 120 against the polishing surface 36. Alternatively or additionally, the first actuator 124 may move the first barrier 120 laterally (e.g., radially) over the polishing pad 30.

The slurry distribution system 100 also includes a second barrier 130, the second barrier 130 being configured to spread the fresh slurry, just delivered by the dispenser 110, across the polishing surface 36 in a uniform film. The second barrier 130 is positioned "behind" the polishing pad 30 where the dispenser 110 delivers the polishing liquid 105. For example, as shown in fig. 2, if the platform 24 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by arrow a, the second barrier 130 is positioned counterclockwise relative to the dispenser 110. A second barrier 130 is positioned between the dispenser 110 and the carrier head 70.

In certain embodiments, the second barrier 130 is a body that contacts the surface 36 of the polishing pad 30 and substantially blocks passage of polishing liquid (other than any polishing liquid and/or thin film of polishing liquid 105 that may be present in the grooves 38) thereunder. The body of the second barrier 130 may rest solely on the polishing pad 30 or may be positively pressed against the polishing pad 30 (e.g., by an actuator). In some embodiments, the second barrier 130 is a body that is positioned slightly above the surface 36 of the polishing pad 30 while still contacting the polishing liquid. For example, as the platen rotates, the body of the second barrier 130 may undergo a level glide (hydroplane) on the polishing fluid. In either case, the second barrier 130 can help to spread the fresh polishing liquid 105a more evenly across the polishing pad 30.

In some embodiments, the first barrier 120 is pressed into the polishing pad 30 with a greater pressure than the second barrier 130. In some embodiments, the first barrier 120 contacts the polishing pad 30, while the second barrier 130 is positioned slightly above the surface 36 of the polishing pad 30 while still contacting the polishing liquid.

The second barrier 130 may be a generally elongated body (e.g., a linear body) and may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the platform 24 (e.g., generally along a radius of the platform 24). Alternatively, the first barrier 120 may be inclined at an angle (e.g., 10-30 °) relative to a radius of the platform.

The second barrier 130 may be parallel to the first barrier 120. Alternatively, the second barrier 130 may be inclined at a greater angle relative to the radius of the platform than the first barrier 120.

In certain embodiments, the second barrier 130 is a curved body, for example as shown in fig. 2B. The second barrier 130 may be curved such that the end closer to the outer edge of the platform 24 is more in the direction of motion (indicated by arrow a) than the end closer to the center of the platform. The second barrier 130 may be bent such that the concave side is oriented in the direction of motion.

The second barrier 130 may be equidistant from the first barrier 120 along its length. Alternatively, the radius of curvature of the second barrier 130 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first barrier 120. This may cause the distance between the first barrier 120 and the second barrier 130 to increase in a radial direction toward the edge of the platform 24.

The front surface of the second barrier 130 is oriented at an angle of 15 to 90 degrees with respect to the polishing surface 36. In certain embodiments, the front surface of the second barrier is inclined relative to the polishing surface, for example, at an angle of less than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the front surface of the second barrier is vertically oriented, i.e., oriented at a right angle with respect to the polishing surface. The front surface of the second barrier 130 may be inclined from top to bottom in the moving direction of the polishing pad (see arrow a in fig. 3).

In certain embodiments, the second barrier 130 is a wiper blade. The front surface of the wiper blade provides the front surface of the second barrier 130. The wiper blade of the second barrier 130 may be formed of a flexible material, such as natural rubber or a similarly flexible synthetic material (e.g., a flexible plastic) or may be formed of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic, such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In some embodiments, the wiper blades of the first and second barriers 120 and 130 are formed of the same material.

Assuming that the wiper blade is a sheet having a uniform width, the wiper blade of the second barrier 130 may be positioned to form an angle of 15 to 90 degrees between the front surface 132 of the wiper blade and the polishing surface 36 (see fig. 3). Having the wiper blade of the second barrier 130 positioned at an angle may help push fresh slurry into the trough, thus reducing the presence of used slurry reaching the substrate.

In some embodiments, the wiper blade of the second barrier 130 is angled relative to the polishing surface, for example, at an angle less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the wiper blade of the second barrier 130 is oriented vertically, i.e., at a right angle relative to the polishing surface. The wiper blade of the second barrier 130 may be oriented such that the wiper blade is inclined from top to bottom in the movement direction of the polishing pad.

In some embodiments, the wiper blades of the first and second dams 120, 130 form the same angle with the polishing surface 36. In some embodiments, the wiper blade of the first barrier 120 is vertically oriented, while the wiper blade of the second barrier 130 is tilted from top to bottom in the direction of motion of the polishing pad.

