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.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus has an assembly to exchange optical elements in a pupil plane of its projection system. The optical elements may be pupil filters and may conform to the physical dimensions specified for a reticle standard, e.g. having sides substantially equal to 5, 6 or 9 inches.

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.

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.

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).

Abstract: There is provided an optical element. The optical element includes an element body having an optically effective region that has an optical axis and a peripheral region extending in a circumferential direction of the element body, a holding region disposed in the peripheral region, and a contact region in the holding region. The holding region co-operates with a holding device to hold the element body. The contact region is configured with a first contact surface and a second contact surface that are (a) spaced apart from one another in a direction of the optical axis, (b) both inclined with respect to the optical axis; and (c) not parallel to one another.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for shifting an automatic transmission (8) of a motor vehicle having a hydrodynamic, converter (6), when the vehicle slows from driving to a standstill a predetermined stopping condition of the automatic transmission (8) exists, such that the transmission (8) is shifted into neutral. To avoid disadvantages from shifting into neutral immediately after the motor vehicle is stationary, such as an increase in fuel consumption by a tractional torque operation of the converter, a disengagement impact upon shifting into the standby mode; an unexpected rolling of the vehicle, when stopping occurs on an incline following a shift into neutral. The automatic transmission (8), conforming to predetermined stopping conditions, shifts even during the driving state into neutral.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An optical element, in particular a lens, comprising an element body (2.1) with an optically effective first region (2.2), which has an optical axis (2.3), and a peripheral region (2.6) extending in a circumferential direction of the element body (2.1), in which at least a first holding region (2.7) is disposed, the first holding region (2.7) having at least a first contact region (2.8) which is designed to co-operate with a first holding device (3) in order to hold the element body (2.1), and the peripheral region (2.6) forming the first contact region (2.8), in a manner limited in the circumferential direction of the element body (2.1), only at a first circumferential region limited in the circumferential direction, and/or the peripheral region (22.6) forming the first contact region (22.8), in a manner limited in the direction of the optical axis (22.3), only at two contact surfaces (22.10, 22.11) of the element body (22.1), spaced apart from one another in the direction of the optical axis (22.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus has an assembly to exchange optical elements in a pupil plane of its projection system. The optical elements may be pupil filters and may conform to the physical dimensions specified for a reticle standard, e.g. having sides substantially equal to 5, 6 or 9 inches.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a gearbox control system (8) for detecting systematic errors and long-term changes, the behavior of a real gearbox (1) is compared to the behavior of an ideal gearbox (7), which is implemented in the form of a gearbox model in the gearbox control system (8).

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).