Patent ID: 7978303
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
1. An immersion exposure apparatus, including an immersion chamber for accommodating an exposure medium in exposure or a solvent in a cleaning operation; and a liquid supply apparatus for supplying a liquid as the exposure medium or the solvent, comprising: a reservoir for storing the exposure medium; a supply pipe including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, wherein the liquid inlet is connected with the reservoir and the liquid outlet is connected with the immersion chamber; a laser provider for providing a laser crossing the supply pipe, the laser is provided in a manner such that a micro-bubble/particle blocking/repelling barrier is formed capable of blocking or repelling micro-bubbles, particles or both from the liquid in the exposure medium; and at least one micro-bubble/particle outlet on the supply pipe between the micro-bubble/particle blocking/repelling barrier and the liquid inlet, adjacent to the micro-bubble/particle blocking/repelling barrier for discharging micro-bubbles, particles or both.