Patents by Inventor Erik Roelof Loopstra

Erik Roelof Loopstra 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: 7710540
    Abstract: A position control system for a substrate support of a lithographic apparatus includes a position measurement system configured to determine a position of a sensor or sensor target on the substrate support, a controller configured to provide a control signal based on a desired position of a target portion of the substrate and the determined position, and one or more actuators configured to act on the substrate support. The position control system includes a stiffness compensation model of the substrate support, the stiffness compensation model including a relation between a difference in a change in position of the target portion and a change in position of the sensor or sensor target as a result of a force exerted on the substrate support. The position control system is configured to substantially correct at least during projection of a patterned radiation beam on the target portion, the position of the target portion using the stiffness compensation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Roelof Loopstra, Henrikus Herman Marie Cox, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Wilhelmus Franciscus Johannes Simons, Paul Petrus Joannes Berkvens
  • Patent number: 7696652
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus has a patterning support constructed to support a patterning device and a substrate support constructed to support a substrate. At least one of the patterning support and the substrate support is moved by an electromagnetic actuator. The actuator has a first part and a second part that are movable relative to each other. The first part has a coil structure, and the second part including a plurality of permanent magnets interacting with the coil structure. The second part is provided with a cooling structure arranged adjacent the permanent magnets. Cooling ducts are arranged between adjacent permanent magnets, or on a side of the permanent magnets facing the coil structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Sven Antoin Johan Hol, Erik Roelof Loopstra
  • Publication number: 20100085547
    Abstract: A radiation source is configured to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation. The radiation source includes a fuel supply configured to supply a fuel to a plasma formation site; a laser configured to emit a beam of radiation to the plasma formation site so that a plasma that emits extreme ultraviolet radiation is generated when the beam of radiation impacts the fuel; a fuel particulate interceptor constructed and arranged to shield at least part of the radiation source from fuel particulates that are emitted by the plasma, the fuel particulate interceptor comprising a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being positioned closer to the plasma formation site than the first portion, and the first portion being rotatable; and a fuel particulate remover constructed and arranged to remove fuel particulates from a surface of the fuel particulate interceptor and to direct the fuel particulates towards a collection location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Dzmitry Labetski, Vadim Yevgenyevich Banine, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Johannes Hubertus Josephina Moors, Gerardus Hubertus Petrus Maria Swinkels
  • Publication number: 20100085551
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a mirror block provided with a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; and a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, wherein the mirror block is constructed and arranged to reduce slip between the mirror block and the substrate table. Slip can occur if the acceleration of the mirror block is high and the substrate table slips locally with respect to the mirror block. Slip may lead to exposure errors since the position of the substrate is no longer determined with the desired accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Martinus Petrus Adrianus VERMEULEN, Andre Bernardus JEUNINK, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Joost Jeroen OTTENS, Rene Theodorus Petrus COMPEN, Peter SMITS, Martijn HOUBEN, Hendrikus Johannes Marinus VAN ABEELEN, Antonius Arnoldus MEULENDIJKS, Rene Wilhelmus Antonius Hubertus LEENAARS
  • Patent number: 7692765
    Abstract: A method of removing liquid from a substrate supported on a substrate table and from a gap between the substrate and the substrate table includes: providing a liquid removal device with at least one outlet connected to an under pressure source, the outlet forming an elongated extractor of a predetermined geometry; relatively moving the substrate table and the liquid removal device such that the extractor is adapted to pass over all of the substrate and gap and such that substantially at any given time any local part of the extractor at the edge of a non-dried portion of the gap has, in a plane, its local tangent orientated at an angle of between about 35° and 90° to the local tangent of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Hernes Jacobs, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Michel Riepen, Eva Mondt
  • Publication number: 20100053574
    Abstract: A liquid immersion lithography system includes projection optics (PL) and a showerhead (604). The projection optics are configured to expose a substrate (W) with a patterned beam. The showerhead includes a first nozzle (610) and a second nozzle (612) that are configured to be at different distances from a surface of the substrate during an exposure operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicants: ASML Holding N.V., ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Aleksandr Khmelichek, Harry Sewell, Louis John Markoya, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Nicolaas Ten Kate
