Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus in which the likelihood of bubble inclusion is at least reduced.SOLUTION: A fluid handling structure for a lithographic apparatus comprises at a boundary from a space configured to contain immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure: meniscus pinning features to resist passage of the immersion fluid in a radially outward direction from the space; and a plurality of gas supply openings in a linear array. The plurality of gas supply openings at least partly surround one or more of the meniscus pinning features, and are placed radially outside of the meniscus pinning features. The plurality of gas supply openings in a linear array are of a similar or the same size.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus capable of at least reducing possibility of mixing of bubbles.SOLUTION: An immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The immersion lithographic apparatus comprises: a fluid handling system for confining immersion liquid to be within a local space between a final element of a projection system and a substrate and/or a table; and a gas supply device for supplying gas whose solubility in the immersion liquid is higher than 5×10mol/kg, at a total pressure of 1 atm and 20°C into a region that adjoins the space.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid handling structure for minimizing or preventing the sealing of bubbles within an immersion solution of an immersion lithographic apparatus. SOLUTION: A fluid handling structure is for a lithographic apparatus. At a boundary from a space configured to include an immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure, the fluid handling structure successively has an extractor having at least one opening arranged in a first line that, in use, is directed towards a substrate and/or a table and a liquid manipulator on a surface that, in use, faces the substrate and/or table to reduce the chance of droplets on the surface from coalescing. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus in which mixing of gas from and external to a fluid handling structure is at least partly reduced or prevented.SOLUTION: A fluid handling structure for a lithographic apparatus has, at a boundary of a space configured to contain immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure, a gas supply opening provided radially outward of the space, a fluid recovery opening provided radially outward of the gas supply opening, and a damper surface extending at least 0.5 mm radially outward from the fluid recovery opening along the undersurface of the fluid handling structure.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid handling system in which vibrations generated by two-phase extraction are reduced or eliminated.SOLUTION: An immersion lithographic apparatus typically includes a fluid handling system. The fluid handling system generally has a two-phase fluid extraction system configured to remove a mixture of gas and liquid from a given location. Because the extraction fluid comprises two phases, the pressure in the extraction system can vary. This pressure variation can be passed through the immersion liquid and cause inaccuracy in the exposure. To reduce the pressure fluctuation in the extraction system, a buffer chamber may be used. This buffer chamber may be connected to the fluid extraction system in order to provide a volume of gas which reduces pressure fluctuation. Alternatively or additionally, a flexible wall may be provided somewhere in the fluid extraction system. The flexible wall may change shape in response to a pressure change in the fluid extraction system. By changing shape, the flexible wall can help to reduce, or eliminate, the pressure fluctuation.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithography device, for example, in which possibility of creating air bubbles is at least reduced.SOLUTION: A fluid handling structure for a lithography device has one or more meniscus nailing characteristic parts for resisting passage of a liquid-immersion fluid from a space outward in a radial direction at a boundary from a space for housing the liquid-immersion fluid to a region outside the fluid handling structure, a gas supply opening outside the one or more meniscus nailing characteristic parts in the radial direction, and at least one gas recovery opening located outside the one or more meniscus nailing characteristic parts in the radial direction and at least partially surrounding the gas supply opening.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithographic apparatus in which the likelihood of bubble inclusion is at least reduced.SOLUTION: A fluid handling structure for a lithographic apparatus comprises at a boundary from a space configured to contain immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure: meniscus pinning features to resist passage of immersion fluid in a radially outward direction from the space; a plurality of gas supply openings in a linear array; and at least one gas recovery opening placed radially outside of the plurality of gas supply openings in a linear array. The plurality of gas supply openings at least partly surround the meniscus pinning features, and are placed radially outside of the meniscus pinning features.