Abstract
STI(shallow trench isolation)-CMP(chemical mechanical polishing) process have been substituted for LOCOS(local oxidation of silicon) process to obtain global planarization in the below sub-0.5㎛ technology. However TI-CMP process, especially TI-CMP with RIE(reactive ion etching) etch back process, has some kinds of defect like nitride residue, torn oxide defect, etc. In this paper, we studied how to reduced torn oxide defects after STI-CMP with RIE etch back processed. Although torn oxide defects which can occur on trench area is not deep and not severe, torn oxide defects on moat area is not deep and not severe, torn oxide defects on moat area is sometimes very deep and makes the yield loss. Thus, we did test on pattern wafers which go through trench process, APECVD process, and RIE etch back process by using an IPEC 472 polisher, IC1000/SUVA4 PAD and KOH base slurry to reduce the number of torn defects and to study what is the origin of torn oxide defects.
