Abstract:
A system for removing contaminant particles from the path of the beam of EUV radiation is provided in which at least a first AC voltage is provided to a pair of electrodes on opposite sides of the path of the beam of EUV radiation as a first stage of a regime of voltages and, as a second stage of the regime of voltages, a DC voltage is provided to the electrodes.
Abstract:
A system and method are used to detect thermal radiation from a mask. Debris particles on the mask heat up, but do not cool down as quickly as the surrounding mask. Due to the temperature difference, the wavelength of radiation emitted by particles and the mask differs. Thus by detecting the thermal radiation, it is possible to detect the presence of particles deposited on the mask. If particles are detected, the mask can be cleaned.
Abstract:
EUV exposure dose in a lithographic apparatus is controlled pulse to pulse by varying a conversion efficiency with which a pulse of EUV radiation is generated from an excitation of a fuel material by a corresponding pulse of excitation laser radiation. Conversion efficiency can be varied in several different ways, by varying the proportion of a fuel material that intersects a laser beam, and/or by varying a quality of the interaction. Mechanisms to vary the conversion efficiency can be based on variation of a laser pulse timing, variation of pre-pulse energy, and/or variable displacement of a main laser beam in one or more directions. Steps to maintain symmetry of the generated EUV radiation can be included.