Methods for polishing dielectric layers using an auto-stop slurry in forming semiconductor devices, such as three-dimensional (3D) memory devices, are provided. The methods include forming a stack structure in a staircase region and a core array region, the stack structure including a staircase structure in the staircase region; forming a dielectric layer over the staircase region and a peripheral region outside the stack structure; and polishing the dielectric layer using an auto-stop slurry containing a ceria-based abrasive.

Compositions for enhancing the luster and/or brilliance of jewelry and/or gem stones comprising a non-aqueous carrier and optionally additives and/or fragrances, and methods for making and using same.

A polishing liquid containing abrasive grains, a hydroxy acid, a polyol, and a liquid medium, in which a zeta potential of the abrasive grains is positive, and the hydroxy acid has one carboxyl group and one to three hydroxyl groups.

Composite particles with lower mean particle size and smaller size distribution are obtained through refining treatments. The refined composite particles, such as ceria coated silica particles are used in Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) compositions to offer higher removal rate; very low within wafer (WWNU) for removal rate, low dishing and low defects for polishing oxide films.

Composite particles with lower mean particle size and smaller size distribution are obtained through refining treatments. The refined composite particles, such as ceria coated silica particles are used in Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) compositions to offer higher removal rate; very low within wafer (WWNU) for removal rate, low dishing and low defects for polishing oxide films.

Methods are disclosed that illuminate etch solutions to provide controlled etching of materials. An etch solution (e.g., gaseous, liquid, or combination thereof) with a first level of reactants is applied to the surface of a material to be etched. The etch solution is illuminated to cause the etch solution to have a second level of reactants that is greater than the first level. The surface of the material is modified (e.g., oxidized) with the illuminated etch solution, and the modified layer of material is removed. The exposing and removing can be repeated or cycled to etch the material. Further, for oxidation/dissolution embodiments the oxidation and dissolution can occur simultaneously, and the oxidation rate can be greater than the dissolution rate. The material can be a polycrystalline material, a polycrystalline metal, and/or other material. One etch solution can include hydrogen peroxide that is illuminated to form hydroxyl radicals.

Methods are disclosed that illuminate etch solutions to provide controlled etching of materials. An etch solution (e.g., gaseous, liquid, or combination thereof) with a first level of reactants is applied to the surface of a material to be etched. The etch solution is illuminated to cause the etch solution to have a second level of reactants that is greater than the first level. The surface of the material is modified (e.g., oxidized) with the illuminated etch solution, and the modified layer of material is removed. The exposing and removing can be repeated or cycled to etch the material. Further, for oxidation/dissolution embodiments the oxidation and dissolution can occur simultaneously, and the oxidation rate can be greater than the dissolution rate. The material can be a polycrystalline material, a polycrystalline metal, and/or other material. One etch solution can include hydrogen peroxide that is illuminated to form hydroxyl radicals.

A polishing method for polishing by sliding a semiconductor silicon wafer, held by a polishing head, against a polishing pad attached to a turn table while supplying a polishing agent, wherein the semiconductor silicon wafer is subjected to primary polishing, secondary polishing, and final polishing in turn, the secondary polishing comprises polishing by an alkaline based polishing agent which includes free abrasive grains and does not include a water-soluble polymer agent, and subsequent rinse polishing by a polishing agent which includes a water-soluble polymer agent and the rinse polishing includes two stages of polishing, wherein, after performing a first stage of the rinse polishing while supplying a polishing agent which includes a water-soluble polymer agent, a second stage of the rinse polishing is performed while supplying a switched polishing agent whose water-soluble polymer agent has an average molecular weight larger than the polishing agent of the first stage.

A polishing method for polishing by sliding a semiconductor silicon wafer, held by a polishing head, against a polishing pad attached to a turn table while supplying a polishing agent, wherein the semiconductor silicon wafer is subjected to primary polishing, secondary polishing, and final polishing in turn, the secondary polishing comprises polishing by an alkaline based polishing agent which includes free abrasive grains and does not include a water-soluble polymer agent, and subsequent rinse polishing by a polishing agent which includes a water-soluble polymer agent and the rinse polishing includes two stages of polishing, wherein, after performing a first stage of the rinse polishing while supplying a polishing agent which includes a water-soluble polymer agent, a second stage of the rinse polishing is performed while supplying a switched polishing agent whose water-soluble polymer agent has an average molecular weight larger than the polishing agent of the first stage.

A slurry composition is disclosed which includes: a corrosion inhibitor including a material selected from carbon allotropes and derivatives thereof; and an oxidant. A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit device is disclosed which includes: forming a first metal film and a second metal film on a substrate, the first metal film and the second metal film respectively including different metals; and polishing, by using the slurry composition, a polishing target surface at which the first metal film and the second metal film are exposed.