Abstract: A fluid handling structure successively having, at a boundary from a space configured to contain immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure: a meniscus pinning feature to resist passage of immersion fluid in a radially outward direction from the space; and a fluid supply opening radially outward of the meniscus pinning feature to supply a fluid soluble in the immersion fluid which on dissolution into the immersion fluid lowers the surface tension of the immersion fluid.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an illuminator for conditioning a beam of radiation, and a first support for supporting a patterning device that serves to pattern the beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The apparatus also includes a second support for supporting a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and at least one gas generator for generating a conditioned gas flow. The gas generator includes a guiding element for guiding the gas flow to a lower volume generally located below a lower surface of the projection system and to a volume between the lower surface and the substrate. The guiding element directs the gas flow in a generally downward direction and then in a direction generally parallel to the lower surface.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a beam of radiation, and a first support for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to pattern the beam of radiation. The apparatus includes a second support for supporting a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and an interferometer measurement system for providing an interferometric measurement beam extending along an axis in an elongated volume of gas extending below the projection system. The apparatus also includes a gas conditioning structure for providing a conditioned gas flow in the volume. The gas conditioning structure includes a plurality of gas guiding vanes disposed at an outlet of the structure for guiding the gas flow to the volume. The gas guiding vanes are shaped continuously and are oriented diverging away from the axis of the volume.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an illuminator for conditioning a beam of radiation, and a first support for supporting a patterning device that serves to pattern the beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The apparatus also includes a second support for supporting a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and at least one gas generator for generating a conditioned gas flow. The gas generator includes a guiding element for guiding the gas flow to a lower volume generally located below a lower surface of the projection system and to a volume between the lower surface and the substrate. The guiding element directs the gas flow in a generally downward direction and then in a direction generally parallel to the lower surface.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an illuminator for conditioning a beam of radiation, and a first support for supporting a patterning device that serves to pattern the beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The apparatus also includes a second support for supporting a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and at least one gas generator for generating a conditioned gas flow. The gas generator includes a guiding element for guiding the gas flow to a lower volume generally located below a lower surface of the projection system and to a volume between the lower surface and the substrate. The guiding element directs the gas flow in a generally downward direction and then in a direction generally parallel to the lower surface.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a beam of radiation, and a first support for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to pattern the beam of radiation. The apparatus includes a second support for supporting a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and an interferometer measurement system for providing an interferometric measurement beam extending along an axis in an elongated volume of gas extending below the projection system. The apparatus also includes a gas conditioning structure for providing a conditioned gas flow in the volume. The gas conditioning structure includes a plurality of gas guiding vanes disposed at an outlet of the structure for guiding the gas flow to the volume. The gas guiding vanes are shaped continuously and are oriented diverging away from the axis of the volume.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an illuminator for conditioning a beam of radiation, and a first support for supporting a patterning device that serves to pattern the beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The apparatus also includes a second support for supporting a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and at least one gas generator for generating a conditioned gas flow. The gas generator includes a guiding element for guiding the gas flow to a lower volume generally located below a lower surface of the projection system and to a volume between the lower surface and the substrate. The guiding element directs the gas flow in a generally downward direction and then in a direction generally parallel to the lower surface.