Patent ID: 7567368
Filing Date: 2009-07-28
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a plurality of patterning devices, each patterning device 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; a projection system configured to direct the patterned beams onto a surface; and 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.