Control apparatus and control method, exposure apparatus and exposure method, device manufacturing method, data generating method and program

A control method for a spatial light modulator for an exposure apparatus having a projection optical system having an optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the method sets states of optical elements located in a first area to a first distribution in which a first optical element in a first state and a second optical element in a second state are distributed in a first distribution pattern so that one portion of a light from the optical elements located in the first area enters the projection optical system and setting states of optical elements located in a second area to a second distribution in which the first optical element and the second optical element are distributed in a second distribution pattern to reduce a deterioration of the pattern image caused by a light that enters the projection optical system from the first area.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a control apparatus and a control method for controlling a spatial light modulator used for an exposure apparatus, an exposure apparatus and an exposure method using the control method, a device manufacturing method using the exposure method, a data generating method for generating a control date for controlling a spatial light modulator used for an exposure apparatus, and a program for executing the control method or the data generating method.

BACKGROUND ART

An exposure apparatus that is provided with, instead of a mask, a spatial light modulator (SLM) having a plurality of optical elements (for example, micro mirrors) each of which is allowed to reflect an incident light is proposed (see a Patent Literature 1). Moreover, an exposure apparatus that is provided with a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements (for example, liquid crystal elements) each of which is allowed to transmit an incident light is also proposed (see the Patent Literature 1). A quality of an intensity (for example, a quality of an intensity distribution) of a spatial image formed by a light via the spatial light modulator has a room for improvement.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A first aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator, the spatial light modulator is used for an exposure apparatus having a projection optical system for projecting a pattern image on an object and having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control apparatus is configured to set states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area to a first distribution in which a first optical element in a first state and a second optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are distributed in a first distribution pattern so that one portion of a light from the plurality of optical elements located in the first area enters the projection optical system, the control apparatus is configured to set states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is adjacent to the first area to a second distribution in which the first optical element and the second optical element are distributed in a second distribution pattern that is different from the first distribution pattern so that a deterioration of the pattern image caused by a light that enters the projection optical system from the first area is reduced.

A second aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator of an exposure apparatus configured to project a pattern image on an object by projecting a light from the spatial light modulator on the object through a projection optical system, the spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control apparatus is configured to set the states of the plurality of optical elements to reduce an influence on a projection of the pattern image by a light propagating from the spatial light modulator toward an outside of a pupil of the projection optical system.

A third aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator, the spatial light modulator is used for an exposure apparatus configured to transfer a pattern on an object and has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control apparatus is configured to set states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area to a first distribution in which a first optical element in a first state and a second optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are distributed in a first distribution pattern, the control apparatus is configured to set states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is adjacent to the first area to a second distribution in which the first optical element and the second optical element are distributed in a second distribution pattern that is different from the first distribution pattern.

A fourth aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control apparatus is configured to set states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area on the spatial light modulator and states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is different from the first area on the spatial light modulator so that a first diffracted light generated from the first area and a second diffracted light generated from the second area weaken each other by interference.

A fifth aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed and that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the control apparatus is configured to set a plurality of optical elements located in a first area among the plurality of optical elements of the spatial light modulator so that an optical element in a first state and an optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are arranged on the basis of a first rule, the control apparatus is configured to set a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is different from the first area among the plurality of optical elements of the spatial light modulator so that the optical element in the first state and the optical element in the second state are arranged on the basis of a second rule that is different from the first rule, when an area in which the optical elements in the first and second states are arranged on the basis of the first rule is expanded to include the second area, the state of an optical element in the area including the second area and the state of an optical element in the second area are different from each other.

A sixth aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed between a first state and a second state and that are arranged along an arrangement plane, the control apparatus is configured to set states of optical elements in a first group among the plurality of optical elements to have a cyclicity in a cyclic direction, the control apparatus is configured to set states of optical elements in a second group that is different from the first group among the plurality of optical elements to have a cyclicity in the cyclic direction, a cycle of the plurality of optical elements in the first group and a cycle of the plurality of optical elements in the second group have different phases in the cyclic direction.

A seventh aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed and that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the control apparatus is configured to set states of two optical elements among the plurality of optical elements so that an optical element in a first state and an optical element in a second state that is different from the first state line along a third direction, the control apparatus is configured to set states of different two optical elements that are different from the two optical elements among the plurality of optical elements so that the optical element in the second state and the optical element in the first state line along the third direction, the two optical elements are adjacent to the different two optical elements or an even number of rows of the optical elements are disposed between the two optical elements and the different two optical elements.

A eighth aspect is a control apparatus that is configured to control a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed and that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the control apparatus is configured to set a state of a first optical element among the plurality of optical elements to a first state, the control apparatus is configured to set a state of a second optical element that is adjacent to a third direction side of the first optical element among the plurality of optical elements to a second state that is different from the first state, the control apparatus is configured to set a state of a third optical element that is different from the first and second optical elements among the plurality of optical elements to the second state, the control apparatus is configured to set a state of a fourth optical element that is adjacent to the third direction side of the third optical element among the plurality of optical elements to the first state, the first optical element and the third optical element are in the same position in the first direction or an odd number of optical elements are disposed between the first optical element and the third optical element in the first direction.

A ninth aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator, the spatial light modulator is used for an exposure apparatus having a projection optical system for projecting a pattern image on an object and has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control method setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area to a first distribution in which a first optical element in a first state and a second optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are distributed in a first distribution pattern so that one portion of a light from the plurality of optical elements located in the first area enters the projection optical system, the control method setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is adjacent to the first area to a second distribution in which the first optical element and the second optical element are distributed in a second distribution pattern that is different from the first distribution pattern so that a deterioration of the pattern image caused by a light that enters the projection optical system from the first area is reduced.

A tenth aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator of an exposure apparatus configured to project a pattern image on an object by projecting a light from the spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed on the object through a projection optical system, the control method setting the states of the plurality of optical elements to reduce an influence on a projection of the pattern image by a light propagating from the spatial light modulator toward an outside of a pupil of the projection optical system.

