Patent ID: 8714225

Claim:
A microwave bonding apparatus, comprising: a cavity housing having a plurality of inner metal surfaces that define a microwave cavity configured to receive microwave energy in a mode of operation; a pressure housing coupled to a part of a base surface so as to be positioned substantially within said microwave cavity, said base surface being one of said plurality of inner metal surfaces; a membrane coupled to a part of said base surface and positioned substantially within said microwave cavity and between said pressure housing and base surface, said membrane having first and second surfaces such that said pressure housing and said first surface of said membrane define a first volume that can be pressurized to deform said membrane; a sample holder having a metal surface dimensioned to receive a stack that includes two or more wafers being bonded and position said stack substantially within said microwave cavity, said metal surface being a part of said base surface when said sample holder is installed such that said stack is between said second surface of said membrane and said base surface, said stack dimensioned so as to allow said stack to be compressed between said second surface and said metal surface when said membrane deforms due to said pressurization of said first volume.