Patents by Inventor Hiroaki Takaiwa

Hiroaki Takaiwa 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).

  • Patent number: 9041906
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a stage that is movable below the projection optical system while holding the substrate and a detector that is capable of detecting a liquid adhered to a rear surface of the substrate. As an alternative, or in addition, the apparatus can include a detector that is capable of detecting a liquid adhered to an optical member disposed at the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takaiwa, Takashi Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 9041901
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a substrate table by which a substrate is held, a projection system via which a patterned beam is projected onto the substrate to expose the substrate through liquid, and a liquid supply system. The liquid supply system includes a supply flow path, and supplies the liquid via the supply flow path during the exposure. The liquid supply system also includes a device by which the supply flow path is connected with a vacuum system to prevent liquid in the supply flow path from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Hara, Hiroaki Takaiwa, Dai Arai
  • Patent number: 9019467
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting a pattern image onto the substrate through a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system by which the pattern image is projected onto the substrate, and a movable member which is movable relative to the projection optical system. A liquid-repellent member, at least a part of a surface of which is liquid-repellent, is provided detachably on the movable member, the liquid-repellent member being different from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Owa, Nobutaka Magome, Shigeru Hirukawa, Yoshihiko Kudo, Jiro Inoue, Hirotaka Kohno, Masahiro Nei, Motokatsu Imai, Hiroyuki Nagasaka, Kenichi Shiraishi, Yasufumi Nishii, Hiroaki Takaiwa
  • Patent number: 9019469
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus (EX) is an apparatus which exposes a substrate (P) by irradiating exposure light (EL) onto the substrate (P) via a projection optical system (PL) and a liquid (1). The exposure apparatus (EX) has a substrate table (PT) for holding the substrate (P), and a plate member (30) having a liquid repellent flat surface (30A) is replaceably provided to the substrate table (PT) to prevent the liquid from remaining, maintaining excellent exposure accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nagasaka, Hiroaki Takaiwa, Shigeru Hirukawa, Ryuichi Hoshika, Hitoshi Ishizawa
  • Patent number: 8867017
    Abstract: A liquid immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate via a projection optical system and liquid includes a movable member having an upper surface, a part of which holds the substrate. A liquid immersion system that has a supply port and a recovery port supplies the liquid to a space between the projection optical system and the upper surface via the supply port of a supply path and recovers the liquid of a liquid immersion region formed in the space via the recovery port of a recovery path. A flow path is connected to the supply path between the supply port and a source of the liquid, the flow path permitting flow therethrough to remove liquid that remains in the supply path, the liquid that remains in the supply path having been supplied from the source of the liquid without being discharged from the supply port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Hara, Hiroaki Takaiwa, Dai Arai
  • Patent number: 8854599
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting an image of a pattern onto the substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid that fills a space between the projection optical system and the substrate. The exposure apparatus has a liquid supply system having a supply path that supplies liquid to the space between the projection optical system and the substrate. A liquid recovery system having a recovery path recovers the liquid from the space during the exposure. The apparatus also includes a suction path with which at least part of the supply path of the liquid supply system is connected when the exposure apparatus functions abnormally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Hara, Hiroaki Takaiwa, Dai Arai
  • Patent number: 8767168
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a substrate table configured to hold a substrate, a projection system arranged to project a patterned beam of radiation onto the substrate, a liquid supply system configured to supply liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate, and a residual liquid detector configured to detect liquid remaining on the substrate and/or the substrate table after an exposure is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takaiwa, Takashi Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8749757
    Abstract: A liquid immersion exposure apparatus includes a movable member having a substrate holder and a surface disposed adjacent to the substrate holder, the surface capable of positioning under a projection optical system. A liquid immersion system has a supply path and a recovery path. The liquid immersion system supplies the liquid to a space between the projection optical system and the surface via the supply path and recovers the supplied liquid of a liquid immersion area formed under the projection optical system via the recovery path. A controller stops a supply of the liquid to the space under the projection optical system by the liquid immersion system on receipt of a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality. The abnormality causes a possibility of leakage due to at least a part of the supplied liquid not being recovered via the recovery path and outflowing from the liquid immersion area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Magome, Naoyuki Kobayashi, Yasuyuki Sakakibara, Hiroaki Takaiwa, Hisatsune Kadota
  • Patent number: 8749755
    Abstract: A stage apparatus includes: a moving stage, which moves along a movement plane; a first moving table, which holds a specimen while being able to move with respect to the moving stage; and a second moving table, which is provided on the moving stage and, when the first moving table has moved from a first position to a second position, is positioned at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Takaiwa
  • Publication number: 20140022523
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by irradiating exposure light onto the substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid. The exposure apparatus has a stage which includes a substrate holder for holding the substrate, a detachable member detachably disposed on the stage so that its upper surface contacts an immersion region, and a sensor having a light transmissive member. The detachable member, on which an opening is formed in the upper surface, is disposed on the stage so that the light transmissive member is arranged within the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki NAGASAKA, Hiroaki TAKAIWA, Shigeru HIRUKAWA, Ryuichi HOSHIKA, Hitoshi ISHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20130301018
    Abstract: A liquid immersion lithography apparatus and method exposes a substrate with light via a projection system and liquid. A table assembly has a top surface and is movable relative to the projection system while supporting the substrate. The top surface and the substrate are positionable opposite to the projection system such that the liquid is maintained between the projection system and a portion of one or both of the top surface and a surface of the substrate. A sensor has a top surface arranged at the top surface of the table assembly and is positionable opposite to the projection system such that a gap, in which the liquid can be maintained, is formed between the projection system and the top surface of the sensor. The top surfaces of the table assembly and of the sensor are apposed on a substantially same plane, or are substantially co-planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew J. HAZELTON, Hiroaki TAKAIWA
  • Publication number: 20130301016
    Abstract: A liquid immersion lithography apparatus and method exposes a substrate with light via a projection system and a liquid. A table assembly has a top surface and is movable relative to the projection system while supporting the substrate. The table assembly top surface has a first opening portion, and a top surface of a sensor is arranged inside of the first opening portion. The sensor top surface is positionable opposite the projection system by the table assembly such that a gap, in which the liquid can be maintained, is formed between the projection system and the sensor top surface. The table assembly and sensor top surfaces are apposed on a substantially same plane, or are substantially co-planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. HAZELTON, Hiroaki TAKAIWA
  • Publication number: 20130293855
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a stage that is movable below the projection optical system while holding the substrate and a detector that is capable of detecting a liquid adhered to a rear surface of the substrate. As an alternative, or in addition, the apparatus can include a detector that is capable of detecting a liquid adhered to an optical member disposed at the stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki TAKAIWA, Takashi HORIUCHI
  • Patent number: 8508718
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus allow a liquid to be substantially contained between a lens and a wafer table assembly of an immersion lithography system. According to one example, an exposure apparatus includes a lens and a wafer table assembly. The wafer table assembly has a top surface, and is arranged to support a wafer to be moved with respect to the lens as well as at least one component. The top surface of the wafer and the top surface of the component are each at substantially a same height as the top surface of the wafer table assembly. An overall top surface of the wafer table assembly which includes the top surface of the wafer, the top surface of the wafer table assembly, and the top surface of the at least one component is substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J Hazelton, Hiroaki Takaiwa
  • Patent number: 8488101
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a substrate table which holds a substrate, a projection optical system which projects a patterned beam of radiation onto the substrate, a liquid supply member which supplies a liquid to a space between the projection optical system and the substrate, and a liquid detector which detects a liquid remaining on a surface of an exposed substrate before the exposed substrate is unloaded from the substrate table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takaiwa, Takashi Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8451424
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus (EX) exposes a substrate (P) by projecting an image of a pattern on the substrate (P) via a projection optical system (PL) and a liquid (1). The exposure device (EX) has a liquid supply mechanism (10) which supplies the liquid (1) between the projection optical system (PL) and the substrate (P). The liquid feeding mechanism (10) stops the supply of the liquid (1) when abnormality is detected. This suppresses influence to devices and members in the periphery of the substrate caused by leakage of the liquid forming a liquid immersion area, thereby realizing satisfactory exposure processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Magome, Naoyuki Kobayashi, Yasuyuki Sakakibara, Hiroaki Takaiwa, Hisatsune Kadota
  • Patent number: 8384880
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting a pattern image onto the substrate through a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system by which the pattern image is projected onto the substrate, and a movable member which is movable relative to the projection optical system. A liquid-repellent member, at least a part of a surface of which is liquid-repellent, is provided detachably on the movable member, the liquid-repellent member being different from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Owa, Nobutaka Magome, Shigeru Hirukawa, Yoshihiko Kudo, Jiro Inoue, Hirotaka Kohno, Masahiro Nei, Motokatsu Imai, Hiroyuki Nagasaka, Kenichi Shiraishi, Yasufumi Nishii, Hiroaki Takaiwa
  • Patent number: 8208117
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting a pattern image onto the substrate through a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system by which the pattern image is projected onto the substrate, and a movable member which is movable relative to the projection optical system. A liquid-repellent member, at least a part of a surface of which is liquid-repellent, is provided detachably on the movable member, the liquid-repellent member being different from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Owa, Nobutaka Magome, Shigeru Hirukawa, Yoshihiko Kudo, Jiro Inoue, Hirotaka Kohno, Masahiro Nei, Motokatsu Imai, Hiroyuki Nagasaka, Kenichi Shiraishi, Yasufumi Nishii, Hiroaki Takaiwa
  • Publication number: 20120094238
    Abstract: To provide a substrate holding apparatus which can prevent a liquid from entering into a rear surface side of a substrate. A substrate holding apparatus is provided with a base material, a first holding portion formed on the base material for holding the substrate, and a second holding portion formed on the base material for holding a plate member by surrounding the circumference of a processing substrate held by the first holding portion. The second holding portion holds the plate member so as to form a second space on the side of the rear surface of the plate member. On the rear surface of the plate member, an absorbing member is arranged for absorbing the liquid entered from a gap between the substrate held by the first holding portion and the plate member held by the second holding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki NAGASAKA, Makoto Shibuta, Katsushi Nakano, Yuichi Yoshida, Hiroaki Takaiwa
  • Patent number: 8102512
    Abstract: To provide a substrate holding apparatus which can prevent a liquid from entering into a rear surface side of a substrate. A substrate holding apparatus (PH) is provided with a base material (PHB), a first holding portion (PH1) formed on the base material (PHB) for holding the substrate (P), and a second holding portion (PH2) formed on the base material (PHB) for holding a plate member (T) by surrounding the circumference of a processing substrate (P) held by the first holding portion (PH1). The second holding portion (PH2) holds the plate member (T) so as to form a second space (32) on the side of the rear surface (Tb) of the plate member (T). On the rear surface (Tb) of the plate member (T), an absorbing member (100) is arranged for absorbing the liquid (LQ) entered from a gap (A) between the substrate (P) held by the first holding portion (PH1) and the plate member (T) held by the second holding portion (PH2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Shibuta, Yuichi Yoshida, Hiroaki Takaiwa