Patent ID: 6158298
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: G03F,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for controlling a stage having at least one guide bar fixed on a pedestal and a first movable unit that is movable in a first direction along an upper surface of the pedestal and the first guide bar, the method comprising the steps of:driving the first movable unit in the first direction along the upper surface of the pedestal and the at least one first guide bar; andsupporting the first movable unit with a vacuum-pre-loadable static pressure air bearing by applying a vacuum to vacuum ports and by ejecting gas from gas-ejecting ports, the vacuum ports and the gas-ejecting ports formed on a first surface of the first movable unit opposing the pedestal and on another surface of the first movable unit opposing the at least one first guide bar,wherein during operation pressures of the vacuum ports are independently controlled.