Patent ID: 6120609
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: C23C,H01L

Abstract:
A substrate processing apparatus comprising:a substrate support plate having a stem supported by a driven carrier member,a series of lift pins which when configured in a raised position support a substrate separated from said substrate support plate at first position at a first distance from said substrate support plate, said series of lift pins when configured in a lowered position cause the substrate to be supported in a second position at a second distance from said substrate support plate, said second distance being less than said first distance;a lift pin support structure configured to contact said series of lift pins to cause said series of lift pins to move from said lowered position to said raised position and support said series of pins in said raised position, said lift pin support structure being fixed to a floating carrier member, anda catch member fixed to said floating carrier member, said catch member being configured to allow said floating carrier member to move relative to said driven carrier member when said floating carrier member and said driven carrier member are less than a catch distance apart, said catch member being configured to prevent said floating carrier member and said driven carrier member from separating from each other greater than a catch distance;wherein said substrate is processed in a vacuum processing chamber and said catch member is located outside a vacuum limit of said processing chamber.