Patents by Inventor Alexander Straaijer
Alexander Straaijer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10962891Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and the substrate is filled with a liquid. An edge seal member at least partly surrounds the substrate or other object on a substrate table to prevent liquid loss when edge portions of the substrate or other object are, for example, imaged or illuminated. A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Joeri Lof, Erik Theodorus Maria Bijlaart, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank Van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Helmar Van Santen, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Hans Jansen, Jacobus Johannus Leonardus Hendricus Verspay
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Patent number: 10788755Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a projection system to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of a substrate; a substrate table configured to hold the substrate, the substrate table including a support surface to support an intermediary plate between the projection system and at least one of the substrate and an object positioned on the substrate table and not in contact with the at least one of the substrate and the object; and a liquid supply system to provide a liquid, through which the beam is to be projected, in a space between the projection system and the at least one of the substrate and the object.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Joeri Lof, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank Van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Helmar Van Santen
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Patent number: 10725386Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring a parameter of a lithographic process, and associated inspection apparatus. The method comprises measuring at least two target structures on a substrate using a plurality of different illumination conditions, the target structures having deliberate overlay biases; to obtain for each target structure an asymmetry measurement representing an overall asymmetry that includes contributions due to (i) the deliberate overlay biases, (ii) an overlay error during forming of the target structure and (iii) any feature asymmetry. A regression analysis is performed on the asymmetry measurement data by fitting a linear regression model to a planar representation of asymmetry measurements for one target structure against asymmetry measurements for another target structure, the linear regression model not necessarily being fitted through an origin of the planar representation. The overlay error can then be determined from a gradient described by the linear regression model.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Scott Anderson Middlebrooks, Niels Geypen, Hendrik Jan Hidde Smilde, Alexander Straaijer, Maurits Van Der Schaar, Markus Gerardus Martinus Maria Van Kraaij
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Publication number: 20200225590Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and the substrate is filled with a liquid. An edge seal member at least partly surrounds the substrate or other object on a substrate table to prevent liquid loss when edge portions of the substrate or other object are, for example, imaged or illuminated. A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: July 16, 2020Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Joeri LOF, Erik Theodorus Maria BIJLAART, Hans BUTLER, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus DONDERS, Christiaan Alexander HOOGENDAM, Aleksey Yurievich KOLESNYCHENKO, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Hendricus Johannes Maria MEIJER, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria MERTENS, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus MULKENS, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand RITSEMA, Frank VAN SCHAIK, Timotheus Franciscus SENGERS, Klaus SIMON, Joannes Theodoor DE SMIT, Alexander STRAAIJER, Bob STREEFKERK, Helmar VAN SANTEN, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria DERKSEN, Hans JANSEN, Jacobus Johannus Leonardus Hendricus VERSPAY
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Patent number: 10678139Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and a sensor is filled with a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Joeri Lof, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Johannes Catherinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank Van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Erik Theodorus Maria Bijlaart, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Helmar Van Santen, Marcus Adrianus Van De Kerkhof, Mark Kroon, Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Joost Jeroen Ottens, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens
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Patent number: 10656538Abstract: An immersion lithography apparatus comprises a temperature controller configured to adjust a temperature of a projection system, a substrate and a liquid towards a common target temperature. Controlling the temperature of these elements and reducing temperature gradients may improve imaging consistency and general lithographic performance. Measures to control the temperature may include controlling the immersion liquid flow rate and liquid temperature, for example, via a feedback circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Bob Streefkerk, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Joeri Lof, Klaus Simon, Alexander Straaijer
