Patent ID: 7423733
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A lithographic apparatus, comprising: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate; an illuminator configured to condition a beam of radiation; a support structure configured to support a patterning device that is configured to impart a desired pattern to the beam of radiation, the support structure including a stage; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; and a docking system configured to position the patterning device relative to the stage, wherein the lithographic apparatus operates in accordance with an operational cycle comprising (a) a projection phase, in which the projection system projects the patterned beam onto the substrate target portion and the stage carries the patterning device; and (b) an exchange phase, in which the patterning device is exchanged and the docking system positions the patterning device relative to the stage, wherein the docking system is spaced from the patterning device during the projection phase, and wherein the docking system includes a part coupled to the stage and spaced from the patterning device during the projection phase.