Patent ID: 6987272

Claim:
For use with an ion implanter having an implantation chamber for treatment of a work piece at sub-atmospheric pressure, a work piece transfer apparatus comprising: a) a load lock system in fluid communication with an interior region of the implantation chamber, the load lock system defining an interior region which can be selectively evacuated for achieving a reduced pressure condition in the interior region, the load lock system having a support surface for supporting the work piece, the load lock support surface including an opening aligned with the work piece when the work piece is disposed on the load lock support surface; and b) a work piece support within the implantation chamber that positions a work piece for treatment within the chamber interior region, the work piece support including a work piece pedestal for picking up the work piece from the support surface of the load lock system prior to treatment, holding the work piece in position during treatment, and depositing the work piece on the support surface of the load lock system subsequent to treatment, the work piece support including a support linkage for moving the work piece pedestal through the opening in the load lock support surface to pick up the work piece from the support surface prior to treatment and deposit the work piece on the support surface subsequent to treatment.