The process of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) can be studied using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) by intentionally using a high tip/sample interaction force. The nominal removal rate of Al during AFM scratching is studied under a range of conditions including varying tip/sample force, solution pH, and electrode potential. This approach should bt? useful far CMP process development and furthering the fundamental understanding of CMP mechanisms. (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Society. S1099-0062(99)09-098-7. All rights reserved.