Patent ID: 6635887
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A lithographic projection apparatus for imaging of a mask pattern in a mask onto a substrate provided with a radiation sensitive layer, the apparatus comprising:an illumination system for supplying a projection beam of radiation; a first object table for holding a mask; a second object table for holding a substrate; a mask imaging projection system that images irradiated portions of the mask onto target portions of the substrate; an object table positioning system constructed and arranged to position at least one of said object tables in a plane, said object table positioning system including: first and second generally parallel side-beams having respective first and second sliders mounted thereon; first and second motors that move said first and second sliders longitudinally of their respective side beams; a cross-beam mounted near first and second ends thereof to said first and second sliders respectively and having a third slider mounted thereon, said cross-beam and said first and second sliders being mounted together so as to form a body that is substantially rigid in translation in said plane and in rotation about an axis normal to said plane; a third motor that moves said third slider longitudinally of said cross-beam, said third slider having an object holder for holding said one object table; a thrust bearing pivotally mounted to said first slider said thrust bearing transmitting forces in said plane and perpendicular to said first side beam between said cross-beam and said first side beam.