Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus, a method of controlling the same, and a device manufacturing method, wherein defects of imaging are reduced or eliminated. SOLUTION: The method includes the steps of: moving a substrate table supporting a substrate relative to a projection system; and adjusting the scanning speed between the substrate table and the projection system during imaging of a target within a predefined area at or near an edge of the substrate, and/or adjusting the stepping speed between adjacent target positions in a predefined area at or near the edge of the substrate. The step of adjusting the scanning and/or stepping speed may comprise lowering the speed. The projection system is configured to project a patterned beam of radiation onto a target portion of the substrate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus that combines a barrier member with a shutter member to keep the final element of a projection system wet during the replacement of a substrate. SOLUTION: A liquid immersion lithographic apparatus includes a fluid confinement system for confining a fluid in a space between the projection system and a substrate. The liquid confinement system includes an inlet port to supply liquid, and a fluid entrance connected to an outlet port. The liquid immersion lithographic apparatus further includes a fluid supply system to control the fluid flow passing through the fluid entrance by changing a flow rate of fluid supplied to the entrance port and a flow rate of fluid removed from the outlet port. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sealing member that does not have a large couple of force or a time-related couple of force in particular between sections of an immersion lithography apparatus for forming a sealed gap. SOLUTION: The sealing member that prevents the entry of an immersion liquid into a gap between components is provided. The sealing member has a plastic or polymeric sealing section adhered to components for forming a sealed gap. The sealing member is structured to reduce a couple of force or a time-related couple of force in particular between sealed components. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus reducing latent adverse effect of liquid drops remained on a substrate table after light-exposure of a substrate. SOLUTION: The lithographic apparatus having a table including a target and/or a sensor and a liquid displacement device displacing a liquid from the target and/or the sensor using a localized gas flow is disclosed. The liquid displacement device can be disposed at various positions. For example, the liquid displacement device can be mounted on a liquid handling device at a light-exposure station and can be disposed adjacent to a transfer passage between the light-exposure station and a measuring station or adjacent to a load/unload station or the sensor in the transfer passage. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic projection apparatus in which measures are taken to prevent or reduce the presence of bubbles in liquid through which the radiated projection beam passes. SOLUTION: This may be done, for example, by ensuring that a gap between a substrate and a substrate table is filled with immersion liquid or by causing a localized flow radially outwardly from the optical axis in the vicinity of the edge of the substrate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
A fluid handling structure for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the fluid handling structure successively has, at a boundary from a space configured to contain immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure: an elongate opening or a plurality of openings arranged in a first line that, in use, are directed towards a substrate and/or a substrate table configured to support the substrate; a gas knife device having an elongate aperture in a second line; and an elongate opening or a plurality of openings adjacent the gas knife device.[Figure 1]
Abstract:
A method of operating a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The method includes moving a substrate table supporting a substrate relative to a projection system and adjusting the scanning speed between the substrate table and the projection system during imaging of a target within a predefined area at or near an edge of the substrate, or adjusting the stepping speed between adjacent target positions in a predefined area at or near the edge of the substrate, or both. The adjusting the scanning and/or stepping speed may comprise lowering the speed. The projection system is configured to project a patterned beam of radiation on to a target portion of the substrate.