Abstract: A workpiece support for supporting a disc-shaped workpiece in a vacuum chamber, comprises a support member with a support surface for carrying the workpiece. A plurality of bores extend from the support surface and through the support member. The bores communicate with a distribution chamber defined on a side of the support member which is opposite from the support surface. The distribution chamber is substantially co-extensive with the support surface and is connected to a gas feed line for supplying gas to the distribution chamber. The bores each have respective diameters which are substantially shorter than their respective lengths through the support member. In this way, gas supplied through the bores from the distribution chamber is distributed between the support surface and the workpiece as a heat transfer medium which is substantially independent from the gas flow at an inlet of each bore in the distribution chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for treating disk-shaped workpieces includes a central distribution chamber into which the workpieces are brought from a lock through a communication opening which can be closed by a closing member. A transporting mechanism, preferably in the form of a robot arm, is located in the distribution chamber which is adjoined by intermediate chambers distributed along its circumference as exchangeable modules whereby the communication between them can be shut off at each point of connection by a closing member. An intermediate chamber communicates with at least one treatment chamber via an allocated communication opening which, in order to allow a separation of the treatment chamber, is accessible from the intermediate chamber. In the intermediate chamber a further transport mechanism is arranged for taking over the workpieces from the first transport mechanism, which further transport mechanism places the workpieces onto an elevating table located under the treatment chamber.