Patents by Inventor Thomas Petasch

Thomas Petasch 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: 7800849
    Abstract: In an apparatus for mounting two or more optical elements that are each held in an individual mount or in a support structure, said optical elements are mounted in a common mount. The relative positioning of the optical elements (10, 11) in the common mount (18) can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Chris Reed, Dragos Pariza, Mike Meehan, Gary Krebs
  • Patent number: 7656595
    Abstract: A arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Klaus Beck, Bernhard Gellrich, Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Cornelia Roesch, Alexander Kohl
  • Publication number: 20090174874
    Abstract: An optical projection unit comprising a first optical element module and at least one second optical element module is provided. The first optical element module comprises a first housing unit and at least a first optical element, the first optical element being received within the first housing unit and having an optically used first region defining a first optical axis. The at least one second optical element module is located adjacent to the first optical element module and comprises at least one second optical element, the second optical element defining a second optical axis of the optical projection unit. The first housing unit has a central first housing axis and an outer wall extending in a circumferential direction about the first housing axis. The first optical axis is at least one of laterally offset and inclined with respect to the first housing axis. Furthermore, the first housing axis is substantially collinear with the second optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Johannes Rau, Armin Schoeppach, Bernhard Gellrich, Jens Kugler, Martin Mahlmann, Bernhard Geuppert, Thomas Petasch, Gerhard Fuerter
  • Publication number: 20090153829
    Abstract: Projection objectives, such as projection objectives of lithography projection exposure apparatuses, as well as related systems, components and methods, such as methods of revising and/or repairing such objectives, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Olaf Rogalsky, Boris Bittner, Thomas Petasch, Jochen Haeussler
  • Publication number: 20090122288
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the low-deformation replaceable mounting of an optical element, in particular a closure plate of an objective of a projection exposure system for microlithography for the production of semiconductor components, in a mount (12). The optical element is connected to the mount (12) at least partly via an adhesive connection. This is located between the adjacent circumferential walls of mount (12) and optical element. The mount (12) is provided with at least three support feet (14) distributed over the circumference, by means of which the optical element is mounted laterally and axially. The mount (12) is connected to the housing of the objective in an at least approximately deformation-decoupled manner via three mount bearing points (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT AG
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Petasch, Dirk Schaffer, Siegfried Wahl
  • Publication number: 20090015947
    Abstract: In an apparatus for mounting two or more optical elements that are each held in an individual mount or in a support structure, said optical elements are mounted in a common mount. The relative positioning of the optical elements (10, 11) in the common mount (18) can be set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Chris Reed, Dragos Pariza, Mike Meehan, Gary Krebs
  • Publication number: 20090009892
    Abstract: A arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT AG
    Inventors: Klaus Beck, Bernhard Gellrich, Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Cornelia Roesch, Alexander Kohl
  • Patent number: 7471469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the low-deformation replaceable mounting of an optical element, in particular a closure plate of an objective of a projection exposure system for microlithography for the production of semiconductor components, in a mount (12). The optical element is connected to the mount (12) at least partly via an adhesive connection. This is located between the adjacent circumferential walls of mount (12) and optical element. The mount (12) is provided with at least three support feet (14) distributed over the circumference, by means of which the optical element is mounted laterally and axially. The mount (12) is connected to the housing of the objective in an at least approximately deformation-decoupled manner via three mount bearing points (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Petasch, Dirk Schaffer, Siegfried Wahl
  • Patent number: 7457059
    Abstract: A arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Klaus Beck, Bernhard Gellrich, Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Cornelia Roesch, Alexander Kohl
  • Patent number: 7295331
    Abstract: The invention concerns an optical element (1) with an optical axis (3), designed in particular for an exposure lens used in semiconductor lithography. Said optical element comprises at least an extension (2, 2?) in the direction of the optical axis (3). A device (11) enables to induce a two-wave or multiple wave deformation in said optical element (1). At least a system (12) mounted in the extension zone (2, 2?) is designed to apply a force in said extension (2, 2?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Smt Ag
    Inventors: Thomas Petasch, Hartmut Muenker, Bernhard Gellrich
