Patent ID: 6632281
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
A substrate processing apparatus for performing coating and developing processing for a substrate, comprising:a loader/unloader section for carrying the substrate into/out of the substrate processing apparatus; a processing section having a coating processing unit for at least forming a coating film on the substrate, a developing processing unit for developing the substrate, a thermal processing unit for thermally processing the substrate, and a first transfer device for carrying the substrate into/out of the coating processing unit, the developing processing unit, and the thermal processing unit; an interface section having a second transfer device for transferring the substrate at least via a route between the processing section and an aligner for subjecting the substrate to exposure processing; a first gas supply device for supplying an inert gas to the interface section; a first exhaust device for exhausting an atmosphere in the interface section; a second gas supply device for supplying the inert gas to the loader/unloader section; and a second exhaust device for exhausting an atmosphere in the loader/unloader section.