Source: http://www.google.fr/patents/US9057967
Timestamp: 2017-10-22 13:38:48
Document Index: 189448062

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2004', 'Application No. 03', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 03', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 2012', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 2012', 'Application No. 201005011']

Brevet US9057967 - Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method - Google Brevets
A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of a substrate; a...http://www.google.fr/patents/US9057967?utm_source=gb-gplus-shareBrevet US9057967 - Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
Numéro de publication US9057967 B2
Numéro de demande US 12/512,754
Autre référence de publication CN1501175A, CN100568101C, CN101713932A, CN101713932B, US7199858, US7593092, US7593093, US8472002, US8558989, US9366972, US9740107, US20040160582, US20070132970, US20070268471, US20090290135, US20110001942, US20110170077, US20150261102, US20160282727
Numéro de publication 12512754, 512754, US 9057967 B2, US 9057967B2, US-B2-9057967, US9057967 B2, US9057967B2
Inventeurs Joeri Lof, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Helmar Van Santen
Citations de brevets (323), Citations hors brevets (109), Classifications (7), Événements juridiques (1)
US 9057967 B2
A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of a substrate; a substrate table configured to hold the substrate, the substrate table including a support surface configured to support an intermediary plate between the projection system and at least one of the substrate and an object positioned on the substrate table and not in contact with the at least one of the substrate and the object; and a liquid supply system configured to provide a liquid, through which the beam is to be projected, in a space between the projection system and the at least one of the substrate and the object.
1. A substrate handling system for a lithographic apparatus, comprising;
a substrate table including a substrate holder constructed to hold a substrate;
a surrounding structure surrounding an entire periphery of the substrate holder;
a sensor configured to determine a relative height of a primary surface of the substrate and a primary surface of the surrounding structure;
an actuator configured to move the substrate table and the surrounding structure relative to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the primary surface of the surrounding structure between a first position in which the surrounding structure contacts the substrate table and a second position in which the surrounding structure is out of contact with the substrate table; and
a controller configured to drive the actuator to move the substrate table and the surface of the surrounding relative to each other, making use of the relative height, to a position so that the primary surface of the substrate, when held on the substrate table, is substantially level with the primary surface of the surrounding structure.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a level difference sensor.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the relative height at a plurality of distinct locations on the substrate.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the actuator comprises a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators configured to be driven individually by the controller.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of actuators is driven by the controller to move the substrate table and the primary surface of the surrounding structure relative to each other to a position where, at the plurality of distinct locations, the primary surface of the substrate being held by the substrate table is substantially level with the primary surface of the surrounding structure.
positioning a substrate table and a surface of a surrounding structure, that surrounds an entire periphery of a substrate holder of the substrate table, relative to each other to a position where a surface of a substrate held on the substrate table is substantially level with the surface of the surrounding structure, the substrate table and the surrounding structure movable relative to each other between a first position in which the surrounding structure contacts the substrate table and a second position in which the surrounding structure is out of contact with the substrate table; and
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the patterned beam is projected using an optical element.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the optical element comprises an immersion fluid reservoir.
9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising determining a relative height of the surface of the substrate and the surface of the surrounding structure and using the relative height in said positioning.
10. The method according to claim 6, comprising positioning the substrate table and the surface of the surrounding structure relative to each other to a position where, at a plurality of distinct locations, the surface of the substrate being held by the substrate table is substantially level with the surface of the surrounding structure.
This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/710,408, entitled “Lithographic Apparatus And Device Manufacturing Method”, filed on Feb. 26, 2007, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/705,804, filed Nov. 12, 2003, which claims priority from European patent applications EP 02257822.3, filed Nov. 12, 2002, and EP 03253636.9, filed Jun. 9, 2003, each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
A level sensor LS is used to detect the relative heights of the primary surfaces of the substrate W and the edge seal member 17. Based on the results of the level sensor, control signals are sent to the actuator 171 in order to adjust the height of the primary surface of the edge seal member 17. A closed loop actuator could also be used for this purpose.
