Abstract: A lithographic apparatus including a radiation attenuator or a variable aperture system, such as masking blades, arranged in or near an intermediate focus of the projection system. Besides a radiation attenuator or a variable aperture system, a measuring system may be arranged in the intermediate focus. By placing one or more of such systems in the intermediate focus of the projection system, instead of near the reticle in the illumination system, fewer design restrictions occur because of more space available, resulting in a lower design cost.

Abstract: A method of preparing components for use in a vacuum chamber of a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The method includes coating the component with a non-metallic material. The method may further include treating the coating so as to harden the coating. Preferably, the coating material is a hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ), which may be applied via spraying, brushing, or spinning and can be treated by heating or by irradiation with an electron beam. The resulting components strongly reduce outgassing of water and hydrocarbons when subjected to a vacuum environment.