a polishing pad is described that has a polishing layer with a polishing surface , an adhesive layer on a side of the polishing layer opposite the polishing layer , and a solid light - transmitting window extending through and molded to the polishing layer . the window has a top surface coplanar with the polishing surface and a bottom surface coplanar with a lower surface of the adhesive layer . a method of making a polishing pad includes forming an aperture through a polishing layer and an adhesive layer , securing a backing piece to the adhesive layer on a side opposite a polishing surface of the polishing layer , dispensing a liquid polymer into the aperture , and curing the liquid polymer to form a window .