Electrostatic chuck ground punch
US8902560B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/6831
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrostatic chuck and method for clamping a workpiece is provided. The ESC comprises a clamping plate having a clamping surface, and one or more electrodes. An electric potential applied to the one or more electrodes selectively clamps the workpiece to the clamping surface. A punch is operably coupled to the clamping plate and an electrical ground, wherein the punch comprises a trigger mechanism and a punch tip. The punch tip translates between extended and retracted positions, wherein a point of the punch tip is proud of the clamping surface when the punch tip is in the extended position. The punch tip is configured to translate toward the clamping surface upon clamping the workpiece to the clamping plate. Upon reaching the retracted position, the trigger mechanism imparts an impact force to the punch tip, forcing the punch tip into the workpiece and providing an electrical ground connection to the workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.