Janus Abrasive Particles for Stable, Low-Defect CMP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes face challenges in achieving high polishing efficiency without causing defects such as scratches, particularly in the context of semiconductor manufacturing where complex surface structures require precise planarization.

Innovation Solution

The use of Janus abrasive particles, which have regions with different physical or chemical properties, allowing for anisotropic arrangement and reduced particle aggregation, enhancing polishing efficiency and control over particle orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional abrasive particles are used in CMP processes, then polishing can be performed, but polishing efficiency is insufficient and defects such as scratches occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing efficiencyVSAvoidsurface defect rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by creating Janus abrasive particles with a core-shell structure where the core and shell have different materials and properties. The particle has an asymmetric configuration with a first region (core) and a second region (shell) that differ in composition, enabling differentiated functionality: the core provides mechanical abrasion while the shell controls surface interactions and reduces defect formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by赋予不同区域不同的功能特性。内核具有特定的硬度、韧性和化学组成,负责主要抛光作用;外壳具有不同的材料特性,控制粒子与工件表面的相互作用,减少划伤缺陷。这种局部功能分化使得粒子在不同区域发挥不同作用,同时实现高抛光效率和低缺陷率

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If polishing pressure is increased to improve polishing rate, then productivity increases, but particle aggregation occurs and defects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing rateVSAvoidpolishing process stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical parameters of abrasive particles. The Janus structure changes particle density, surface energy, and mechanical properties. These parameter changes enable particles to maintain stable dispersion at higher polishing pressures, preventing aggregation while sustaining high polishing rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining different materials in the core and shell of abrasive particles. The core may consist of one material (e.g., ceramic or metal oxide) while the shell consists of another material with complementary properties. This composite structure optimizes both polishing performance and dispersion stability under varying pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20260022284A1Janus abrasive particles and slurry composition for chemical mechanical polishing containing the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260022284A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022284A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022284A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A Janus abrasive particle may include a cocoon particle and a first coating portion. The cocoon particle may include a first region on its surface and a second region other than the first region, and the first coating portion may be provided on the first region of the cocoon particle and may include a material different from a material of the cocoon particle.