Abstract: A variable axis immersion lens electron beam projection system shifts the electron beam while eliminating rapidly changing fields, eddy currents and stray magnetic fields in the target area. The electron beam projection system includes an electron beam source and a deflection means. A variable axes immersion lens for focusing the electron beam includes an upper pole piece, and a lower pole piece having a non-zero bore section, a zero bore section and an opening therebetween for inserting the target into the lens. The variable axis immersion lens provides an axial magnetic projection field which has zero first derivative in the vicinity of the target area. A magnetic compensation yoke, positioned within the bore of the upper pole piece produces a magnetic compensation field which is proportional to the first derivative of the axial magnetic projection field.