Patent ID: 8445189
Filing Date: 2013-05-21
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A developing method comprising the steps of: applying a developing solution having a first developer concentration from a nozzle to a surface of an exposed resist film provided on a substrate when the substrate is not rotating; before said step of applying a developing solution, adjusting the temperature of the developing solution to a predetermined temperature such that the resist in a region to be removed by a development reaction is at least partially dissolved by the developing solution; leaving the substrate coated with the developing solution to stand not rotating for a predetermined period of time to promote said development reaction, thereby dissolving the region of the resist to be removed by the development reaction; after the step of leaving the substrate coated with the developing solution, supplying a diluent having a second developer concentration lower than the first developer concentration to the substrate for reducing a concentration of the developing solution thereby suppressing or stopping dissolving of the resist; and after the step of supplying the diluent, supplying a cleaning liquid to the substrate for cleaning; wherein the supplying a diluent is performed when the developing solution on the substrate is deteriorated due to progression of said developing reaction after supplying of the developing solution.