Container for a mask, method of transferring lithographic masks therein and method of scanning a mask in a container
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A mask container configured to enclose a mask, wherein the container is at least partially translucent for radiation of at least a predetermined wavelength, the container being formed in such a way that an image can be obtained of the mask from outside the container using light of said wavelength.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A container for enclosing a mask for a lithographic device is disclosed. The container is at least partially translucent for radiation of at least a predetermined wavelength and is formed in such a way that an image can be obtained from outside the container using light of that wavelength.
40 Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A mask container configured to enclose a mask, wherein the container is at least partially translucent for radiation of at least a predetermined wavelength, the container being formed in such a way that an image can be obtained of the mask from outside the container using light of said wavelength.
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12. A mask container comprising:
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a top portion;
a bottom portion connected to the top portion; and
a support structure configured to support a mask inside of the container, wherein at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion is at least partially translucent for radiation of a least a predetermined wavelength such that an image can be obtained of the mask from outside of the container using light of the predetermined wavelength.
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13. A method for transferring a mask from a storage box to an enclosed protective environment for handling, processing, or using said mask, said storage box comprising a first part defining a first opening and an openable cover part that covers said opening, said enclosed protective environment comprising a second part defining a second opening and an openable wall part covering said second opening, said method comprising:
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providing said storage box onto said openable wall part of said enclosed protective environment such that said openable cover part faces said openable wall part, said protective environment being adapted to either be filled with an inert gas or be evacuated;
opening said openable cover part of said storage box and said openable wall part of said protective environment, wherein said first part of said storage box engages said second part of said protective environment; and
transferring said mask from an inside space of said storage box to a space within said protective environment. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method for transferring a mask to a storage box from an enclosed protective environment for handling, processing, or using said mask, said storage box comprising a first part defining a first opening and an openable cover part that covers said opening, said enclosed protective environment comprising a second part defining a second opening and an openable wall part covering said second opening, said method comprising:
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providing said storage box onto said openable wall part of said enclosed protective environment such that said openable cover part faces said openable wall part, said protective environment being adapted to either be filled with an inert gas or be evacuated;
opening said openable cover part of said storage box and said openable wall part of said protective environment, wherein said first part of said storage box engages said second part of said protective environment; and
transferring said mask to an inside space of said storage box from a space within said protective environment. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method of detecting contamination of a mask, comprising:
scanning the mask with a scanner assembly, wherein the mask is enclosed by a mask container.
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18. A lithographic projection apparatus comprising:
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a storage box for a mask, said storage box comprising a first part defining a first opening and an openable cover that covers said first opening; and
an enclosed protective environment in which said mask is handled, processed, or used, said enclosed protective environment comprising a second part defining a second opening and an openable wall part covering said second opening, said enclosed protective environment being adapted to either be filled with an inert gas or be evacuated, wherein said first part of said storage box is configured to engage said second part of said enclosed protective environment, and wherein said openable cover and said openable wall part are movable into said enclosed protective environment to enable said mask to be transferred from said storage box to said enclosed protective environment. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification