Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A projection exposure apparatus for microlithography comprising:(a) a first carrier for holding a mask;(b) a second carrier for holding a light sensitive object;(c) an illumination system having:a light source for emitting light having a wavelength ≦193 nm;an optical system; anda radiation protection wall situated between said light source and said optical system,wherein said light source and said optical system are separated by a distance of at least 3000 mm, andwherein said illumination system illuminates said mask with said light; and(d) a projection objective having at least four mirrors situated in a path of said light after said mask, wherein said projection objective images said mask onto said light sensitive object. 2. A process for producing a microelectronic component, comprising utilizing the projection exposure apparatus of claim 1. 3. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1, wherein said radiation protection wall has a thickness of at least 2000 mm. 4. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1, wherein said radiation protection wall has thickness of about 2000 mm. 5. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1,wherein said optical system further comprises an optical element having a plurality of raster elements. 6. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source emits EUV radiation. 7. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of a laser produced plasma source, a pinch plasma source, and a synchrotron radiation source. 8. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wavelength is selected from the group consisting of about 11 nm and about 13 nm. 9. The projection exposure apparatus of claim 1, wherein said projection objective has at least six mirrors.