The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Nov. 19, 2002

Filed:

Nov. 20, 2001
Applicant:
Inventors:

Craig R. Simpson, Danville, VT (US);

Mark S. Lucas, Groton, MA (US);

Assignee:

Azores Corporation, Wilmington, MA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G03B 2/742 ; G03B 2/754 ; G03B 2/732 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G03B 2/742 ; G03B 2/754 ; G03B 2/732 ;
Abstract

Misalignment errors in a lithographic system resulting from the effect of environmental changes on the lens system itself are detected and corrected. A fiducial on the reticle adjacent to its working area is projected through the lens. A metrology plate carried by the lens holds reference mirrors and detectors. The reference mirrors receive the resultant image and reflect it to detectors in a reflected image plane. This provides feedback to the reticle alignment system as to the extent of misalignment, if any. Correction is made by moving the reticle until alignment is achieved and detected. This motion is achieved by using a reticle chuck with linear motors.


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