and 108 are located on top of the second frame 94. Although the supports are not described as being fastened to the second frame, figure 4 suggests that they are. More importantly, Lee's '558 application states that: An additional aspect in accordance with the invention is that the reaction force of the stage and window frame drive motors is not transmitted to the sqPport frame of the Rhotolithogrgphv gpparatus projection lens but is transmitted independently directly to the earth's surface by an independent supporting structure. Thus, the reaction forces caused by movement of the stage do not induce undesirable movement in the projection lens or other elements of the photolithography machine. This physically isolating the stage reaction forces from the projection lens and associated structures prevents these reaction forces from vibrating the proiection lens and associated structures. These structures include the interferometer system used to determine the exact location of the stage in the X-Y l2lane and the wafer stage. Thus, the reticle stage mechanism support is spaced apart from and independently supported from the other elements of the photolithography machine and extends to the surface of the earth. (Emphasis added). (VE Ex. 2011 at 3, lines 4-16). From the above, the reaction force of the stage and window frame drive motors is not transmitted to the support frame such that the reaction forces do not induce movement in the instruments that are supported by the support frame - the projection lens and other elements of the photolithography machine, including the interferometer system. Thus, the above description in combination with Figure 4 indicate that the interferometer system is fastened to the support frame (second frame). If it were otherwise, the Lee '558 specification would not go to great lengths to explain that the reaction forces are not transmitted to the projection lens and associated structures (including the interferometer system). For example, if the interferometer system were mounted on a wall, the system would not be subjected to system vibrations and thus there would be no discussion in the '558 specification about isolating vibrations for the interferometer system. Furthermore, there is no discussion throughout the Lee '558 specification of mounting -19-Page: Previous 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007