Method and apparatus for improved substrate handling

The present invention relates to substrate processing, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for improved substrate handling. A transfer chamber is provided. The transfer chamber has a temperature adjustment plate located in an upper portion of the chamber, a substrate handler located in a lower portion of the chamber, and a rotatable substrate carriage adapted so as to raise and lower between an elevation above a substrate supporting surface of the temperature adjustment plate, and an elevation below a substrate supporting blade of the substrate handler. The rotatable substrate carriage is adapted to transfer a substrate to and from the substrate supporting surfaces of the temperature adjustment plate, and of the substrate handler blade.