Patent ID: 7859735
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: generating beams using respective patterning devices, each of the respective patterning devices comprising a reflecting portion, the reflecting portion including an array of programmable elements that each are configured to produce a beam, and a non-reflecting portion, wherein respective beams form a patterned beam and wherein the non-reflecting portion is configured to produce stray beams; directing the patterned beams onto a surface; and blocking the stray beams from reaching the surface using an aperture device comprising a number of openings, the number corresponding to a number of the patterning devices, the openings arranged in a configuration to correspond to locations of the patterning devices, the openings being arranged in a configuration to transmit the patterned beam, while substantially blocking the stray beams; wherein a spacing between adjacent ones of the elements in each of the array of programmable elements is smaller than a spacing between adjacent ones of the patterning devices.