Patent ID: 8033771

Claim:
A load lock for cooling wafers after processing, the load lock comprising: (a) an inlet transfer port for receiving the wafers after processing; (b) an outlet transfer port for removing the wafers after cooling; (c) a pedestal having a surface for absorbing heat from the wafers, said surface being structured to prevent a venting gas from passing through the pedestal while absorbing heat from the wafers; (d) a venting non-process gas port for delivering a venting gas above the pedestal surface to increase pressure inside the load lock, the venting gas port shaped as a ring and comprising an opening facing a center of the ring, the opening configured to direct the venting non-process gas above and parallel to front surfaces of the wafers upon leaving the opening, wherein a diameter of the ring is smaller than a diameter of the wafers; and (e) at least three supports provided on the pedestal surface, wherein said supports have heights which provide an average gap between one of the wafers and the pedestal surface of no greater than about 0.010 inches, when the one of the wafers is supported by the supports.