Patent ID: 6375748
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a substrate support configured to support a substrate and comprising a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the substrate support having a plurality of pins extending therefrom; an edge ring comprising a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion which differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion, the edge ring having a plurality of hollow regions formed therein, each of the hollow regions being at least as wide as a corresponding one of the plurality of pins and extending in a direction in which the substrate support expands and contracts during thermal cycling; and a plurality of pads each comprising a thermally insulating material and each surrounding a different one of the plurality of pins so as to separate the substrate support and the edge ring; wherein the plurality of pins are inserted within the plurality of hollow regions, and wherein each of the plurality of hollow regions: extends a length which is sufficient to compensate for a differential expansion of the substrate support and the edge ring caused by the difference between the first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second coefficient of thermal expansion over the range of process temperatures to which the apparatus is exposed; and has a depth greater than a length of the corresponding one of the plurality of pins, such that with use of the thermally insulating pads, the edge ring is thermally insulated from the substrate support.