Patent ID: 7898642
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A lithographic apparatus comprising: a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to impart a beam of radiation with a pattern in its cross-section; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; and a liquid supply system configured to supply a liquid to substantially only a localized area of the substrate, of the substrate table, or of both, to at least partly fill a space between the projection system and the substrate, the substrate table, or both, the localized area being less than the area of a surface of the whole substrate, wherein the supplied liquid is confined to the localized area, while in normal use during projection of the patterned beam, in a controlled manner except for uncontrolled escaping liquid, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is not in contact with the escaping liquid, wherein the substrate table comprises a barrier configured to collect liquid escaping from the localized area, the barrier surrounding and spaced apart from the substrate and comprising a projection which projects out above an upper surface of the substrate when the substrate is held on the substrate table and a groove recessed into an upper surface of the substrate table to collect escaping liquid, and further comprising a low pressure supply configured to remove liquid from the barrier, the low pressure supply operating independently of the liquid supply system.