Patent ID: 6172738
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A scanning exposure apparatus, comprising:a projection optical system;a reticle stage for scanningly moving a reticle relative to said projection optical system in a scan direction;a wafer stage for scanningly moving a wafer relative to said projection optical system, in a timed relation with the reticle scan movement; anda holding mechanism for holding the reticle on said reticle stage during the reticle scan movement, said holding mechanism including (i) a first mechanism for holding a side face of the reticle along the scan direction and (ii) a second mechanism having attracting means with an attraction surface for attracting a bottom face of the reticle and pressing means for Dressing a top face of the reticle so that the reticle is pinched between said pressing means and the attraction surface of said attracting means.