  • Publication number: 20100053576
    Abstract: A radiation source is configured to produce extreme ultraviolet radiation. The radiation source includes a chamber in which, in use, a plasma is generated, and an evaporation surface configured to evaporate a material formed as a by-product from the plasma and that is emitted to the evaporation surface. A method for removing a by-product material in or from a plasma radiation source of a lithographic apparatus includes evaporating a material which, in use, is emitted to that surface from the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Gerardus Hubertus Petrus Maria Swinkels
  • Publication number: 20100053586
    Abstract: A displacement measurement system configured to provide measurement of the relative displacement of two components in six degrees of freedom with improved consistency and without requiring excessive space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Renatus Gerardus KLAVER, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Engelbertus Antonius Fransiscus Van Der Pasch
  • Publication number: 20100053581
    Abstract: A radiation source is configured to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation. The radiation source includes a droplet generator constructed and arranged to generate fuel droplets, a heater constructed and arranged to heat the fuel droplets following generation of the fuel droplets by the droplet generator, and reduce the mass of fuel present in the fuel droplets and/or reduce the density of the fuel droplets, and a radiation emitter constructed and arranged to direct radiation onto the fuel droplets that have been heated by the heater to generate the extreme ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Gerardus Hubertus Petrus Maria SWINKELS, Vadim Yevgenyevich BANINE, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Johannes Hubertus Josephina MOORS
  • Patent number: 7671968
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a masking device that includes a first masking part configured to obscure a first part of a first patterning device before the pattern of the first patterning device is impinged by a radiation beam, a second masking part having an adjustable length, the second masking part configured to obscure a second part of the first patterning device after the pattern of the first patterning device is impinged by the radiation beam and to obscure a first part of a second patterning device before the pattern of the second patterning device is impinged by the radiation beam, and a third masking part configured to obscure a second part of the second patterning device after the pattern of the second patterning device is impinged by the radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Roelof Loopstra, Arno Jan Bleeker, Heine Melle Mulder, Oscar Franciscus Jozephus Noordman, Timotheus Franciscus Sengers, Laurentius Catrinus Jorritsma, Mark Trentelman, Gerrit Streutker
  • Patent number: 7671970
    Abstract: In order to improve the productivity of a lithographic apparatus, a stage apparatus for holding two patterning devices is described. The patterning devices are arranged such that the distance between the patterns in the scanning direction corresponds to the length of the pattern in the scanning direction. By doing so, an improved exposure sequence may be performed by exposing a first die with a first pattern, skipping a second die adjacent to the first die, and exposing a third die adjacent to the second die using a second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Erik Roelof Loopstra
  • Publication number: 20100044591
    Abstract: A radiation source includes a beam generator configured to generate a radiation beam to be used to produce a radiation output of the radiation source, and a beam monitor, configured to monitor the radiation beam. A lithographic apparatus includes the radiation source. A device manufacturing method includes generating a first type of radiation by utilizing a beam of a second type of radiation, monitoring a quality of the second type of radiation, and projecting a patterned beam of the first type of radiation onto a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Roelof Loopstra, Jan Bernard Plechelmus Van Schoot, Gerardus Hubertus Petrus Maria Swinkels
  • Patent number: 7667822
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a support constructed to support a patterning device. The patterning device is capable of imparting a radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam. The support includes a force actuator device to exert a force onto the patterning device in a direction of movement of the support. The force actuator device includes a movable part which is pivotably about a pivot axis and thereby connected to the support. The movable part is in the direction of movement of the support substantially balanced with respect to the pivot axis. The force actuator device further includes an actuator to exert via the movable part the force onto the patterning device, to at least partly compensate for the information or a risk of slippage due to acceleration of the support in the direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Fransicus Mathijs Jacobs, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Harmen Klaas Van der Schoot, Arjan Franklin Bakker, Arjan Martin Van der Wel, Krijn Frederik Bustraan, Marcel Koenraad Marie Baggen
  • Publication number: 20100039631
