Patent ID: RE41307

Claim:
A lithographic projection apparatus for imaging of a mask pattern in a mask onto a substrate provided with a radiation-sensitive layer, the apparatus comprising: a radiation system constructed and arranged to supply a projection beam of radiation; a first object table for holding a mask having a stiffness; a second object table for holding a substrate; a projection system constructed and arranged to image irradiated portions of the mask onto target portions of the substrate; said mask table first object table including at least one compliant member constructed and arranged to hold said mask such that , when the mask is held by said at least one compliant member, said at least one compliant member yields under the weight of the mask to conform substantially to a profile of the mask , and supports substantially the entire weight of the mask without a support, under a point of contact between the mask and the compliant member, to support substantially the entire weight of the mask , wherein a portion of said at least one compliant member is in direct contact with said mask and said portion has a stiffness lower than the stiffness of the mask.