Patent ID: 6680774
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method for forming an edge exposure exclusion region on a surface of a photosensitive workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:a. loading the workpiece onto a moveable stage in a loading area that is displaced from a workpiece exposure location; b. following step a., placing a mask that encircles the entire edge region of the surface of the workpiece on the stage, the mask being opaque to a wavelength of radiation that activates the photosensitive workpiece; c. moving the stage to the exposure location where a projection and illumination system is disposed above the surface of the workpiece with the mask in place; d. exposing the workpiece and mask with radiation from the projection and illumination system to print microscopic features on the unmasked surface of the workpiece while leaving the edge of the workpiece unexposed; e. moving the stage to the loading area; and f. removing the mask from the stage in the loading area; wherein said unexposed edge of the workpiece is said edge exposure exclusion region.