Patent ID: 7745102

Claim:
A process for performing photolithography, comprising emitting radiation having at least one wavelength below about 260 nm; and disposing a liquid such that the radiation passes through at least a portion of the liquid before impinging on a surface, the liquid exhibiting an index of refraction greater than about 1 for the at least one wavelength, wherein the liquid comprises a compound having at least one Si—O bond, the liquid being deoxygenated, the liquid exhibiting an index of refraction greater than about 1 for at least one wavelength in a range of about 140 nm to about 260 nm, the liquid also exhibiting an absorption less than about 2 μm −1 for at least one wavelength in the range of about 140 nm to about 260 nm, and wherein the at least one Si—O bond forms a cyclic structure with one or more additional Si—O bonds present in the compound.