A eleventh aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator, the spatial light modulator is used for an exposure apparatus configured to transfer a pattern on an object and has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control method setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area to a first distribution in which a first optical element in a first state and a second optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are distributed in a first distribution pattern, the control method setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is adjacent to the first area to a second distribution in which the first optical element and the second optical element are distributed in a second distribution pattern that is different from the first distribution pattern.

A twelfth aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the control method setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area on the spatial light modulator and states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is different from the first area on the spatial light modulator so that a first diffracted light generated from the first area and a second diffracted light generated from the second area weaken each other by interference.

A thirteenth aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed and that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the control method includes: setting a plurality of optical elements located in a first area among the plurality of optical elements of the spatial light modulator so that an optical element in a first state and an optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are arranged on the basis of a first rule; and setting a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is different from the first area among the plurality of optical elements of the spatial light modulator so that the optical element in the first state and the optical element in the second state are arranged on the basis of a second rule that is different from the first rule, when an area in which the optical elements in the first and second states are arranged on the basis of the first rule is expanded to include the second area, the state of an optical element in the area including the second area and the state of an optical element in the second area are different from each other.

A fourteenth aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator of an exposure apparatus configured to project a pattern image on an object by projecting a light from the spatial light modulator on the object through a projection optical system, the spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the spatial light modulator has the plurality of optical elements the state of each of which is allowed to be changed between a first state and a second state and that are arranged along an arrangement plane, the control method includes: setting states of optical elements in a first group among the plurality of optical elements to have a cyclicity in a cyclic direction; and setting states of optical elements in a second group that is different from the first group among the plurality of optical elements to have a cyclicity in the cyclic direction, a cycle of the plurality of optical elements in the first group and a cycle of the plurality of optical elements in the second group have different phases in the cyclic direction.

A fifteenth aspect is a control method of controlling a spatial light modulator of an exposure apparatus configured to project a pattern image on an object by projecting a light from the spatial light modulator on the object through a projection optical system, the spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the spatial light modulator has the plurality of optical elements the state of each of which is allowed to be changed and that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the control method includes: setting states of two optical elements among the plurality of optical elements so that an optical element in a first state and an optical element in a second state that is different from the first state line along a third direction; and setting states of different two optical elements that are different from the two optical elements among the plurality of optical elements so that the optical element in the second state and the optical element in the first state line along the third direction, the two optical elements are adjacent to the different two optical elements or an even number of rows of the optical elements are disposed between the two optical elements and the different two optical elements.

A sixteenth aspect is a control method controlling a spatial light modulator of an exposure apparatus configured to project a pattern image on an object by projecting a light from the spatial light modulator on the object through a projection optical system, the spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the spatial light modulator has the plurality of optical elements the state of each of which is allowed to be changed and that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the control method includes: setting a state of a first optical element among the plurality of optical elements to a first state; setting a state of a second optical element that is adjacent to a third direction side of the first optical element among the plurality of optical elements to a second state that is different from the first state; setting a state of a third optical element that is different from the first and second optical elements among the plurality of optical elements to the second state; and setting a state of a fourth optical element that is adjacent to the third direction side of the third optical element among the plurality of optical elements to the first state, the first optical element and the third optical element are in the same position in the first direction or an odd number of optical elements are disposed between the first optical element and the third optical element in the first direction.

A seventeenth aspect is an exposure apparatus having: a spatial light modulator; and a controller configured to control the spatial light modulator, the controller is configured to set state of each of a plurality of optical elements of the spatial light modulator by executing the control method according to any one of the above described ninth to sixteenth aspects.

A eighteenth aspect is an exposure apparatus having: a spatial light modulator; and the control apparatus according to any one of the above described first to eighth aspects for controlling the spatial light modulator.

A nineteenth aspect is an exposure method of transferring a pattern on an object, the exposure method sets states of a plurality of optical elements of the spatial light modulator by using the control method according to any one of the above described ninth to sixteenth aspects and exposes the object by using a light exposure via the spatial light modulator.

A twentieth aspect is an exposure method of transferring a pattern on an object, the exposure method includes exposing the object by using the exposure apparatus according to the above described eighteenth aspect.

A twenty first aspect is a device manufacturing method of: exposing the object on which a sensitive agent is coated by using the exposure method according to the above described nineteenth or twentieth aspect and transferring a desired patter on the object; developing the exposed sensitive agent and forming an exposure pattern layer corresponding to the desired pattern; and processing the object via the exposure pattern layer.

A twenty second aspect is a data generating method of generating a control data for a spatial light modulator that is used with an exposure apparatus configured to transfer a pattern on an object and that has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the data generating method generating, as one portion of the control data, a first set data for setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a first area to a first distribution in which a first optical element in a first state and a second optical element in a second state that is different from the first state are distributed in a first distribution pattern, the data generating method generating, as one portion of the control data, a second set data for setting states of a plurality of optical elements located in a second area that is adjacent to the first area to a second distribution in which the first optical element and the second optical element are distributed in a second distribution pattern that is different from the first distribution pattern.

A twenty third aspect is a data generating method of generating a control data for a spatial light modulator that is used with an exposure apparatus having a projection optical system for projecting a pattern image on an object and that has a plurality of optical elements a state of each of which is allowed to be changed, the data generating method generating, as one portion of the control data, a set data for setting the states of the plurality of optical elements to reduce an influence on a projection of the pattern by a light propagating from the spatial light modulator toward an outside of a pupil of the projection optical system.

A twenty fourth aspect is a program that allows a controller to execute the control method according to any one of the above described ninth to sixteenth aspects, the controller is connected to the spatial light modulator and is configured to change state of each of the plurality of optical elements.

A twenty fifth aspect is a program that allows a computer to execute the data generating method according to any one of the above described twenty second or twenty third aspect.

An operation and another advantage of the above described aspect will be apparent from an embodiment described below.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Next, with reference to drawings, embodiments of a control apparatus and a control method, an exposure apparatus and an exposure method, a device manufacturing method, a data generating method and a program will be described. However, the present invention is not limited the below described embodiments.

