Abstract:
A substrate table of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed which comprises a barrier configured to collect liquid. The barrier surrounds the substrate and is spaced apart from the substrate. In this way any liquid which is spilt from the liquid supply system can be collected to reduce the risk of contamination of delicate components of the lithographic projection apparatus.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for cleaning the inside of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed. In particular, a liquid supply system of the lithographic apparatus may be used to introduce a cleaning fluid into a space between the projection system and the substrate table 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 cleaning liquid.
Abstract:
A liquid confinement system for use in immersion lithography is disclosed in which the meniscus of liquid between the liquid confinement system and the substrate is pinned substantially in place by a meniscus pinning feature. The meniscus pinning feature comprises a plurality of discrete outlets arranged in a polygonal shape.
Abstract:
A support apparatus for a lithographic apparatus has an object holder and an extraction body radially outward of the object holder. The object holder is configured to support an object. The extraction body includes an extraction opening configured to extract fluid from a top surface of the support apparatus. The extraction body is spaced from the object holder such that the extraction body is substantially decoupled from the object holder. The extraction body comprises a projection configured such that it surrounds the object holder and such that, in use, a layer of liquid is retained on the projection and in contact with an object supported on the object holder.
Abstract:
In a lithographic apparatus, a localized area of the substrate surface under a projection system is immersed in liquid. The height of a liquid supply system above the surface of the substrate can be varied using actuators. A control system uses feedforward or feedback control with input of the surface height of the substrate to maintain the liquid supply system at a predetermined height above the surface of the substrate.
Abstract:
A lithographic apparatus is disclosed including a liquid supply system configured to at least partly fill a space between the projection system and the substrate with a liquid, an outlet configured to remove a mixture of liquid and gas passing through a gap between a liquid confinement structure of the liquid supply system and the substrate, and an evacuation system configured to draw the mixture through the outlet, the evacuation system having a separator tank arranged to separate liquid from gas in the mixture and a separator tank pressure controller, connected to a non-liquid-filled region of the separator tank, configured to maintain a stable pressure within the non-liquid-filled region.
Abstract:
A lithographic apparatus, including a movable table, a projection system configured to project a patterned radiation beam onto a substrate, and a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between a final element of the projection system and the table, the liquid supply system including an inlet configured to provide liquid to the space, the inlet including an array of inlet orifices located below a bottom surface of the final element and configured to provide an essentially horizontal flow of liquid therefrom, the array of inlet orifices extending along a side of an exposure field of the patterned radiation beam, and an extractor configured to remove liquid from the space, the extractor including a two dimensional array of outlet orifices, extending at least partly in a horizontal direction, through which the liquid can be extracted from the space.
Abstract:
Liquid is supplied to a space between the projection system of a lithographic apparatus and a substrate. A flow of gas towards a vacuum inlet prevents the humid gas from escaping to other parts of the lithographic apparatus. This may help to protect intricate parts of the lithographic apparatus from being damaged by the presence of humid gas.
Abstract:
A substrate table system includes a substrate table and a dual directional motor for moving the substrate table in a plane of movement that is defined by a first direction and a second direction. The dual directional motor includes: a first pusher structure extending in the first direction, the substrate table being movable in respect of the first pusher structure, the first pusher structure and the substrate table being arranged to cooperate to form a first motor to exert a force between the first pusher structure and the substrate table in the first direction; and a second pusher structure extending in the first direction, the substrate table being movable in respect of the second pusher structure, the second pusher structure and the substrate table to cooperate to form a second motor to exert a force between the second pusher structure and the substrate table in the second direction.
Abstract:
An immersion lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which liquid is provided between a projection system of the apparatus and a substrate. The use of both liquidphobic and liquidphilic layers on various elements of the apparatus is provided to help prevent formation of bubbles in the liquid and to help reduce residue on the elements after being in contact with the liquid.