The acceptor compensation in polishing of p-type silicon with ammonia or amine-containing silica sol slurries has formerly been explained by the well-known inactivation of boron with atomic hydrogen or by the action of lattice selfinterstitials. We give evidence by neutron activation analysis, energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, secondary ion mass spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy that traces of copper in the slurry are responsible for this effect. A mechanism for the chemomechanical polishing of silicon and the incorporation of copper into the wafer is suggested.
The polishing technology used for manufacturing ultraflat and smooth Si surfaces on a large scale is the chemomechanical polishing (CMP) technique. This technique combines the chemical corrosive removal of silicon atoms and the mechanical transport of the agents. The removal rates strongly depend on the interaction of mechanical parameters and the chemistry involved in the polishing process like the pH of the alkaline polishing slurry used. Removal of Si during CMP is explained by a nucleophilic attack of OH− to silicon atoms catalyzing the corrosive reaction of H2O resulting in cleavage of silicon backbonds. Characterization of the surface chemistry of the silicon wafer after polishing by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and High-Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy reveals an oxide free, predominantly hydride covered silicon surface displaying hydrophobic properties. Morphological features like microroughness as well as localized surface irregularities on the silicon surface, also referred to as Light Point Defects, depend on different strongly interacting process parameters. Microroughness is reduced by CMP by several orders of magnitude as characterized by lightscattering techniques and Atomic Force Microscopy.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.