Lam Research Corporation
Two-stage pin lifter for de-chuck operations

Abstract:

Various embodiments include apparatuses to raise and lower substrates, as used in the semiconductor and allied industries, toward or away from a substrate-holding mechanism (e.g., such as an electrostatic chuck (ESC). In a specific embodiment, a substrate lift-mechanism includes a number of pins to position the substrate above a substrate-holding device. Mid-position sensors are respectively coupled to a corresponding pin. The mid-position sensors monitor an intermediate position of the corresponding pin between a maximum position and a minimum position. Other apparatuses and systems are disclosed.