In the below described description, a positional relationship of various components that constitute an exposure apparatus will be described by using an XYZ rectangular coordinate system that is defined by a X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis that are perpendicular to one another. Note that each of an X axis direction and a Y axis direction is assumed to be a horizontal direction (namely, a predetermined direction in a horizontal plane) and a Z axis direction is assumed to be a vertical direction (namely, a direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and substantially an up-down direction), for the purpose of simple description. Moreover, rotational directions (in other words, inclination directions) around the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis are referred to as a θX direction, a θY direction and a θZ direction, respectively.

(1) First Embodiment

With reference toFIG.1toFIG.3, an exposure apparatus1in the present embodiment will be described.

(1-1) Structure of Exposure Apparatus1

Firstly, with reference toFIG.1, a structure of the exposure apparatus11in the present embodiment will be described.FIG.1is a side view that illustrates one example of the structure of the exposure apparatus1in the present embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the exposure apparatus1is provided with: an optical source11; an illumination optical system12, a mirror13; a spatial light modulator (SLM)14; a projection optical system15; a stage16; and a controller17.

The optical source11is controlled by the controller17and configured to emit an exposure light EL1. The light source11emits, as the exposure light EL1, a pulse light that repeats ON/OFF in a predetermined frequency. Namely, the light source11emits the pulse light that is emitted in a predetermined emitting time (in the below described description, this emitting time is referred to as a “pulse width”) in the predetermined frequency. For example, light source11may emits the pulse light having the pulse width of 50 ns in a frequency from 4 kHZ to 6 kHz. The exposure light EL1that is emitted in pulse from the light source11may be ArF excimer laser light having a wavelength of 193 nm.

The illumination optical system12may be provided with an illuminance uniformization optical system having an optical integrator such as a fly-eye lens and a rod-type of integrator and an illumination field diaphragm (both are not illustrated) as disclosed in US8,792,081B. The illumination optical system12uniforms a light amount of the exposure light EL1from the light source11to emit it as an exposure light EL2. A light modulation surface14aof the spatial light modulator14is illuminated by the exposure light EL2. Note that a rectangular illumination area determined by the illumination field diaphragm (a masking system) of the illumination optical system12is formed on the light modulation surface14aof the spatial light modulator.

Note that illumination optical system12may include a beam intensity distribution varying part and the like that is configured to vary an intensity distribution of the exposure light EL2on the light modulation surface14a.

The mirror13deflects the exposure light EL2outputted from the illumination optical system12to guide it to the light modulation surface14aof the spatial light modulator14.

The spatial light modulator14is provided with a plurality of mirror elements141that are arranged two-dimensionally, as described later. Here, a surface at which the plurality of mirror elements141are arranged is referred to as the light modulation surface14a. The exposure light EL2propagated from the illumination optical system12via the mirror13is irradiated to the light modulation surface14a. The light modulation surface14ais a surface that is parallel to a XY plane and a surface that intersects with a traveling direction of the exposure light EL2. The light modulation surface14ahas a rectangular shape. The exposure light EL2illuminates the light modulation surface14awith a substantially uniformed illuminance distribution.

The spatial light modulator14reflects, to the projection optical system15, the exposure light EL2irradiated to the light modulation surface14aof the spatial light modulator14. The spatial light modulator14spatially modulates the exposure light EL2on the basis of a device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161(namely, a pattern image that should be projected on the wafer161) in reflecting the exposure light EL2. Here, “spatially modulating the light” may means varying a distribution of a light characteristic that is at least one of an amplitude (an intensity) of the light, a phase of the light, a state of a polarization of the light, a wavelength of the light and the traveling direction of the light (in other words, a state of a deflection) at a cross-sectional plane that intersects with the traveling direction of the light. In the present embodiment, the spatial light modulator14is a reflective type of spatial light modulator.

Next, with reference toFIG.2AtoFIG.2D, the spatial light modulator14will be described more. As illustrated inFIG.2Aand FIG.2B, the spatial light modulator14is provided with the plurality of mirror elements141. Note thatFIG.2Bis a diagram in which one portion of the plurality of mirror elements141illustrated inFIG.2Aare extracted, for the purpose of clear illustration. The plurality of mirror elements141are arranged in a two-dimensional array (in other words, in a matrix) on the XY plane that is a plane parallel to the light modulation surface14a. For example, the number of the arrangement of the plurality of mirror elements141in the Y axis direction is several hundreds to several thousands. For example, the number of the arrangement of the plurality of mirror elements141in the X axis direction is several times to tens of time of the number of the arrangement of the plurality of mirror elements141in the Y axis direction. One example of the number of the arrangement of the plurality of mirror elements141in the X axis direction is several hundreds to several tens thousands. The plurality of mirror elements141are arranged to be away from each other in the X axis direction by a predetermined arrangement interval px and to be away from each other in the Y axis direction by a predetermined arrangement interval py. One example of the arrangement interval px is 10 micrometers to 1 micrometer, for example. One example of the arrangement interval py is 10 micrometers to 1 micrometer, for example.

Each mirror elements141has a square shape (alternatively, any planar shape). Sizes of each mirror element141in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction are smaller than the above described arrangement intervals px and py, respectively, because a position and/or an attitude of each mirror element141is varied. Namely, a gap142that does not constitute the mirror element141exists between two mirror elements141adjacent to each other in the X axis direction and between two mirror elements141adjacent to each other in the Y axis direction. In other words, it is estimated to be technically difficult to manufacture each mirror elements141so that the sizes of each mirror element141in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction are same as the above described arrangement intervals px and py, respectively (namely, the gap142does not exist), considering the variation of the position and/or the attitude of each mirror element141. However, the size and the shape of each mirror element141may be any size and any shape (for example, the sizes of each mirror element141in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction may be substantially same as the above described arrangement intervals px and py, respectively).

A surface of each mirror element141to which the exposure light EL2is irradiated is a reflecting surface141athat reflects the exposure light EL2. A surface located at a −Z direction side among two surface of each mirror element141parallel to the XY plane is the reflecting surface141a. A reflecting film is formed on the reflecting surface141a, for example. A metal film or a dielectric multifilm may be used as the reflecting film of the reflecting surface141a, for example. An aggregation of the reflecting surfaces141aof the plurality of mirror elements141is substantially the light modulation surface14ato which the exposure light EL2is irradiated.

