Polishing composition for semiconductor process and method of manufacturing substrate using same

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In semiconductor manufacturing, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes face challenges in achieving sufficient polishing rate and speed while minimizing dishing or erosion, especially after metal wiring formation.

Innovation Solution

A polishing composition for semiconductor processing is developed, which includes abrasive particles with positive surface charges and specific metal ions, such as alkali metal ions and secondary metal ions like iron or copper, in controlled ratios to enhance dispersibility and polishing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional slurry compositions are used to achieve sufficient polishing rate, then polishing speed increases, but dishing and erosion worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing rateVSAvoidsurface uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the slurry by introducing specific metal ions (Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Al3+, Ca2+, Zn2+) with controlled concentrations and ratios. These parameter changes modify the chemical reactivity of the slurry, enabling effective polishing at lower mechanical pressures, thus achieving high polishing rates while minimizing dishing and erosion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite slurry system combining multiple metal ions with abrasive particles. This composite composition synergistically enhances polishing performance: different metal ions contribute different chemical reactivities, while the abrasive particles provide mechanical removal, achieving both high polishing rate and surface uniformity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If higher polishing pressure is applied to increase polishing rate, then productivity improves, but dishing and erosion increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing rateVSAvoiddishing and erosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces purely mechanical polishing with a chemical-mechanical hybrid approach. The metal ions in the slurry provide chemical etching action that works synergistically with mild mechanical abrasion, enabling effective material removal at lower pressures, thus avoiding dishing and erosion while maintaining high polishing rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If abrasive particles with negative surface charges are used, then conventional polishing is achieved, but dispersibility and polishing efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing qualityVSAvoidpolishing rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface charge parameter of abrasive particles from negative to positive through surface modification. This parameter change enables better electrostatic interaction with the chemically activated surface, improving both dispersibility and polishing efficiency, and allows the slurry to work effectively at lower concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition effectively improves the dispersibility of abrasive particles and enhances polishing rates on silicon oxide and tungsten films, while minimizing defects and maintaining electrical properties of the semiconductor substrates.

Implementation Method 1

the abrasive particles have surface positive charges, and wherein an amount of the first metal ion is 15 ppm (by weight) to 100 ppm (by weight)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

a substrate is pressurized and rotated, while a slurry is applied to a polishing pad, and the surface thereof is polished

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

the polishing composition for semiconductor processing includes abrasive particles and a first metal ion, which is an alkali metal ion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250145857A1Polishing composition for semiconductor process and method of manufacturing substrate using same
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 YOUNG CHANG CHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

The polishing composition for semiconductor processing includes abrasive particles and a first metal ion, which is an alkali metal ion, wherein the abrasive particles have surface positive charges, and wherein an amount of the first metal ion is 15 ppm (by weight) to 100 ppm (by weight).