Abstract:
A support such as a clamp (310) is configured to releasably hold a patterning device such as a reticle (300) to secure it and prevent heat-induced deformation of it. For example, an electrostatic clamp includes a first substrate (312) having opposing first (313) and second (315) surfaces, a plurality of burls (316) located on the first surface and configured to contact the reticle, a second substrate (314) having opposing first (317) and second (319) surfaces. The first surface of the second substrate is coupled to the second surface of the first substrate. A plurality of cooling elements (318) are located between the first surface of the second substrate and the second surface of the first substrate. The cooling elements are configured to cause electrons to travel from the second surface of the first substrate to the first surface of the second substrate. Each cooling element is substantially aligned with a respective burl.
Abstract:
Methods of manufacturing a pellicle for a lithographic apparatus are disclosed. In one arrangement the method comprises depositing at least one graphene layer (2) on a planar surface (4) of a substrate (6). The substrate comprises a first substrate portion and a second substrate portion (12). The method further comprises removing the first substrate portion to form a freestanding membrane (14) from the at least one graphene layer. The freestanding membrane is supported by the second substrate portion.
Abstract:
A movable stage system is configured to support an object subjected to a lithography process. A short stroke part is configured to support the object and a long stroke part is configured to support the short stroke part. The short stroke part is movable over a relative small range of movement with respect to the long stroke part. The long stroke part is movable over a relative large range of movement with respect to a base support arranged to support the long stroke part. A shielding element is arranged between the short and long stroke parts. A position control system maintains a substantially constant distance between the shielding element and the short stroke part.
Abstract:
A pellicle suitable for use with a patterning device for a lithographic apparatus. The pellicle comprising at least one breakage region which is configured to preferentially break, during normal use in a lithographic apparatus, prior to breakage of remaining regions of the pellicle. At least one breakage region comprises a region of the pellicle which has a reduced thickness when compared to surrounding regions of the pellicle.
Abstract:
Lithography apparatus comprising a projection system a carrier; and a drive system for moving the carrier relative to the projection system in a plane defined by reference to orthogonal axes X and Y, wherein: the drive system comprises: a shuttle constructed and arranged to move parallel to the Y-axis; a shuttle connector for connecting the shuttle to the carrier, the shuttle connector being such as to allow movement of the carrier in a direction parallel to the X-axis relative to the shuttle; and a shuttle driver for driving movement of the shuttle parallel to the Y-axis, wherein: the shuttle is located to one side only of the carrier in a direction parallel to the X-axis and only one of the shuttle is connected to the carrier; and the shuttle driver and shuttle connector are configured to supply at least 10% of the Y-component of forces applied to the carrier by the drive system.Fig. 1
Abstract:
A fluid handling structure is disclosed which is designed for all wet immersion lithography. The fluid handling structure has a first opening to provide fluid to a space between a final element of a projection system and a substrate and/or substrate table, a barrier to resist the flow of liquid out of the space between the fluid handling structure and the substrate, and a second opening, which opens into an area radially outwardly of the space, to provide a flow of fluid from the fluid handling structure onto a top surface of the substrate and/or substrate table radially outwardly of the space. A controller may be provided such that flow of fluid towards a center of the substrate table is greater than the flow of fluid in a direction away from the center of the substrate table. [Figure 6]
Abstract:
The invention relates to a pellicle assembly comprising a pellicle frame defining a surface onto which a pellicle is attached. The pellicle assembly comprises one or more three-dimensional expansion structures that allow the pellicle to expand under stress. The invention also relates to a pellicle assembly for a patterning device comprising one or more actuators for moving the pellicle assembly towards and way from the patterning device.
Abstract:
Methods of manufacturing a pellicle for a lithographic apparatus are disclosed. In one arrangement the method comprises depositing at least one graphene layer (2) on a planar surface (4) of a substrate (6). The substrate comprises a first substrate portion and a second substrate portion (12). The method further comprises removing the first substrate portion to form a freestanding membrane (14) from the at least one graphene layer. The freestanding membrane is supported by the second substrate portion.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic actuator includes a first and second magnetic members that are displaceable relative to each other and are arranged to provide a magnetic circuit; and a coil configured to, in use, receive a current to generate a magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit, thereby generating a force between the first and second magnetic members in a first direction, the magnetic flux, in use, being transferred between the first and second magnetic members through a first surface of the first magnetic member and a second surface of the second magnetic member, the first and second surface being separated by an airgap, wherein the first surface and the second surface are arranged relative to each other such that an outer dimension of the first surface extends beyond an outer dimension of the second surface in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.Figure 1