Patent ID: 7705969
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: G03B,G03D,G03F

Abstract:
1. An exposure apparatus which exposes a pattern of an original onto a substrate, while a liquid fills a gap between a projection optical system and the substrate, said apparatus comprising: a liquid holding plate which sets the substrate held on a substrate stage and a peripheral area around a peripheral portion of the substrate to form substantially the same surface, to hold the liquid on the peripheral portion of the substrate, wherein said liquid holding plate includes: (i) an inner member formed in the peripheral area around the peripheral portion of the substrate and holds the liquid on the peripheral portion of the substrate; (ii) an outer member formed on a peripheral portion of said inner member and attaching to the substrate stage; and (iii) a connection member which connects said inner member to said outer member, wherein said connection member is a member having a lower rigidity than those of said inner member and said outer member.