Patent ID: 6636293
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
An exposure apparatus that forms on a substrate an image of a pattern having linear features extending in at least a predetermined direction, said apparatus comprising:an illumination system that illuminates the pattern with light having a decreased light intensity distribution within a portion defined along the predetermined direction on a pupil plane of the illumination system so that light beams from two portions symmetrically located with respect to the portion are directed to the pattern along a pair of paths that are symmetrically inclined with respect to a plane of incidence including the predetermined direction; and a projection optical system to project the image of the pattern onto the substrate wherein two diffracted beams differing in order generated from the pattern by irradiation of the light beams, pass through a same area on a pupil plane of the projection optical system substantially conjugate with one of the two portions.