Obviously the further wedge member 173 could be replaced by an alternative shape, for example a rod positioned perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the wedge 172. If the coefficient of friction between the wedge member 172 and the further wedge member 173 is greater than the tangent of the wedge angle then the actuator 171 is self-braking meaning that no force is required on the wedge member 172 to hold it in place. This is advantageous as the system will then be stable when the actuator 171 is not actuated. The accuracy of the mechanism 170 is of the order of a few μm.
h = 2 σcos θ rg ρ
US4999669 * 12 juil. 1989 12 mars 1991 Nikon Corporation Levelling device in an exposure apparatus
US8564763 6 mai 2009 22 oct. 2013 Asml Netherlands B.V. Lithographic apparatus and method
US20030095244 * 30 sept. 2002 22 mai 2003 Koji Komatsu Wafer holder
JP2002358556A Titre non disponible
WO2002063613A2 7 févr. 2002 15 août 2002 University Of Rochester A system and method for high resolution optical imaging, data storage, lithography, and inspection
2 "Depth-of-Focus Enhancement Using High Refractive Index Layer on the Imaging Layer", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 27, No. 11, Apr. 1985, p. 6521.
11 Carl G. Chen et al., "Nanometer-accurate Grating Fabrication with Scanning Beam Interface Lithography," Proc. of SPIE, vol. 4936, pp. 126-134 (2002).
12 Chang-Woo Lee at al., "An ultraprecision stage for alignment of wafers in advanced microlithography," Precision Engineering, vol. 21, No. 2/3, pp. 113-122, (Sep./Dec. 1997).
15 Emerging Lithographic Technologies VI, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 4688 (2002), "Semiconductor Foundry, Lithography, and Partners", B.J. Lin, pp. 11-24.
16 English language translation of Japanese Office Action issued in Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-169275 mailed Jul. 12, 2007.
17 EP Search Report for EP 02257938 dated Sep. 25, 2003.
18 Ernst Thielicke et al., "Microactuators and their technologies," Mechatronics, vol. 10, pp. 431-455 (2000).
19 European Examination Report dated Apr. 12, 2012 in corresponding European Patent Application No. 03 257 070.7.
20 European Patent Office Communication dated Jan. 3, 2012 in corresponding European Patent Application No. 04 253 354.7.
22 European Search Report for EP 03 25 7068 completed Aug. 17, 2004.
23 Examination Report for Application No. 03 257 072.3 dated Mar. 28, 2008.
25 G. de Zwart at al., "Performance of a Step and Scan System for DUV Lithography," SPIE Symposium on Optical Microlithography in Santa Clara, pp. 0-18 (Mar. 1997).
26 G. Owen et al., "1/8mum Optical Lithography", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B., vol. 10, No. 6, Nov./Dec. 1992, pp. 3032-3036.
27 G. Owen et al., "1/8μm Optical Lithography", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B., vol. 10, No. 6, Nov./Dec. 1992, pp. 3032-3036.
31 G.W.W. Stevens, "Reduction of Waste Resulting from Mask Defects", Solid State Technology, Aug. 1978, vol. 21 008, pp. 68-72.
32 H. Hata, "The Development of Immersion Exposure Tools", Litho Forum, International SEMATECH, Los Angeles, Jan. 27-29, 2004, Slide Nos. 1-22.
33 H. Hogan, "New Semiconductor Lithography Makes a Splash", Photonics Spectra, Photonics TechnologyWorld, Oct. 2003 Edition, pp. 1-3.
34 H. Kawata et al., "Fabrication of 0.2mum Fine Patterns Using Optical Projection Lithography with an Oil Immersion Lens", Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. vol. 31 (1992), pp. 4174-4177.
35 H. Kawata et al., "Fabrication of 0.2μm Fine Patterns Using Optical Projection Lithography with an Oil Immersion Lens", Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. vol. 31 (1992), pp. 4174-4177.
36 H. Kawata et al., "Optical Projection Lithography using Lenses with Numerical Apertures Greater than Unity", Microelectronic Engineering 9 (1989), pp. 31-36.
37 H. Löschner et al., "Ion projection lithography for vacuum microelectronics," J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B, vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 487-492 (Mar./Apr. 1993).
