Abstract: An optical measuring system is provided with a measuring machine that has at least one measuring element for determining locations and at least one measuring element for determining angles. At least one common reference surface is provided for the location-determining measuring element and the angle-determining measuring element.

Abstract: A method of qualifying a diffraction grating comprises performing plural measurements by illuminating a region of the grating with a beam of measuring light and detecting an intensity of measuring light diffracted by the grating into a 0th diffraction order. A wavelength of the measuring light or a polarization of the measuring light or an angle of incidence of the measuring light onto the diffraction grating is varied between subsequent measurements. A shape parameter of diffracting elements forming the grating comprises a pitch, height or width of structural features of the diffracting elements. The shape parameter is advantageously used in analyzing interferometric measurements performed on optical surfaces during manufacture of optical elements of a high accuracy.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical system comprises assembling an optical element on a mounting frame thereof. The mounting frame is disposed on a rotary table having an axis of rotation, and the mounting frame is adjusted such that a predefined axis of symmetry thereof is parallel to the axis of rotation. The optical element is placed on the mounting frame, and an interferometric measurement of a surface of the optical element is performed. The interferometric measurement is analyzed to arrange the optical element relative to the mounting frame such that a predefined axis of the optical element is parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an objective, particularly a projection objective for use in semiconductor lithography, comprising optical elements such as lenses (16) and mirrors (11a). According to the invention, at least a portion of the optical elements (16, 11a) is provided with a reflective surface outside of the optically active area serving as the reference surface (12) for a the optical element inside the objective (8).

Abstract: An optical measuring system is provided with a measuring machine that has at least one measuring element for determining locations and at least one measuring element for determining angles. At least one common reference surface is provided for the location-determining measuring element and the angle-determining measuring element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an objective, particularly a projection objective for use in semiconductor lithography, comprising optical elements such as lenses (16) and mirrors (11a). According to the invention, at least a portion of the optical elements (16, 11a) is provided with a reflective surface outside of the optically active area serving as the reference surface (12) for adjusting the optical element inside the objective (8).