Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a substrate support assembly. The substrate support assembly includes a support plate and a ceramic layer. The support plate has a top surface. The top surface includes a substrate receiving area configured to support a large area substrate and an outer area located outward of the substrate receiving area.

Abstract: A substrate support and method of forming a substrate support are described herein. In one example, a substrate support includes an aluminum body having an upper surface configured to support a large area substrate, a heater element, and a filler material. The aluminum body has a groove formed therein. The heater element is disposed in the groove. The filler material is in contact with the heater element and fills the groove. The contact between the filler material and the perimeter of the heater element is the only material interface within the groove, and the filler material has a larger grain size than a grain size of the aluminum body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a diffuser for a deposition chamber includes a plate having edge regions and a center region, and plurality of gas passages comprising an upstream bore and an orifice hole fluidly coupled to the upstream bore that are formed between an upstream side and a downstream side of the plate, and a plurality of grooves surrounding the gas passages, wherein a depth of the grooves varies from the edge regions to the center region of the plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accommodating thermal expansion of a showerhead. In a first aspect of the invention, the showerhead is movably supported by resting a rim of the showerhead on a support shelf. In a second aspect, the showerhead is suspended from the chamber wall by a plurality of hangers that are connected to the showerhead, the chamber wall, or both by pins that slide within slots so as to permit the hangers to slide radially to accommodate thermal expansion of the showerhead in the radial direction. In a third aspect, the showerhead is suspended from the wall of the vacuum chamber by a plurality of rods or flexible wires. In a fourth aspect, the showerhead is connected near its perimeter to a second material having a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the showerhead. In a fifth aspect, a heater is mounted behind the showerhead to reduce the temperature differential between the top and bottom surfaces of the showerhead or to reduce heat transfer from the workpiece to the showerhead.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a slit valve door seal. In one embodiment, a slit valve door seal includes a ring-shaped base having a center axis and at least one finger extending from the base. The finger is oriented substantially parallel to the center axis, wherein the base and the finger define a single, one-piece seal member. The seal is particularly suitable for using in sealing substrate access passages formed in load lock chambers.