39 Hans Loeschner et al., "Large-Field Ion-Optics for Projection and Proximity Printing and for Mask-Less Lithography (ML2)," Proc. of SPIE, vol. 4688, pp. 595-606 (2002).
44 J.A. Hoffnagle et al., "Liquid ImmersiOn Deep-Ultraviolet Interferometric Lithography", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B., vol. 17, No. 6, Nov./Dec. 1999, pp. 3306-3309.
45 Jan Mullkens et al., "ASML Optical Lithography Solutions for 65 nm and 45 nm Node," Semicon Japan, pp. 1-29, (Dec. 5, 2003).
46 Japanese Office Action mailed Jul. 24, 2012 in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-243516.
47 Japanese Office Action mailed Jun. 12, 2013 in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-027270.
48 Japanese Office Action mailed May 31, 2013 in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-281445.
49 Japanese Office Action mailed Nov. 6, 2012 in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-243513.
50 Japanese Office Action mailed Nov. 8, 2013 in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-066781.
51 Kazuaki Suzuki, "EPL Technology Development," Proc. of SPIE, vol. 4754, pp. 775-789 (2002).
52 L.M. Buchrnann et al., "Lithography with High Depth of Focus by an Ion Projection System," Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 116120 (Sep. 1992).
53 M. Switkes et al., "Immersion Lithography at 157 nm", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B., vol. 19, No. 6, Nov./Dec. 2001, pp. 2353-2356.
54 M. Switkes et al., "Immersion Lithography at 157 nm", Mit Lincoln Lab, Orlando Jan. 2001, Dec. 17, 2001.
55 M. Switkes et al., "Immersion Lithography: Optics for the 50 nm Node", 157 Anvers-1, Sep. 4, 2002.
56 Nikon Precision Europe GmbH, "Investor Relations-Nikon's Real Solutions", May 15, 2003.
57 Office Action dated Apr. 6, 2007 issued for U.S. Appl. No. 11/606,913.
58 Office Action dated Dec. 28, 2007 issued for U.S. Appl. No. 11/606,913.
59 Office Action dated May 22, 2006 issued for U.S. Appl. No. 11/002,900.
60 Office Action dated Nov. 6, 2006 issued for U.S. Appl. No. 11/002,900.
61 Office Action dated Sep. 17, 2007 issued for U.S. Appl. No. 11/002,900.
62 Office Action dated Sep. 29, 2008 issued for U.S. Appl. No. 11/606,909.
63 Office Action in related application EP03 257 071.5 mailed Dec. 7, 2009.
64 Optical Microlithography XV, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 4691 (2002), "Resolution Enhancement of 157 nm Lithography by Liquid Immersion", M. Switkes et al., pp. 459-465.
65 Oui-Serg Kim et al., "Positioning Performance and Straightness Error Compensation of the Magnetic Levitation Stage Supported by the Linear Magnetic Bearing," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 374-378 (Apr. 2003).
66 Qing Ji, "Maskless, Resistless Ion Beam Lithography Processes," University of Berkeley, 128 pages (Spring 2003).
67 R.S. Dhaliwal at al., "Prevail-Electron projection technology approach for next-generation lithography," IBM J. Res. & Dev., vol. 45, No. 5, pp. 615-638 (Sep. 2001).
68 Rik Kneppers, "HP Laser Interferometers," Vaisala News, vol. 151, pp. 34-37 (1999).
69 Rodney Kendall et al., "A servo guided X-Y-theta stage for electron beam lithography," J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B, vol. 9, No. 6, pp. 3019-3023 (Nov./Dec. 1991).
70 S. Owa and N. Nagasaka, "Potential Performance and Feasibility of Immersion Lithography", NGL Workshop 2003, Jul. 10, 2003, Slide Nos. 1-33.
71 S. Owa et al., "Advantage and Feasibility of Immersion Lithography", Proc. SPIE 5040 (2003).
72 S. Owa et al., "Immersion Lithography; its potential performance and issues", SPIE Microlithography 2003, 5040-186, Feb. 27, 2003.
