Patents by Inventor Franz Sorg

Franz Sorg 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).

  • Publication number: 20140254036
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical module for a lens, especially a microlithographic apparatus, comprising a first holding device with an inner circumference that extends in a first circumferential direction, and at least one first supporting device which is fastened to the inner circumference of said first holding device and is used for supporting a first optical element, an annular circumferential first assembly space being defined by displacing the first supporting device once in a revolving manner along the first circumferential direction. At least one second supporting device which is fixed to the inner circumference of the first holding device is provided for supporting a second optical element, an annular circumferential second assembly space being defined by displacing the second supporting device once in a revolving manner along the first circumferential direction. The first assembly space intersects the second assembly space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Yim-Bun Patrick Kwan
  • Patent number: 8711331
    Abstract: There is provided an optical module for an objective. The optical module includes (a) a first holding device with an inner circumference, which extends in a first circumferential direction, (b) at least one first supporting device for supporting a first optical element and being fixed at said inner circumference of said first holding device, (c) an annular circumferential first assembly space being defined by displacing said first supporting device once in a revolving manner along said first circumferential direction, (d) at least one second supporting device being provided for supporting a second optical element and being fixed at said inner circumference of said first holding device, and (e) an annular circumferential second assembly space being defined by displacing said second supporting device once in a revolving manner along said first circumferential direction. The first assembly space intersects the second assembly space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Yim-Bun Patrick Kwan
  • Publication number: 20140063628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the low-deformation replaceable mounting of an optical element, in particular a closure plate of an objective of a projection exposure system for microlithography for the production of semiconductor components, in a mount. The optical element is connected to the mount at least partly via an adhesive connection. This is located between the adjacent circumferential walls of mount and optical element. The mount is provided with at least three support feet distributed over the circumference, by means of which the optical element is mounted laterally and axially. The mount is connected to the housing of the objective in an at least approximately deformation-decoupled manner via three mount bearing points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Petasch, Dirk Schaffer, Siegfried Wahl
  • Patent number: 8659745
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical system, such as a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography, including a manipulable correction arrangement for reducing image aberrations. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one manipulator configured to reduce image aberrations. The manipulator can include at least one optical element which can be manipulated by at least one actuator. The manipulator can be formed in changeable fashion together with an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Limbach, Franz Sorg, Armin Schoeppach, Ulrich Weber, Ulrich Loering, Dirk Hellweg, Peter Meyer, Stefan Xalter, Jens Kugler, Bernhard Gellrich, Stefan Hembacher, Bernhard Geuppert, Aksel Goehnermeier
  • Patent number: 8582081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the low-deformation replaceable mounting of an optical element, in particular a closure plate of an objective of a projection exposure system for microlithography for the production of semiconductor components, in a mount (12). The optical element is connected to the mount (12) at least partly via an adhesive connection. This is located between the adjacent circumferential walls of mount (12) and optical element. The mount (12) is provided with at least three support feet (14) distributed over the circumference, by means of which the optical element is mounted laterally and axially. The mount (12) is connected to the housing of the objective in an at least approximately deformation-decoupled manner via three mount bearing points (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Petasch, Dirk Schaffer, Siegfried Wahl
  • Publication number: 20130278911
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical system, such as a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography, including a manipulable correction arrangement for reducing image aberrations. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one manipulator configured to reduce image aberrations. The manipulator can include at least one optical element which can be manipulated by at least one actuator. The manipulator can be formed in changeable fashion together with an actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Guido Limbach, Franz Sorg, Armin Schoeppach, Ulrich Weber, Ulrich Loering, Dirk Hellweg, Peter Meyer, Stefan Xalter, Jens Kugler, Bernhard Gellrich, Stefan Hembacher, Bernhard Geuppert, Aksel Goehnermeier
  • Publication number: 20130279029
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 8542346
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical system, such as a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography, including a manipulable correction arrangement for reducing image aberrations. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one manipulator configured to reduce image aberrations. The manipulator can include at least one optical element which can be manipulated by at least one actuator. The manipulator can be formed in changeable fashion together with an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Limbach, Franz Sorg, Armin Schoeppach, Ulrich Weber, Ulrich Loering, Dirk Hellweg, Peter Meyer, Stefan Xalter, Jens Kugler, Bernhard Gellrich, Stefan Hembacher, Bernhard Geuppert, Aksel Goehnermeier
