Abstract: A radiation source unit is provided that includes an anode and a cathode that are configured and arranged to create a discharge in a substance in a space between said anode and cathode and to form a plasma so as to generate electromagnetic radiation. The substance may comprise xenon, indium, lithium, tin or any suitable material. To improve conversion efficiency, the source unit may be constructed to have a low inductance, and operated with a minimum of plasma. To, for example, improve heat dissipation, a fluid circulation system can be created within the source volume and a wick by using a fluid in both its vapor and liquid states. To, for example, prevent contamination from entering a lithographic projection apparatus, the source unit can be constructed to minimize the production of contamination, and a trap can be employed to capture the contamination without interfering with the emitted radiation.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to provide a beam of radiation, a support configured to support a patterning device, a substrate table and a projection system. Furthermore, the lithographic apparatus includes a plurality of EUV sources for providing EUV radiation to the illumination system and distribution means which are arranged to convert the EUV radiation from each of the EUV sources into an intermediate beam of radiation. The intermediate beam of radiation is directed from the distribution means in a first direction by a mirror surface. The distribution means further comprise a rotationally driven mirror arrangement, the axis of rotation being non-parallel to the mirror surface.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method makes use of a high refractive index liquid confined in a reservoir 13 at least partly filling the imaging field between the final element of the projection lens and the substrate. Bubbles forming in the liquid from dissolved atmospheric gases or from out-gassing from apparatus elements exposed to the liquid are detected and removed so that they do not interfere with exposure and lead to printing defects on the substrate. Detection can be carried out by measuring the frequency dependence of ultrasonic attenuation in the liquid and bubble removal can be implemented by degassing and pressurizing the liquid, isolating the liquid from the atmosphere, using liquids of low surface tension, providing a continuous flow of liquid through the imaging field, and phase shifting ultrasonic standing-wave node patterns.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an illumination system that provides a beam of radiation, and a support structure that supports a patterning structure. The patterning structure is configured to impart the beam of radiation with a pattern in its cross-section. The apparatus also includes a substrate support that supports a substrate, a projection system that projects the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and a debris-mitigation system that mitigates debris particles which are formed during use of at least a part of the lithographic apparatus. The debris-mitigation system is arranged to apply a magnetic field so that at least charged debris particles are mitigated.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The lithographic apparatus includes a radiation source that produces EUV radiation, an illumination system that provides a beam of the EUV radiation produced by the radiation source, and a support structure that supports a patterning structure. The patterning structure is configured to impart the beam of radiation with a pattern in its cross-section. The apparatus also includes a substrate support that supports a substrate, and a projection system that projects the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The radiation source includes a debris-mitigation system that mitigates debris particles which are formed during production of EUV radiation. The debris-mitigation system is configured to provide additional particles for interacting with the debris particles.

Abstract: An optical attenuator device operates to remove a part of a beam of radiation having a higher than average intensity using at least one optical attenuator element. The device has application in a radiation system, and/or a lithographic apparatus, in particular a scanning lithographic apparatus, wherein the optical attenuator element(s) are provided in a central part of the beam, for example perpendicularly to a scanning direction.

Abstract: An assembly for detection of at least one of radiation flux and contamination on an optical component includes a detector configured to receive at least one of the radiation flux and contamination, and when the assembly is in use, to generate a detector signal correlated to at least one of the radiation flux and contamination on the component. A meter is configured to measure the detector signal. The detector includes at least one wire.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system that provides a beam of radiation, and a support structure that supports a patterning structure. The patterning structure is configured to impart the beam of radiation with a pattern in its cross-section. The apparatus also includes a substrate support that supports a substrate, and a projection system that projects the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The illumination system includes a radiation-production system that produces extreme ultra-violet radiation, and a radiation-collection system that collects extreme ultra-violet radiation. Particles that are produced as a by-product of extreme ultra-violet radiation production move substantially in a particle-movement direction. The radiation-collection system is arranged to collect extreme ultra-violet radiation which radiates in a collection-direction, which is substantially different from the particle-movement direction.

Abstract: A method of supplying a dynamic protective layer to a mirror in a lithographic apparatus to protect the mirror from etching by ions is disclosed. The method includes supplying a gaseous matter to a chamber that contains the mirror, monitoring reflectivity of the mirror, and controlling the thickness of the protective layer by controlling a potential of the surface of the mirror, based on the monitored reflectivity of the mirror.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a beam of radiation, and a support for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to pattern the beam of radiation according to a desired pattern. The apparatus also includes a substrate table for holding a substrate, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam of radiation onto a target portion of the substrate, and a particle supply unit for supplying getter particles into the beam of radiation in order to act as a getter for contamination particles in the beam of radiation. The getter particles have a diameter of at least about 1 nm.

Abstract: A programmable patterning structure for use with a lithographic projection apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of reflective elements A, B, C, each reflective element having two distributed Bragg reflectors 51, 52. A separation D1 between the two distributed Bragg reflectors is adjustable between a first relation, at which destructive interference between reflections from the first and second distributed Bragg reflectors 51, 52 results in substantially zero reflectivity, and a second relation, in which constructive interference between reflections from the first and second distributed Bragg reflectors 51, 52 results in high reflectivity.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus for EUV lithography includes a foil trap, or channel barrier. The foil trap forms an open structure after the source to let the radiation pass unhindered. The foil trap is configured to be rotatable around an optical axis. By rotating the foil trap, an impulse transverse to the direction of propagation of the radiation can be transferred on debris present in the beam. This debris will not pass the foil trap. In this way, the amount of debris on the optical components downstream of the foil trap is reduced. The foil trap may be alternately rotated around the optical axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A radiation system includes a contamination barrier, e.g., a foil trap, between a collector, for example a normal incidence collector, and a radiation source, such that radiation coming from the source passes the foil trap twice. The radiation passes the contamination barrier once before hitting the collector and a second time after reflection by the collector. The foil trap includes lamellas that are parallel to both the radiation coming from the light source, and to the radiation reflected by the collector. The radiation is thus not obstructed by the foil trap. In this way, a normal incidence collector, which is used with a plasma produced source, can be protected from debris coming from a EUV source.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method makes use of a liquid confined in a reservoir between the projection system and the substrate. Bubbles forming in the liquid from dissolved atmospheric gases or from out-gassing from apparatus elements exposed to the liquid are detected and/or removed so that they do not interfere with exposure and lead to printing defects on the substrate. Detection may be carried out by measuring the frequency dependence of ultrasonic attenuation in the liquid and bubble removal may be implemented by degassing and pressurizing the liquid, isolating the liquid from the atmosphere, using liquids of low surface tension, providing a continuous flow of liquid through the imaging field, and/or phase shifting ultrasonic standing-wave node patterns.