    Abstract: A radiation source is configured to generate radiation. The radiation source includes a fuel droplet generator constructed and arranged to generate a stream of droplets of fuel that are directed to a plasma generation site; a laser constructed and arranged to generate a laser beam that is directed to the plasma generation site, an angle between the direction of movement of the stream of droplets and the direction of the laser beam being less than about 90°; and a collector constructed and arranged to collect radiation generated by a plasma formed at the plasma formation site when the beam of radiation and a droplet collide. The collector is configured to reflect the radiation substantially along an optical axis of the radiation source. The laser beam is directed to the plasma generation site through an aperture provided in the collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Hendrikus Gijsbertus Schimmel
  • Publication number: 20100038562
    Abstract: A radiation source is configured to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation. The radiation source includes a laser constructed and arranged to generate a beam of radiation directed to a plasma generation site where a plasma is generated when the beam of radiation interacts with a fuel, an optical component having a surface that is arranged and positioned to be hit by a droplet of fuel, and a temperature conditioner constructed and arranged to elevate the temperature of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Gijsbertus SCHIMMEL, Vadim Yevgenyevich BANINE, Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Karel Joop BOSSCHAART
  • Patent number: 7656502
    Abstract: An immersion lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a liquid removal system surrounds a liquid supply system which provides liquid to a space between a projection system and a substrate. The liquid removal system is moveable relative to the liquid supply system and is controlled to have substantially zero velocity relative to the moving substrate table. The gap between the liquid supply system and the liquid removal system may be covered and the atmosphere between the liquid supply system and the liquid removal system above the substrate table may be maintained such that the vapor pressure of liquid is relatively high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Harmen Klaus Van Der Schoot, Noud Jan Gilissen, Peter Paul Steijaert, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Nicolaas Rudolf Kemper, Nicolaas Ten Kate, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Martinus Hendrikus Antonius Leenders, Hans Jansen, Marco Koert Stavenga, Jan Cornelis Van Der Hoeven, Bob Streefkerk, Hernes Jacobs, Marcus Martinus Petrus Adrianus Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20100014061
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a liquid supply system provides a liquid between the projection system and the substrate. An active drying station is provided to actively remove the liquid from the substrate W or other objects after immersion of all or part of a surface of the substrate W or other objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Bob STREEFKERK, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens
  • Publication number: 20100002207
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system configured to project an image onto a substrate, a substrate table configured to support the substrate, a first chamber that at least partially surrounds the projection system, and a second chamber that at least partially surrounds the substrate table and a first frame. The apparatus includes a base frame configured to support the second chamber, and an intermediate frame coupled to the base frame. The intermediate frame is configured to separate the first chamber and the second chamber. The apparatus includes a support coupled to the first frame. The support is configured to support the first chamber through a coupled opening in the intermediate frame and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Roelof LOOPSTRA, Petrus Rutgerus Bartray, Leon Martin Levasier, Bernardus Antonius Johannes Luttikhuis, Josephus Jacobus Smits, Anthonie Aantjes, Maurice Willem Jozef Etienne Wijckmans, Johannes Bernardus Ridder, Andre Schreuder, Dennis Jozef Maria Paulussen, Peter Gerardus Jonkers, Hugues Poincelin, Fransiscus Theresia Noel Heusschen
  • Patent number: 7636165
    Abstract: A displacement measurement system configured to provide measurement of the relative displacement of two components in six degrees of freedom with improved consistency and without requiring excessive space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Renatus Gerardus Klaver, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Engelbertus Antonius Fransiscus Van Der Pasch
  • Publication number: 20090296056
    Abstract: A table is disclosed in which measures are taken to seal between the table and an edge of an object, in use, supported on the table. In particular, a capillary passage is formed between the object on the table and the table itself. A meniscus pinning feature and/or the presence of an overpressure at the radially inward side of the capillary passage holds the liquid in the passage and helps prevent it from advancing further radially inwardly. The features to perform this function may be associated with or formed in a member surrounding the object. The member may be thermally decoupled from a part of the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Eva Mondt, Noud Jan Gilissen, Hernes Jacobs, Nicolaas Ten Kate, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Marcus Martinus Petrus Adrianus Vermeulen, Michel Riepen