Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer apparatus for transferring an object (W). the transfer apparatus comprises a gripper (15) for at least one of gripping the object (W) at a first position and then releasing the object (W) at a second position proximate to a receiver (20) and releasing the object (W) at a first position after gripping the object at a second position proximate to the receiver (20). The transfer apparatus is further provided with a measurement device (22) arranged to measure the relative position of the gripper (15) with respect to the receiver (20) in at least one dimension. Further, a relative position error is defined with respect to a desired relative position based on the relative position measured. The relative position of the gripper (15) and the receiver (20) are adjusted for minimizing the relative position error in the second position.

Abstract: The invention provides a height detecting apparatus for a lithographic apparatus. The height mapping apparatus includes a height mapping unit for providing at least one height map of a top surface of an object to be placed in a radiation beam of the lithographic apparatus, the object to be clamped by a clamping force applied thereto on a support constructed to support the object. The height mapping apparatus also includes a control unit for controlling the mapping unit to provide the at least one height map of the object relative to at least two different clamping pressure levels.

Abstract: An apparatus including a support table for supporting a substrate is disclosed. The support table includes a plurality of support protrusions that contact the substrate during use for supporting the substrate. The support table includes a plurality of heat transfer protrusions that extend towards the substrate during use without contacting the substrate when the substrate is supported by the support protrusions. Gas-containing heat exchanging gaps for exchanging heat with the substrate extend between the heat transfer protrusions and the substrate.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an illumination system for conditioning a beam of radiation, and an article support for supporting a substantially flat article to be placed in the beam of radiation. The article support includes a plurality of supporting protrusions for supporting the article, and at least one protective member located near a boundary of the supporting protrusions for protecting at least a boundary portion of the supporting protrusions during release of the article. The apparatus also includes a releasing device for releasing said article from said article support.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus having a radiation system for providing a projection beam of radiation; a support structure for supporting a patterning device, the patterning device serving to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern; a substrate holder for holding a substrate the substrate holder provided with a device to provide a holding force for pressing the substrate against the substrate holder; a releasing structure constructed and arranged to eject the substrate from the holder against the holding force; and a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The lithographic projection apparatus may include a controller for controlling the releasing structure so as to release the substrate from the holder with a release force that is reduced prior to final release.