US5877843A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exposure apparatus
Assignee: Nikon Corp
•
Filing: 1996-09-03
•
Granted: 1999-03-02
•
Expires: 2016-09-03
Abstract
Abstract A scanning type exposure apparatus, which is used to expose a wafer with an image of a pattern on a reticle by synchronously moving the reticle and the wafer, comprises a second gas conditioner for circulating a temperature-controlled gas in a subsidiary chamber which encloses an optical path of an interferometer for measuring a position of a reticle stage. The apparatus comprises a third gas conditioner for supplying a temperature-controlled gas to an internal space of a pedestal including a wafer stage and an optical path of an interferometer for measuring a position of the wafer stage. A positional error of the stage, which would be otherwise caused by temperature-dependent fluctuation of the gas on the optical path of the interferometer, is reduced. A heat insulating material is installed on a top plate of the pedestal so as to intercept heat transfer from a heat source on the pedestal to the internal space of the pedestal. A tube may be arranged in the pedestal so that a temperature of the pedestal is adjusted by allowing a temperature-controlled fluid to flow therethrough.
Inventors
- 👤 Shin-ichi Takagi
- 👤 Naohiko Iwata
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 14:44
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/70; G03F7/708; G03F7/70858; G03F7/70883; G03F7/70891; H; H10; H10P; H10P76/00; G03F7/70216; G03F7/70358; G03F7/70691; G03F7/70866; G03F7/70875
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A scanning type exposure apparatus for transferring an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate by synchronously scanning the mask and the photosensitive substrate with respect to an illumination area on the mask while illuminating the mask including the pattern formed thereon, comprising: a chamber for accommodating the apparatus; a first gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in the chamber; a mask stage for holding and moving the mask; and a partition wall for intercepting the gas which would otherwise go toward the mask on the mask stage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A scanning type exposure apparatus for transferring an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate by synchronously scanning the mask and the photosensitive substrate with respect to an illumination area on the mask while illuminating the mask including the pattern formed thereon, comprising: a chamber for accommodating the apparatus; a first gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in the chamber; a mask stage for holding and moving the mask; and a partition wall for intercepting the gas which would otherwise go toward the mask on the mask stage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask stage is substantially enclosed by the partition wall, and a part of the partition wall is composed of a member which is substantially transparent with respect to an illuminating light beam for illuminating the mask.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a projection optical system for projecting the image of the pattern formed on the mask onto the photosensitive substrate, wherein the first gas conditioner allows the gas to flow from a position above the mask substantially in parallel to an optical axis of the projection optical system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
147 words
A scanning type exposure apparatus for transferring an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate by synchronously scanning the mask and the photosensitive substrate with respect to an illumination area on the mask while illuminating the mask including the pattern formed thereon, comprising: a chamber for accommodating the apparatus; a first gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in the chamber; a mask stage for holding and moving the mask; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the mask stage; a partition wall for intercepting the gas which would otherwise go toward the mask stage and an optical path of the optical measuring unit; and a second gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in a space partitioned by the partition wall and including the mask stage and the optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
147 words
A scanning type exposure apparatus for transferring an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate by synchronously scanning the mask and the photosensitive substrate with respect to an illumination area on the mask while illuminating the mask including the pattern formed thereon, comprising: a chamber for accommodating the apparatus; a first gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in the chamber; a mask stage for holding and moving the mask; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the mask stage; a partition wall for intercepting the gas which would otherwise go toward the mask stage and an optical path of the optical measuring unit; and a second gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in a space partitioned by the partition wall and including the mask stage and the optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a projection optical system for projecting the image of the pattern formed on the mask onto the photosensitive substrate, wherein an optical path between the projection optical system and the mask is enclosed by the partition wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mask stage and the optical path of the optical measuring unit are substantially enclosed by the partition wall, and a part of the partition wall is composed of a member which is substantially transparent with respect to an illuminating light beam for illuminating the mask.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first gas conditioner allows the gas to flow from a position above the mask substantially in parallel to an optical axis of the projection optical system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the gas supplied by the first gas conditioner is mutually different in type from the gas supplied by the second gas conditioner.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The scanning type exposure apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the gas supplied by the first gas conditioner and the gas supplied by the second gas conditioner is an inert gas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
123 words
A projection exposure apparatus comprising: a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate; a pedestal for supporting the projection optical system in the projection exposure apparatus; a substrate stage arranged in an internal space of the pedestal, the substrate stage being capable of holding and moving the photosensitive substrate; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the substrate stage; and a third gas conditioner for supplying a gas controlled to have a temperature which is substantially the same as a temperature of a pedestal surface contacting with the internal space of the pedestal, to the internal space including the substrate stage and an optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
