Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of fabricating a multilayer integrated circuit comprising the steps of: a) forming a first circuit pattern on a first surface of a substrate; b) depositing an intermediate layer on said first circuit pattern; c) polishing an exposed surface of said intermediate layer so as to planarize it, said polishing involving 1) attaching said substrate to a substrate holder 2) placing said substrate holder onto a polishing platen surface so that said exposed surface of said intermediate layer contacts said platen surface, 3) rotating said platen while holding said substrate holder to permit said substrate to move with three degrees of angular freedom such that the first surface of the substrate automatically self-aligns to the polishing platen surface during polishing; and d) forming a second circuit pattern on said substrate.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of fabricating a multilayer integrated circuit comprising the steps of: a) forming a first circuit pattern on a first surface of a substrate; b) depositing an intermediate layer on said first circuit pattern; c) polishing an exposed surface of said intermediate layer so as to planarize it, said polishing involving 1) attaching said substrate to a substrate holder 2) placing said substrate holder onto a polishing platen surface so that said exposed surface of said intermediate layer contacts said platen surface, 3) rotating said platen while holding said substrate holder to permit said substrate to move with three degrees of angular freedom such that the first surface of the substrate automatically self-aligns to the polishing platen surface during polishing; and d) forming a second circuit pattern on said substrate.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for fabricating a multilayer integrated circuit comprising the steps of: a) forming a first circuit pattern on a substrate; b) depositing an intermediate layer on said first circuit pattern; c) polishing an exposed surface of said intermediate layer so as to planarize it, said polishing involving 1) attaching said substrate to a substrate holder, 2) placing said substrate holder onto a polishing platen surface so that said exposed surface of said intermediate layer contacts said platen surface; and 3) shaking said polishing platen surface so that said holder and said substrate move relative to said polishing platen surface; and d) forming a second circuit pattern on said substrate.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for fabricating a multilayer integrated circuit comprising the steps of: a) forming a first circuit pattern on a substrate; b) depositing an intermediate layer on said first circuit pattern; c) polishing an exposed surface of said intermediate layer so as to planarize it, said polishing involving 1) attaching said substrate to a substrate holder, 2) placing said substrate holder onto a polishing platen surface so that said exposed surface of said intermediate layer contacts said platen surface; and 3) shaking said polishing platen surface so that said holder and said substrate move relative to said polishing platen surface; and d) forming a second circuit pattern on said substrate.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for fabricating a multilayer integrated circuit comprising the steps of: a) forming a first circuit pattern on a substrate; b) depositing an intermediate layer on said first circuit pattern; c) polishing an exposed surface of said intermediate layer so as to planarize it, said polishing involving 1) attaching said substrate to a substrate holder, and 2) wiping said exposed surface with a nonabrasive etchant; and d) forming a second circuit pattern on said substrate.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for fabricating a multilayer integrated circuit comprising the steps of: a) forming a first circuit pattern on a substrate; b) depositing an intermediate layer on said first circuit pattern; c) polishing an exposed surface of said intermediate layer so as to planarize it, said polishing involving 1) attaching said substrate to a substrate holder, and 2) wiping said exposed surface with a nonabrasive etchant; and d) forming a second circuit pattern on said substrate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said etchant is a copper etchant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as recited in claim 3 wherein the exposed surface is wiped with etchants having consecutively diminishing strengths.