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Patent number: 10620545Abstract: In a lithographic projection apparatus, a structure surrounds a space between the projection system and a substrate table of the lithographic projection apparatus. A gas seal is formed between said structure and the surface of said substrate to contain liquid in the space.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Joeri Lof, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Aleksey Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Theodorus Marinus Modderman, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Helmar Van Santen
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Patent number: 10613446Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining overlay. The method comprises obtaining an initial overlay estimate relating to a first set of targets and data about a second set of targets, wherein the data for a target comprises an intensity measurement of the target for each of a group of different wavelengths. The method further comprises using the initial overlay estimate to filter data relating to the second set of targets and using the filtered data to estimate overlay on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Alexander Straaijer
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Patent number: 10503084Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and the substrate is filled with a liquid. An edge seal member at least partly surrounds the substrate or other object on a substrate table to prevent liquid loss when edge portions of the substrate or other object are, for example, imaged or illuminated. A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Joeri Lof, Erik Theodorus Maria Bijlaart, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank Van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Helmar Van Santen, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Hans Jansen, Jacobus Johannus Leonardus Hendricus Verspay
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Patent number: 10466595Abstract: In a lithographic apparatus, a localized area of the substrate surface under a projection system is immersed in liquid. The height of a liquid supply system above the surface of the substrate can be varied using actuators. A control system uses feedforward or feedback control with input of the surface height of the substrate to maintain the liquid supply system at a predetermined height above the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Bob Streefkerk, Johannes Jacobus Matheus Baselmans, Henrikus Herman Marie Cox, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Joeri Lof, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Frits Van Der Meulen, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Gerardus Petrus Matthijs Van Nunen, Klaus Simon, Bernardus Antonius Slaghekke, Alexander Straaijer, Jan-Gerard Cornelis Van Der Toorn, Martijn Houkes
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Publication number: 20190302631Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and the substrate is filled with a liquid. An edge seal member at least partly surrounds the substrate or other object on a substrate table to prevent liquid loss when edge portions of the substrate or other object are, for example, imaged or illuminated. A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Joeri LOF, Erik Theodorus Maria BIJLAART, Hans BUTLER, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus DONDERS, Christiaan Alexander HOOGENDAM, Aleksey Yurievich KOLESNYCHENKO, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Hendricus Johannes Maria MEIJER, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria MERTENS, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus MULKENS, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand RITSEMA, Frank VAN SCHAIK, Timotheus Franciscus SENGERS, Klaus SIMON, Joannes Theodoor DE SMIT, Alexander STRAAIJER, Bob STREEFKERK, Helmar VAN SANTEN, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria DERKSEN, Hans JANSEN, Jacobus Johannus Leonardus Hendricus VERSPAY
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Publication number: 20190278190Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring a parameter of a lithographic process, and associated inspection apparatus. The method comprises measuring at least two target structures on a substrate using a plurality of different illumination conditions, the target structures having deliberate overlay biases; to obtain for each target structure an asymmetry measurement representing an overall asymmetry that includes contributions due to (i) the deliberate overlay biases, (ii) an overlay error during forming of the target structure and (iii) any feature asymmetry. A regression analysis is performed on the asymmetry measurement data by fitting a linear regression model to a planar representation of asymmetry measurements for one target structure against asymmetry measurements for another target structure, the linear regression model not necessarily being fitted through an origin of the planar representation. The overlay error can then be determined from a gradient described by the linear regression model.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Scott Anderson MIDDLEBROOKS, Niels GEYPEN, Hendrik Jan Hidde SMILDE, Alexander STRAAIJER, Maurits VAN DER SCHAAR, Markus Gerardus Martinus Maria VAN KRAAIJ
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Publication number: 20190265596Abstract: In a lithographic projection apparatus, a structure surrounds a space between the projection system and a substrate table of the lithographic projection apparatus. A gas seal is formed between said structure and the surface of said substrate to contain liquid in the space.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Joeri LOF, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria DERKSEN, Christiaan Alexander HOOGENDAM, Aleksey KOLESNYCHENKO, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Theodorus Marinus MODDERMAN, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus MULKENS, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand RITSEMA, Klaus SIMON, Joannes Theodoor DE SMIT, Alexander STRAAIJER, Bob STREEFKERK, Helmar VAN SANTEN
