Patent ID: 7365901

Claim:
An apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to light radiation, the apparatus comprising: a light source for emitting light in the wavelength range from EUV to IR; a spatial light modulator (SLM) having a multitude of modulating elements and adapted to be illuminated by said light source; a projection system for projecting an image of the modulator on the workpiece; a precision mechanical system for scanning the workpiece by providing a continuous relative motion between the projection system and the workpiece, thereby causing the image of the modulator to move continuously on the workpiece; an electronic data processing and delivery system receiving a digital description of the pattern to be written, converting said digital description of the pattern to modulator signals and feeding said signals to the modulator, and an electronic control system for controlling the position of the workpiece and the feeding of the signals to the modulator so that said pattern is created on the workpiece; wherein said projection system creates the pattern on the workpiece during said scanning of the workpiece; and said electronic control system is further arranged to control a trigger signal to the light source for emitting the light so that a trigger signal timing is varied to at least partially correct for pattern placement errors.