Patent ID: 7279257
Filing Date: 2007-10-09
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A pattern forming method for forming a resist pattern on a substrate having a plurality of divided exposure regions, the resist pattern extending across a first divided exposure region and a second divided exposure region among the plurality of divided exposure regions, the method comprising the steps of: forming a resist film on the substrate; exposing the resist film in the first divided exposure region to form a latent image which defines one edge of the resist pattern in the vicinity of a boundary between the first divided exposure region and the second divided exposure region, wherein the one edge is defined, in part, through the use of a first cutout portion, formed in a first mask, that extends in a first direction past a stitching portion and into the second divided exposure region; exposing the resist film in the second divided exposure region to form a latent image which defines another edge of the resist pattern, opposite the one edge, in the vicinity of the boundary, wherein the other edge is defined, in part, through the use of a second cutout portion, formed in a second mask, that extends in a second direction past the stitching portion and into the first divided exposure region, where the second direction is opposite of the first direction; and developing the resist film to form the resist pattern.