  • Patent number: 7193794
    Abstract: An arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Klaus Beck, Bernhard Gellrich, Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Cornelia Roesch, Alexander Kohl
  • Publication number: 20070014038
    Abstract: A arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Klaus Beck, Bernhard Gellrich, Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Cornelia Roesch, Alexander Kohl
  • Patent number: 7082693
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting devices and for setting adjustments, in particular in a ?m range, nm range and below, in particular of optical elements in semiconductor lithography, comprising a base part and a head part spaced apart therefrom, the two parts being connected to one another by at least one adjustment device, and the adjustment device having side parts, the angle of which, or the spacing between which, can be adjusted or set by a length-adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Klein, Thomas Petasch, Hartmut Muenker
  • Publication number: 20060158749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the low-deformation replaceable mounting of an optical element, in particular a closure plate of an objective of a projection exposure system for microlithography for the production of semiconductor components, in a mount (12). The optical element is connected to the mount (12) at least partly via an adhesive connection. This is located between the adjacent circumferential walls of mount (12) and optical element. The mount (12) is provided with at least three support feet (14) distributed over the circumference, by means of which the optical element is mounted laterally and axially. The mount (12) is connected to the housing of the objective in an at least approximately deformation-decoupled manner via three mount bearing points (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Petasch, Dirk Schaffer, Siegfried Wahl
  • Patent number: 7061698
    Abstract: In the case of a lens system (1), in particular in the case of a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography, it is possible to exchange at least one optical element, in particular the final optical element in the beam direction in the form of an end plate (3). For adjusting the exchangeable optical element (3), an optical quality fit with a fitting surface (6) is set between the optical element (3) and a mount (5) or a part connected to a mount (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Karlfrid Osterried, Thomas Petasch, Jens Kugler
  • Patent number: 6870632
    Abstract: An apparatus or mounting an optical element in an optical system, in particular a mirror or a lens, in a projection exposure machine, in particular a projection lens in semiconductor lithography, is connected to an external base structure with the aid of at least three articulation sites that are arranged on the circumference of the optical element and at which a bearing device acts in each case, wherein the bearing device has at least one bending element, resembling a leaf spring, arranged tangentially to the optical element, and at least one bending element, resembling a leaf spring, arranged in the radial direction relative to the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Thomas Petasch, Hartmut Muenker, Klaus-Dieter Klein
  • Publication number: 20040257683
    Abstract: The invention concerns an optical element (1) with an optical axis (3), designed in particular for an exposure lens used in semiconductor lithography. Said optical element comprises at least an extension (2, 2′) in the direction of the optical axis (3). A device (11) enables to induce a two-wave or multiple wave deformation in said optical element (1). At least a system (12) mounted in the extension zone (2, 2′) is designed to apply a force in said extension (2, 2′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Petasch, Hartmut Muenker, Bernhard Gellrich
  • Publication number: 20040174619
    Abstract: A arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Klaus Beck, Bernhard Gellrich, Hubert Holderer, Thomas Petasch, Cornelia Roesch, Alexander Kohl
  • Publication number: 20020186479
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system comprising at least one first and second optical element, whereby the optical elements are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another, using a mounting. The mounting comprises compensation elements for modifying the predetermined distance between a first optical element and a second optical element, according to the temperature. The optical system is a telescope and the distance between the primary mirror and the secondary mirror is modified according to the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Armin Schoppach, Paul Kaufmann, Thomas Petasch, Walter Krenkel, Ralph Renz
  • Publication number: 20020176094
    Abstract: An apparatus or mounting an optical element in an optical system, in particular a mirror or a lens, in a projection exposure machine, in particular a projection lens in semiconductor lithography, is connected to an external base structure with the aid of at least three articulation sites that are arranged on the circumference of the optical element and at which a bearing device acts in each case, wherein the bearing device has at least one bending element, resembling a leaf spring, arranged tangentially to the optical element, and at least one bending element, resembling a leaf spring, arranged in the radial direction relative to the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Petasch, Hartmut Muenker, Klaus-Dieter Klein