The properties of pad conditioning according to manufacturing methods of CMP pad conditioner

CMP 패드 컨디셔너의 제조공법에 따른 패드 컨디셔닝 특성

Currently Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) has become an essential step in the overall semiconductor wafer fabrication technology. Especially the CMP pad conditioner, one of the diamond tools, is required to have strong diamond retention. Strong cohesion between diamond grits and metal matrix prevents macro scratch on the wafer. If diamond retention is weak, the diamond will be pulled out of metal matrix. The pulled diamond grits are causative of macro scratch on wafer during CMP process. Firstly, some results will be reported of cohesion between diamond grits and metal matrix on the diamond tools prepared by three different manufacturing methods. A measuring instrument with sharp cemented carbide connected with a push-pull gauge was manufactured to measure the cohesion between diamond grits and metal matrix. The retention force of brazed diamond tool was stronger than the others. The retention force was also increased in proportion to the contact area of diamond grits and metal matrix. The brazed diamond tool has a strong chemical combination of the interlayer composed of chrome in metal matrix and carbon which enhance the interfacial cohesion strength between diamond grits and metal matrix. Secondly, we measured real-time data of the coefficient of friction and the pad wear rate by using CMP tester (CETR, CP-4). CMP pad conditioner samples were manufactured by brazed, electro-plated and sintered methods. The coefficient of friction and the pad wear rate were shown differently according to the arranged diamond patterns. Consequently, the coefficient of friction is increased according as the space between diamonds is increased or the concentration of diamonds is decreased. The pad wear rate is increased according as the degree of diamond protrusion is increased.