73 S. Owa et al., "Update on 193nm immersion exposure tool", Litho Forum, International SEMATECH, Los Angeles, Jan. 27-29, 2004, Slide Nos. 1-51.
74 Shoji Maruo et al., "Submicron stereolithography for the production of freely movable mechanisms by using single-photon polymerization," Sensors and Actuators A, vol. 100, pp. 70-76 (2002).
75 Singapore Search Report and Written Opinion dated Nov. 4, 2013 in corresponding Singapore Patent Application No. 201005011-0.
76 T. Kato et al., "Submicron pattern fabrication by focused ion beams," J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B, vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 50-53 (Jan./Feb. 1985).
77 T. Matsuyama et al., "Nikon Projection Lens Update", SPIE Microlithography 2004, 5377-65, Mar. 2004.
78 T.C. Bailey et al., "Step and Flash Imprint Lithography: An Efficient Nanoscale Printing Technology," Journal of Photopolymer Science and Technology, 6 pages (2002).
79 Third Preliminary Amendment dated Aug. 17, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/147,285.
80 Toru Tojo et al., "Advanced electron beam writing system EX-11 for next generation mask fabrication," Proc. of SPIE, vol. 3748, pp. 416-425 (Sep. 1999).
81 U.S. Appl. No. 60/462,499, titled Landing Pad for Immersion Lithography, filed Apr. 11, 2003 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
82 U.S. Office Action dated Apr. 19, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/306,532.
83 U.S. Office Action dated Apr. 3, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/194,136.
84 U.S. Office Action dated Apr. 4, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/195,248.
85 U.S. Office Action dated Apr. 4, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/306,532.
86 U.S. Office Action dated Aug. 21, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/194,136.
87 U.S. Office Action dated Aug. 21, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/306,532.
88 U.S. Office Action dated Aug. 8, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/194,136.
89 U.S. Office Action dated Aug. 8, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/195,248.
90 U.S. Office Action dated Aug. 9, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/306,532.
91 U.S. Office Action dated Dec. 31, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/692,865.
92 U.S. Office Action dated Mar. 4, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/850,472.
93 U.S. Office Action dated May 28, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/149,404.
97 U.S. Office Action mailed Nov. 26, 2012 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/698,938.
98 U.S. Office Action mailed Oct. 15, 2012 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/149,404.
99 U.S. Office Action mailed Oct. 25, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/722,830.
100 U.S. Office Action mailed Sep. 25, 2012 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/850,472.
101 U.S. Office Action mailed Sep. 27, 2012 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/698,932.
102 U.S. Office Action mailed Sep. 9, 2013 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/149,404.
103 U.S. Official Action dated Mar. 17, 2014 in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 13/149,404.
104 V. LeRoux et al., "A reflection lithography using multicharged ions," Microelectronic Engineering vol. 57-58, pp. 239-245 (2001).
105 W. Häbetaler-Grohne et al., "An electron optical metrology system for pattern placement measurements," Meas. Sci. Technol., vol. 9, pp. 1120-1128 (1998).
106 W. Häβler-Grohne et al., "An electron optical metrology system for pattern placement measurements," Meas. Sci. Technol., vol. 9, pp. 1120-1128 (1998).
107 Won-jong Kim et al., "Modeling and Vector Control of Planar Magnetic Levitator," IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 1254-1262 (Nov./Dec. 1998).
108 Yoshiyuki Tomita et al., "A surface motor-driven precise positioning system," Precision Engineering, vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 184-191 (Jul. 1994).
109 Yuen-Chuen Chan et al., "Development and applications of a laser writing lithography systems for maskless patterning," Opt. Eng., vol. 37, No. 9, pp. 2521-2530 (Sep. 1998).
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LOF, JOERI;BUTLER, HANS;DONDERS, SJOERD NICOLAAS LAMBERTUS;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:023030/0583;SIGNING DATES FROM 20051028 TO 20090122
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LOF, JOERI;BUTLER, HANS;DONDERS, SJOERD NICOLAAS LAMBERTUS;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20051028 TO 20090122;REEL/FRAME:023030/0583