Patent ID: 6248671
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor processing method comprising:providing at least one support member having an upper surface for supporting a semiconductor wafer;providing a component through which the support member extends, the component comprising a front surface and a back surface, at least one of the support member and the component being movable relative to the other of the support member and the component such that the support member can support a wafer in an elevated position above the front surface and can be withdrawn into the component to lower the wafer relative to the front surface of the component;providing a mechanical stop associated with one of the support member and the component and not associated with another of the support member and the component, the mechanical stop engaging the other of the support member and the component to which it is not associated when the support member upper surface extends above the component to a predetermined distance and preventing the support member upper surface from extending beyond the front surface by more than the predetermined distance;moving the at least one of the support member and the component to elevate the support member relative to the component until the mechanical stop engages with the other of the support member and the component to which it is not associated;providing a semiconductor wafer on the elevated support member upper surface;utilizing the component to treat the semiconductor wafer while the semiconductor wafer is on the elevated support member and elevated above the component to the predetermined distance;moving the at least one of the support member and the component to lower the semiconductive wafer relative to the component; andafter the semiconductor wafer is lowered, utilizing the component to treat the semiconductor wafer.