Patent ID: 6177978
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
A scanning exposure apparatus including a stage device, said apparatus comprising:a reticle stage for moving a reticle having a pattern;a wafer stage for moving a wafer simultaneously with the movement of said reticle stage, wherein said reticle stage is disposed above said wafer stage;an optical system for projecting the pattern of the reticle onto the wafer in a reduced scale;a first frame for supporting at least one of said reticle stage and said optical system; anda second frame, being substantially separate from said first frame and from said wafer stage, for receiving a reactive force of a driving force of said reticle stage,wherein said reticle stage comprises (i) a movable stage being movable along a path, (ii) first thrust producing means for moving, with acceleration, said movable stage in the path, and (iii) second thrust producing means, different from said first thrust producing means, for moving said movable stage to maintain a constant speed, said second thrust producing means including a linear motor.