Method for fabricating polishing pad using laser beam and mask

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for forming micro-holes, perforated holes, and/or grooves on a polishing pad using a laser beam and a mask. This method involves the steps of determining a pattern of micro-holes, grooves, and/or perforated holes to be formed on a polishing pad, inputting the determined pattern to a computer numerical control (CNC) controller, selecting a mask corresponding to the determined pattern, positioning the mask under a laser device, parallel to the polishing pad, and driving the laser device adapted to irradiate the laser beam and a table adapted to conduct a three-dimensional movement and rotation while supporting the polishing pad, under the control of the CNC controlled, thereby irradiating the laser beam from the laser device through the mask onto the polishing pad according to the inputted pattern.

1 . A method for fabricating a polishing pad comprising the steps of: 
 determining a pattern of micro-holes, grooves and/or perforations to be formed on a polishing pad;    inputting the determined pattern to a computer numerical control (CNC) controller;    selecting a mask having a pattern of micro-holes, grooves and/or perforations corresponding to the inputted pattern; and    driving a laser device adapted to irradiate a laser beam and a table adapted to conduct a three-dimensional movement and rotation while supporting the polishing pad, under a control of the CNC controller based on the inputted pattern, thereby irradiating the laser beam from the laser device onto the polishing pad supported by the table while moving the table in accordance with the inputted pattern, so that micro-holes, grooves, and/or perforations having a pattern corresponding to the determined pattern are formed on the polishing pad.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein a beam spot formed on the polishing pad by the laser beam is adjusted in size to adjust the diameter or width of the micro-holes, grooves and/or perforations being formed on the polishing pad.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein continuous and intermittent irradiation periods of the laser beam are controlled to adjust the length of the micro-holes, grooves, and/or perforations being formed on the polishing pad and the space between the micro-holes, grooves, and/or perforations arranged adjacent to each other in a travel direction of the laser beam.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the laser beam is controlled in power to adjust the depth of the micro-holes, grooves and/or perforations being formed on the polishing pad.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the table is moved in X, Y, and Z-axis directions to adjust an angle defined by the micro-holes, grooves and/or perforations being formed on the polishing pad with respect to a polishing surface of the polishing pad.