Patent ID: 9223226
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus having a pupil plane and being configured to image an object into an image plane using multiple, nearly periodic pulses of light, the microlithographic projection exposure apparatus comprising: a device configured to change an illumination setting in the pupil plane from a first illumination setting to a second illumination setting within one second or less, wherein: the first illumination setting is different from the second illumination setting; the microlithographic projection exposure apparatus comprises a first optical element and a second optical element; in a first mode of the device, the device is configured to direct a pulse of the light so that the pulse of the light passes through the first optical element without passing through the second optical element; and in a second mode of the device, the device is configured to direct a pulse of the light so that the pulse of the light passes through the second optical element without passing through the first optical element.