As illustrated inFIG.2C, each mirror element141of the spatial light modulator14is connected to a hinge part144by a first connecting member143. The hinge part144has a flexibility to bend in the Z axis direction by using an elastic deformation. The hinge part144is supported by a pair of post part145disposed on a support substrate149. Moreover, a second connecting member147that connects an anchor part146that is affected by a electrostatic force (an attracting force or a repulsive force) by a below described electrode148and the hinge part144is disposed at the hinge part144. As described above, the anchor part146and the mirror element141are connected mechanically via the first connecting part143, the second connecting part147and the hinge part144. And, the electrode148is formed on the support substrate149. Note that the number of the post parts145is not limited to one pair and may be a number equal to or larger than 2.

When a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode148, the electrostatic force is generated between the anchor part146and the electrode148. As described above, when the electrostatic force is generated between the anchor part146and the electrode148, the anchor part146moves toward the support substrate149side and this movement allows the mirror element141to move toward the support substrate149side.

A state of each mirror element141is changed between two states between which positions along a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface141a(namely, the Z axis direction) are different due to the electrostatic force generated between the anchor part146and the electrode148and the elastic force of the hinge part144. For example, as illustrated in a left side ofFIG.2D, when the electrostatic force is not generated between the anchor part146and the electrode148(namely, when the hinge part144does not bend), each mirror element141is in a first state in which the reflecting surface141aof each mirror element141is coincident with a reference plane A1. For example, as illustrated in a right side ofFIG.2D, when the electrostatic force is generated between the anchor part146and the electrode148(namely, when the hinge part144bends), each mirror element141is in a second state in which the reflecting surface141aof each mirror element141is coincident with a displaced plane A2that is away from the reference plane A1toward a +Z direction side by a distance d1.

The reflecting surface141aof the mirror element141in the second state is away from the reflecting surface141aof the mirror element141in the first state toward the +Z direction side by a distance d1. Therefore, a phase of a wave front of an exposure light EL3that is obtained by the mirror element141in the second state reflecting the exposure light EL2is different from a phase of a wave front of an exposure light EL3that is obtained by the mirror element141in the first state reflecting the exposure light EL2. A difference of this phase corresponds to a length that is twice as long as the distance d1. In the present embodiment, the distance d1 is same as a quarter of the wavelength λ of the exposure light EL1. Namely, d1 is represented by an equation of d1=λ/4+mλ (note that m is an integer number). In this case, the phase of the wave front of the exposure light EL3that is obtained by the mirror element141in the second state reflecting the exposure light EL2is different from the phase of the wave front of the exposure light EL3that is obtained by the mirror element141in the first state reflecting the exposure light EL2by 180 degree (π radian). Namely, the phase of the wave front of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141in the first state is inverted from the phase of the wave front of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141in the second state2. Note that the first state is referred to as a “0 state” and the second state is referred to as a “it state” in the below described description, for the purpose of clear description.

The spatial light modulator14controls the states of the plurality of mirror elements141on the basis of the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161(namely, the pattern image that should be projected on the wafer161) under the control of the controller17. Specifically, a pattern design apparatus2described later in detail (seeFIG.4Aand so on) determines the states of the plurality of mirror elements141on the basis of the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161. For example, the pattern design apparatus2determines the states of the plurality of mirror elements141by determining whether each mirror element141is in the 0 state or the it state. By this, a phase distribution of the exposure light EL3reflected by the plurality of mirror elements141on a plane perpendicular to (alternatively, intersecting with) the traveling direction of the exposure light EL3is determined. The controller17receives a modulation pattern data that specifies the states of the plurality of mirror elements141from the pattern design apparatus2. The controller17controls the states of the plurality of mirror elements141on the basis of the modulation pattern data.

Note that one example of the spatial light modulator14is disclosed in US2013/0222781A1, for example.

Again inFIG.1, the projection optical system15projects the bright and dark pattern image on the wafer161by the exposure light EL3that is spatially modulated by the spatial light modulator14. The projection optical system15projects the pattern image based on the spatial modulation by the spatial light modulator14on the surface of the wafer161(specifically, a surface of a resist coating that is coated on the wafer161) by the exposure light EL3.

The projection optical system15projects the exposure light EL3on a planar exposure area ELA set on the surface of the wafer161. Namely, the projection optical system15projects the exposure light EL3on the exposure area ELA so that the planar exposure area ELA set on the surface of the wafer161is exposed by the exposure light EL3. An optical axis AX of the projection optical system15is perpendicular to the planar exposure area ELA. The planar exposure area ELA is formed at a position that is away from the optical axis AX of the projection optical system15. A predetermined area that is away from a portion at which the optical axis AX of the projection optical system15intersects with the surface of the wafer161is the planar exposure area ELA.

The projection optical system15projects the exposure light EL3having the phase distribution based on the device pattern as a spatial image having an intensity distribution based on the phase distribution on the surface of the wafer161.

The projection optical system15is a reduction system. In the present embodiment, a projection magnification of the projection optical system15is 1/200 as one example. A resolution of the projection optical system15is set to be larger than a value that is obtained by multiplying the size of each mirror element141of the spatial light modulator14(the size of one side of each mirror element) by the projection magnification. Therefore, the exposure light EL3reflected by single mirror element141is not resolved on the exposure area ELA. Note that the projection magnification of the projection optical system15is not limited to a reduction magnification of 1/200 and may be a reduction magnification of 1/400 or may be an equal magnification or an enlargement magnification.

The stage16is configured to hold the wafer161and to release the held wafer161. The stage16is movable along a plane (for example, the XY plane) including the exposure area ELA in a state where the stage16holds the wafer161under the control of the controller17. The stage16is movable along at least one of the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, the Z axis direction, the θX direction, the θY direction and the θZ direction. For example, the stage16may be moved by an operation of a stage driving system162including a planer motor. Note that one example of the stage driving system162including the planer motor is disclosed in US6,452,292B. note that the stage driving system162may include another motor (for example, a linear motor) in addition to or instead of the planar motor.

A position of the stage16on the XY plane (note that a rotational angle along at least one of the θX direction, the θY direction and the OZ direction. may be included) is continuously measured by a laser interferometer162with a resolution of 0.25 nanometers. A measured result of the laser interferometer163is outputted to the controller17. Note that the exposure apparatus1may be provided with another measurement apparatus (for example, an encoder) that is configured to measure the position of the stage16on the XY plane in addition to or instead of the laser interferometer163.

The controller17is configured to control the operation of the exposure apparatus1. The controller17may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, for example. For example, the controller17controls an operation of emitting the exposure light EL1by the optical source11. Specifically, the controller17controls the optical source11to emit, as the exposure light EL1, the pulse light that has a predetermined pulse width and that is emitted in pulse in the predetermined frequency at an appropriate timing. Moreover, the controller17controls an operation of spatially modulating the exposure light EL2by the spatial light modulator14. Specifically, the controller17controls the states of the plurality of mirror elements141on the basis of the modulation pattern data received from the pattern design apparatus2. Moreover, the controller17controls the movement of the stage16. Specifically, the controller17controls the stage driving system162so that the exposure area ELA relatively moves along a desired moving route on the surface of the wafer161.

Note that the illumination optical system12may adjust the exposure light EL1so that the exposure light EL2is irradiated to one portion of the light modulation surface14a. The illumination optical system12may adjust the exposure light EL1so that an illumination area to which the exposure light EL2is irradiated on the light modulation surface14ais smaller than the light modulation surface14a. The illumination optical system12may adjust the exposure light EL1so that a shape of the illumination area to which the exposure light EL1is irradiated on the light modulation surface14ais different from a shape of the light modulation surface14a. For example, the shape of the illumination area to which the exposure light EL2is irradiated on the light modulation surface14amay be a polygonal shape (a trapezoidal shape, a parallelogram shape, a hexagonal shape and the like) smaller than the light modulation surface. Moreover, the illumination optical system12may vary the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL2in a beam cross-sectional plane to almost uniform the illuminance distribution of the exposure light EL2entering the light modulation surface14a. In this case, the illumination optical system12may be provided with a beam intensity distribution varying part that is disposed on an optical path at the emitting side of the optical integrator of the illumination optical system12. Note that the illumination optical system12may vary the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL2in the beam cross-sectional plane to make the illuminance distribution of the exposure light EL2entering the light modulation surface14abe non-uniform, for example, a trapezoidal shape along a direction perpendicular to a scanning direction. Moreover, the illuminance distribution of the exposure light EL2entering the light modulation surface14amay be a trapezoidal shape along the scanning direction.

The spatial light modulator14may control the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3(namely, the intensity distribution on a plane along a direction perpendicular to (alternatively, intersecting with) the traveling direction of the exposure light EL3), in addition to or instead of controlling the phase distribution of the exposure light EL3.

The spatial light modulator14in the above described example is a phase type (a piston type) of spatial light modulator having the plurality of mirror elements141a position of each of which is variable along a vertical direction (namely, the traveling direction of the exposure light EL2). However, the spatial light modulator14may be an inclination type of spatial light modulator having a plurality of mirror elements each of which is allowed to be inclined (for example, inclined to the X axis or the Y axis). The inclination type of spatial light modulator may be a spatial light modulator that adds a phase difference of the reflected light between a reference state in which a reflecting surface is located along an arrangement plane of the mirrors of the spatial light modulator and an inclined state in which the reflecting surface is inclined to the arrangement plane. Moreover, the spatial light modulator14may be a phase step inclination type of spatial light modulator in which the reflecting planes of the plurality of mirror elements of the inclination type of spatial light modulator includes stepped surface. The phase step inclination type of spatial light modulator is a spatial light modulator that sets a phase difference between the light reflected by the reflecting surface141aparallel to the light modulation surface14aand the light reflected by the reflecting surface141ainclined to the light modulation surface14ato λ/2 (180 degree (π radian). Moreover, a spatial light modulator that is provided with a plurality of mirror elements a position of each of which is variable along the vertical direction and a fixed reflecting surface located between the plurality of mirror elements and that is configured to spatially modulate a light intensity by the movement of the mirrors along the vertical direction.

(1-2) Operation of Exposure Apparatus1

Next, with reference toFIG.3AtoFIG.3C, an operation (especially, an exposure operation) of the exposure apparatus1in the present embodiment will be described.FIG.3Ais a planar view that illustrates one example of the moving route of the exposure area ELA on the surface of the wafer161and each ofFIG.3BandFIG.3Cis a planar view that illustrates one example of states of the plurality of mirror elements141.

Firstly, the exposure apparatus1loads the wafer161. In other words, the wafer161(namely, the wafer161on which the resist is coated) is mounted on the stage16. Then, the exposure apparatus1exposes the wafer161.

As illustrated inFIG.3A, the exposure light EL3is irradiated on the planar exposure area ELA set on the surface of the wafer161. The exposure light EL3exposes the exposure area ELA. The exposure area ELA is exposed by one or more emitted pulse(s) included in the pulse light that is the exposure light EL3. As a result, the exposure light EL3is irradiated to an exposure target surface110that is at least one planar portion of the surface of the wafer161and that is overlapped with the exposure area ELA.

The stage16is moved so that the exposure area ELA relatively moves along the desired moving route on the surface of the wafer161. An arrow illustrated inFIG.3Aillustrates one example of the moving route of the exposure area ELA. In an example illustrated inFIG.3A, the stage16is moved toward the −Y direction so that the exposure area ELA moves toward the +Y direction (+scanning direction) at a certain timing. Then, the stage16is moved toward the +X direction (+step direction) so that the exposure area ELA moves toward the −X direction. Then, the stage16is moved toward the +Y direction so that the exposure area ELA moves toward the −Y direction (−scanning direction). Then, the stage16is moved toward the +X direction so that the exposure area ELA moves toward the −X direction (−step direction). Then, the stage16repeats the movement toward the −Y direction, the movement toward the +X direction, the movement toward the +Y direction and the movement toward the +X direction. As a result, the exposure area ELA relatively moves along the route illustrated by the arrow inFIG.3Aon the surface of the wafer161. Note that this exposure method is disclosed US8,089,616B, for example.

The surface of the wafer161is allowed to be divided into a plurality of exposure target surfaces110. In which case, the stage16is moved so that the exposure area ELA is overlapped with the plurality of exposure target surface110in order. The stage16is moved so that the exposure area ELA traces the plurality of exposure target surface110in order. In the example illustrated inFIG.3A, the stage16is moved toward the −Y direction so that the exposure area ELA is overlapped with an exposure target surface110-1. The optical source11emits the exposure light EL1so that the exposure light EL3exposes the exposure area ELA (namely, the exposure target surface110-1) at a timing when the exposure area ELA is overlapped with the exposure target surface110-1. Namely, the optical source11emits the exposure light EL3so that the timing when the exposure area ELA is overlapped with the exposure target surface110-1is same as a timing of one emitted pulse included in the pulse light emitted from the optical source11. Then, the stage16is moved toward the −Y direction so that the exposure area ELA is overlapped with an exposure target surface110-2that is adjacent to the exposure target surface110-1along the Y axis direction. The optical source11does not emit the exposure light EL1during a period when the exposure area ELA is moved from the exposure target surface110-1to the exposure target surface110-2. Namely, the pulse is not emitted during the period when the exposure area ELA is moved from the exposure target surface110-1to the exposure target surface110-2. The optical source11emits the exposure light EL1so that the exposure light EL3exposes the exposure area ELA (namely, the exposure target surface110-2) at a timing when the exposure area ELA is overlapped with the exposure target surface110-2. Then, same operation is repeatedly executed on a series of exposure target surfaces110that are arranged along the Y axis direction. Then, when the exposure to the series of exposure target surfaces that are arranged along the Y axis direction is completed (namely, the exposure to an exposure target surface110-3is completed), the stage16is moved toward the −X direction so that the exposure area ELA is overlapped with an exposure target surface110-4that is adjacent to the exposure target surface110-3along the X axis direction. Then, same operation is repeatedly executed on a series of exposure target surfaces110that are arranged along the Y axis direction with the exposure target surface110-4being a start position. Then, the above described operation is repeated so that the exposure target surface ELA moves along the moving route illustrated inFIG.3A.

Note that one exposure target surface110is not overlapped with adjacent another exposure target surface110for the purpose of simple illustration in the example illustrated inFIG.3A. Namely, one portion of one exposure target surface110is not overlapped with one portion of the adjacent another exposure target surface110. However, one portion of one exposure target surface110may be overlapped with one portion of the adjacent another exposure target surface110. For example, one portion of one exposure target surface110may be exposed by one emitted pulse and one portion of the adjacent another exposure target surface110that is overlapped with one portion of one exposure target surface110may be exposed by one emitted pulse.

Moreover, in the example illustrated inFIG.3A, the wafer161is exposed by one or more emitted pulse(s) during a period when the exposure area ELA relatively moves along the desired moving route on the surface of the wafer161. However, the exposure area ELA may stop on the wafer161at a timing when the wafer161is exposed. In this case, the exposure apparatus1executes an operation of moving the exposure area ELA on the surface of the wafer161after exposing the exposure target surface110. Moreover, when the wafer161is exposed in a state where the exposure area ELA stops to the wafer161as described above, the exposure apparatus1may execute the exposure by the plurality of emitted pulses instead of the exposure by single emitted pulse.

The plurality of mirror elements141of the spatial light modulator14change to states based on the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161by the exposure using single emitted pulse for every exposure (namely, one emitted pulse). Namely, the plurality of mirror elements141change to the states of the plurality of mirror elements141that are for executing the exposure by single emitted pulse and that are specified by the modulation pattern data. In other words, the plurality of mirror elements141change to the states based on a data block of the modulation pattern data corresponding to the device pattern that should be transferred to the exposure target surface110by single emitted pulse.

In the example illustrated inFIG.3A, when the exposure target surface110-1is exposed, the plurality of mirror elements141change to states based on the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161by the exposure to the exposure target surface110-1(namely, the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161located under the exposure target surface110-1). Then, when the exposure target surface110-2is exposed following the exposure target surface110-1, the plurality of mirror elements141change to states based on the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161by the exposure to the exposure target surface110-2(namely, the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161located under the exposure target surface110-2). For example,FIG.3Billustrates one example of the states of the plurality of mirror elements141for exposing the exposure target surface110-1. For example,FIG.3Cillustrates one example of the states of the plurality of mirror elements141for exposing the exposure target surface110-2.

Note that the mirror element141that is illustrated by a white area inFIG.3BandFIG.3Crepresents the mirror element141in the 0 state. On the other hand, the mirror element141that is illustrated by a hatched area inFIG.3BandFIG.3Crepresents the mirror element141in the it state.

After the wafer161is exposed as described above, the wafer161is developed by a not-illustrated developer. Then, the wafer161is etched by a not-illustrated etching apparatus. As a result, the device pattern is transferred (in other words, formed) on the wafer161.

Next, with reference toFIG.4AtoFIG.17B, the pattern design apparatus2that generates the modulation pattern data specifying the states of the plurality of mirror elements141(namely, a control data for controlling the spatial light modulator14) will be described.

(2-1) Structure of Pattern Design Apparatus2

Firstly, with reference toFIG.4AtoFIG.4C, a structure of the pattern design apparatus2will be described.FIG.4is a block diagram that illustrates the structure of the pattern design apparatus2.

As illustrated inFIG.4A, the pattern design apparatus2is provided with a controller21, a memory22, an input part23, an operational device24and a display device25.

Here, as illustrated inFIG.4B, the pattern design apparatus2may be installed in a host computer3that is connected to the plurality of exposure apparatuses via a wired or wireless communication interface4to overall control the plurality of exposure apparatuses1. The host computer3may be disposed in a device manufacturing factory in which the exposure apparatus1is installed or outside the device manufacturing factory. A device manufacturing maker has the host computer3, for example.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.4C, the pattern design apparatus2may be installed in a server that is connected to the plurality of exposure apparatuses via a wired or wireless communication interface5. And, the pattern design apparatus2may be connected to the host computer3via a wired or wireless communication interface6. In the case ofFIG.4C, the pattern design apparatus2may be disposed in the device manufacturing factory in which the exposure apparatus1is installed or outside the device manufacturing factory.

