Patent ID: 7190438
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: B82Y,G03F

Abstract:
1. A near-field exposure apparatus comprising: a light source; a stage on which an object to be exposed to light is placed; and a photomask including: (i) a deformable membrane portion having on a first surface of the deformable membrane portion a light shielding membrane that has a micro aperture; and (ii) a substrate for supporting a peripheral region of a second surface of the deformable membrane portion the deformable membrane portion in a sagged condition in close contact with the object, the photomask has a stress relieving structure to relieve stress that is generated at a border between the deformable membrane portion and the substrate when the deformable membrane portion sags, and the stress relieving structure is one selected from the following: (a) a means comprising a reinforcing member placed at the border, (b) a means such that the substrate is partially thinned near the border, and (c) a means comprising an intermediate layer that is formed between the second surface of the deformable membrane portion in which the intermediate layer stretches from the peripheral region toward a center of the second surface of the deformable membrane portion.