Patent ID: 7417715
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: G03B,G03F

Abstract:
1. A stage apparatus for a lithographic apparatus that includes a projection system configured to project a pattern onto a substrate, the stage apparatus comprising: a first object table configured to hold a first patterning device; and a second object table configured to hold a second patterning device wherein the stage apparatus is constructed and arranged: a) to perform a scanning operation of the first and the second patterning device with respect to the projection system, such that during the scanning operation a pattern of the first patterning device and a pattern of the second patterning device are projected on the substrate, and b) to position the first and second patterning devices during the scanning operation such that a distance between the pattern of the first patterning device and the pattern of the second patterning device substantially equals a predetermined function of a reduction factor of the projection system and a non-zero number of exposure field pitches of a field pattern of the substrate so as to expose a first exposure field with the first patterning device and a second exposure field with the second patterning device, the second exposure field being substantially spaced apart from the first exposure field by the non-zero number of exposure field pitches.