Patent ID: 8456609
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. An exposure apparatus in which a substrate is exposed via a projection optical system, the apparatus comprising: a first stage which is movable relative to the projection optical system; a second stage which is movable relative to the projection optical system; and a liquid immersion system that forms a liquid immersion region of a liquid under the projection optical system, wherein the first and second stages are moved in a state in which a first overhang portion provided at the first stage and a second overhang portion provided at the second stage are brought close to or in contact with each other, such that the liquid of the liquid immersion region does not leak out from between the first and second stages while the liquid immersion region is moved from one of upper surfaces of the first and second overhang portions to the other of the upper surfaces of the first and second overhang portions.