Abstract: In an alignment method for lithographic devices of the proximity printing type two light beams (9a,d;9b,c) are made to impinge symmetrically on gratings (3) associated to each alignment direction on mask (1) and wafer (2) such that diffracted beams return along the optical axis of the alignment system. The relative phase of the diffracted beams is measured with a phase compensation technique using an electro-optic modulator (15). The alignment method is performed in two steps, the first being a normalizing step where a smooth portion of the wafer is brought under the alignment grating in the fixed mask (2) and a measuring step yielding the phase difference as a position control signal when the alignment grating on the wafer has been brought under the alignment grating of the mask. The four partial beams required for alignment in two orthogonal directions are generated from a single laser beam (15) in a compact set (14) of birefringent crystals or Wollaston plates and half-wave retarders.

Abstract: A photocoupler device with an insulating element comprising a shield situated perpendicularly to the optical axis of a light emitter and a receiver. The shield comprises a thermoplastic transparent material.