Patent ID: 6333138
Filing Date: 2001-12-25
Classification: B82Y,G03F,H01J,Y10S

Abstract:
An exposure method for forming a desired pattern on the surface of an object by exposing the surface with an exposure apparatus, comprising the steps of:dividing an area to be exposed into a plurality of fields;applying a sequential exposure process to each of said plurality of fields by using a shaped beam, wherein:an area where adjacent fields overlap each other is subject to multiple exposure process,the exposure dosage given by the shaped beam is controlled in a manner such that the total exposure dosage at any exposure unit in the boundary portion for multiple exposure is set equal to an exposure dosage for single exposure at each of exposure units, and the exposure dosage in said boundary portion of each of the adjacent fields is increased in steps, within the range between a least exposure dose and an exposure dose less than a predetermined exposure dose subtracted by the least exposure dose, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the boundary portion from the outer edge of the field towards the inside of the field,exposure dosage in the area subject to multiple exposure process is determined on the basis of a minimum exposure dose available in the exposure apparatus.