A method for forming a copper interconnect on an integrated circuit (IC) begins by forming a dielectric layer (20) having an opening. A tantalum-based barrier layer (21), such as TaN or TaSiN, is formed within the opening in the layer (20). A copper layer (22) is formed over the barr
A method for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) a copper layer (22) begins by forming the copper layer (22). The copper layer (22) is then exposed to a slurry (24). The slurry (24) contains an oxidizing agent such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2, a carboxylate salt such as ammonium citrate, an abras
A polishing system (10) is used to polish a semiconductor wafer (16) in accordance with the present invention. Polishing system (10) includes a wafer carrier (14) which includes a modulation unit (20). Modulation unit (20) includes a plurality of capacitors made up of a flexible lower pl
