METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING, QUEUING, AND LOADING OF LARGE AREA SUBSTRATES IN MULTI-TOOL PROCESSING OPERATIONS

摘要

A substrate support and transport system for substrates to be processed is provided. The substrate support system includes a conveying mechanism for supporting the substrate in a vertical orientation. The conveying mechanism includes a moveable base supporting a bottom edge of the substrate and a non-contact support arm providing support to a side of the substrate. The substrate support system includes a housing disposed over the moveable base and substantially enclosing the substrate and the non-contact support arm. An air supply providing an air supply directed from a top edge of the substrate toward the base is included in the substrate support and transport system. A method of transporting a substrate is also provided.