The controller21is configured to control an operation of the pattern design apparatus2. Especially, the controller21generates the modulation pattern data as described later in detail. Specifically, the controller21adjusts a design variable that defines a predetermined cost function so that end condition of the cost function (in other words, an objective function) is satisfied. Namely, the controller21solves an optimization problem or a mathematical programming problem for optimizing the design variable. As a result, the controller21generates the modulation pattern data on the basis of the optimized design variable. Note that the “optimization of the design variable” here means an operation of calculating the design variable that specifies the exposure operation allowing the device pattern to be transferred to the wafer161with more better characteristic.

At least one portion of the design variable directly or indirectly specifies the states of the plurality of mirror elements141, as described later in detail. Thus, the controller21generates the modulation pattern data that specifies the states of the plurality of mirror elements14by adjusting the design variable that defines the cost function. Namely, the controller21generates the modulation pattern data by optimizing the design variable.

The controller21serves as an EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tool. Thus, the controller21may serve as the EDA tool by executing a computer program that allows the controller21to execute an operation of adjusting the design variable (especially, a pattern designing operation) described above.

The memory22is configured to store the computer program that allows the controller21to execute a process of generating the modulation pattern data described above. Moreover, the memory22is configured to store a temporary data generated when the controller21executes the above described process of generating the modulation pattern data.

The input part23is configured to receive an input of various data used by the controller21to execute the process of generating the modulation pattern data. A data representing the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161, a data representing an initial value of the design variable, a data representing a constraint condition of the design variable and the like are examples of this data. However, the pattern design apparatus2may not be provided with the input part23.

The operational device24is configured to receive a user's operation to the pattern design apparatus2. The operational device24may include at least one of a keyboard, a mouse and a touch panel, for example. The controller21may execute the above described process of generating the modulation pattern data on the basis of the user's operation received by the operational device24. However, the pattern design apparatus2may not be provided with the operational device24.

The display device25is configured to display desired information. For example, the display device25may directly or indirectly display information indicating a state of the pattern design apparatus2. For example, the display device25may directly or indirectly display the modulation pattern data generated by the pattern design apparatus2. For example, the display device25may directly or indirectly display any information relating to the above described process of generating the modulation pattern data. However, the pattern design apparatus2may not be provided with the display device25.

Note that the pattern design apparatus2may be an apparatus that constitutes one portion of the controller17of the exposure apparatus1. Namely, the pattern design apparatus2may be an apparatus that constitutes one portion of the exposure apparatus1. In this case, the controller17generates the modulation pattern data and controls the spatial light modulator14on the basis of the generated modulation pattern data.

(2-2) Process of Generating Modulation Pattern Date Executed by Pattern Design Apparatus

Next, with reference to a flowchart inFIG.5, the process of generating the modulation pattern data executed by the pattern design apparatus2will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the controller21sets the design variable relating to the illumination optical system12(a step S21). The design variable relating to the illumination optical system12is an adjustable or fixed parameter that specifies a characteristic of the optical source11(for example, a light intensity distribution at the light modulation surface14a, a distribution of the polarization of the light at the light modulation surface14a, a light intensity distribution at a pupil plane of the illumination optical system12, a distribution of the polarization of the light at the pupil plane of the illumination optical system12and the like). At least one of a shape of an illumination pattern of the optical source11(namely, a shape of an emitting pattern of the exposure light EL1), the light intensity of the exposure light EL1and the like is one example of this design variable relating to the optical source11.

Moreover, the controller21sets the design variable relating to the projection optical system15(a step S22). The design variable relating to the projection optical system15is an adjustable or fixed parameter that specifies a characteristic (for example, an optical characteristic such as an aberration and a retardation) of the projection optical system15. At least one of a shape of a wave front of the exposure light EL3projected by the projection optical system15, the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3projected by the projection optical system15, a phase shift amount of the exposure light EL3projected by the projection optical system15and the like is one example of this design variable relating to the projection optical system15. Alternatively, when the projection optical system15is provided with a wave front manipulator that is configured to adjust at least one of the shape of the wave front of the exposure light EL3, the intensity of the exposure light EL3, the phase shift amount of the exposure light EL3and the like, a controlled amount (alternatively, a state) of the wave front manipulator is one example of the design variable relating to this projection optical system15.

Moreover, the controller21sets the design variable relating to a design layout (a step S23). The design variable relating to the design layout is an adjustable or fixed parameter that specifies a characteristic (for example, an optical characteristic) of the design layout (namely, a physical or virtual mask pattern used to transfer the desired device pattern to the wafer161or the desired device pattern itself). The design layout is generated by what we call the EDA on the basis of the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161and a predetermined design rule. A minimum width of a line or a hole and a minimum space between two lines or two holes are examples of the predetermined design rule.

Note that one example of the design variable relating to the illumination optical system12, the design variable relating to the projection optical system15and design variable relating to the design layout is disclosed in the above described Patent Literature 1 (WO2006/083685A1) and the like. Thus, the detailed description about these design variables will be omitted for the purpose of simple description.

Moreover, the controller21sets the design variable relating to spatial light modulator14(a step S24). The design variable relating to the spatial light modulator14is an adjustable or fixed parameter that specifies a characteristic (for example, an optical characteristic) of the spatial light modulator14. An optical characteristic of each mirror element141of the spatial light modulator14is one example of the design variable relating to spatial light modulator14. Note that each mirror element141is set to be in the first state (the 0 state) or the second state (the it state) as described above. Thus, the design variable relating to spatial light modulator14is substantially a design variable that represents the state of each mirror element141(alternatively, a distribution of the mirror element141in the 0 state and a distribution of the mirror element141in the it state).

In addition to the operation from the step S21to the step S24, the controller21may set the constraint condition of each design variable. Moreover, the controller21may receive various data used by the controller21to generate the modulation pattern data via the input part23. Set constraint condition and various data received via the input part23may be used when the design variable is adjusted described below.

Then, the controller21defines a cost function CF specified by the design variables set at the step S21to the step S24(a step S25). One example of the cost function CF is represented by an equation 1, for example.

