Applied Materials, Inc.
Retainer for chemical mechanical polishing carrier head

Abstract:

A carrier head for chemical mechanical polishing includes a base, an actuator, a substrate mounting surface, and a retainer. The retainer includes an inner section and an outer section connected by a flexure. A bottom of the inner section of the retainer provides an inner portion of a lower surface configured to contact a polishing pad. An inner surface of the inner section extends upwardly from an inner edge of the lower surface to circumferentially surround the substrate mounting surface. The inner section of the retainer is positioned to receive a controllable load from the actuator and is vertically movable relative to the base. A bottom of the outer section of the retainer provides an outer portion of the lower surface. The outer section of the retainer is vertically fixed to the base. The inner section of the retainer is vertically movable relative to the outer section of the retainer.