Patent ID: 7317505
Filing Date: 2008-01-08
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. An exposure apparatus having a projection optical system and configured to expose a substrate to light via a pattern of a mask and the projection optical system, said apparatus comprising: a chamber configured to hermetically contain at least part of the projection optical system; a circulating system including a blower configured to send an inert gas to said chamber and a temperature regulator configured to regulate a temperature of the inert gas, said circulating system configured to circulate the inert gas through said chamber; a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the inert gas at a position downstream of the temperature regulator; and a controller configured to control the temperature regulator on the basis of a target temperature in said chamber and a detection result of said temperature sensor, wherein said controller is configured to change the target temperature so that a timewise temperature gradient of the inert gas falls within an acceptable range, the acceptable range being determined so that a timewise change in pressure in said chamber caused by a timewise change in temperature of the inert gas is within an acceptable range.