Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of contamination to a liquid immersed lithographic apparatus introduced via immersion liquid or via another mechanism. SOLUTION: The method for cleaning liquid immersed lithographic apparatus utilizes an aerosol spray to be guided to the surface to be cleaned. The aerosol spray utilizes an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and as a solid or a liquid, water such as ultrapure water, another solvent or a cleaning fluid. Spray from the aerosol is enclosed in a space. If the aerosol collides with the surface to be cleaned, contaminated substances are removed. The removed contaminating substances are guided to an aerosol spray orifice or an outlet together with substances discharged from the outlet (a gas and a liquid and/or a solid). COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT