Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20070132974?dq=6373188
Timestamp: 2016-02-11 07:31:05
Document Index: 485642245

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 200506412', 'Application No. 200506412', 'Application No. 200506412', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2006', 'art 1', 'Application No. 200480009675', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 200480009673', 'Application No. 200480009675', 'Application No. 200480009675', 'Application No. 04759085']

Patent US20070132974 - Environmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA lithographic projection apparatus includes a liquid confinement structure extending along at least a part of a boundary of a space between a projection system and a substrate table, the space having a cross-sectional area smaller than the area of the substrate. The liquid confinement structure includes...http://www.google.com/patents/US20070132974?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20070132974 - Environmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatusAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20070132974 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/701,378Publication dateJun 14, 2007Filing dateFeb 2, 2007Priority dateApr 10, 2003Also published asCN1774668A, CN1774668B, CN101061429A, CN101061429B, CN103383527A, CN103383527B, CN103383528A, CN103439864A, CN104597717A, EP1611485A2, EP1611485A4, EP1611485B1, EP2667252A1, EP2667252B1, EP2667253A1, EP2667253B1, EP2717098A1, EP2717098B1, EP2950147A1, EP2950148A1, US7321415, US7355676, US7456930, US8089610, US8456610, US8810768, US8836914, US9244362, US20060028632, US20060033899, US20060114435, US20070103662, US20070247603, US20090180096, US20110037959, US20120262684, US20140320831, WO2004090634A2, WO2004090634A3Publication number11701378, 701378, US 2007/0132974 A1, US 2007/132974 A1, US 20070132974 A1, US 20070132974A1, US 2007132974 A1, US 2007132974A1, US-A1-20070132974, US-A1-2007132974, US2007/0132974A1, US2007/132974A1, US20070132974 A1, US20070132974A1, US2007132974 A1, US2007132974A1InventorsAndrew Hazelton, Michael SogardOriginal AssigneeNikon CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (99), Non-Patent Citations (45), Referenced by (10), Classifications (12), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetEnvironmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatus
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a precision assembly, namely an exposure apparatus 10 having features of the invention. The exposure apparatus 10 includes an apparatus frame 12, an illumination system 14 (irradiation apparatus), an optical assembly 16, a reticle stage assembly 18, a device stage assembly 20, a measurement system 22, a control system 24, and a fluid environmental system 26. The design of the components of the exposure apparatus 10 can be varied to suit the design requirements of the exposure apparatus 10. [0029] A number of Figures include an orientation system that illustrates an X axis, a Y axis that is orthogonal to the X axis, and a Z axis that is orthogonal to the X and Y axes. It should be noted that these axes can also be referred to as the first, second and third axes. [0030] The exposure apparatus 10 is particularly useful as a lithographic device that transfers a pattern (not shown) of an integrated circuit from a reticle 28 onto a semiconductor wafer 30 (illustrated in phantom). The wafer 30 is also referred to generally as a device or work piece. The exposure apparatus 10 mounts to a mounting base 32, e.g., the ground, a base, or floor or some other supporting structure. [0031] There are a number of different types of lithographic devices. For example, the exposure apparatus 10 can be used as a scanning type photolithography system that exposes the pattern from the reticle 28 onto the wafer 30 with the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 moving synchronously. In a scanning type lithographic device, the reticle 28 is moved perpendicularly to an optical axis of the optical assembly 16 by the reticle stage assembly 18 and the wafer 30 is moved perpendicularly to the optical axis of the optical assembly 16 by the wafer stage assembly 20. Irradiation of the reticle 28 and exposure of the wafer 30 occur while the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 are moving synchronously. [0032] Alternatively, the exposure apparatus 10 can be a step-and-repeat type photolithography system that exposes the reticle 28 while the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 are stationary. In the step and repeat process, the wafer 30 is in a constant position relative to the reticle 28 and the optical assembly 16 during the exposure of an individual field. Subsequently, between consecutive exposure steps, the wafer 30 is consecutively moved with the wafer stage assembly 20 perpendicularly to the optical axis of the optical assembly 16 so that the next field of the wafer 30 is brought into position relative to the optical assembly 16 and the reticle 28 for exposure. Following this process, the images on the reticle 28 are sequentially exposed onto the fields of the wafer 30, and then the next field of the wafer 30 is brought into position relative to the optical assembly 16 and the reticle 28. [0033] However, the use of the exposure apparatus 10 provided herein is not limited to a photolithography system for semiconductor manufacturing. The exposure apparatus 10, for example, can be used as an LCD photolithography system that exposes a liquid crystal display device pattern onto a rectangular glass plate or a photolithography system for manufacturing a thin film magnetic head. [0034] The apparatus frame 12 supports the components of the exposure apparatus 10. The apparatus frame 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 supports the reticle stage assembly 18, the wafer stage assembly 20, the optical assembly 16 and the illumination system 14 above the mounting base 32. [0035] The illumination system 14 includes an illumination source 34 and an illumination optical assembly 36. The illumination source 34 emits a beam (irradiation) of light energy. The illumination optical assembly 36 guides the beam of light energy from the illumination source 34 to the optical assembly 16. The beam illuminates selectively different portions of the reticle 28 and exposes the wafer 30. In FIG. 1, the illumination source 34 is illustrated as being supported above the reticle stage assembly 18. Typically, however, the illumination source 34 is secured to one of the sides of the apparatus frame 12 and the energy beam from the illumination source 34 is directed to above the reticle stage assembly 18 with the illumination optical assembly 36. [0036] The illumination source 34 can be a light source such as a mercury g-line source (436 nm) or i-line source (365 nm), a KrF excimer laser (248 nm), an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) or a F2 laser (157 nm). The optical assembly 16 projects and/or focuses the light passing through the reticle 28 onto the wafer 30. Depending upon the design of the exposure apparatus 10, the optical assembly 16 can magnify or reduce the image illuminated on the reticle 28. It also could be a 1� magnification system. [0037] When far ultra-violet radiation such as from the excimer laser is used, glass materials such as quartz and fluorite that transmit far ultra-violet rays can be used in the optical assembly 16. The optical assembly 16 can be either catadioptric or refractive. [0038] Also, with an exposure device that employs radiation of wavelength 200 nm or lower, use of the catadioptric type optical system can be considered. Examples of the catadioptric type of optical system are shown in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 8-171054 and its counterpart U.S. Pat. No, 5,668,672, as well as Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 10-20195 and its counterpart U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,275. In these cases, the reflecting optical device can be a catadioptric optical system incorporating a beam splitter and concave mirror. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 8-334695 and its counterpart U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,377 as well as Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 10-3039 and its counterpart U.S. patent application Ser. No. 873,605 (Application Date: Jun. 12, 1997) also use a reflecting-refracting type of optical system incorporating a concave mirror, etc., but without a beam splitter, and can also be employed with this invention. The disclosures of the above-mentioned U.S. patents and application, as well as the Japanese Laid-Open patent applications publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [0039] In one embodiment, the optical assembly 16 is secured to the apparatus frame 12 with one or more optical mount isolators 37. The optical mount isolators 37 inhibit vibration of the apparatus frame 12 from causing vibration to the optical assembly 16. Each optical mount isolator 37 can include a pneumatic cylinder (not shown) that isolates vibration and an actuator (not shown) that isolates vibration and controls the position with at least two degrees of motion. Suitable optical mount isolators 37 are sold by Integrated Dynamics Engineering, located in Woburn, Mass. For ease of illustration, two spaced apart optical mount isolators 37 are shown as being used to secure the optical assembly 16 to the apparatus frame 12. However, for example, three spaced apart optical mount isolators 37 can be used to kinematically secure the optical assembly 16 to the apparatus frame 12. [0040] The reticle stage assembly 18 holds and positions the reticle 28 relative to the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30. In one embodiment, the reticle stage assembly 18 includes a reticle stage 38 that retains the reticle 28 and a reticle stage mover assembly 40 that moves and positions the reticle stage 38 and reticle 28. [0041] Somewhat similarly, the device stage assembly 20 holds and positions the wafer 30 with respect to the projected image of the illuminated portions of the reticle 28. In one embodiment, the device stage assembly 20 includes a device stage 42 that retains the wafer 30, a device stage base 43 that supports and guides the device stage 42, and a device stage mover assembly 44 that moves and positions the device stage 42 and the wafer 30 relative to the optical assembly 16 and the device stage base 43. The device stage 42 is described in more detail below. [0042] Each stage mover assembly 40, 44 can move the respective stage 38, 42 with three degrees of freedom, less than three degrees of freedom, or more than three degrees of freedom. For example, in alternative embodiments, each stage mover assembly 40, 44 can move the respective stage 38, 42 with one, two, three, four, five or six degrees of freedom. The reticle stage mover assembly 40 and the device stage mover assembly 44 can each include one or more movers, such as rotary motors, voice coil motors, linear motors utilizing a Lorentz force to generate drive force, electromagnetic movers, planar motors, or other force movers. [0043] Alternatively, one of the stages could be driven by a planar motor that drives the stage by an electromagnetic force generated by a magnet unit having two-dimensionally arranged magnets and an armature coil unit having two-dimensionally arranged coils in facing positions. With this type of driving system, either the magnet unit or the armature coil unit is connected to the stage base and the other unit is mounted on the moving plane side of the stage. [0044] Movement of the stages as described above generates reaction forces that can affect performance of the photolithography system. Reaction forces generated by the wafer (substrate) stage motion can be mechanically transferred to the floor (ground) by use of a frame member as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,100 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 8-136475. Additionally, reaction forces generated by the reticle (mask) stage motion can be mechanically transferred to the floor (ground) by use of a frame member as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,820 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 8-330224. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,528,100 and 5,874,820 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication Nos. 8-136475 and 8-330224 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [0045] The measurement system 22 monitors movement of the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 relative to the optical assembly 16 or some other reference. With this information, the control system 24 can control the reticle stage assembly 18 to precisely position the reticle 28 and the device stage assembly 20 to precisely position the wafer 30. The design of the measurement system 22 can vary. For example, the measurement system 22 can utilize multiple laser interferometers, encoders, mirrors, and/or other measuring devices. The stability of the measurement system 22 is essential for accurate transfer of an image from the reticle 28 to the wafer 30. [0046] The control system 24 receives information from the measurement system 22 and controls the stage mover assemblies 40, 44 to precisely position the reticle 28 and the wafer 30. Additionally, the control system 24 can control the operation of the environmental system 26. The control system 24 can include one or more processors and circuits. [0047] The environmental system 26 controls the environment in a gap 246 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) between the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30. The gap 246 includes an imaging field 250 (illustrated in FIG. 2A). The imaging field 250 includes the area adjacent to the region of the wafer 30 that is being exposed and the area in which the beam of light energy travels between the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30. With this design, the environmental system 26 can control the environment in the imaging field 250. [0048] The desired environment created and/or controlled in the gap 246 by the environmental system 26 can vary according to the wafer 30 and the design of the rest of the components of the exposure apparatus 10, including the illumination system 14. For example, the desired controlled environment can be a fluid such as water. The environmental system 26 is described in more detail below. [0049] A photolithography system (an exposure apparatus) according to the embodiments described herein can be built by assembling various subsystems in such a manner that prescribed mechanical accuracy, electrical accuracy, and optical accuracy are maintained. In order to maintain the various accuracies, prior to and following assembly, every optical system is adjusted to achieve its optical accuracy. Similarly, every mechanical system and every electrical system are adjusted to achieve their respective mechanical and electrical accuracies. The process of assembling each subsystem into a photolithography system includes mechanical interfaces, electrical circuit wiring connections and air pressure plumbing connections between each subsystem. Needless to say, there also is a process where each subsystem is assembled prior to assembling a photolithography system from the various subsystems. Once a photolithography system is assembled using the various subsystems, a total adjustment is performed to make sure that accuracy is maintained in the complete photolithography system. Additionally, it is desirable to manufacture an exposure system in a clean room where the temperature and cleanliness are controlled. [0050] FIG. 2A is a cut-away view taken on line 2A-2A in FIG. 1 that illustrates a portion of the exposure apparatus 10 including the optical assembly 16, the device stage 42, the environmental system 26, and the wafer 30. The imaging field 250 (illustrated in phantom) also is illustrated in FIG. 2A. [0051] In one embodiment, the environmental system 26 fills the imaging field 250 and the rest of the gap 246 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) with an immersion fluid 248 (illustrated in FIG. 2B). As used herein, the term “fluid” shall mean and include a liquid and/or a gas, including any fluid vapor. [0052] The design of the environmental system 26 and the components of the environmental system 26 can be varied. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the environmental system 26 includes an immersion fluid system 252 and a fluid barrier 254. In this embodiment, (i) the immersion fluid system 252 delivers and/or injects the immersion fluid 248 into the gap 246 and captures the immersion fluid 248 flowing from the gap 246, and (ii) the fluid barrier 254 inhibits the flow of the immersion fluid 248 away from near the gap 246. [0053] The design of the immersion fluid system 252 can vary. For example, the immersion fluid system 252 can inject the immersion fluid 248 at one or more locations at or near the gap 246 and/or the edge of the optical assembly 16. Alternatively, the immersion fluid 248 may be injected directly between the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30. Further, the immersion fluid system 252 can scavenge the immersion fluid 248 at one or more locations at or near the gap 246 and/or the edge of the optical assembly 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the immersion fluid system 252 includes four spaced apart injector/scavenge pads 258 (illustrated in phantom) positioned near the perimeter of the optical assembly 16 and an injector/scavenge source 260. These components are described in more detail below. [0054] FIG. 2A also illustrates that the optical assembly 16 includes an optical housing 262A, a last optical element 262B, and an element retainer 262C that secures the last optical element 262B to the optical housing 262A. [0055] FIG. 2B is a cut-away view of the portion of the exposure apparatus 10 of FIG. 2A, including (i) the optical assembly 16 with the optical housing 262A, the last optical element 262B, and the element retainer 262C, (ii) the device stage 42, and (iii) the environmental system 26. FIG. 2B also illustrates the gap 246 between the last optical element 262B and the wafer 30, and that the immersion fluid 248 (illustrated as circles) fills the gap 246. In one embodiment, the gap 246 is approximately 1 mm. [0056] In one embodiment, the fluid barrier 254 contains the immersion fluid 248, including any fluid vapor 249 (illustrated as triangles) in the area near the gap 246 and forms and defines an interior chamber 263 around the gap 246. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the fluid barrier 254 includes a containment frame 264 (also referred to herein as a surrounding member), a seal 266, and a frame support 268. The interior chamber 263 represents the enclosed volume defined by the containment frame 264, the seal 266, the optical housing 262A and the wafer 30. The fluid barrier 254 restricts the flow of the immersion fluid 248 from the gap 246, assists in maintaining the gap 246 full of the immersion fluid 248, allows for the recovery of the immersion fluid 248 that escapes from the gap 246, and contains any vapor 249 produced from the fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid barrier 254 encircles and runs entirely around the gap 246. Further, in one embodiment, the fluid barrier 254 confines the immersion fluid 248 and its vapor 249 to a region on the wafer 30 and the device stage 42 centered on the optical assembly 16. [0057] Containment of both the immersion fluid 248 and its vapor 249 can be important for the stability of the lithography tool. For example, stage measurement interferometers are sensitive to the index of refraction of the ambient atmosphere. For the case of air with some water vapor present at room temperature and 633 nm laser light for the interferometer beam, a change of 1% in relative humidity causes a change in refractive index of approximately 10−8. For a 1 m total beam path, this can represent an error of 10 nm in stage position. If the immersion fluid 248 is water, a droplet of water 7 mm in diameter evaporating into a 1 m3 volume changes the relative humidity by 1%. Relative humidity is typically monitored and corrected for by the control system 24, but this is based on the assumption that the relative humidity is uniform, so that its value is the same in the interferometer beams as at the monitoring point. However, if droplets of water and its attendant vapor are scattered around on the wafer and stage surfaces, the assumption of uniform relative humidity may not be valid. [0058] In addition to the risk to the interferometer beams, water evaporation may also create temperature control problems. The heat of vaporization of water is about 44 kJ/mole. Evaporation of the 7 mm drop mentioned above will absorb about 430 J which must be supplied by the adjacent surfaces. [0059] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the containment frame 264. In this embodiment, the containment frame 264 is annular ring shaped and encircles the gap 246 (illustrated in FIG. 2B). Additionally, in this embodiment, the containment frame 264 includes a top side 270A, an opposite bottom side 270B (also referred to as a first surface) that faces the wafer 30, an inner side 270C that faces the gap 246, and an outer side 270D. The terms top and bottom are used merely for convenience, and the orientation of the containment frame 264 can be rotated. The containment frame 264 can have another shape. Alternatively, for example, the containment frame 264 can be rectangular frame shaped or octagonal frame shaped. [0060] Additionally, as provided herein, the containment frame 264 may be temperature controlled to stabilize the temperature of the immersion fluid 248. [0061] Referring back to FIG. 2B, the seal 266 seals the containment frame 264 to the optical assembly 16 and allows for some motion of the containment frame 264 relative to the optical assembly 16. In one embodiment, the seal 266 is made of a flexible, resilient material that is not influenced by the immersion fluid 248. Suitable materials for the seal 266 include rubber, Buna-N, neoprene, Viton or plastic. Alternatively the seal 266 may be a bellows made of a metal such as stainless steel or rubber or a plastic. [0062] FIG. 2D illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2B, in partial cut-away. The frame support 268 connects and supports the containment frame 264 to the apparatus frame 12 and the optical assembly 16 above the wafer 30 and the device stage 42. In one embodiment, the frame support 268 supports all of the weight of the containment frame 264. Alternatively, for example, the frame support 268 can support only a portion of the weight of the containment frame 264. In one embodiment, the frame support 268 can include one or more support assemblies 274. For example, the frame support 268 can include three spaced apart support assemblies 274 (only two are illustrated). In this embodiment, each support assembly 274 extends between the apparatus frame 12 and the top side 270A of the containment frame 264. [0063] In one embodiment, each support assembly 274 is a flexure. As used herein, the term “flexure” shall mean a part that has relatively high stiffness in some directions and relatively low stiffness in other directions. In one embodiment, the flexures cooperate (i) to be relatively stiff along the X axis and along the Y axis, and (ii) to be relatively flexible along the Z axis. The ratio of relatively stiff to relatively flexible is at least approximately 100/1, and can be at least approximately 1000/1. Stated another way, the flexures can allow for motion of the containment frame 264 along the Z axis and inhibit motion of the containment frame 264 along the X axis and the Y axis. In this embodiment, each support assembly 274 passively supports the containment frame 264. [0064] Alternatively, for example, each support assembly 274 can be an actuator that can be used to adjust the position of the containment frame 264 relative to the wafer 30 and the device stage 42. Additionally, the frame support 268 can include a frame measurement system 275 that monitors the position of the containment frame 264. For example, the frame measurement system 275 can monitor the position of the containment frame 264 along the Z axis, about the X axis, and/or about the Y axis. With this information, the support assemblies 274 can be used to adjust the position of the containment frame 264. In this embodiment, each support assembly 274 can actively adjust the position of the containment frame 264. [0065] In one embodiment, the environmental system 26 includes one or more pressure equalizers 276 that can be used to control the pressure in the chamber 263. Stated another way, the pressure equalizers 276 inhibit atmospheric pressure changes or pressure changes associated with the fluid control from creating forces between the containment frame 264 and the wafer 30 or the last optical element 262B. For example, the pressure equalizers 276 can cause the pressure on the inside of the chamber 263 and/or in the gap 246 to be approximately equal to the pressure on the outside of the chamber 263. For example, each pressure equalizer 276 can be a channel that extends through the containment frame 264. In one embodiment, a tube 277 (only one is illustrated) is attached to the channel of each pressure equalizer 276 to convey any fluid vapor away from the measurement system 22 (illustrated in FIG. 1). In alternative embodiments, the pressure equalizer 276 allows for a pressure difference of less than approximately 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 PSI. [0066] FIG. 2B also illustrates several injector/scavenge pads 258. FIG. 2D illustrates one injector/scavenge pad 258 in more detail. In this embodiment, each of the injector/scavenge pads 258 includes a pad outlet 278A and a pad inlet 278B that are in fluid communication with the injector/scavenge source 260. At the appropriate time, the injector/scavenge source 260 provides immersion fluid 248 to the pad outlet 278A that is released into the chamber 263 and draws immersion fluid 248 through the pad inlet 278B from the chamber 263. [0067] FIGS. 2B and 2D also illustrate that the immersion fluid 248 in the chamber 263 sits on top of the wafer 30. As the wafer 30 moves under the optical assembly 16, it will drag the immersion fluid 248 in the vicinity of a top, device surface 279 of the wafer 30 with the wafer 30 into the gap 