123 words
A projection exposure apparatus comprising: a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate; a pedestal for supporting the projection optical system in the projection exposure apparatus; a substrate stage arranged in an internal space of the pedestal, the substrate stage being capable of holding and moving the photosensitive substrate; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the substrate stage; and a third gas conditioner for supplying a gas controlled to have a temperature which is substantially the same as a temperature of a pedestal surface contacting with the internal space of the pedestal, to the internal space including the substrate stage and an optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a partition wall for isolating the internal space of the pedestal from the outside, and closing the internal space, wherein the third gas conditioner supplies the temperature-controlled gas to the closed internal space.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a heat insulating material, provided on at least a part of the pedestal, for intercepting heat transfer from the outside to the internal space of the pedestal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a mask stage for holding the mask and moving it in synchronization with the substrate stage, an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the mask stage, and a gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow in a space including an optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the space including the optical path of the optical measuring unit for measuring the position of the mask stage is isolated by a partition wall from an external space.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the projection exposure apparatus is a scanning type projection exposure apparatus.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an alignment system for positional adjustment for the photosensitive substrate and the mask, wherein a part of the alignment system exists in the internal space including the substrate stage and the optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a temperature sensor on a pedestal surface contacting with the internal space, wherein the third gas conditioner supplies the gas which is controlled on the basis of a measured value obtained by the temperature sensor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
55 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a plurality of the same temperature sensors at different positions on the pedestal surface contacting with the internal space, wherein the third gas conditioner supplies the gas which is controlled on the basis of an average value of measured values obtained by the temperature sensors.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the third gas conditioner comprises a chemical filter for removing or inactivating chemical substances contained in the gas.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an illuminating optical system for irradiating the mask with a far ultraviolet light beam, wherein the third gas conditioner uses, as the gas, one selected from the group consisting of air, nitrogen, and helium.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at least one of a light source for the optical measuring unit and an electric substrate for controlling movement of the substrate is installed on the pedestal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
56 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a first gas conditioner for allowing a temperature-controlled gas to flow from a position above the mask substantially in parallel to an optical axis of the projection optical system in order to maintain a substantially constant temperature in a chamber for accommodating the projection exposure apparatus.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
113 words
A projection exposure apparatus comprising: a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate; a pedestal for supporting the projection optical system in the projection exposure apparatus; a substrate stage arranged in an internal space of the pedestal, the substrate stage being capable of holding and moving the photosensitive substrate; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the substrate stage; and a heat insulating material, provided on at least a part of the pedestal, for intercepting heat transfer from the outside to the internal space of the pedestal including the substrate stage and an optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
113 words
A projection exposure apparatus comprising: a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate; a pedestal for supporting the projection optical system in the projection exposure apparatus; a substrate stage arranged in an internal space of the pedestal, the substrate stage being capable of holding and moving the photosensitive substrate; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the substrate stage; and a heat insulating material, provided on at least a part of the pedestal, for intercepting heat transfer from the outside to the internal space of the pedestal including the substrate stage and an optical path of the optical measuring unit.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the heat insulating material is allowed to intervene between the pedestal and a heat source installed on the pedestal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the heat source is at least one of a light source of the optical measuring unit and an electric substrate for controlling movement of the substrate stage.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the heat insulating material is provided on a substantially entire surface of the pedestal at the back of the internal space.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
101 words
A projection exposure apparatus comprising: a mask-supporting mechanism for supporting a mask; a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern formed on the mask onto a photosensitive substrate; a pedestal for supporting the projection optical system in the projection exposure apparatus; a substrate stage arranged in an internal space of the pedestal, the substrate stage being capable of holding and moving the photosensitive substrate; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the substrate stage; and a temperature-adjusting unit for adjusting at least one of a temperature of the mask-supporting mechanism and a temperature of the pedestal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
101 words
