Abstract: The problem of the presence of excess flare in maskless photolithography systems is addressed by systems and methods that utilize an aerial imaging system to monitor flare associated with the maskless photolithography systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating 3D models of surfaces that accurately reconstruct both the global structure of an object and its local features are described. The methods and systems generally operated by fusing point features from the point cloud data with voxel features extracted from voxelization procedures. Furthermore, the methods and systems utilize voxelization at multiple spatial resolutions. The use of point-voxel fusion and multiple spatial resolutions may permit the extraction of both global and local geometric features, increasing the accuracy of 3D modeling of objects.

Abstract: Fluid synthesis system and corresponding method for synthesis of slurry containing abrasive particles. The system and method are configured to substantially segregate the abrasive particles passing through the filter, used at the filtering step of the process, from the sticky components that clog such filter prior to the filtering step of the synthesis process to achieve a sustaining filtration of the slurry as a result of which the filter remains substantially unclogged for the whole predetermined duration of the filtering process.

Abstract: A method for moving a stage relative to a base includes coupling a magnet assembly to the stage; coupling an array of coils to the base; and directing current to at least one of the coils with a control system that includes a processor to generate a force that levitates the stage relative to the base and moves the stage relative to the base. In one embodiment, the control system generates at least one current command that levitates and moves the stage while inhibiting the excitation of a first targeted flexible mode.

Abstract: Dehazed images are produced based on an atmospheric light image obtained form an input image as brightest pixels of a predetermined window and white map. The white map is median filtered, morphologically filtered and, in some examples, filtered with a guided filter, and the filtered image combined with the atmospheric light image to produce a dehazed image.

Abstract: Fluid synthesis system and corresponding method for synthesis of slurry containing abrasive particles. The system and method are configured to substantially segregate the abrasive particles passing through the filter, used at the filtering step of the process, from the sticky components that clog such filter prior to the filtering step of the synthesis process to achieve a sustaining filtration of the slurry as a result of which the filter remains substantially unclogged for the whole predetermined duration of the filtering process.

Abstract: A method for moving a stage relative to a base includes coupling a magnet assembly to the stage; coupling an array of coils to the base; and directing current to at least one of the coils with a control system that includes a processor to generate a force that levitates the stage relative to the base and moves the stage relative to the base. In one embodiment, the control system generates at least one current command that levitates and moves the stage while inhibiting the excitation of a first targeted flexible mode.

Abstract: Dehazed images are produced based on an atmospheric light image obtained form an input image as brightest pixels of a predetermined window and white map. The white map is median filtered, morphologically filtered and, in some examples, filtered with a guided filter, and the filtered image combined with the atmospheric light image to produce a dehazed image.

Abstract: A method for determining a commutation offset for a mover (250A) of a mover assembly (220C) that moves and positions a stage (220A) relative to a stage base (220B) includes controlling the mover assembly (220C) in a closed loop fashion to maintain the position of the stage (220A) along a first axis and along a second axis with the stage (220A) levitated above the stage base (220B). The method also includes the steps of (i) directing current to a coil array (240) of the mover assembly (220C) so that the mover assembly (220C) imparts a disturbance on the stage (220A); and (ii) evaluating one or more forces generated by the mover assembly (220C) as a result of the disturbance on the stage (220A) created by the mover (250A). Further, a method for generating a compensation map (1402) includes sequentially directing a plurality of excitation signals to the control of the mover assembly (220C) and determining the control commands that result from the plurality of excitation signals.

Abstract: A method for determining a commutation offset for a mover (250A) of a mover assembly (220C) that moves and positions a stage (220A) relative to a stage base (220B) includes controlling the mover assembly (220C) in a closed loop fashion to maintain the position of the stage (220A) along a first axis and along a second axis with the stage (220A) levitated above the stage base (220B). The method also includes the steps of (i) directing current to a coil array (240) of the mover assembly (220C) so that the mover assembly (220C) imparts a disturbance on the stage (220A); and (ii) evaluating one or more forces generated by the mover assembly (220C) as a result of the disturbance on the stage (220A) created by the mover (250A). Further, a method for generating a compensation map (1402) includes sequentially directing a plurality of excitation signals to the control of the mover assembly (220C) and determining the control commands that result from the plurality of excitation signals.

Abstract: An exemplary piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric transducer that exhibits displacements when energized with corresponding voltages. A control system is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer so as to provide the transducer with the voltages. The control system includes feedback of displacements of the transducer as functions of respective voltage commands and feed-forward of electrical currents passing through the transducer as functions of the respective voltages applied to the transducer. The control system further has a feedback controller connected to receive transducer-displacement data corresponding to the voltages applied to the transducer. The control system further can include a current-feed-forward amplifier connected to receive transducer-current data corresponding to the voltages applied to the transducer. Such a control system facilitates reduction of hysteresis in controlled actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A projection optical device includes a projection optical system which projects an image of a pattern, a support member attached to the projection optical system, and a plurality of coupling members connected to the support member. The coupling members suspend and support the projection optical system through the support member from an upper direction of the support member. The projection optical device can include a frame to which one end of each of the coupling members is attached, such that the projection optical system hangs from the frame via the support member and the coupling members. A projection optical device also can include a liquid supply which supplies a temperature-controlled liquid to a side surface of a projection optical system utilizing gravity to cause the temperature-controlled liquid to flow along the side surface of the projection optical system.

Abstract: An exemplary piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric transducer that exhibits displacements when energized with corresponding voltages. A control system is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer so as to provide the transducer with the voltages. The control system includes feedback of displacements of the transducer as functions of respective voltage commands and feed-forward of electrical currents passing through the transducer as functions of the respective voltages applied to the transducer. The control system further has a feedback controller connected to receive transducer-displacement data corresponding to the voltages applied to the transducer. The control system further can include a current-feed-forward amplifier connected to receive transducer-current data corresponding to the voltages applied to the transducer. Such a control system facilitates reduction of hysteresis in controlled actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing vibration compensation using position measurements are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of compensating for vibrations of an object includes obtaining a plurality of position measurements associated with the object. The method also includes processing the plurality of position measurements to determine a derivative acceleration, and determining a compensatory force to counteract the vibrations of the object. Determining the compensatory force includes using the derivative acceleration. Finally, the method includes applying the compensatory force to the object.

Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) about a first axis and along a first axis includes a first stage (238), a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), a measurement system, and an initialization system (1081A). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) about the first axis. The measurement system (22) monitors the position of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is positioned within a working range about the first axis. The initialization system (1081A) facilitates movement of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is rotated about the first axis outside the working range. The second mover assembly (244) can include a mover (255) and a dampener (410) that reduces the transmission of vibration from the first stage (238) to the second stage (240).

Abstract: A method for determining a commutation offset for a mover (250A) of a mover assembly (220C) that moves and positions a stage (220A) relative to a stage base (220B) includes controlling the mover assembly (220C) in a closed loop fashion to maintain the position of the stage (220A) along a first axis and along a second axis with the stage (220A) levitated above the stage base (220B). The method also includes the steps of (i) directing current to a coil array (240) of the mover assembly (220C) so that the mover assembly (220C) imparts a disturbance on the stage (220A); and (ii) evaluating one or more forces generated by the mover assembly (220C) as a result of the disturbance on the stage (220A) created by the mover (250A). Further, a method for generating a compensation map (1402) includes sequentially directing a plurality of excitation signals to the control of the mover assembly (220C) and determining the control commands that result from the plurality of excitation signals.

Abstract: An optical isolation assembly (30) for reducing the transmission of vibration from an optical barrel (25) to an optical element assembly (28) includes an optical mover assembly (256), a first measurement system (258), a second measurement system (260), and a control system (24). The optical mover assembly (256) moves, positions and supports the optical element assembly (28) relative to the optical barrel (25). The first measurement system (258) generates one or more first measurement signals that relate to the relative position between the optical element assembly (28) and the optical barrel (25). The second measurement system (260) generates one or more second measurement signals that relate to the absolute movement of the optical element assembly (28) along the first axis. The control system (24) controls the optical mover assembly (256) utilizing the first measurement signals and the second measurement signals.

Abstract: A method for determining a commutation offset for a mover (250A) of a mover assembly (220C) that moves and positions a stage (220A) relative to a stage base (220B) includes controlling the mover assembly (220C) in a closed loop fashion to maintain the position of the stage (220A) along a first axis and along a second axis with the stage (220A) levitated above the stage base (220B). The method also includes the steps of (i) directing current to a coil array (240) of the mover assembly (220C) so that the mover assembly (220C) imparts a disturbance on the stage (220A); and (ii) evaluating one or more forces generated by the mover assembly (220C) as a result of the disturbance on the stage (220A) created by the mover (250A). Further, a method for generating a compensation map (1402) includes sequentially directing a plurality of excitation signals to the control of the mover assembly (220C) and determining the control commands that result from the plurality of excitation signals.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for identifying force-ripple and/or side-forces in actuators used for moving a multiple-axis stage. The identified force-ripple and/or side-forces can be mapped, and maps of corresponding position-dependent compensation ratios useful for correcting same are obtained. The methods are especially useful for stages providing motion in at least one degree of freedom using multiple (redundant) actuators. In an exemplary method a stage member is displaced, using at least one selected actuator, multiple times over a set distance in the range of motion of the subject actuator(s). Each displacement has a predetermined trajectory and respective starting point in the range. For each displacement, respective section force-command(s) are extracted and normalized to a reference section force-command to define a section compensation-ratio.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing vibration compensation using position measurements are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of compensating for vibrations of an object includes obtaining a plurality of position measurements associated with the object. The method also includes processing the plurality of position measurements to determine a derivative acceleration, and determining a compensatory force to counteract the vibrations of the object. Determining the compensatory force includes using the derivative acceleration. Finally, the method includes applying the compensatory force to the object.