246. [0068] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2B and 2D, the device stage 42 includes a stage surface 280 that has approximately the same height along the Z axis as the top, exposed surface 279 of the wafer 30. Stated another way, in one embodiment, the stage surface 280 is in approximately the same plane as the exposed surface 279 of the wafer 30. In alternative embodiments, for example, approximately the same plane shall mean that the planes are within approximately 1, 10, 100 or 500 microns. As a result thereof, the distance between the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264 and the wafer 30 is approximately equal to the distance between the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264 and the device stage 42. In one embodiment, for example, the device stage 42 can include a disk shaped recess 282 for receiving the wafer 30. Some alternative designs of the device stage 42 are discussed below. [0069] FIG. 2D illustrates that a frame gap 284 exists between the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264 and the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42 to allow for ease of movement of the device stage 42 and the wafer 30 relative to the containment frame 264. The size of the frame gap 284 can vary. For example, the frame gap 284 can be between approximately 5 μm and 3 mm. In alternative examples, the frame gap 284 can be approximately 5, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, or 500 microns. [0070] In certain embodiments, the distance between the bottom side 270B and at least one of the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42 is shorter than a distance between the end surface (e.g., the last optical element 262B or the bottom of the optical housing 262A) of the optical assembly 16 and at least one of the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42. [0071] Additionally, a wafer gap 285 can exist between the edge of the wafer 30 and the wafer stage 42. In one embodiment, the wafer gap 285 is as narrow as possible to minimize leakage when the wafer 30 is off-center from the optical assembly 16 and lying partly within and partly outside the fluid containment frame 264 region. For example, in alternative embodiments, the wafer gap 285 can be approximately 1, 10, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 microns. [0072] FIG. 2D also illustrates that some of the immersion fluid 248 flows between the containment frame 264 and the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42. In one embodiment, the containment frame 264 includes one or more scavenge inlets 286 that are positioned at or near the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264. The one or more scavenge inlets 286 are in fluid communication with the injector/scavenge source 260 (illustrated in FIG. 2B). With this design, the immersion fluid-248 that escapes in the frame gap 284 can be scavenged by the injector/scavenge source 260. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2D, the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264 includes one scavenge inlet 286 that is substantially annular groove shaped and is substantially concentric with the optical assembly 16. Alternatively, for example, the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264 can include a plurality of spaced apart annular groove shaped, scavenge inlets 286 that are substantially concentric with the optical assembly 16 to inhibit the immersion fluid 248 from completely exiting the frame gap 284. Still alternatively, a plurality of spaced apart apertures oriented in a circle can be used instead of an annular shaped groove. [0073] In one embodiment, the injector/scavenge source 260 applies a vacuum and/or partial vacuum on the scavenge inlet 286. The partial vacuum draws the immersion fluid 248 between (i) a small land area 288 on the bottom side 270B, and (ii) the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42. The immersion fluid 248 in the frame gap 284 acts as a fluid bearing 289A (illustrated as an arrow) that supports the containment frame 264 above the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42, allows for the containment frame 264 to float with minimal friction on the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42, and allows for a relatively small frame gap 284. With this embodiment, most of the immersion fluid 248 is confined within the fluid barrier 254 and most of the leakage around the periphery is scavenged within the narrow frame gap 284. [0074] Additionally, the environmental system 26 can include a device for creating an additional fluid bearing 289B (illustrated as an arrow) between the containment frame 264 and the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42. For example, the containment frame 264 can include one or more bearing outlets 290A that are in fluid communication with a bearing fluid source 290B of a bearing fluid 290C (illustrated as triangles). In one embodiment, the bearing fluid 290C is air. In this embodiment, the bearing fluid source 290B provides pressurized air 290C to the bearing outlet 290A to create the aerostatic bearing 289B. The fluid bearings 289A, 289B can support all or a portion of the weight of the containment frame 264. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the fluid bearings 289A, 289B support approximately 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 percent of the weight of the containment frame 264. In one embodiment, the concentric fluid bearings 289A, 289B are used to maintain the frame gap 284. [0075] Depending upon the design, the bearing fluid 290C can have the same composition or a different composition than the immersion fluid 248. However, some of the bearing fluid 290C may escape from the fluid barrier 254. In one embodiment, the type of bearing fluid 290C is chosen so that the bearing fluid 290C and its vapor do not interfere with the measurement system 22 or temperature stability of the exposure apparatus 10. [0076] In another embodiment, the partial vacuum in the scavenge inlets 286 pulls and urges the containment frame 264 toward the wafer 30. In this embodiment, the fluid bearing 289B supports part of the weight of the containment frame 264 as well as opposes the pre-load imposed by the partial vacuum in the scavenge inlets 286. [0077] In addition, the pressurized air 290C helps to contain the immersion fluid 248 within the containment frame 264. As provided above, the immersion fluid 248 in the frame gap 284 is mostly drawn out through the scavenge inlets 286. In this embodiment, any immersion fluid 248 that leaks beyond the scavenge inlets 286 is pushed back to the scavenge inlets 286 by the bearing fluid 290C. [0078] The frame gap 284 may vary radially, from the inner side 270C to the outer side 270D, to optimize bearing and scavenging functions. [0079] In FIG. 2D, the bearing outlet 290A is substantially annular groove shaped, is substantially concentric with the optical assembly 16 and the scavenge inlet 286, and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the scavenge inlet 286. Alternatively, for example, the bottom side 270B of the containment frame 264 can include a plurality of spaced apart annular groove shaped, bearing outlets 290A that are substantially concentric with the optical assembly 16. Still alternatively, a plurality of spaced apart apertures oriented in a circle can be used instead of an annular shaped groove. Alternatively, for example, a magnetic type bearing could be used to support the containment frame 264. [0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2D, the wafer 30 is centered under the optical assembly 16. In this position, the fluid bearings 289A, 289B support the containment frame 264 above the wafer 30. FIG. 2E is an illustration of the portion of the exposure apparatus 10 of FIG. 2A with the device stage 42 and the wafer 30 moved relative to the optical assembly 16. In this position, the wafer 30 and the device stage 42 are no longer centered under the optical assembly 16, and the fluid bearings 289A, 289B (illustrated in FIG. 2D) support the containment frame 264 above the wafer 30 and the device stage 42. [0081] FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of the injector/scavenge source 260. In this embodiment, the injector/scavenge source 260 includes (i) a low pressure source 392A, e.g. a pump, having an inlet that is at a vacuum or partial vacuum that is in fluid communication with the scavenge inlet 286 (illustrated in FIG. 2D) and the pad inlets 278B (illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2D) and a pump outlet that provides pressurized immersion fluid 248, (ii) a filter 392B in fluid communication with the pump outlet and that filters the immersion fluid 248, (iii) a de-aerator 392C in fluid communication with the filter 392B and that removes any air, contaminants, or gas from the immersion