RUN-OFF PATH TO COLLECT LIQUID FOR AN IMMERSION LITHOGRAPHY APPARATUS

摘要

An exposure apparatus (10) for transferring an image to a device (30) includes an optical assembly (16), an immersion fluid system (252), and a device stage assembly (20). The optical assembly (16) is positioned a gap (246) above the device (30). The immersion fluid system (252) fills the gap (246) with an immersion fluid (248). The device stage assembly (20) includes a sloped region (282) that facilitates movement of the immersion fluid (248) that exits the gap (246) away from the device (30). The device stage assembly (20) can include a collection region (284) and a recovery system (286) that recovers immersion fluid (248) from the collection region (284).