A projection exposure apparatus comprising: a mask-supporting mechanism for supporting a mask; a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern formed on the mask onto a photosensitive substrate; a pedestal for supporting the projection optical system in the projection exposure apparatus; a substrate stage arranged in an internal space of the pedestal, the substrate stage being capable of holding and moving the photosensitive substrate; an optical measuring unit for measuring a position of the substrate stage; and a temperature-adjusting unit for adjusting at least one of a temperature of the mask-supporting mechanism and a temperature of the pedestal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the temperature-adjusting unit for adjusting the temperature of the pedestal keeps a substantially constant temperature of a pedestal surface contacting with the internal space of the pedestal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
44 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the temperature-adjusting unit for adjusting the temperature of the pedestal comprises a flow passage formed in a top plate of the pedestal, and a fluid-supplying unit for supplying a temperature-controlled fluid to the flow passage.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a heat insulating material, provided on at least a part of the pedestal, for intercepting heat transfer from the outside to the internal space of the pedestal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising an alignment system for adjusting positions of the mask and the photosensitive substrate, wherein a part of the alignment system exists in the internal space of the pedestal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a third gas conditioner for supplying a temperature-controlled gas to the internal space of the pedestal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
47 words
The projection exposure apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a chamber for accommodating the projection exposure apparatus, and a first gas conditioner for circulating a temperature-controlled gas in the chamber, wherein a temperature of the internal space and a temperature of the chamber are independently controlled.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for manufacturing an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a pattern formed on a mask comprising: providing a chamber that accommodates the exposure apparatus; providing a first gas conditioner that supplies a temperature-controlled gas into the chamber; providing a mask stage that is movable while holding the mask thereon; and providing a partition wall, disposed between the first gas conditioner and the mask stage, the partition wall intercepting the gas that would otherwise flow toward the mask on the mask stage.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for manufacturing an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a pattern formed on a mask comprising: providing a chamber that accommodates the exposure apparatus; providing a first gas conditioner that supplies a temperature-controlled gas into the chamber; providing a mask stage that is movable while holding the mask thereon; and providing a partition wall, disposed between the first gas conditioner and the mask stage, the partition wall intercepting the gas that would otherwise flow toward the mask on the mask stage.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the exposure apparatus is a scanning type exposure apparatus that exposes the substrate by synchronously moving the mask and the substrate.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the first gas conditioner is disposed above the mask stage.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising providing a second gas conditioner that supplies a temperature-controlled gas into a space containing the mask stage and partitioned by the partition wall.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising providing a position detector disposed in a space including the mask stage therein and defined by the partition wall, wherein the position detector detects a position of the mask stage.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for manufacturing an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a pattern formed on a mask comprising: providing a stage; providing a pedestal opposed to the stage; and providing a gas conditioner that controls a temperature in a space defined by the pedestal and the stage based on a temperature of a surface of the pedestal.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for manufacturing an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a pattern formed on a mask comprising: providing a stage; providing a pedestal opposed to the stage; and providing a gas conditioner that controls a temperature in a space defined by the pedestal and the stage based on a temperature of a surface of the pedestal.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 39, wherein the stage is a substrate stage that holds the substrate thereon.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 39, wherein the pedestal supports a projection optical system that projects the pattern onto the substrate.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 39, further comprising providing a position detector that detects a position of the stage.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 42, wherein the detector has a first part disposed on the pedestal and a second part disposed in the space.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for manufacturing an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a pattern formed on a mask comprising: providing a stage; providing a pedestal opposed to the stage; and providing a heat insulating material disposed on at least a portion of the pedestal, and which prevents a space defined by the pedestal and the stage from transferring heat with the outside thereof.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for manufacturing an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a pattern formed on a mask comprising: providing a stage; providing a pedestal opposed to the stage; and providing a heat insulating material disposed on at least a portion of the pedestal, and which prevents a space defined by the pedestal and the stage from transferring heat with the outside thereof.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 44, wherein the stage is a substrate stage that holds the substrate thereon.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 44, wherein the pedestal supports a projection optical system that projects the pattern onto the substrate.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 44, further comprising providing a position detector that detects a position of the stage.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 44, further comprising providing a gas conditioner that controls a temperature in the space.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 44, further comprising providing an auto-focus mechanism installed in the space.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-01 | 2002-08-31 | 2003-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-01 | 2006-08-31 | 2007-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-01 | 2010-08-31 | 2011-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |