A method and apparatus for grounding a chamber isolation valve are
provided. Generally, the method makes use of an electrically conductive
elastomeric member or members to effectively ground a chamber isolation
valve and/or isolation valve door while avoiding metal-to-metal contact
between moving parts in the processing system. In one embodiment, the
elastomeric member is attached to and in electrical communication with
the door of the chamber isolation valve. The elastomeric member is
brought into contact with a grounded component of the plasma processing
system when the door is in the closed position. In another embodiment,
the conductive elastomeric member is attached to a bracing member of the
isolation valve and is brought into contact with a grounded component of
the plasma processing system when the bracing member is deployed to hold
the isolation valve door in place during substrate processing. Other
configurations are also provided.