Patent ID: 8368868
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: G03B,G03F

Abstract:
1. A lithographic apparatus comprising: a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting a radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam, the patterning device having upper and lower planar surfaces connected to each other by side faces; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate; and a position controller configured to control a position of the patterning device in a direction substantially parallel to the planar surfaces of the patterning device by selectively pressing at least one of the side faces of the patterning device, the position controller including a gas pressure supply and one or more outflow openings directed towards the at least one of the side faces of the patterning device, the gas pressure supply and the one or more outflow openings configured to exert pressurized gas on the at least one of the side faces so as to control the position of the patterning device in the direction substantially parallel to the planar surfaces of the patterning device in a contactless manner, wherein the position controller includes one or more positioning elements that are arranged such that a gap is present between each positioning element and the patterning device, and wherein the one or more outflow openings open out in the gap, and wherein the position controller includes a driver configured to position the one or more positioning elements in the direction substantially parallel to the planar surfaces relative to the patterning device support.