Patent ID: 6935038

Claim:
A gauge apparatus for use in a semiconductor fabrication system, said apparatus comprising: an electrostatic chuck associated with a semiconductor fabrication system, wherein said electrostatic chuck is moveable from a first horizontal position to a second horizontal position and moveable from a first vertical position to a second vertical position; and a gauge for measuring a gap between a baffle plate and a chamber wall in order to thereby prevent damage to said chamber wall by said baffle plate during a movement of said electrostatic chuck during a semiconductor fabrication operation of said semiconductor fabrication system, wherein said gauge is located proximate to said electrostatic chuck at said second position of said electrostatic chuck, said gauge comprising: a leveling mechanism for measuring a horizontal gap between said baffle plate and said chamber wall, the leveling mechanism disposed between said electrostatic chuck at said second position of said electrostatic chuck and said chamber wall; and a modified portion mechanically associated with the leveling mechanism.