Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination system for use in a stereolithography apparatus, comprising: a planar support; a multilens projector array mechanically supported on the planar support over the array on a plano side, and having a work surface arranged to receive a resin applying device for applying a resin layer, the projector array comprising a stack of optical elements, including a plurality of lenslets adapted to project the LEDs onto the work surface, and a two-dimensional array of individually controllable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged between the planar support and the multilens projector. According to an aspect, the planar support and the plano side are supported on contact zones arranged over substantially the entire plano side; the illumination system thus forming a rigid body.

Abstract: A lens element, for use in a projection system, includes a concave side. The lens element further includes a membrane and a nozzle, the membrane at least covering the concave side of the lens element. The nozzle is arranged for supplying and/or removing a liquid and/or a gas in between the concave side and the membrane.

Abstract: A lens element, for use in a projection system, includes a concave side. The lens element further includes a membrane and a nozzle, the membrane at least covering the concave side of the lens element. The nozzle is arranged for supplying and/or removing a liquid and/or a gas in between the concave side and the membrane.

Abstract: A grating for EUV-radiation includes a plurality of reflecting lines. Each reflecting line includes a plurality of first reflecting dots, and a plurality of second reflecting dots arranged between each other. The first reflecting dots and the second reflecting dots are configured to reflect EUV-radiation with a mutual phase difference of 180±10 degrees mod 360 degrees.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are used to calibrate an array of individually controllable elements within a lithographic apparatus. A calibration unit can switch between a first state in which the modulated beam of radiation passes into a projection system for projecting the modulated beam of radiation onto a substrate and a second state in which a portion of the modulated beam of radiation is inspected by the calibration unit. The calibration unit generates calibration data, or alternatively, updates calibration data, based on the inspection of the modulated beam of radiation. An array controller uses the calibration data to provide control signals to elements of an array of individually controllable elements, which are subsequently configured in response to the control signals.

Abstract: A sensor for use at substrate level in a high numerical aperature lithographic apparatus, the sensor having a transparent plate that covers a sensing element and includes elements that improve coupling of radiation into the sensing element. The elements include Fresnel lenses, holographic optical elements, inverted Winston Cones, spherical lenses and surface roughening.

Abstract: A sensor for use at substrate level in a high numerical aperature lithographic apparatus, the sensor having a transparent plate that covers a sensing element and includes elements that improve coupling of radiation into the sensing element. The elements include Fresnel lenses, holographic optical elements, inverted Winston Cones, spherical lenses and surface roughening.

Abstract: A lens element, for use in a projection system, includes a concave side. The lens element further includes a membrane and a nozzle, the membrane at least covering the concave side of the lens element. The nozzle is arranged for supplying and/or removing a liquid and/or a gas in between the concave side and the membrane.

Abstract: A sensor for use at substrate level in a high numerical aperature lithographic apparatus, the sensor having a transparent plate that covers a sensing element and includes elements that improve coupling of radiation into the sensing element. The elements include Fresnel lenses, holographic optical elements, inverted Winston Cones, spherical lenses and surface roughening.

Abstract: A sensor for use at substrate level in a high numerical aperture lithographic apparatus, the sensor having a transparent plate that covers a sensing element and includes elements that improve coupling of radiation into the sensing element. The improved coupling elements include a flowing liquid medium disposed between the transparent plate and the sensing element.

Abstract: A sensor for use at substrate level in a high numerical aperature lithographic apparatus, the sensor having a transparent plate that covers a sensing element and includes elements that improve coupling of radiation into the sensing element. The elements include Fresnel lenses, holographic optical elements, inverted Winston Cones, spherical lenses and surface roughening.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a programmable patterning structure configured to pattern a projection beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The programmable patterning structure includes a plurality of separate patterning sub-elements, each sub-element being configured to generate a patterned sub-beam. At least one of the separate patterning sub-elements is configured to generate a patterned sub-beam whose cross-section contains regions of different intensities. The imaging apparatus also includes a combining structure configured to combine the plurality of patterned sub-beams into a single patterned image, and a projection system configured to project the patterned image onto a target portion of a substrate.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a programmable patterning structure configured to pattern a projection beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The programmable patterning structure includes a plurality of separate patterning sub-elements, each sub-element being configured to generate a patterned sub-beam. At least one of the separate patterning sub-elements is configured to generate a patterned sub-beam whose cross-section contains regions of different intensities. The imaging apparatus also includes a combining structure configured to combine the plurality of patterned sub-beams into a single patterned image, and a projection system configured to project the patterned image onto a target portion of a substrate.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a programmable patterning structure configured to pattern a projection beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The programmable patterning structure includes a plurality of separate patterning sub-elements, each sub-element being configured to generate a patterned sub-beam. At least one of the separate patterning sub-elements is configured to generate a patterned sub-beam whose cross-section contains regions of different intensities. The imaging apparatus also includes a combining structure configured to combine the plurality of patterned sub-beams into a single patterned image, and a projection system configured to project the patterned image onto a target portion of a substrate.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a programmable patterning structure configured to pattern a projection beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The programmable patterning structure includes a plurality of separate patterning sub-elements, each sub-element being configured to generate a patterned sub-beam. At least one of the separate patterning sub-elements is configured to generate a patterned sub-beam whose cross-section contains regions of different intensities. The imaging apparatus also includes a combining structure configured to combine the plurality of patterned sub-beams into a single patterned image, and a projection system configured to project the patterned image onto a target portion of a substrate.

Abstract: In a lithographic projection apparatus, extreme ultraviolet radiation, e.g., of a wavelength of 13 nm, is generated by an undulator 10 in an electron storage ring. The radiation is collected by a first relay mirror 13, and an image of the source waist is formed at an intermediate plane. At the intermediate plane, a first scattering mirror 14 is provided to increase the divergence of the radiation beam in at least one plane. A second relay mirror 15 images the first scattering mirror onto the entrance pupil 18 of the projection system of the lithographic apparatus. A second scattering mirror 16 folds the projection beam onto the mask 17 and further increases the divergence of the radiation beam.