Radiation source and a method for use in metrology applications

    公开(公告)号:US11467339B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-10-11

    申请号:US17190474

    申请日:2021-03-03

    Abstract: A system and method for providing a radiation source. In one arrangement, the radiation source includes an optical fiber that is hollow, and has an axial direction, a gas that fills the hollow of the optical fiber, and a plurality of temperature setting devices disposed at respective positions along the axial direction of the optical fiber, wherein the temperature setting devices are configured to control the temperature of the gas to locally control the density of the gas.

    Mounted hollow-core fiber arrangement

    公开(公告)号:US11385402B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-07-12

    申请号:US16903530

    申请日:2020-06-17

    Abstract: A mounted hollow-core fiber arrangement includes a hollow-core fiber having a microstructure, and a mount arrangement including a plurality of mounting contacts configured to apply a force to an outer layer of the hollow-core fiber. A portion of the hollow-core fiber is located in a receiving region of the mount arrangement. The plurality of mounting contacts are positioned around the receiving region. The mounting contacts are distributed around the receiving region, the distribution of the mounting contacts corresponding to a distribution of features of the microstructure of the hollow-core fiber. The mounted hollow core fiber can be used in a radiation source apparatus for providing broadband radiation.

    FREQUENCY BROADENING APPARATUS AND METHOD

    公开(公告)号:US20220128912A1

    公开(公告)日:2022-04-28

    申请号:US17572864

    申请日:2022-01-11

    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving input radiation and broadening a frequency range of the input radiation to provide broadband output radiation. The apparatus includes a chamber, a fiber, a gas generating apparatus, and a radical generating apparatus. The fiber includes a hollow core configured to guide radiation propagating through the fiber, the hollow core in fluid communication with the chamber. The gas generating apparatus is configured to provide a gas within the chamber. The radical generating apparatus is configured to provide free radicals within the chamber to reduce contaminants in the gas. The apparatus may be included in a radiation source.

    Light sources and methods of controlling; devices and methods for use in measurement applications

    公开(公告)号:US11971663B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-04-30

    申请号:US17626852

    申请日:2020-07-07

    CPC classification number: G03F7/70616

    Abstract: Provided are light sources and methods of controlling them, and devices and methods for use in measurement applications, particularly in metrology, for example in a lithographic apparatus. The methods and devices provide mechanisms for detection and/or correction of variations in the light source, in particular stochastic variations. Feedback or feedforward approaches can be used for the correction of the source and/or the metrology outputs. An exemplary method of controlling the spectral output of a light source which emits a time-varying spectrum of light includes the steps of: determining at least one characteristic of the spectrum of light emitted from the light source; and using said determined characteristic to control the spectral output.

    Frequency broadening apparatus and method

    公开(公告)号:US11262665B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-03-01

    申请号:US16827843

    申请日:2020-03-24

    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for receiving input radiation (108) and broadening a frequency range of the input radiation so as to provide broadband output radiation (110). The apparatus comprises a fiber (102), wherein the fiber (102) may comprise a hollow core (104) for guiding radiation propagating through the fiber (102). The apparatus (100) further comprises an apparatus for providing a gas mixture (106) within the hollow core (104). The gas mixture (106) comprises a hydrogen component, and a working component, wherein the working component is for broadening a frequency range of a received input radiation (108) so as to provide the broadband output radiation (110). The apparatus may be included in a radiation source.

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