fluid 248, (iv) a temperature control 392D in fluid communication with the de-aerator 392C and that controls the temperature of the immersion fluid 248, (v) a reservoir 392E in fluid communication with the temperature control 392D and that retains the immersion fluid 248, and (vi) a flow controller 392F that has an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir 392E and an outlet in fluid communication with the pad outlets 278A (illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2D), the flow controller 392F controlling the pressure and flow to the pad outlets 278A. The operation of these components can be controlled by the control system 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to control the flow rate of the immersion fluid 248 to the pad outlets 278A, the temperature of the immersion fluid 248 at the pad outlets 278A, the pressure of the immersion fluid 248 at the pad outlets 278A, and/or the pressure at the scavenge inlets 286 and the pad inlets 278B. [0082] Additionally, the injector/scavenge source 260 can include (i) a pair of pressure sensors 392G that measure the pressure near the pad outlets 278A, the scavenge inlets 286 and the pad inlets 278B, (ii) a flow sensor 392H that measures the flow to the pad outlets 278A, and/or (iii) a temperature sensor 3921 that measures the temperature of the immersion fluid 248 delivered to the pad outlets 278A. The information from these sensors 392G-392I can be transferred to the control system 24 so that that control system 24 can appropriately adjust the other components of the injector/scavenge source 260 to achieve the desired temperature, flow and/or pressure of the immersion fluid 248. [0083] The orientation of the components of the injector/scavenge source 260 can be varied. Further, one or more of the components may not be necessary and/or some of the components can be duplicated. For example, the injector/scavenge source 260 can include multiple pumps, multiple reservoirs, temperature controllers or other components. Moreover, the environmental system 26 can include multiple injector/scavenge sources 260. [0084] The rate at which the immersion fluid 248 is pumped into and out of the chamber 263 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) can be adjusted to suit the design requirements of the system. Further, the rate at which the immersion fluid 248 is scavenged from the pad inlets 278B and the scavenge inlets 286 can vary. In one embodiment, the immersion fluid 248 is scavenged from the pad inlets 278B at a first rate and is scavenged from the scavenge inlets 286 at a second rate. As an example, the first rate can be between approximately 0.1-5 liters/minute and the second rate can be between approximately 0.01-0.5 liters/minute. However, other first and second rates can be utilized. [0085] The rates at which the immersion fluid 248 is pumped into and out of the chamber 263 can be adjusted to (i) control the leakage of the immersion fluid 248 below the fluid barrier, (ii) control the leakage of the immersion fluid 248 from the wafer gap 285 when the wafer 30 is off-center from the optical assembly 16, and/or (iii) control the temperature and purity of the immersion fluid 248 in the gap 246. For example, the rates can be increased in the event the wafer 30 is off-center, the temperature of the immersion fluid 248 becomes too high and/or there is an unacceptable percentage of contaminants in the immersion fluid 248 in the gap 246. [0086] The type of immersion fluid 248 can be varied to suit the design requirements of the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the immersion fluid 248 is water. Alternatively, for example, the immersion fluid 248 can be a fluorocarbon fluid, Fomblin oil, a hydrocarbon oil, or another type of oil. More generally, the fluid should satisfy certain conditions: 1) it must be relatively transparent to the exposure radiation; 2) its refractive index must be comparable to that of the last optical element 262B; 3) it should not react chemically with components of the exposure system 10 with which it comes into contact; 4) it must be homogeneous; and 5) its viscosity should be low enough to avoid transmitting vibrations of a significant magnitude from the stage system to the last optical element 262B. [0087] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a portion of another embodiment of the fluid barrier 454A, a portion of the wafer 30, and a portion of the device stage 42. In this embodiment, the fluid barrier 454A is somewhat similar to the corresponding component described above and illustrated in FIG. 2D. However, in this embodiment, the containment frame 464A includes two concentric, scavenge inlets 486A that are positioned at the bottom side 470B of the containment frame 464A. The two scavenge inlets 486A are in fluid communication with the injector/scavenge source 260 (illustrated in FIG. 2B). With this design, the immersion fluid 248 that escapes in the frame gap 284 can be scavenged by the injector/scavenge source 260. In this embodiment, the bottom side 470B of the containment frame 464 includes two scavenge inlets 486A that are each substantially annular groove shaped and are substantially concentric with the optical assembly 16. [0088] With this design, the injector/scavenge source 260 applies a vacuum or partial vacuum on the scavenge inlets 486A. The partial vacuum draws the immersion fluid 248 between a small land area 488 on the bottom side 470B and the wafer 30 and/or the device stage 42. In this embodiment, the majority of the immersion fluid 248 flows under the land 488 and into the inner scavenge inlet 486A. Additionally, the immersion fluid 248 not removed at the inner scavenge inlet 486A is drawn into the outer scavenge inlet 486A. [0089] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of another embodiment of the fluid barrier 454B, a portion of the wafer 30, and a portion of the device stage 42. In this embodiment, the fluid barrier 454B is somewhat similar to the corresponding component described above and illustrated in FIG. 2D. However, in this embodiment, the containment frame 464B includes one bearing outlet 490B and two scavenge inlets 486B that are positioned at the bottom side 470B. The scavenge inlets 486B are in fluid communication with the injector/scavenge source 260 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) and the bearing outlet 490B is in fluid communication with the bearing fluid source 290B (illustrated in FIG. 2D). However, in this embodiment, the bearing outlet 490B is positioned within and concentric with the scavenge inlets 486B. Stated another way, the bearing outlet 490B has a smaller diameter than the scavenge inlets 486B, and the bearing outlet 490B is closer to the optical assembly 16 than the scavenge inlets 486B. Further, with this design, the bearing fluid 290C (illustrated in FIG. 2D) can be a liquid that is the same in composition as the immersion fluid 248. With this design, the bearing fluid 290C in the frame gap 284 can be scavenged by the injector/scavenge source 260 via the scavenge inlets 486B. [0090] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a portion of another embodiment of the fluid barrier 454C, a portion of the wafer 30, and a portion of the device stage 42. In this embodiment, the fluid barrier 454C is somewhat similar to the corresponding component described above and illustrated in FIG. 2D. However, in this embodiment, the containment frame 464C includes one bearing outlet 490C and two scavenge inlets 486C that are positioned at the bottom side 470B. The scavenge inlets 486C are in fluid communication with the injector/scavenge source 260 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) and the bearing outlet 490C is in fluid communication with the bearing fluid source 290B (illustrated in FIG. 2D). However, in this embodiment, the bearing outlet 490C is positioned between the two scavenge inlets 486C. Stated another way, the inner scavenge inlet 486C has a smaller diameter than the bearing outlet 490C, and the bearing outlet 490C has a smaller diameter than the outer scavenge inlet 486C. With this design, the inner scavenge inlet 486C is closer to the optical assembly 16 than the bearing outlet 490C. [0091] It should be noted that in each embodiment, additional scavenge inlets and addition bearing outlets can be added as necessary. [0092] FIG. 5A is a cut-away view of a portion of another embodiment of the exposure apparatus 510, including the optical assembly 516, the device stage 542, and the environmental system 526 that are similar to the corresponding components described above. FIG. 5A also illustrates the wafer 30, the gap 546, and that the immersion fluid 548 fills the gap 546. FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 5A taken on line 5B-5B. [0093] However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the fluid barrier 