Patent ID: 8439728
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A reticle carrier for a polishing tool capable of accommodating a reticle comprising: a rigid base plate with an obverse surface and a reverse surface on opposite sides thereof; a retaining ring having internal edges; said retaining ring secured to said obverse surface of said rigid base plate forming a recess defined by said obverse surface of said rigid base plate and said internal edges of said retaining ring; a reticle pad for supporting a reticle positioned on said obverse surface of said rigid base plate in said recess; said internal edges of said retaining ring and said reticle pad defining a hollow space for housing said reticle in said recess; and said rigid base plate and said reticle pad having an array of matching, aligned passageway holes therethrough for exhaustion of first air from space between said base plate and said reticle and for supply of second air to said space; whereby a vacuum can retain said reticle in place on said reticle carrier under vacuum conditions and application of the second air under pressure can eject said reticle from said reticle carrier.