Adaptive shape substrate support method

The present method features an active compliant pin chuck to hold a substrate, having opposed first and second surfaces, and compensates for non-planarity in one of the surfaces of the substrate. To that end, the method includes creating a point contact on the first surface to generate a change in shape of the second surface to obtain a desired shape of the second surface. The desired shape may be smooth, if not substantially planar or any other shape desired within the operational parameters of the chuck and the substrate. For example, the method may compensate for non-planarity due to particulate matter on the first surface and substrate topography. These and other embodiments are discussed more fully below.