ASML Holding N.V.
Cleaning apparatus and methods of cleaning

Abstract:

The present application relates to a carbon dioxide snow cleaning apparatus comprising: a carbon dioxide source; a carbon dioxide snow nozzle in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide source; a charging element; and a collection surface. Also described is a method of cleaning a surface, the method comprising the steps of: (i) passing a stream of carbon dioxide out of a carbon dioxide snow nozzle to form a carbon dioxide snow stream; (ii) charging the carbon dioxide snow stream; (iii) directing the charged carbon dioxide snow stream onto the surface to be cleaned; (iv) collecting particles removed by the charged carbon dioxide snow stream from the surface to be cleaned on a collection surface. Also described is the use of such apparatus in a lithographic apparatus and the use of such an apparatus or method.