Inventors:
Julia S. Svirchevski - San Jose CA
Katrina A. Mikhaylich - San Jose CA
Assignee:
Lam Research Corporation - Fremont CA
International Classification:
B08B 302
US Classification:
134 3, 134 2, 216 52, 438756
Abstract:
A method and a system are provided for cleaning a CMP pad. The method starts by applying chemicals onto the surface of the CMP pad. The chemicals are then allowed to react with a residue that may be on the pad to produce by-products. Next, the pad surface is rinsed to substantially remove the by-products. A mechanical conditioning operation is then performed on the surface of the pad. In one example, the wafer surface can be a metal, such as copper. Where the wafer surface is copper, the chemical is most preferably HCl, and a solution includes HCl and DI water. Where the wafer surface is oxide, the chemical is most preferably NH OH, and the solution includes NH OH and DI water. Generally, the CMP pad can be in the form of a linear belt, in the form of an round disk, or in any other mechanical or physical configuration.