Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithography projection apparatus and a device manufacturing method, capable of compensating for or improving the effect of a thick pellicle. SOLUTION: The thick pellicle is used to calculate corrections to be applied in exposure so that the thick pellicle is allowed to have a non-flat shape, and the shape compensates for the optical effect of the pellicle. In order for the pellicle to more readily compensate for, to be mounted, in such a manner as to employ a one-dimensional shape under the influence of gravity. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an immersion lithographic apparatus in which the generation of bubbles in immersion liquid is reduced. SOLUTION: The immersion lithographic projection apparatus has a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partly confine liquid to a space between a projection system and a substrate, the confinement structure has a buffer surface, and the buffer surface, when in use, is positioned in close proximity to a plane substantially comprising the upper surface of the substrate and of a substrate table holding the substrate to define a passage having a flow resistance. A recess is provided in the buffer surface, the recess, when in use, is normally full of the immersion liquid to achieve rapid filling of a gap between the substrate and substrate table as the gap moves under the buffer surface. The recess may be annular or radial and a plurality of recesses may be provided. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide immersion lithography equipment in which the generation of air bubbles in an immersion liquid is reduced. SOLUTION: Immersion lithography projection equipment has a liquid-confining structure configured so as to confine liquid at least partially in a space between a projection system and a substrate. The confining structure has a buffering plane which is arranged when in use, very close to the a plane substantially including the substrate and the top surface of a substrate table that holds the substrate, and defines a path having flow resistance. In this buffering plane, recesses are formed and normally filled with liquid when in use so that a gap is rapidly filled therewith when the gap between the substrate and the substrate table moves under the buffering plane. The recess may be formed into an annular or a radial shape so that a plurality of recesses can be arranged. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a material for a reference frame that can solve the problems associated with conventional technique while avoiding performance problems.SOLUTION: A lithographic apparatus includes a substrate table WT for holding a substrate W, a projection system PL for projecting a patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate W, and an independent reference frame MF for providing a reference surface with which the position of the substrate W is measured. The reference frame MF is made of a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide reference frame materials which reduce production costs without encountering performance problems. SOLUTION: A lithographic apparatus comprises a substrate table WT for holding a substrate W, a projection system PL for projecting a patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate W, and an isolated reference frame MF for providing a reference surface with respect to which the substrate W is measured. The reference frame MF comprises a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and has a sandwich structure or a laminated structure when made of specified materials. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithography projection apparatus and a device manufacturing method capable of compensating for or improving the effect of a thick pellicle. SOLUTION: The thick pellicle is characterized for calculating a correction to be applied in exposure so that the hick pellicle is allowed to have a non-flat shape and the shape compensates for the optical effect of the pellicle. As the pellicle readily compensates for, it can be mounted in such a manner as to employ a one-dimensional shape under the influence of gravity. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an immersion lithographic apparatus in which generation of bubbles in the immersion liquid is reduced.SOLUTION: An immersion lithographic projection apparatus has a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partly confine liquid to a space between a projection system and a substrate. The confinement structure having a buffer surface, when in use, is positioned in close proximity to a plane substantially comprising the upper surface of the substrate and of a substrate table holding the substrate, to define a passage having a flow resistance. A recess is provided in the buffer surface. The recess, when in use, is normally full of immersion liquid to enable rapid filling of a gap between the substrate and substrate table as the gap moves under the buffer surface. The recess may be annular or radial and a plurality of recesses may be provided.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To overcome the problems associated with the supply of conventional reference frame materials, without encountering performance problems in return. SOLUTION: The lithographic apparatus includes: a substrate table WT for holding a substrate W; a projection system PL for projecting a patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate W; and an isolated reference frame MF for providing a reference surface with respect to which the substrate W is measured, wherein the reference frame MF comprises a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system, an apparatus, and a method for calibrating the reticle stage of a lithographic system. SOLUTION: The method comprises steps of; imaging a reticle through a lithographic system; measuring a set of height offsets based on the imaged reticle; and decomposing the set of measured height offsets in accordance with a plurality of distortional factors. The present invention further comprises steps of: determining the reticle stage deformation attributes based on the distortional factors and the reticle deformation attributes; and then calibrating the reticle stage based on the stage deformation attributes. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI