Patents by Inventor Johannes Thoma

Johannes Thoma 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: 8462314
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system configured to project a patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of a substrate. The apparatus also includes a barrier member, surrounding a space between the projection system and, in use, the substrate, to define in part with the projection system a reservoir for liquid. A radially outer surface of the barrier member facing a portion of projection system and a radially outer surface of the portion of the projection system facing the barrier member each have a liquidphobic outer surface. The liquidphobic outer surface of the barrier member and/or the liquidphobic outer surface of the portion of the projection system has an inner edge that defines in part the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Beckers, Marcus Adrianus Van De Kerkhof, Siebe Landheer, Wouterus Johannes Petrus Maria Maas, Jeroen Peter Johannes Bruijstens, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Franciscus Johannes Joseph Janssen, Bartholomeus Mathias Van Oerle
  • Patent number: 8451423
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus of the immersion type is disclosed. In the apparatus, a plurality of heating and/or cooling devices are provided in the vicinity of the final element of the projection system, e.g. in a barrier member of a liquid handling system. The heating and/or cooling devices can be used, for example, to control temperature gradients in the final element of the projection system to control aberrations therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Johannes Joseph Janssen, Siebe Landheer, Yücel Kök, Marcel Beckers, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Marcio Alexandre Cano Miranda
  • Patent number: 8405817
    Abstract: A method of operating a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The method includes moving a substrate table supporting a substrate relative to a projection system and adjusting the scanning speed between the substrate table and the projection system during imaging of a target within a predefined area at or near an edge of the substrate, or adjusting the stepping speed between adjacent target positions in a predefined area at or near the edge of the substrate, or both. The adjusting the scanning and/or stepping speed may comprise lowering the speed. The projection system is configured to project a patterned beam of radiation on to a target portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Koert Stavenga, Nicolaas Rudolf Kemper, Martinus Hendrikus Antonius Leenders, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Erik Henricus Egidius Catharina Eummelen, Richard Moerman, Michel Riepen, Sergei Shulepov, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands, Koen Steffens, Jan Willem Cromwijk, Ralph Joseph Meijers, Fabrizio Evangelista, David Bessems, Hua Li, Marinus Jochemsen, Pieter Lein Joseph Gunter, Franciscus Wilhelmus Bell, Erik Witberg, Marcus Agnes Johannes Smits, Zhenhua Ma
  • Publication number: 20130050665
    Abstract: A fluid handling structure, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method are disclosed. According to a disclosed embodiment, the fluid handling structure is configured to confine an immersion fluid in a space between a final element of a projection system and a facing surface during movement of the facing surface relative to the structure, wherein the structure has at least one heater to heat a portion of the facing surface adjacent to the heater, the at least one heater having a fluid heater to heat fluid flow from the structure onto the facing surface, the heater thereby heating the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Coen Cornelis Wilhelmus Verspaget, Ronald Van Der Ham, Thibault Simon Mathieu Laurent, Gregory Martin Mason Corcoran, Ruud Hendrikus Martinus Johannes Bloks, Gerben Pieterse, Pieter Lein Joseph Gunter
  • Publication number: 20130045447
    Abstract: A support table configured to support a substrate, the support table having a support section to support a substrate and a conditioning system to supply heat energy to and/or remove heat energy from the support section, wherein the conditioning system comprises a plurality of conditioning units that are independently controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Gertrudis Cornelis Kunnen, Johannes Henricus Wilhelmus Jacobs, Coen Cornelis Wilhelmus Verspaget, Ronald Van Der Ham, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Martijn Houben, Thibault Simon Mathieu Laurent, Gregory Martin Mason Corcoran, Ruud Hendrikus Martinus Johannes Bloks, Gerben Pieterse, Pieter Lein Joseph Gunter, Marinus Jan Remie, Sander Catharina Reinier Derks
  • Publication number: 20120274912
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system configured to project a patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of a substrate. The projection system has a final element. The apparatus also includes a barrier member surrounding a space between the projection system and, in use, the substrate, to define in part with the final element a reservoir for liquid. The barrier member is spaced from the final element to define a gap therebetween. The apparatus further includes a deformable seal between a radially outer surface of the final element and a radially outer surface of the barrier member. The deformable seal is configured to substantially prevent a gas from flowing past the seal towards or away from the reservoir of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Adrianus VAN DE KERKHOF, Siebe Landheer, Marcel Beckers, Jeroen Peter Johannes Bruijstens, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Franciscus Johannes Joseph Janssen
  • Patent number: 8259283
    Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus is described in which a droplet removal device removes droplets from the substrate, e.g. during exposures, using an angled flow of gas from a gas knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Daniël Jozef Maria Direcks, Nicolaas Rudolf Kemper, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Ronald Van Der Ham, Wilhelmus Franciscus Johannes Simons, Danny Maria Hubertus Philips, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands, Koen Steffens, Han Henricus Aldegonda Lempens, Marcus Johannes Van Der Zanden, Pieter Mulder
  • Patent number: 8233134
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system configured to project a patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of a substrate. The projection system has a final element. The apparatus also includes a barrier member surrounding a space between the projection system and, in use, the substrate, to define in part with the final element a reservoir for liquid. The barrier member is spaced from the final element to define a gap therebetween. The apparatus further includes a deformable seal between a radially outer surface of the final element and a radially outer surface of the barrier member. The deformable seal is configured to substantially prevent a gas from flowing past the seal towards or away from the reservoir of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Adrianus Van De Kerkhof, Siebe Landheer, Marcel Beckers, Jeroen Peter Johannes Bruijstens, Franciscus Johannes Joseph Janssen, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas
  • Patent number: 8218126
    Abstract: A liquid handling system is disclosed in which an extractor to contain liquid in a space between the projection system of a lithographic apparatus and a substrate has, in plan, a shape with a single corner. The extractor is provided in a rotatable part of a liquid handling system. The rotatable part is rotated under the control of a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Koen Steffens, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Ronald Van Der Ham, Daniël Jozef Maria Direcks, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands
  • Publication number: 20110273679
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus having a table including a target and/or a sensor and a liquid displacing device to displace liquid from the target and/or sensor using a localized gas flow is disclosed. The liquid displacement device may be positioned at various positions, e.g. mounted to a liquid handling device at an exposure station, adjacent or in a transfer path between the exposure station and a measurement station, at a load/unload station or adjacent a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Thijs Egidius Johannes Knaapen, Richard Joseph Bruls, Youri Johannes Laurentius Maria Van Dommelen, Johannes Henricus Wilhelmus Jacobs, Martijn Hendrik Kamphuis, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Rudolf Adrianus Joannes Maas, Marco Koert Stavenga, Coen Cornelis Wilhelmus Verspaget, Rudy Jan Maria Pellens, Jan Cornelis Van Der Hoeven, David Lucien Anstotz, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands, Marcus Johannes Van Der Zanden, Vijay Kumar Badam, Casper Roderik De Groot
  • Publication number: 20110007287
    Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus comprising a surface which is curved such that a surface-tension drainage force acts in a direction on a film of immersion liquid on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Henricus Wilhelmus JACOBS, Hans Jansen, Jeroen Peter Johannes Bruijstens, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Gerardus Adrianus Antonius Maria Kusters, Marcio Alexandre Cano Miranda, Gheorghe Tanasa
  • Publication number: 20110005603
    Abstract: A fluid handling structure configured to supply and confine immersion liquid to a space defined between a projection system and a facing surface facing the fluid handling structure is disclosed. The fluid handling structure includes a supply passage formed therein for the passage of fluid from outside the fluid handling structure to the space, and a thermal isolator positioned adjacent the supply passage at least partly to isolate fluid in the supply passage from a thermal load induced in the fluid handling structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Patel, Johannes Henricus Wilhelmus Jacobs, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Ronald Van Der Ham, Wilhelmus Franciscus Johannes Simons, Daniel Jozef Maria Direcks, Franciscus Johannes Joseph Janssen, Paul Petrus Joannes Berkvens, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands, Koen Steffens, Han Henricus Aldegonda Lempens, Matheus Anna Karel Van Lierop, Christophe De Metsenaere, Marcio Alexandre Cano Miranda, Patrick Johannes Wilhelmus Spruytenburg, Joris Johan Anne-Marie Verstraete, Ruud Hendricus Martinus Johannes Bloks
  • Publication number: 20100296067
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus comprising a projection system, and a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partly confine immersion liquid to an immersion space defined by the projection system, the liquid confinement structure and a substrate and/or substrate table is disclosed wherein a measure is taken to reduce the effect of droplets and/or a liquid film on the last element of the projection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Ivo Adam Johannes THOMAS, Siebe Landheer, Arnout Johannes Meester, Marcio Alexandre Cano Miranda, Gheorghe Tanasa
  • Publication number: 20100271606
    Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a projection system configured to project a patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, the projection system having a lower surface. The apparatus also has a liquid confinement structure defining, in use, in part with the lower surface and the substrate and/or substrate table, an immersion space, the immersion space comprising, in use, a liquid meniscus between a part of the lower surface facing a surface of the liquid confinement structure and a facing surface of the liquid confinement structure facing the part of the lower surface. The apparatus also has a pinning surface comprising a plurality of meniscus pinning features, the pinning surface being part of or on the part of the lower surface, or part of or on the facing surface of the liquid confinement structure, or part of or on both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Laurens Anthony SANDERSE, Josephus Cornelius Johannes Antonius Vugts, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100214543
    Abstract: A method of operating a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The method includes moving a substrate table supporting a substrate relative to a projection system and adjusting the scanning speed between the substrate table and the projection system during imaging of a target within a predefined area at or near an edge of the substrate, or adjusting the stepping speed between adjacent target positions in a predefined area at or near the edge of the substrate, or both. The adjusting the scanning and/or stepping speed may comprise lowering the speed. The projection system is configured to project a patterned beam of radiation on to a target portion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Koert Stavenga, Nicolaas Rudolf Kemper, Martinus Hendrikus Antonius Leenders, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Erik Henricus Egidius Catharina Eummelen, Richard Moerman, Michel Riepen, Sergei Shulepov, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands, Koen Steffens, Jan Willem Cromwijk, Ralph Joseph Meijers, Fabrizio Evangelista, David Bessems, Hua Li, Marinus Jochemsen, Pieter Lein Joseph Gunter, Franciscus Wilhelmus Bell, Erik Witberg, Marcus Agnes Johannes Smits, Zhenhua Ma
  • Publication number: 20100157260
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus having a table including a target and/or a sensor and a liquid displacing device to displace liquid from the target and/or sensor using a localized gas flow is disclosed. The liquid displacement device may be positioned at various positions, e.g. mounted to a liquid handling device at an exposure station, adjacent or in a transfer path between the exposure station and a measurement station, at a load/unload station or adjacent a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Thijs Egidius Johannes KNAAPEN, Richard Joseph Bruls, Youri Johannes Laurentius Maria Van Dommelen, Johannes Henricus Wilhelmus Jacobs, Martijn Hendrik Kamphuis, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Rudolf Adrianus Joannes Maas, Marco Koert Stavenga, Coen Cornelis Wilhelmus Verspaget, Rudy Jan Maria Pellens, Jan Cornelis Van Der Hoeven, David Lucien Anstotz, Gert-Jan Gerardus Johannes Thomas Brands, Marcus Johannes Van Der Zanden, Vijay Kumar Badam, Casper Roderik De Groot
  • Publication number: 20100084420
    Abstract: Dispensers for successive release of tablet-like or pill-like products, such as for instance sweets, sweeteners, medication, lozenges and so on are already known. A drawback of the known dispenser is that only tablet products of the same shape can be successively dispensed. The invention relates to an improved device for dispensing such products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIEEL ONTWERPBUREAU HSM B.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Karel Johannes Van Den Broek, Roeland Johannes Thomas Van Den Broek
  • Publication number: 20100066988
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus comprising a projection system, and a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partly confine immersion liquid to an immersion space defined by the projection system, the liquid confinement structure and a substrate and/or substrate table is disclosed wherein a humid gas space is defined between the projection system, the liquid confinement structure and immersion liquid in the immersion space, the humid gas space being configured to contain humid gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Peter Johannes Bruijstens, Richard Joseph Bruls, Hans Jansen, Siebe Landheer, Arnout Johannes Meester, Bauke Jansen, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Marcio Alexandre Cano Miranda, Gheorghe Tanasa
  • Publication number: 20100066987
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection system, and a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partly confine immersion liquid to an immersion space defined by the projection system, the liquid confinement structure and a substrate and/or substrate table. Measures are taken in the lithographic apparatus, for example, to reduce the effect of droplets on the final element of the projection system or to substantially avoid such droplet formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Peter Johannes BRUIJSTENS, Richard Joseph BRULS, Hans JANSEN, Siebe LANDHEER, Laurentius Catrinus JORRITSMA, Arnout Johannes MEESTER, Bauke JANSEN, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Marcio Alexandre Cano MIRANDA, Maurice Martinus Johannes VAN DER LEE, Gheorghe TANASA, Lambertus Dominicus NOORDAM
  • Publication number: 20090316121
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus of the immersion type is disclosed. In the apparatus, a plurality of heating and/or cooling devices are provided in the vicinity of the final element of the projection system, e.g. in a barrier member of a liquid handling system. The heating and/or cooling devices can be used, for example, to control temperature gradients in the final element of the projection system to control aberrations therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Johannes Joseph JANSSEN, Siebe Landheer, Yucel Kok, Marcel Beckers, Ivo Adam Johannes Thomas, Marcio Alexandre Cano Miranda