Electrostatic chuck design for cooling-gas light-up prevention

Abstract

A wafer support structure in a chamber of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is provided. The wafer support structure includes a dielectric block having a bottom surface and a top surface supports a wafer when present. The wafer support structure includes a baseplate for supporting the dielectric block. The wafer support structure includes a first electrode embedded in an upper part of the dielectric block. The first electrode is proximate and below the top surface of the dielectric block. A top surface of the first electrode is substantially parallel to the top surface of the dielectric block. The first electrode is configured for connection to a direct current (DC) power source. The wafer support structure includes a second electrode embedded in the dielectric block. The wafer support structure includes a second electrode disposed below the first electrode and a separation distance is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode within the dielectric block. The wafer support structure includes a radio frequency (RF) gasket provides an electrical connection between the second electrode and the a baseplate.