554 includes an inner barrier 555 in addition to the containment frame 564, the seal 566, and the frame support 568. In this embodiment, the inner barrier 555 is annular ring shaped, encircles the bottom of the optical assembly 516, is concentric with the optical assembly 516, and is positioned within the containment frame 564 adjacent to the seal 566. [0094] The inner barrier 555 can serve several purposes. For example, the inner barrier 555 can limit the amount of immersion fluid 548 escaping to the containment frame 564, reducing the scavenging requirements at the scavenge inlets 586, and also reducing the leakage of immersion fluid 548 into the wafer gap 285 when the wafer 30 is off-center from the optical assembly 516 and lying partly within and partly outside the fluid containment frame 564 region. With this design, the fluid injection/scavenge pads 558 can be used to recover the majority of the immersion fluid 548 from the chamber 563. Additionally, if the immersion fluid 548 is maintained at or near the level of the top of the inner barrier 555, pressure surges associated with injection of the immersion fluid 548 can be reduced, because excess immersion fluid 548 overflows the top of the inner barrier 555, creating a static pressure head. Some pressure surge may remain even in this situation due to surface tension effects. These effects can be reduced by increasing the height of the inner barrier 555 shown in FIG. 5B. For example, if the immersion fluid is water, the height should preferably be several mm or more. Additionally, the remaining pressure surge can be reduced or eliminated by adjusting the “wettability“ of the surfaces of inner barrier 555 and optical assembly 516 in contact with the immersion fluid 548 to reduce surface tension forces. In one embodiment, the inner barrier 555 can maintain a significant fluid height difference with a gap of approximately 50 μm between the bottom of the inner barrier 55 and the top of the wafer 30 or the device stage 42. [0095] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device stage 642 with a wafer 630 positioned above the device stage 642. In this embodiment, the device stage 642 includes a device table 650, a device holder 652, a guard 654, and a guard mover assembly 656. In this embodiment, the device table 650 is generally rectangular plate shaped. The device holder 652 retains the wafer 630. In this embodiment, the device holder 652 is a chuck or another type of clamp that is secured to the device table 650. The guard 654 surrounds and/or encircles the wafer 630. In one embodiment, the guard 654 is generally rectangular plate shaped and includes a circular shaped aperture 658 for receiving the wafer 630. [0096] In one embodiment, the guard 654 can include a first section 660 and a second section 662. One or more of the sections 660, 662 can be moved, removed or recessed to provide easy access for loading and removing the wafer 630. [0097] The guard mover assembly 656 secures the guard 654 to the device table 650, and moves and positions the guard 654 relative to the device table 650, the device holder 652, and the wafer 630. With this design, the guard mover assembly 656 can move the guard 654 so that the top, stage surface 680 of the guard 654 is approximately at the same Z height as the top exposed surface 679 of the wafer 630. Stated another way, the guard mover assembly 656 moves the guard 654 so that the stage surface 680 is approximately in the same plane as the exposed surface 679 of the wafer 630. As a result thereof, the guard 654 can be moved to adjust for wafers 630 of alternative heights. [0098] The design of the guard mover assembly 656 can be varied. For example, the guard mover assembly 656 can include one or more rotary motors, voice coil motors, linear motors, electromagnetic actuators, and/or other type of force actuators. In one embodiment, the guard mover assembly 656 moves and positions the guard 654 along the Z axis, about the X axis and about the Y axis under the control of the control system 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1). A sensor 681 (illustrated as a box) can be used to measure the relative heights of the guard surface 680 and the wafer top surface 679. Information from the sensor 681 can be transferred to the control system 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1) which uses information from the height sensor 681 to control the guard mover assembly 656. [0099] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device stage 742 with a wafer 730 positioned above the device stage 742. FIG. 7B is a cut-away view taken from FIG. 7A. In this embodiment, the device stage 742 includes a device table 750, a device holder 752, a guard 754, and a holder mover assembly 756. In this embodiment, the device table 750 is generally rectangular plate shaped. The device holder 752 retains the wafer 730. The guard 754 is generally rectangular plate shaped and includes a circular shaped aperture 758 for the wafer 730. In this embodiment, the guard 754 is fixedly secured to the device table 750. The holder mover assembly 756 secures the device holder 752 to the device table 750 and moves and positions the device holder 752 relative to the device table 750 and the guard 754. With this design, the holder mover assembly 756 can move the device holder 752 and the wafer 730 so that the top stage surface 780 of the guard 754 is approximately at the same Z height as the top exposed surface 779 of the wafer 730. A sensor 781 can be used to measure the relative heights of the top stage surface 780 and the top exposed surface 779 of the wafer 730. The information from the sensor 781 can be transferred to the control system 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1) which uses information from the height sensor to control the holder mover assembly 756. [0100] For example, the holder mover assembly 756 can include one or more rotary motors, voice coil motors, linear motors, electromagnetic actuators, and/or other types of force actuators. In one embodiment, the holder mover assembly 756 moves and positions the device holder 752 and the wafer 730 along the Z axis, about the X axis and about the Y axis under the control of the control system 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1). [0101] Semiconductor devices can be fabricated using the above described systems, by the process shown generally in FIG. 8A. In step 801 the device's function and performance characteristics are designed. Next, in step 802, a mask (reticle) having a pattern is designed according to the previous designing step, and in a parallel step 803 a wafer is made from a silicon material. The mask pattern designed in step 802 is exposed onto the wafer from step 803 in step 804 by a photolithography system described hereinabove in accordance with the invention. In step 805 the semiconductor device is assembled (including the dicing process, bonding process and packaging process). Finally, the device is then inspected in step 806. [0102] FIG. 8B illustrates a detailed flowchart example of the above-mentioned step 804 in the case of fabricating semiconductor devices. In FIG. 8B, in step 811 (oxidation step), the wafer surface is oxidized. In step 812 (CVD step), an insulation film is formed on the wafer surface. In step 813 (electrode formation step), electrodes are formed on the wafer by vapor deposition. In step 814 (ion implantation step), ions are implanted in the wafer. The above mentioned steps 811-814 form the preprocessing steps for wafers during wafer processing, and selection is made at each step according to processing requirements. [0103] At each stage of wafer processing, when the above-mentioned preprocessing steps have been completed, the following post-processing steps are implemented. During post-processing, first, in step 815 (photoresist formation step), photoresist is applied to a wafer. Next, in step 816 (exposure step), the above-mentioned exposure device is used to transfer the circuit pattern of a mask (reticle) to a wafer. Then in step 817 (developing step), the exposed wafer is developed, and in step 818 (etching step), parts other than residual photoresist (exposed material surface) are removed by etching. In step 819 (photoresist removal step), unnecessary photoresist remaining after etching is removed. Multiple circuit patterns are formed by repetition of these preprocessing and post-processing steps. [0104] While the exposure apparatus 10 as shown and described herein is fully capable of providing the advantages described herein, it is merely illustrative of embodiments of the invention. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown. Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4346164 *Oct 6, 1980Aug 24, 1982Werner TabarelliPhotolithographic method for the manufacture of integrated circuitsUS4441808 *Nov 15, 1982Apr 10, 1984Tre Semiconductor Equipment Corp.Focusing device for photo-exposure systemUS4505111 *Jul 19, 1982Mar 19, 1985Nissan Motor Company, LimitedHydraulic control system for industrial vehicleUS4509852 *Aug 17, 1982Apr 9, 1985Werner TabarelliApparatus for the photolithographic manufacture of integrated circuit elementsUS5528100 *Jul 5, 1994Jun 18, 1996Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaFlat cathode-ray tubeUS5610683 *Jun 5, 1995Mar 11, 1997Canon Kabushiki KaishaImmersion type projection exposure apparatusUS5668672 *Dec 12, 1995Sep 16, 1997Nikon CorporationCatadioptric system and exposure apparatus having the sameUS5715039 *May 17, 1996Feb 3, 1998Hitachi, Ltd.Projection exposure apparatus and method which uses multiple diffraction gratings in order to produce a solid state device with fine patternsUS5874820 *Apr 4, 1995Feb 23, 1999Nikon CorporationWindow frame-guided stage mechanismUS6191429 *Apr 6, 1999Feb 20, 2001Nikon Precision Inc.Projection exposure apparatus and method with workpiece area detectionUS6236634 *Aug 11, 2000May 22, 2001Digital Papyrus CorporationMethod and apparatus for coupling an optical lens to a disk through a coupling medium having a relatively high index of refractionUS6391503 *Jun 21, 2001May 21, 2002Nikon CorporationScanning exposure methodsUS6417914 *Oct 18, 2000Jul 9, 2002Nikon CorporationStage device and exposure apparatusUS6438074 *Aug 17, 1999Aug 20, 2002Sony CorporationOptical recording medium manufacturing master recording apparatusUS6781670 *Dec 30, 2002Aug 24, 2004Intel CorporationImmersion lithographyUS6788477 *Oct 22, 2002Sep 7, 2004Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Apparatus for method for immersion lithographyUS6867844 *Jun 19, 2003Mar 15, 2005Asml Holding N.V.Immersion photolithography system and method using microchannel nozzlesUS6988327 *Mar 31, 2003Jan 24, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethods and systems for processing a substrate using a dynamic liquid meniscusUS7053983 *Sep 1, 2004May 30, 2006Canon Kabushiki KaishaLiquid immersion type exposure apparatusUS7057702 *Jun 23, 2004Jun 6, 2006Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS7251017 *Sep 28, 2005Jul 31, 2007Nikon CorporationEnvironmental system including a transport region for an immersion lithography apparatusUS7321415 *Sep 29, 2005Jan 22, 2008Nikon CorporationEnvironmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatusUS7321419 *Oct 27, 2005Jan 22, 2008Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing methodUS7345742 *Feb 12, 2007Mar 18, 2008Nikon CorporationEnvironmental system including a transport region for an immersion lithography apparatusUS7352434 *May 13, 2004Apr 1, 2008Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS7355676 *Jan 11, 2006Apr 8, 2008Nikon CorporationEnvironmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatusUS7369217 *Oct 3, 2003May 6, 2008Micronic Laser Systems AbMethod and device for immersion lithographyUS7399979 *Jan 26, 2007Jul 15, 2008Nikon CorporationExposure method, exposure apparatus, and method for producing deviceUS7486385 *Nov 21, 2006Feb 3, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing methodUS7495744 *Nov 22, 2005Feb 24, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure method, exposure apparatus, and method for producing deviceUS7535550 *Jul 17, 2007May 19, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, exposure method, and method for producing deviceUS7542128 *Jul 18, 2007Jun 2, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, exposure method, and method for producing deviceUS20020020821 *Jul 26, 2001Feb 21, 2002Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Method of manufacturing an optically scannable information carrierUS20030030916 *Dec 10, 2001Feb 13, 2003Nikon CorporationProjection optical system and exposure apparatus having the projection optical systemUS20030174408 *Mar 6, 2003Sep 18, 2003Carl Zeiss Smt AgRefractive projection objective for immersion lithographyUS20040000627 *Aug 2, 2002Jan 1, 2004Carl Zeiss Semiconductor Manufacturing Technologies AgMethod for focus detection and an imaging system with a focus-detection systemUS20040075895 *Oct 22, 2002Apr 22, 2004Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Apparatus for method for immersion lithographyUS20040109237 *May 30, 2003Jun 10, 2004Carl Zeiss Smt AgProjection objective, especially for microlithography, and method for adjusting a projection objectiveUS20040114117 *Nov 18, 2003Jun 17, 2004Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20040118184 *Oct 14, 2003Jun 24, 2004Asml Holding N.V.Liquid flow proximity sensor for use in immersion lithographyUS20040119954 *Dec 9, 2003Jun 24, 2004Miyoko KawashimaExposure apparatus and methodUS20040125351 *Dec 30, 2002Jul 1, 2004Krautschik Christof GabrielImmersion lithographyUS20040136494 *Nov 12, 2003Jul 15, 2004Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20040160582 *Nov 12, 2003Aug 19, 2004Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20040165159 *Nov 12, 2003Aug 26, 2004Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20040169834 *Nov 17, 2003Sep 2, 2004Infineon Technologies AgOptical device for use with a lithography methodUS20040169924 *Feb 27, 2003Sep 2, 2004Asml Netherlands, B.V.Stationary and dynamic radial transverse electric polarizer for high numerical aperture systemsUS20040180294 *Feb 20, 2004Sep 16, 2004Asml Holding N.V.Lithographic printing with polarized lightUS20040180299 *Mar 11, 2003Sep 16, 2004Rolland Jason P.Immersion lithography methods using carbon dioxideUS20050007569 *May 13, 2004Jan 13, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050030506 *Jul 9, 2004Feb 10, 2005Carl Zeiss Smt AgProjection exposure method and projection exposure systemUS20050036121 *Apr 26, 2004Feb 17, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050036183 *Mar 18, 2004Feb 17, 2005Yee-Chia YeoImmersion fluid for immersion Lithography, and method of performing immersion lithographyUS20050036184 *Apr 16, 2004Feb 17, 2005Yee-Chia YeoLithography apparatus for manufacture of integrated circuitsUS20050036213 *Aug 12, 2003Feb 17, 2005Hans-Jurgen MannProjection objectives including a plurality of mirrors with lenses ahead of mirror M3US20050037269 *Aug 11, 2003Feb 17, 2005Levinson Harry J.Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling imaging in immersion lithography systemsUS20050042554 *Jul 26, 2004Feb 24, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method and a substrateUS20050046934 *Aug 29, 2003Mar 3, 2005Tokyo Electron LimitedMethod and system for drying a substrateUS20050048223 *Sep 2, 2003Mar 3, 2005Pawloski Adam R.Method and apparatus for elimination of bubbles in immersion medium in immersion lithography systemsUS20050068639 *Sep 26, 2003Mar 31, 2005Fortis Systems Inc.Contact printing using a magnified mask imageUS20050073670 *Oct 3, 2003Apr 7, 2005Micronic Laser Systems AbMethod and device for immersion lithographyUS20050084794 *Oct 16, 2003Apr 21, 2005Meagley Robert P.Methods and compositions for providing photoresist with improved properties for contacting liquidsUS20050094116 *Oct 31, 2003May 5, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Gradient immersion lithographyUS20050100745 *Nov 6, 2003May 12, 2005Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Anti-corrosion layer on objective lens for liquid immersion lithography applicationsUS20050110973 *Nov 24, 2003May 26, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050117224 *Dec 15, 2003Jun 2, 2005Carl Zeiss Smt AgCatadioptric projection objective with geometric beam splittingUS20050122497 *Dec 3, 2003Jun 9, 2005Lyons Christopher F.Immersion lithographic process using a conforming immersion mediumUS20050132914 *Dec 23, 2003Jun 23, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus, alignment apparatus, device manufacturing method, and a method of converting an apparatusUS20050134815 *Dec 23, 2003Jun 23, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050141098 *Sep 8, 2004Jun 30, 2005Carl Zeiss Smt AgVery high-aperture projection objectiveUS20050145803 *Dec 31, 2003Jul 7, 2005International Business Machines CorporationMoving lens for immersion optical lithographyUS20050146694 *Jan 4, 2005Jul 7, 2005Toshinobu TokitaExposure apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050146695 *Jan 5, 2005Jul 7, 2005Eigo KawakamiExposure apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050147920 *Dec 30, 2003Jul 7, 2005Chia-Hui LinMethod and system for immersion lithographyUS20050153424 *Jan 8, 2004Jul 14, 2005Derek CoonFluid barrier with transparent areas for immersion lithographyUS20050158673 *Jan 21, 2004Jul 21, 2005International Business Machines CorporationLiquid-filled balloons for immersion lithographyUS20050164502 *Jan 22, 2004Jul 28, 2005Hai DengImmersion liquids for immersion lithographyUS20050174549 *Feb 9, 2004Aug 11, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20050175940 *Feb 11, 2004Aug 11, 2005Asml Netherlands B.V.Device manufacturing method and a substrateUS20050185269 *Dec 20, 2004Aug 25, 2005Carl Zeiss Smt AgCatadioptric projection objective with geometric beam splittingUS20050190435 *Jan 14, 2005Sep 1, 2005Carl Zeiss Smt AgCatadioptric projection objectiveUS20050190455 *Dec 15, 2004Sep 1, 2005Carl Zeiss Smt AgRefractive projection objective for immersion lithographyUS20060012765 *Sep 21, 2005Jan 19, 2006Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device fabrication methodUS20060023184 *Sep 29, 2005Feb 2, 2006Nikon CorporationImmersion lithography fluid control systemUS20060023189 *Sep 30, 2005Feb 2, 2006Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20060038968 *Aug 19, 2004Feb 23, 2006Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20060087630 *Aug 29, 2005Apr 27, 2006Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20060114445 *Oct 27, 2005Jun 1, 2006Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing methodUS20060132739 *Jan 26, 2006Jun 22, 2006Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing methodUS20060132740 *Jan 27, 2006Jun 22, 2006Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing methodUS20060146306 *Mar 3, 2006Jul 6, 2006Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, exposure method, and method for producing deviceUS20060164615 *Feb 17, 2006Jul 27, 2006Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20070109516 *Jan 3, 2007May 17, 2007Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device fabrication methodUS20080002166 *Aug 16, 2007Jan 3, 2008Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing methodUS20080030697 *Jun 8, 2007Feb 7, 2008Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device fabrication methodUS20080151203 *Jan 30, 2008Jun 26, 2008Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20090009745 *Jul 31, 2008Jan 8, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure method, exposure apparatus, and method for producing deviceUS20090015807 *Sep 9, 2008Jan 15, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20090190112 *Jul 30, 2009Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1Apr. 1, 2009 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 10/593,802.2Apr. 15, 2010 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 11/819,446.3Apr. 15, 2010 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 11/819,447.4Aug. 17, 2007 Australian Examination Report in Singapore Application No. 200506412-6.5Aug. 28, 2009 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 11/635,607.6Aug. 9, 2005 International Search Report in Application No. PCT/JP2005/005254, with translation.7Bruce W. Smith et al.; "Water Immersion Optical Lithography for the 45nm Node"; Optical Microlithography XVI; Proceedings of SPIE; vol. 5040; 2003; pp. 679-689.8Dec. 19, 2008 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 11/635,607.9Dec. 20, 2006 Australian Invitation to Respond to Written Opinion in Singapore Application No. 200506412-6.10Dec. 22, 2006 Australian Search Report for Corresponding Singapore Application No. 200506412-6.11Dec. 8, 2009 Office Action in Japanese Application No. 2006-506634, with translation.12Dec. 8, 2009 Office Action in Japanese Application No. 2006-509568, with translation.13Emerging Lithographic Technologies VI, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 4688 (2002), "Semiconductor Foundry, Lithography, and Partners", B.J. Lin, pp. 11-24.14Feb. 2, 2010 Office Action for Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-511475 (with translation).15G. Owen et al.; "1/8 muM Optical Lithography"; J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B.; vol. 10, No. 6; Nov./Dec. 1992; pp. 3032-3036.16Hiroaki Kawata et al; "Fabrication of 0.2 mum Fine Patterns Using Optical Projection Lithography with an Oil Immersion Lens"; Jpn. J. Appl. Phys.; vol. 31, Part 1, No. 128; Dec. 1992; pp. 4174-4177.17Hiroaki Kawata et al; "Optical Projection Lithography Using lenses with Numerical Apertures Greater Than Unity"; Microelectronic Engineering; vol. 9; 1989; pp. 31-36.18J. Microlith., Microfab., Microsyst., vol. 1 No. 3, Oct. 2002, Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, "Resolution enhancement of 157 nm lithography by liquid immersion", M. Switkes et al., pp. 1-4.19Jul. 26, 2010 Chinese Office Action in Chinese Application No. 200480009675.7, with translation.20M. Switkes et al.; "Resolution Enhancement of 157 nm Lithography by Liquid Immersion"; J. Microlith., Microfab., Microsyst.; vol. 1, No. 3; Oct. 2002; pp. 225-228.21Mar. 25, 2010 Notice of Allowance in U.S. Appl. No. 10/593,802.22Mark D. Feur et al.; "Projection Photolithography-Liftoff Techniques for Production of 0.2-mum Metal Patterns"; IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices; vol. 28, No. 11; Nov. 1981; pp. 1375-1378.23May 11, 2010 Notice of Allowance in Japanese Application No. 2006-511475, with translation.24May 3, 2010 Notice of Allowance in U.S. Appl. No. 11/819,689.25May 4, 2010 Notice of Allowance in U.S. Appl. No. 11/819,691.26Nikon Corporation, 3rd 157 nm symposium, Sep. 4, 2002, "Nikon F2 Exposure Tool", Soichi Owa et al., 25 pages (slides 1-25).27Nikon Corporation, Immersion Lithography Workshop, Dec. 11, 2002, 24 pages (slides 1-24).28Nikon Corporation, Immersion Workshop, Jan. 27, 2004, "Update on 193 nm immersion exposure tool", S. Owa et al., 38 pages (slides 1-38).29Nikon Corporation, Litho Forum, Jan. 28, 2004, "Update on 193 nm immersion exposure tool", S. Owa et al., 51 pages (slides 1-51).30Nikon Corporation, NGL Workshop, Jul. 10, 2003, :Potential performance and feasibility of immersion lithography, Soichi Owa et al., 33 pages, slides 1-33.31Nov. 2, 2006 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 11/237,799.32Nov. 20, 2009 Notice of Allowance in Chinese Application No. 200480009673.8, with translation.33Nov. 21, 2008 Office Action in Chinese Application No. 200480009675.7, with translation.34Nov. 27, 2009 Notice of Allowance in U.S. Appl. No. 10/593,802.35Nov. 30, 2006 International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/IB04/02704.36Oct. 1, 2008 Supplementary European Search Report for EP 04 75 8599.37Oct. 13, 2005 International Search Report in Application No. PCT/US04/09994.38Oct. 9, 2009 Office Action in Chinese Application No. 200480009675.7, with translation.39Optical Microlithography XV, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 4691 (2002), "Resolution Enhancement of 157 nm Lithography by Liquid Immersion", M. Switkes et al., pp. 459-465.40Scott Hafeman et al.; "Simulation of Imaging and Stray Light Effects in Immersion Lithography"; Optical Microlithography XVI; Proceedings of SPIE; vol. 5040; 2003; pp. 700-712.41Sep. 23, 2008 Supplemental European Search Report in European Application No. 04759085.6.42Sep. 3, 2010 Notice of Allowance in U.S. Appl. No. 10/593,802.43Soichi Owa et al.; "Immersion Lithography; Its Potential Performance and Issues"; Optical Microlithography XVI; Proceedings of SPIE; vol. 5040; 2003; pp. 724-733.44So-Yeon Baek et al.; "Simulation Study of Process Latitude for Liquid Immersion Lithography"; Optical Microlithography XVI; Proceedings of SPIE; vol. 5040; 2003; pp. 1620-1630.45Willi Ulrich et al.; "The Development of Dioptric Projection Lenses for DUV Lithography"; Proceedings of SPIE; vol. 4832; 2002; pp. 158-169.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7388648Sep 30, 2005Jun 17, 2008Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic projection apparatusUS7982850May 15, 2008Jul 19, 2011Asml Netherlands B.V.Immersion lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method with gas supplyUS8208120Jun 26, 2012Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS8797503May 31, 2011Aug 5, 2014Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method with a liquid inlet above an aperture of a liquid confinement structureUS9091940Dec 20, 2012Jul 28, 2015Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and method involving a fluid inlet and a fluid outletUS9097988 *Jun 23, 2014Aug 4, 2015Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20060023189 *Sep 30, 2005Feb 2, 2006Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20060232756 *Sep 30, 2005Oct 19, 2006Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20080218726 *Apr 9, 2008Sep 11, 2008Asml Netherlands B.V.Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing methodUS20140300878 *Jun 23, 2014Oct 9, 2014Nikon CorporationExposure apparatus and device manufacturing method* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification355/53International ClassificationG03F7/20, G03B27/42Cooperative ClassificationG03F7/709, G03F7/2041, G03F7/70816, G03F7/70775, G03F7/70866, G03F7/70341European ClassificationG03F7/70P2B, G03F7/70F24, G03F7/20FLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJun 17, 2015FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services