Patent ID: 6309290
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
A disc-shaped semiconductor wafer carrier for mounting a semiconductor wafer substrate to be polished or planarized in a semiconductor wafer processing apparatus, said semiconductor wafer carrier comprising:a disk-shaped block of substantially non-porous material having a first surface for mounting said semiconductor wafer, a second surface, and a third substantially cylindrical surface connecting said first and second surfaces;said first surface being substantially planar except for a plurality of concentric annular non-planar cavities extending from said substantially planar surface into an interior portion of said wafer carrier;a fluid communication channel extending from each said cavity to communicate pressurized fluids from external sources of pressurized fluid to said cavities;said first surface adapted to receive a flexible membrane to cover said cavities and form a plurality of concentric pressure chambers each capable of holding a pressure when said pressurized fluids are communicated from said external sources of pressurized fluids to said cavities; andsaid membrane expanding locally proximate said non-planar cavities when said pressurized fluids are communicated to said chambers and exerting forces on a semiconductor wafer mounted to said membrane.