Abstract: A mask assembly suitable for use in a lithographic process. The mask assembly comprises a patterning device, a sub-frame secured to the patterning device, a pellicle frame configured to support a pellicle and a mechanical attachment interface operable to allow attachment of the pellicle frame to the sub-frame and detachment of the pellicle frame from the sub-frame.

Abstract: Tooling for a mask assembly suitable for use in a lithographic process, the mask assembly comprising a patterning device; and a pellicle frame configured to support a pellicle and mounted on the patterning device with a mount; wherein the mount provides a releasably engageable attachment between the patterning device and the pellicle frame.

Abstract: Membranes for EUV lithography are disclosed. In one arrangement, a membrane has a stack having layers in the following order: a first capping layer including an oxide of a first metal; a base layer including a compound having a second metal and an additional element selected from the group consisting of Si, B, C and N; and a second capping layer including an oxide of a third metal, wherein the first metal is different from the second metal and the third metal is the same as or different from the first metal.

Abstract: A mask assembly suitable for use in a lithographic process, the mask assembly comprising a patterning device; and a pellicle frame configured to support a pellicle and mounted on the patterning device with a mount; wherein the mount is configured to suspend the pellicle frame relative to the patterning device such that there is a gap between the pellicle frame and the patterning device; and wherein the mount provides a releasably engageable attachment between the patterning device and the pellicle frame.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of receiving a mask assembly comprising a mask and a removable EUV transparent pellicle held by a pellicle frame, removing the pellicle frame and EUV transparent pellicle from the mask, using an inspection tool to inspect the mask pattern on the mask, and subsequently attaching to the mask an EUV transparent pellicle held by a pellicle frame. The method may also comprise the following steps: after removing the pellicle frame and EUV transparent pellicle from the mask, attaching to the mask an alternative pellicle frame holding an alternative pellicle formed from a material which is substantially transparent to an inspection beam of the inspection tool; and after using an inspection tool to inspect the mask pattern on the mask, removing the alternative pellicle held by the alternative pellicle frame from the mask in order to attach to the mask the EUV transparent pellicle held by the pellicle frame.

Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus that includes a substrate table, a fluid handling structure and a swap table. The substrate table is configured to support a substrate. The fluid handling structure is configured to supply and confine immersion liquid to a space defined between a projection system and the substrate table, the substrate, or both. The swap table has a shutter surface configured to be under the fluid handling structure during, for example, swap of the substrate on the substrate table. In use, a transfer surface between a surface of the substrate table and a surface of the swap table is moved under the fluid handling structure to help stop escaping immersion liquid. A shutter member and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes two stages that are each configured to hold a substrate, wherein each stage is provided with a short stroke module to move a table with a substrate and a long stroke module to move the short stroke module of that stage. The lithographic apparatus includes a swap bridge to couple the stages, and wherein, in use, in a first configuration, the stages are moveable with respect to each other, and wherein, in use, in a second configuration, the stages are coupled via the swap bridge to make a joint movement.

Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus that includes a substrate table, a fluid handling structure and a swap table. The substrate table is configured to support a substrate. The fluid handling structure is configured to supply and confine immersion liquid to a space defined between a projection system and the substrate table, the substrate, or both. The swap table has a shutter surface configured to be under the fluid handling structure during, for example, swap of the substrate on the substrate table. In use, a transfer surface between a surface of the substrate table and a surface of the swap table is moved under the fluid handling structure to help stop escaping immersion liquid. A shutter member and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes two stages that are each configured to hold a substrate, wherein each stage is provided with a short stroke module to move a table with a substrate and a long stroke module to move the short stroke module of that stage. The lithographic apparatus includes a swap bridge to couple the stages, and wherein, in use, in a first configuration, the stages are moveable with respect to each other, and wherein, in use, in a second configuration, the stages are coupled via the swap bridge to make a joint movement.