An integrated processing system with multiple chamber.

摘要

An integrated modular multiple chamber vacuum processing system (10) is disclosed. The system includes a load lock (12), may include an external cassette elevator (24), and an internal load lock wafer elevator (50), and also includes stations about the periphery of the load lock for connecting one, two or several vacuum process chambers (16 to 22) to the load lock chamber (12). A robot (80) is mounted within the load lock and utilizes a concentric shaft drive system (82) connected to an end effector via a dual four-bar link mechanism (86) for imparting selected R-0 movement to the blade (84) to load and unload wafers at the external elevator, internal elevator and individual process chambers (16-22). The system is uniquely adapted for enabling various types of IC processing including etch, deposition, sputtering and rapid thermal annealing chambers, thereby providing the opportunity for multiple step, sequential processing using different processes.