Patent ID: 7701549
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: G03B,G03F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for processing a substrate, the apparatus comprising: a process chamber configured to support the substrate therein; a light source; an optical element in optical communication with the light source and configured to expose selected regions of the substrate to radiation from the light source; a gas delivery system configured to flow a gas proximate to the optical element in order to isolate the optical element from a vapor present during a processing step; a moveable shutter configured to be interposed between the optical element and the substrate, wherein movement of the shutter between the optical element and the substrate is coincident with flow of the gas; a first valve configured to control the shutter; an second valve configured to control the gas flowing through an enclosure in which the optical element is positioned and in fluid communication with the gas delivery system; and a third valve coupled in common with the first valve and the second valve, wherein the first valve is a solenoid valve, the second valve is an air-spring valve, and the third valve is a three way valve, and wherein the gas flowing through the enclosure is provided simultaneously with opening of the shutter using the three way valve.