Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithography device and a lithography method that can help reduce the generation of bubbles in liquid.SOLUTION: A lithography device comprising a substrate table that holds a substrate, a projection system so configured as to project a radiation beam whose pattern is formed on the substrate, a liquid feed system so configured as to feed liquid into a space among the projection system, the substrate and the substrate table, and a ring so disposed as to cover a gap between the substrate and the substrate table and to come into contact with the substrate and the substrate table.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic equipment and a lithographic method which can reduce generation of bubbles in liquid. SOLUTION: The lithographic equipment comprises a substrate table for holding a substrate, a projection system which is arranged to project a radiation beam patterned on the substrate, a liquid supplying system prepared to supply liquid to a space between the projection system, the substrate and the substrate table, and a ring placed to cover a gap between the substrate and the substrate table and made contact with both of them. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid supply system for hooking a liquid meniscus at a predetermined position in a space between the final element and the substrate of a projection system. SOLUTION: Disclosed is a liquid immersion system used for a liquid immersion lithography in which a liquid meniscus between the liquid immersion system and its substrate is substantially hooked at a predetermined position by meniscus hook formation. The meniscus hook formation has a plurality of discrete outlets arranged in polygonal shape. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method to remove liquid from a substrate table, especially from a gap between a substrate table and a substrate.SOLUTION: A method to remove liquid from a substrate W supported on a substrate table WT and from a gap between the substrate W and the substrate table WT provides a liquid removal device 200 connected to a low pressure source which has at least one outlet 210 to form a slender extraction part 210 of a prescribed geometric shape. The method includes relatively moving the substrate table WT and the liquid removal device 200 so that the extraction part 210 passes through the substrate W and all the gaps 100 and virtually a local part of the extraction part 210 has the local tangent at an angle between about 35° and 90° in relation to the local tangent of the gap 100 at a non-dry marginal part of the gap 100 at an optional time on a plane surface.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid supply system for nailing liquid meniscus at a prescribed position in a space between a final element of a projection system and a substrate. SOLUTION: A liquid confinement system used for immersion lithography where a liquid meniscus between a liquid confinement system and a substrate is substantially nailed in a prescribed position by a meniscus nailing form is disclosed. The meniscus nailing form has a plurality of discrete outlets arranged in a polygon. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To disclose a table in which measures are taken to seal between the table and an edge of an object, in use, supported on the table. SOLUTION: In particular, a capillary passage is formed between the object on the table and the table itself. A meniscus pinning feature and/or the presence of an overpressure at the radially inward side of the capillary passage holds the liquid in the passage and helps prevent it from advancing further radially inwardly. The features to perform this function may be associated with or formed in a member surrounding the object. The member may be thermally decoupled from a part of the table. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for removing a liquid from a substrate table, in particular, from a gap between the substrate table and a substrate, and to provide a method therefor. SOLUTION: In the liquid removing method, the liquid is removed from the substrate held on the substrate table and from the gap between the substrate and the substrate table. A liquid removing device is provided with at least one outlet port, forming a predetermined geometric long and thin extractor; the substrate table is moved relative to the liquid removing device so that the extractor passes all through the substrate and the gap; and that the local tangent in the local portion of the extractor at the end of non-dry portion in the gap substantially holds the angle between about 35° and 90° on a planar view, at arbitrary times with respect to that in the gap. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus and a lithographic method which can reduce passage of air through liquid or contamination of the liquid. SOLUTION: The lithographic apparatus comprises a substrate table for holding a substrate, a projection system for projecting a patterned radiation beam projected on the substrate, a liquid supplying system which supplies liquid to a space between the projection system, the substrate table, and the substrate, and a sealing prepared to the substrate table. The sealing can be operated from opened configuration to closed configuration, and in closed configuration, when a substrate is on the substrate table, the sealing closes a gap between them. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT