Patent ID: 6471913
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for thermally processing a microelectronic workpiece, the apparatus comprising:a first assembly; a second assembly disposed opposite the first assembly; one or more elements arranged to support the microelectronic workpiece on the either the first or second assemblies, the one or more elements further being arranged to facilitate automatic loading and unloading of the microelectronic workpiece; an actuator disposed to provide relative movement between the first assembly and second assembly between at least a loading position in which the first assembly and the second assembly are in a state for loading or unloading of the microelectronic workpiece, and a thermal processing position in which the first assembly and second assembly are proximate one another and form a thermal processing chamber; a thermal transfer unit disposed in the second assembly, the thermal transfer unit having a workpiece support surface that is heated and cooled in a controlled manner, the one or more elements of the second assembly bringing a surface of the microelectronic workpiece into direct physical contact with the workpiece support surface of the thermal transfer unit as the first assembly and second assembly are driven to the thermal processing position by the actuator, the thermal transfer unit further comprising: a thick film heater assembly having a first surface forming the wafer support surface of the thick film heater, and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a cooling chuck having a surface proximate the second surface of the thick film heater.