Patent ID: 9097988
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. An immersion exposure apparatus comprising: a projection system including an optical element that has a light emitting surface arranged to be in contact with immersion liquid and has an outer surface arranged above the light emitting surface; a holding member which holds the optical element; and a liquid confinement member arranged to surround the optical element such that a gap is formed between the optical element and the liquid confinement member, the liquid confinement member having a liquid supply opening and a liquid recovery opening, wherein: the outer surface of the optical element includes a first part and a second part, the first part extends upwardly with respect to the light emitting surface, the second part is arranged above the gap and extends radially outwardly with respect to the first part; the gap is formed between the first part of the optical element and an inner surface of the liquid confinement member, the liquid confinement member has an upper surface extending radially outwardly with respect to the inner surface, and the holding member holds the optical element over a portion of the upper surface of the liquid confinement member.