Patent ID: 7227615
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. An exposure apparatus for projecting, via a projection optical system and fluid, a pattern on a mask onto an object to be exposed, while immersing a surface of the object and a final surface of the projection optical system in the fluid, said exposure apparatus comprising: a supply nozzle for introducing the fluid between the surface of the object and the final surface of the projection optical system; a displacement unit, provided to said supply nozzle, for displacing an interface of the fluid between the surface of the object and the final surface of the projection optical system; a first valve, provided to said supply nozzle, for turning on and off a supply of the fluid; a second valve, provided to said displacement unit, for turning on and off a displacement by said displacement unit; a first pipe connected to said displacement unit and said supply nozzle; a gas-liquid separator, provided to said first pipe, for removing the gas from the liquid in the supply nozzle; a second pipe connected to said displacement unit and said supply nozzle parallel to the first pipe; and a third valve, provided to said second pipe, for turning on and off a recovery of the fluid.