  • Patent number: 8488104
    Abstract: A projection objective for imaging an object arranged in an object plane of the projection objective into an image of the object lying in an image plane of the projection objective has a multiplicity of transparent optical elements and holding devices for holding the optical elements at prescribable positions along an imaging beam path of the projection objective. Each of the optical elements has an optical useful region lying in the imaging beam path and an edge region lying outside the optical useful region. At least one holding element of the holding device assigned to the optical element acts at the edge region in the region of a contact zone. At least one of the optical elements is assigned a diaphragm arrangement with a false light diaphragm arranged directly upstream of the optical element and a second false light diaphragm arranged directly downstream of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Nils Dieckmann, Alexander Wolf, Christian Holland, Ulrich Loering, Franz Sorg
  • Patent number: 8488261
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 8330935
    Abstract: A microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a projection lens that is configured for immersion operation. For this purpose an immersion liquid is introduced into an immersion space that is located between a last lens of the projection lens on the image side and a photosensitive layer to be exposed. To reduce fluctuations of refractive index resulting from temperature gradients occurring within the immersion liquid, the projection exposure apparatus includes heat transfer elements that heat or cool partial volumes of the immersion liquid so as to achieve an at least substantially homogenous or at least substantially rotationally symmetric temperature distribution within the immersion liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Ehrmann, Ulrich Wegmann, Rainer Hoch, Joerg Mallmann, Karl-Heinz Schuster, Ulrich Loering, Toralf Gruner, Bernhard Kneer, Bernhard Geuppert, Franz Sorg, Jens Kugler, Norbert Wabra
  • Publication number: 20120176591
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microlithography projection exposure system having optical corrective elements configured to modify the imaging characteristics, as well as related systems and component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Peter Deufel, Toralf Gruner
  • Patent number: 8159648
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microlithography projection exposure system having optical corrective elements configured to modify the imaging characteristics, as well as related systems and components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Peter Deufel, Toralf Gruner
  • Publication number: 20110285979
    Abstract: A projection objective for imaging an object arranged in an object plane of the projection objective into an image of the object lying in an image plane of the projection objective has a multiplicity of transparent optical elements and holding devices for holding the optical elements at prescribable positions along an imaging beam path of the projection objective. Each of the optical elements has an optical useful region lying in the imaging beam path and an edge region lying outside the optical useful region. At least one holding element of the holding device assigned to the optical element acts at the edge region in the region of a contact zone. At least one of the optical elements is assigned a diaphragm arrangement with a false light diaphragm arranged directly upstream of the optical element and a second false light diaphragm arranged directly downstream of the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH
    Inventors: Nils Dieckmann, Alexander Wolf, Christian Holland, Ulrich Loering, Franz Sorg
  • Publication number: 20110255181
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 7995296
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 7959536
    Abstract: A method of shifting an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a hydrodynamic converter (6). The method comprising the steps of detecting a presence of predetermined stopping conditions; determining that a driver of the motor vehicle intends to cause the motor vehicle to change from a driving state to a stopped state, based on the presence of one of the predetermined stopping conditions; and automatically shifting the automatic transmission (8) into a standby mode, before the driving state has concluded. The shifting into the standby mode typically occurs when a rotational speed of the hydrodynamic converter (6) decreases to less than a rotational speed (120) of a motor and the retarder apparatus (10), of the automatic transmission, is disengaged no later than a time by which shifting into the standby mode occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Eisele, Franz Sorg, Harry Nolzen, Jürgen Blaser, Thomas Vogt
  • Publication number: 20100271716
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT AG
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 7768723
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 7760327
    Abstract: There is provided an optical element comprising an optical element body, a reflecting area and an optical passageway. The optical element body defines an axis of rotational symmetry. The reflecting area is disposed on the optical element body and adapted to be optically used in an exposure process. The optical passageway is arranged within the optical element body and allows light to pass the optical element body, the optical passageway being arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotational symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Scherle, Yim-Bun Patrick Kwan, Stefan Xalter, Johannes Lippert, Ulrich Weber, Bernhard Geuppert, Bernhard Gellrich, Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Willi Heintel, Harald Kirchner, Wolfgang Keller, Andreas Frommeyer, Fraser G. Morrison