Abstract: A projection objective for use in microlithography, a microlithography projection exposure apparatus with a projection objective, a microlithographic manufacturing method for microstructured components, and a component manufactured under the manufacturing method are disclosed.

Abstract: Objective (1, 601), in particular a projection objective for a microlithography projection apparatus, with first birefringent lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) and with second birefringent lenses (L101–L107, L110–L128). The first lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) are distinguished from the second lenses (L101–L107, L110–L128) by the lens material used or by the material orientation. After passing through the first lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) and the second lenses (L101–L107, L110–L128), an outer aperture ray (5, 7) and a principal ray (9) are subject to optical path differences for two mutually orthogonal states of polarization. The difference between these optical path differences is smaller than 25% of the working wavelength. In at least one first lens (L129, L130), the aperture angle of the outer aperture ray (5, 7) is at least 70% of the largest aperture angle occurring for said aperture ray in all of the first lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) and second lenses (L101–L107, L110–L128).

Abstract: Objective (1, 601), in particular a projection objective for a microlithography projection apparatus, with first birefringent lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) and with second birefringent lenses (L101-L107, L110-L128). The first lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) are distinguished from the second lenses (L101-L107, L110-L128) by the lens material used or by the material orientation. After passing through the first lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) and the second lenses (L101-L107, L110-L128), an outer aperture ray (5, 7) and a principal ray (9) are subject to optical path differences for two mutually orthogonal states of polarization. The difference between these optical path differences is smaller than 25% of the working wavelength. In at least one first lens (L129, L130), the aperture angle of the outer aperture ray (5, 7) is at least 70% of the largest aperture angle occurring for said aperture ray in all of the first lenses (L108, L109, L129, L130) and second lenses (L101-L107, L110-L128).