Patent ID: 8422623
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of exposing a substrate to a pattern using an exposure apparatus, the method comprising: performing an update of a correction parameter, necessary for correction of processing in the exposure apparatus, through measurement of an image formed by the exposure apparatus, the measurement being performed for each update of the parameter; setting a validity time period for the updated correction parameter, the validity time period representing a time period in which the updated correction parameter is valid for the processing; predicting a completion time for a next exposure processing segment to be performed by the exposure apparatus, the completion time being predicted based on a measured processing time for a previous exposure processing segment performed by the exposure apparatus; determining whether the predicted completion time is after expiration of the validity time period, the setting of the validity time period being performed after the performing of the update and before the determining step; causing a further update of the parameter to be performed if it is determined in the determining step that the predicted completion time is after the expiration of the validity time period; and causing a further update to be skipped if it is determined that the predicted completion time is not after the expiration of the validity time period.