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).

  • Patent number: 7936444
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 7932999
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Joeri Lof, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Hans Jansen, Jacobus Johannus Leonardus Hendricus Verspay, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk
  • Publication number: 20110032500
    Abstract: The measurement of two separately polarized beams (Ix, Iy) upon diffraction from a substrate (W) in order to determine properties of the substrate is disclosed. Circularly or elliptically polarized radiation is passed via a variable phase retarder in order to change the phase of one of two orthogonally polarized radiation beams with respect to the other of the two beams. The phase change is dependent on the wavelength of the polarized beam. The relative phases of the two radiation beams and other features of the beams as measured in a detector gives rise to properties of the substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Alexander Straaijer
  • Publication number: 20110007285
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a space between the projection system and a sensor is filled with a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Erik Theodorus Maria Bijlaart, Roelof Aeiko Siebrand Ritsema, Frank Van Schaik, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Arie Jeffrey Maria Den Boef, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Marcus Adrianus Van De Kerkhof, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Mark Kroon, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Hendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Joost Jeroen Ottens, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Helmar Van Santen
  • Publication number: 20100302519
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Bob STREEFKERK, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Joeri Lof, Klaus Simon, Alexander Straaijer
  • Patent number: 7839506
    Abstract: The simultaneous measurement of four separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate is used to determine properties of the substrate. Circularly or elliptically polarized light sources are passed via up to three polarizing elements. This polarizes the light sources by 0, 45, 90 and 135°. The plurality of polarizing beamsplitters replaces the use of a phase modulator, but enables the measurement of the intensity of all four beams and thus the measurement of the phase modulation and amplitude of the combined beams to give the features of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Straaijer, Ronald Franciscus Herman Hugers
  • Publication number: 20100157299
    Abstract: The simultaneous measurement of four separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate is used to determine properties of the substrate. Circularly or elliptically polarized light sources are passed via up to three polarizing elements. This polarizes the light sources by 0, 45, 90 and 135°. The plurality of polarizing beamsplitters replaces the use of a phase modulator, but enables the measurement of the intensity of all four beams and thus the measurement of the phase modulation and amplitude of the combined beams to give the features of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Straaijer, Ronald Franciscus Herman Hugers
  • Patent number: 7738074
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Bob Streefkerk, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Joeri Lof, Klaus Simon, Alexander Straaijer
  • Patent number: 7701577
    Abstract: The present invention refers to the simultaneous measurement of four separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate in order to determine properties of the substrate. Circularly or elliptically polarized light sources are passed via up to three polarizing elements. This polarizes the light sources by 0, 45, 90 and 135°. The plurality of polarizing beamsplitters replaces the use of a phase modulator, but enables the measurement of the intensity of all four beams and thus the measurement of the phase modulation and amplitude of the combined beams to give the features of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Straaijer, Ronald Franciscus Herman Hugers
  • Publication number: 20090290135
    Abstract: 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 projection system configured 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 configured 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 configured 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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Aleksey 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 San Santen
  • Patent number: 7593093
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Aleksey 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
  • Patent number: 7593092
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Erik Theodorus Maria Bijlaart, Hans Butler, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Aleksey 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
  • Publication number: 20090168062
    Abstract: A system is configured to measure two separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate in order to determine properties of the substrate. Circularly or elliptically polarized light sources are passed via a fixed phase retarder in order to change the phase of one of two orthogonally polarized radiation beams with respect to the two beams. The relative phases of the two radiation beams and other features of the beams are measured in a detector to provide information on the properties of the substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Alexander STRAAIJER
  • Patent number: 7511884
    Abstract: A radial transverse electric polarizer device is provided. The device includes a first layer of material having a first refractive index, a second layer of material having a second refractive index, and a plurality of elongated elements azimuthally and periodically spaced apart, and disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The plurality of elongated elements interact with electromagnetic waves of radiation to transmit transverse electric polarization of electromagnetic waves of radiation. One aspect of the invention is, for example, to use such polarizer device in a lithographic projection apparatus to increase imaging resolution. Another aspect is to provide a device manufacturing method including polarizing a beam of radiation in a transverse electric polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Donis Flagello, Kevin Cummings, Alexander Straaijer
  • Patent number: 7491478
    Abstract: Control of exposures is based at least in part on the relative contrast loss for a source spectrum and an pattern to be projected or an average absolute detuning of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Petrus Buurman, Jozef Maria Finders, Alexander Straaijer, J. W. De Klerk
  • Publication number: 20090002652
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Antonius Theodorus Derksen, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Aleksey Kolesnychenko, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Theodorus Marinus Modderman, Johannes Catharinus Mulkens, Roelof Aeilko Ritsema, Klaus Simon, Joannes Theodoor De Smit, Alexander Straaijer, Bob Streefkerk, Helmar Van Santen
  • Publication number: 20080218717
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20080218726
    Abstract: Lithographic Apparatus and Device Manufacturing Method In a lithographic projection apparatus, a structure surrounds a space between the projection system and a substrate table of the lithographic projection apparatus. Gas is used between the structure and the surface of the substrate to contain liquid in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: 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, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders
  • Publication number: 20080198380
    Abstract: The present invention refers to the simultaneous measurement of four separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate in order to determine properties of the substrate. Circularly or elliptically polarized light sources are passed via up to three polarizing elements. This polarizes the light sources by 0, 45, 90 and 135°. The plurality of polarizing beam splitters replaces the use of a phase modulator, but enables the measurement of the intensity of all four beams and thus the measurement of the phase modulation and amplitude of the combined beams to give the features of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Straaijer, Ronald Franciscus Herman Hugers
  • Patent number: 7388648
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a liquid confinement structure extending along at least a part of a boundary of a space between a projection system and a substrate table. The liquid confinement structure is positioned adjacent a final surface of the projection system and includes a first inlet configured to supply a liquid, through which a patterned beam is to be projected, to the space, and a second inlet configured to supply gas and formed in a face of the structure. The face is arranged to oppose a surface of the substrate and the second inlet is located radially outward, with respect to an optical axis of the projection system, of the space and has a porous member to evenly distribute gas flow over an area of the second inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: 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