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Publication number: 20190250518Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and a sensor is filled with a liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Joeri LOF, Hans BUTLER, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus DONDERS, Aleksey Yurievich KOLESNYCHENKO, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Hendricus Johannes Maria MEIJER, Johannes Catherinus Hubertus MULKENS, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand RITSEMA, Frank VAN SCHAIK, Timotheus Franciscus SENGERS, Klaus SIMON, Joannes Theodoor DE SMIT, Alexander STRAAIJER, Bob STREEFKERK, Erik Theodorus Maria BIJLAART, Christiaan Alexander HOOGENDAM, Helmar VAN SANTEN, Marcus Adrianus VAN DE KERKHOF, Mark KROON, Arie Jeffrey DEN BOEF, Joost Jeroen OTTENS, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria MERTENS
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Publication number: 20190212661Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a projection system to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of a substrate; a substrate table configured to hold the substrate, the substrate table including a support surface to support an intermediary plate between the projection system and at least one of the substrate and an object positioned on the substrate table and not in contact with the at least one of the substrate and the object; and a liquid supply system to provide a liquid, through which the beam is to be projected, in a space between the projection system and the at least one of the substrate and the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Joeri LOF, Hans BUTLER, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus DONDERS, Aleksey Yurievich KOLESNYCHENKO, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Hendricus Johannes Maria MEIJER, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria MERTENS, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus MULKENS, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand RITSEMA, Frank VAN SCHAIK, Timotheus Franciscus SENGERS, Klaus SIMON, Joannes Theodoor DE SMIT, Alexander STRAAIJER, Helmar VAN SANTEN
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Patent number: 10331041Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring a parameter of a lithographic process, and associated inspection apparatus. The method comprises measuring at least two target structures on a substrate using a plurality of different illumination conditions, the target structures having deliberate overlay biases; to obtain for each target structure an asymmetry measurement representing an overall asymmetry that includes contributions due to (i) the deliberate overlay biases, (ii) an overlay error during forming of the target structure and (iii) any feature asymmetry. A regression analysis is performed on the asymmetry measurement data by fitting a linear regression model to a planar representation of asymmetry measurements for one target structure against asymmetry measurements for another target structure, the linear regression model not necessarily being fitted through an origin of the planar representation. The overlay error can then be determined from a gradient described by the linear regression model.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Scott Anderson Middlebrooks, Niels Geypen, Hendrik Jan Hidde Smilde, Alexander Straaijer, Maurits Van Der Schaar, Markus Gerardus Martinus Maria Van Kraaij
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Patent number: 10261428Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and the substrate is filled with a liquid. An edge seal member at least partly surrounds the substrate or other object on a substrate table to prevent liquid loss when edge portions of the substrate or other object are, for example, imaged or illuminated. A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Joeri Lof, Erik Theodorus Maria Bijlaart, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank Van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Helmar Van Santen
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Patent number: 10261427Abstract: Disclosed are a method, computer program and associated apparatuses for measuring a parameter of a lithographic process.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Si-Han Zeng, Yue-Lin Peng, Jen-Yu Fang, Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Alexander Straaijer, Ching-Yi Hung, Patrick Warnaar
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Publication number: 20190086821Abstract: An immersion lithography apparatus comprises a temperature controller configured to adjust a temperature of a projection system, a substrate and a liquid towards a common target temperature. Controlling the temperature of these elements and reducing temperature gradients may improve imaging consistency and general lithographic performance. Measures to control the temperature may include controlling the immersion liquid flow rate and liquid temperature, for example, via a feedback circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Bob STREEFKERK, Antonius Theodoras Anna Maria DERKSEN, Joeri LOF, Klaus SIMON, Alexander STRAAIJER
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Publication number: 20190079414Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining overlay. The method comprises obtaining an initial overlay estimate relating to a first set of targets and data about a second set of targets, wherein the data for a target comprises an intensity measurement of the target for each of a group of different wavelengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Alexander STRAAIJER