Patent attributes
An electrostatic chuck (“chuck”) is provided for controlling a radial temperature profile across a substrate when exposed to a plasma. The chuck includes a number of independently controllable gas volumes that are each defined in a radial configuration relative to a top surface of the chuck upon which the substrate is to be supported. The chuck includes a support member and a base plate. The base plate positioned beneath and in a spaced apart relationship from the support member. The gas volumes are defined between the base plate and the support member, with separation provided by annularly-shaped thermally insulating dividers. Each gas volume can include a heat generation source. A gas pressure and heat generation within each gas volume can be controlled to influence thermal conduction through the chuck such that a prescribed radial temperature profile is achieved across the substrate.
