Patent ID: 6614504
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
An exposure apparatus comprising:a unit having an internal section closed to the outside; a gas supply device which is connected to said unit and supplies a predetermined gas through which an exposure light can pass into said unit; a holding member which is disposed in said unit and holds a mask having a space formed by a mask substrate, a protection member which protects a pattern formation area on the mask substrate, and a frame which supports said protection member; a moving mechanism which is connected to said holding member and moves said mask in a predetermined direction; and a control device which is connected to said moving mechanism and controls the movement of said holding member to allow said predetermined gas inside said unit to flow into said space via an opening formed in said frame, wherein at least one opening is formed on each of two surfaces that face each other in said frame; and said control device moves said holding member in a direction in which each of said at least one opening faces each other, as said predetermined direction.