Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for alleviating the problem concerning the presence of a dipping liquid in a lithographic projection apparatus. SOLUTION: In the lithographic projection apparatus, a liquid supplying system supplies the dipping liquid between the last element of the projection apparatus and a substrate. An active drying station is provided to actively remove the remained dipping liquid from the exposed substrate W or other objects. The active drying station is equipped with a gas stream forming means or a dipping liquid dissolving liquid supplying means for dissolving the dipping liquid. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent or reduce the occurrence of residual liquid on the substrate and/or substrate table after the exposure of a substrate, in an immersion type lithographic apparatus. SOLUTION: In immersion lithography, after the exposure of a substrate is completed, a detector is used for detecting residual liquid that remains on the substrate and/or substrate table. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a substrate table of an immersion lithographic apparatus configured to prevent contamination with immersion liquid. SOLUTION: The substrate table WT includes a drainage groove, i.e. a barrier 40 which surrounds an outer peripheral edge of the substrate W and a barrier 100 which surrounds another object 20 like a sensor present on substantially the same plane with a top surface of the substrate. The barriers 40 and 100 can collect any liquid which is spilt from the liquid supply system while the substrate W is exposed to reduce the risk of contamination of delicate components of the lithographic projection apparatus. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for cleaning the inside of an immersion lithographic apparatus. SOLUTION: A cleaning fluid can be introduced into a space between a projection system and a substrate table of the lithographic apparatus by especially using a liquid supply system of the lithographic apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, a cleaning device may be provided on the substrate table, and an ultrasonic emitter may be provided to create an ultrasonic liquid. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and equipment for cleaning the interior of oil immersion lithographic equipment. SOLUTION: Cleaning fluid can be introduced into a space between the projection system and the substrate table of lithographic equipment by especially using the liquid supply system of the lithographic equipment. Additionally or alternatively, a cleaning device may be provided on the substrate table, and an ultrasonic emitter may be provided in order to produce ultrasonic liquid. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve focus latitude and/or to stabilize contrast control in an immersion lithographic apparatus, where the position of a focus changes when accelerating a substrate table during exposure. SOLUTION: A final element 50 in a projection system that is a parallel plate used for sealing a projection system PL against an immersion liquid 10 in immersion lithography changes an incidence angle of projection beams when the final element inclines to the optical axis of the device. Force generated by the immersion liquid is utilized passively, and the final element is moved, thus changing the focus continuously at all points on the substrate to improve the focus latitude. Some methods, such as a method for inclining the projection beams to the substrate, are disclosed. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus and a method of manufacturing a device. SOLUTION: A lithogrophic projection apparatus for use with an immersion liquid placed between the final element of a projection system and a substrate W is disclosed. A plurality of methods for protecting the components of the projection system, a substrate table, and a liquid confinement system are disclosed. These methods include a step of applying a protective coating on the final element 20 of the projection system and a step of providing sacrificial bodies to an upstream side of the components. Further, a final optical element composed of two components made from CaF 2 is disclosed. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve focus latitude and/or stabilize contrast control by an immersion lithography apparatus changing focus positions in accelerating a substrate table during exposure. SOLUTION: The last element 50 of a projection system that is a parallel plate used for sealing a projection system PL from an immersion liquid 10 by immersion lithography changes the angle of incidence of a projected beam when tilting to the optical axis of the device. By passively using the force generated by this immersion liquid and moving the last element, the focus is continuously changed at every points on the substrate to improve the focus latitude. Moreover, there are indicated some methods such as tilting the projected beam to the substrate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid supply system which minimizes voltage variation and/or temperature variation of liquid without causing unnecessary disturbance due to mechanical vibration, in a lithographic apparatus. SOLUTION: Liquid is supplied to a reservoir 10 between a final element of a projection system PS and a substrate by an inlet 21. An overflow removes the liquid above a given level. The overflow is arranged above the inlet and thus the liquid is constantly refreshed and the pressure in the liquid remains substantially constant. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an immersion lithographic projection apparatus. SOLUTION: The immersion lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which immersion liquid is provided between the last element of a projection system and a substrate. The use of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers on various elements of the apparatus is provided to help prevent formation of bubbles in the immersion liquid and to help reduce residue on the elements after being in contact with the immersion liquid. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT