Abstract: A process and system for heating semiconductor substrates in a processing chamber on a susceptor as disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the susceptor includes a support structure made from a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity for suspending the wafer over the susceptor. The support structure has a particular height that inhibits or prevents radial temperature gradients from forming in the wafer during high temperature processing. If needed, recesses can be formed in the susceptor for locating and positioning a support structure. The susceptor can include a wafer supporting surface defining a pocket that has a shape configured to conform to the shape of a wafer during a heat cycle.