<p>A bare reticle storage chamber and stocker (30) includes a reticle input /output -port pod opener (36) for: 1. accessing a reticle (68) carried within a pod; while 2. maintaining a clean environment around the reticle (68). A reticle transfer area (42) that abuts the pod opener (30) and houses a reticle handling robot (44) that includes an end-effector (162) adapted for receiving and retaining at least one reticle (68). A bare reticle storage chamber (52) also abuts the reticle transfer area (42). The reticle storage chamber (52) houses: 1. a reticle cabinet (62) having reticle storage slots (64) that receive reticles (68); and 2. a plenum (102) that provides a flow of gas about and through the reticle cabinet (62). Abutting the reticle transfer area (42), the reticle storage chamber (52) has an openable and closeable robot access door (74) through which the end-effector (162) of the reticle handling robot (44) accesses the reticle storage slot that is then juxtaposed with the robot access door (74).</p>
