Patent ID: 6647087
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
An exposure method, comprising:a first exposure step, using a first mask pattern, for transferring an image of the first mask pattern onto a first region upon a substrate, the transferred image including a fine pattern, wherein the first region is exposed with an exposure amount less than an exposure threshold value; and a second exposure step, using a second mask pattern, for transferring an image of the second mask pattern onto a second region upon the substrate, the transferred image including a rough pattern, wherein at least a portion of the second region is exposed with an exposure amount less than 3the exposure threshold value, wherein exposures by said first and second exposure steps are carried out superposedly, prior to a development process, wherein a portion of a region in which the first region and the portion of the second region are superposed one upon another has an exposure amount greater than the exposure threshold value, wherein in said first and second exposure steps the first mask pattern and the second mask pattern are illuminated with light from a light source having passed through an illumination optical system having a curved surface mirror for changing a cross-sectional shape of the light, and wherein said first and second exposure steps use light having a wavelength not less than 0.5 nm and not greater than 20 nm.