In certain embodiments, the second barrier 130 is suspended from a second actuator 134, which second actuator 134 can control the vertical position of the second barrier 130 relative to the polishing surface 36 and/or the downward force of the second barrier 130 against the polishing surface 36. Alternatively or additionally, the second actuator 134 may move the second barrier 130 laterally (e.g., radially) over the polishing pad 30.

Each actuator 124, 134 may be a pneumatic actuator. For example, referring to fig. 5, each actuator may include a lower body 150, an upper body 152, and an air bladder 154, with a barrier (e.g., a wiper blade) secured to the lower body 150, the upper body 152 held by a bracket (e.g., an arm), and the air bladder 154 captured between the lower body 150 and the upper body 152. Inflation of the bladder 154 thus controls the vertical position of the lower body 150 and barriers 120, 130 and/or the pressure of the barriers 120, 130 on the polishing pad. The bottom of the bladder may be secured (e.g., adhesively secured) to the lower body 150, while the top of the bladder may be secured (e.g., by a clamping flange of the bladder) to the upper body 152. Either actuator may be another kind of actuator, such as a linear motor or a piezoelectric actuator.

In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 and the second barrier 130 are suspended from the same actuator.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, each barrier 120, 130 may be suspended from an arm 160. For example, the upper body 152 of each actuator 124, 134 may be mounted on a plate 164 secured to the arm 160. The arm 160 may be connected to an actuator 162, the actuator 162 being configured to move the arm 160 laterally across the platform 24. For example, actuator 162 may be a rotary actuator to sweep arm 160 in an arc (see arrow C). Although fig. 4 and 5 illustrate a common arm for both barriers, there may be separate arms with separate actuators.

Referring to fig. 6, one or both of the barriers 120, 130 may be provided by a body having a flat lower surface 170 that extends parallel to the polishing surface and is pressed against the polishing pad or spaced slightly from the polishing pad while still contacting the polishing fluid (e.g., performing a meniscus slide), rather than by a separate thin wiper blade. This body may be formed of a relatively rigid material such as a ceramic or a hard plastic such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). For example, as shown in fig. 6, one or both of the barriers 120, 130 may be provided by the lower body 150 of the corresponding actuator 124, 134.

For either barrier 120, 130, the body forming the barrier may have a front surface 172 (on the side where the polishing pad first passes under). In some embodiments, the front surface is a vertical surface. In some embodiments, the front surface 172 will push the polishing fluid.

For either barrier 120, 130, the barrier may also include a splash guard 174 to inhibit slurry striking the front surface 172 from splashing. The splash guard 174 may be vertically spaced from the lower surface 170 and extend horizontally from the front surface of the body in a direction opposite to the direction of motion in which the polishing pad rotates.

Alternatively, for either barrier 120, 130, the barrier may include a spreader 176. The spreader 176 protrudes from the front surface 172 of the body and has a bottom surface that is inclined relative to the polishing surface. The angle D between the bottom surface of the spreader 176 and the polishing surface may be 15 to 75 degrees. Similar to a beveled wiper blade, the beveled bottom surface of the spreader 176 can help push fresh slurry into the trough, thus reducing the presence of used slurry reaching the substrate.

In certain embodiments, the first barrier 120 comprises a splash guard and the second barrier 130 comprises a spreader 176.

Returning to fig. 2A and 2B, the second barrier 130 may be spaced apart from the first barrier 120. In some embodiments, the wiper blade of the second barrier 130 is oriented parallel to the wiper blade of the first barrier 120. The first barrier 120 and the second barrier 130 may be the same length (along their longitudinal axes), or the second barrier 130 may be shorter than the first barrier 120. The first barrier 120 may extend completely to the edge of the platen 24 and/or polishing pad 30, while the second barrier 130 may be spaced apart from the edge of the platen 24 and/or polishing pad 30.

Referring to fig. 3, in certain embodiments, the dispenser 110 is positioned such that the polishing liquid 105 is delivered into the wiper blade rear surface 126 of the first barrier 120. Due to the angle of the wiper blade relative to the polishing surface 36, the slurry flows down the back surface 126 and then onto the polishing pad 30 in the area between the first dam 120 and the second dam 130. An advantage of delivering the polishing liquid 105 to the wiper blade is that the polishing liquid tends to flow laterally along the wiper blade and thus is delivered to the polishing pad 30 along a wider area. Thus, the polishing liquid can be more uniformly distributed throughout the polishing pad 30, and the polishing uniformity can be improved. However, as shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, slurry 105 is dispensed directly onto polishing pad 30 (which may be suitable for use with vertical or inclined wiper blades).

Referring to FIG. 3, in operation, the leading edge 122 of the first barrier 120 will block the used polishing fluid 105 b. Although some of the used slurry 105b in any grooves 38 in the polishing surface 36 will pass under the barrier 120, most of the used slurry 105b will be deflected and flow out of the edge of the polishing pad 30.

On the other hand, fresh polishing liquid 105a is delivered from the dispenser 110 to the region between the first barrier 120 and the second barrier 130. Fresh slurry will similarly be blocked by the leading edge 132 of the second barrier 130. Depending on the flow rate and the spacing between the components, fresh polishing liquid 105a may pool in the region between the first barrier 120 and the second barrier 130. However, some fresh slurry may flow into grooves 38 instead of used slurry 105 b. As a result, significantly less used polishing fluid reaches the substrate 10 and defects may be reduced.

Although the first barrier 120 and the second barrier 130 are depicted as separate components, they may be two walls of a single housing that are connected. There may be an open chamber in the middle portion of the housing between the two walls, which may contain polishing liquid.

As shown in fig. 3, in certain embodiments, one or both of the barriers 120, 130 (e.g., wiper blades) may include a first portion 140 that is at an acute angle relative to the polishing surface 36 and a second portion 142 that is parallel to the polishing surface 36. A radiused portion 144 may connect the first portion 140 to the second portion 142. The barrier may be preformed in this configuration, or the barrier may be a flexible material that is initially flat but that deforms into this configuration when pressed down against the polishing surface 36. This arrangement may facilitate the pushing of fresh slurry 105a into grooves 38 to improve the exchange with used slurry 105 b.

By blocking the used slurry, the amount of polishing by-products reaching the substrate can be reduced, and thus the defect rate can be reduced. Furthermore, without being limited to any particular theory, by increasing the amount of fresh slurry in the trenches, the concentration of inhibitors and active agents (for metal polishing) that pass through the substrate to contact the substrate can be increased. This may make the polishing process less sensitive to pattern density and may reduce dishing and erosion. Thus, again without being limited to any particular theory, by blocking the used slurry, the concentration of copper ions can be reduced, which saves inhibitors for reacting with the metal surface.

Controlled positioning of the first barrier 120 and/or the second barrier 130 (shape, device dimensions, pad coverage, mounting location on the pad, etc.) may be used to direct fluid away from the platen 24 or towards the substrate 10 depending on the desired flow path.

The controlled downward force on the first and second barriers 120, 130 can be used to adjust the ratio of fresh to used slurry flowing under the second barrier. In some embodiments, the second barrier 130 presses against the polishing pad 30 at a lower pressure than the first barrier 120. In some embodiments, the second barrier 130 is spaced higher above the polishing pad 30 than the first barrier 120.

By controlling the dispensing position or dispensing pattern of the polishing liquid using the slurry distribution system 100, the polishing profile can be adjusted and the polishing uniformity can be improved.

While the above discussion has focused on a physical barrier to the polishing liquid, it may also be possible to use an air jet to block the polishing liquid. For example, the arm may extend over the polishing pad, and a pressurized gas (e.g., air or nitrogen) may be directed through a slit or plurality of holes in the bottom of the arm toward the polishing pad. With the appropriate selection of gas flow rate, the gas can block the slurry. In addition, it is also possible to use a vacuum to draw used slurry away from the polishing pad; such vacuum may be applied through a slit or holes in the bottom of the arm that extend laterally over the polishing pad.

A controller 90, such as a common programmable digital computer, may control the flow rate of the polishing liquid 105 from the reservoir and control the actuators 124, 134 to control the downward force and/or position of the barriers 120, 130 on the polishing pad 30. Measurements from the in-situ monitoring system may be fed to the controller 90, and the controller 90 may adjust the slurry flow rate and/or the downward force of the barrier and/or the position of the barrier to compensate for polishing non-uniformities.

The controller 90 may also be connected to a pressure mechanism that controls the pressure applied by the carrier head 70; connected to the carrier head rotation motor 76 to control the carrier head rotation rate; connected to a platform rotation motor 21 to control the platform rotation rate; or to the slurry distribution system 100 to control the composition of the slurry supplied to the polishing pad.

The slurry distribution system can be used in a variety of polishing systems. The polishing pad can be a circular (or some other shape) pad secured to a platen, a narrow strip extending between a supply roll and a take-up roll, or a continuous strip. The polishing pad can be fixed to the platen, incrementally advanced over the platen between polishing operations, or continuously driven over the platen during polishing. The pad may be fixed to the platen during polishing, or there may be a fluid bearing between the platen and the polishing pad during polishing. The polishing pad can be a standard (e.g., polyurethane with or without fillers) rough pad, soft pad, or fixed abrasive pad.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example

The front barrier (first barrier) can be used without the back barrier (second barrier).

The back barrier (second barrier) can be used in the polishing system without the front barrier (first barrier).

The dispenser may be supported on or may be an integral part of the first barrier and/or the second barrier. For example, the dispenser may be a flexible tube supported on the first barrier.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.