Here, “(z11, . . . , z1N1)” represents the design variable(s) relating to the optical source11set at the step S21. “N1” represents a total number of the design variable(s) relating to the optical source11. “(z21, . . . , z2N2)” represents the design variable(s) relating to the projection optical system15set at the step S22. “N2” represents a total number of the design variable(s) relating to the projection optical system15. “(z31, . . . , Z3N3)” represents the design variable(s) relating to the design layout set at the step S23. “N3” represents a total number of the design variable(s) relating to the design layout. “(z41, . . . , z4N4)” represents the design variable(s) relating to the spatial light modulator14set at the step S24. “N4” represents a total number of the design variable(s) relating to the spatial light modulator14. “fp(z11, . . . , z1N1, z21, . . . , Z2N2, z31, . . . , Z3N3, z41, . . . , Z4N4)” is a function for calculating a difference between an estimated value of characteristics realized by the design variables (z11, . . . , z1N1, z21, . . . , Z2N2, z31, . . . , Z3N3, z41, . . . , Z4N4) at a p-th evaluation point (for example, an evaluation point corresponding to a desired image part of the spatial image (namely, the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3) on the wafer161or a resist image determined by the spatial image) and a target value of the characteristics that should be realized at the p-th evaluation point. “wp” is a weighting coefficient assigned to the p-th evaluation point. “P” is a total number of the evaluation point.

Note that the cost function CF represented by the equation 1 is merely one example. Therefore, the cost function CF that is different from the equation 1 may be defined. Another example of the cost function CF is disclosed in the above described Patent Literature 1 (WO2006/083685A1) and so on, and thus the detailed description about it is omitted.

Then, the controller21adjusts (in other words, varies) at least one of the design variables set at the step S21to the step S24so that the end condition of the cost function CF is satisfied (a step S26). For example, the controller21adjusts at least one design variable so that the end condition that “the cost function CF is minimized” is satisfied. As a result, the values of the design variables that satisfy the end condition of the cost function CF are determined. Here, when the design variable relating to the spatial light modulator14is determined, states of the plurality of mirror elements141are determined. Thus, the controller21generates the modulation pattern data specifying the distribution of the states of the plurality of mirror elements141on the basis of the design variable relating to the spatial light modulator14.

After the modulation pattern data is generated, the controller21furthermore executes an intensity distribution compensating process on the generated modulation pattern data (a step S27). The intensity distribution compensating process is a process for reducing a difference between an actual intensity distribution on the wafer161of the exposure light EL3via the spatial light modulator14that is controlled on the basis of the modulation pattern data generated at the step S26and an ideal intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3(namely, a distortion of the actual intensity distribution to the ideal intensity distribution). In other words, the intensity distribution compensating process is a process for correcting (in other words, adjusting or varying) the modulation pattern data so that the actual intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3based on the modulation pattern data is closer to the ideal intensity distribution. Note that the intensity distribution compensating process will be described later in detail (seeFIG.6and so on).

The modulation pattern data generated by the controller21executing the above described processes is the modulation pattern data corresponding to all device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161. However, the modulation pattern data generated by the controller21may be the modulation pattern data corresponding to one portion of the device pattern that should be transferred to the wafer161. On the other hand, the plurality of mirror elements141change to states based on the device pattern that should be transferred to a certain exposure target surface110by the exposure using single emitted pulse for every exposure (namely, one emitted pulse), as described above. Thus, the controller21extracts, from the modulation pattern data, the data block corresponding to the device pattern that should be transferred to a certain exposure target surface110by the single emitted pulse. Then, the controller17controls the states of the plurality of mirror elements141on the basis of the extracted data block. As a result, the exposure target surface110corresponding to this data block is exposed. The controller21repeats the above described operation by the number of the exposed target surfaces110set on the wafer161.

(2-3) Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

Next, the intensity distribution compensating process executed by the pattern design apparatus2will be described.

(2-3-1) Distortion of Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

Firstly, with reference toFIG.6AtoFIG.6B, “the difference between the actual intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3and the ideal intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3(namely, the distortion of the actual intensity distribution to the ideal intensity distribution)” will be described, as a premise for the intensity distribution compensating process. In the below described description, a device pattern that is used to form a single contact hole is used as one example of the device pattern to describe the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3for transferring this device pattern on the wafer161.

An upper part ofFIG.6Ais a planar view that illustrates a mask M at which the device pattern used to form the single contact hole is formed. As illustrated in the upper part ofFIG.6A, this mask M includes an opening part M1through which the exposure light is allowed to pass and a light shielding part M2that shields the exposure light. The intensity distribution of the exposure light projected on the wafer161through this mask M is illustrated in a lower part ofFIG.6A. As illustrated in the lower part ofFIG.6B, the intensity distribution of the exposure light in an area on the wafer161corresponding to the opening part M1is the intensity distribution in which the intensity of the exposure light in each area part increases more as each area part is closer to an area corresponding to a center of the opening part M1. The intensity of the exposure light in an area on the wafer161corresponding to the light shielding part M2is nearly zero (alternatively, is equal to or smaller than a predetermined intensity). Moreover, the intensity distribution of the exposure light is the distribution that is symmetric about the area corresponding to the center of the opening part M1(namely, a center of the contact hole) and that is based on the contact hole that should be formed. The intensity distribution illustrated inFIG.6Acorresponds to the ideal intensity distribution.

On the other hand, an upper part ofFIG.6Billustrates the mirror elements141that are controlled to form the single contact hole. Namely, the upper part ofFIG.6Billustrates the mirror elements141that are controlled on the basis of the modulation pattern data generated when the device pattern illustrated in the upper part ofFIG.6Ais inputted as the design variable relating to the design layout. As illustrated in the upper part ofFIG.6B, the modulation pattern data sets the states of all mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1to the 0 state (alternatively, the it state). Moreover, the modulation pattern data sets the states of all mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2to a state in which the mirror element141in the 0 state (it is referred to as a “mirror element141(0)” in the below described description) and the mirror element141in the it state (it is referred to as a “mirror element141(π)” in the below described description) are alternately distributed (namely, line) along each of the X direction and the Y direction. Note that the mirror element141that is illustrated by the white area represents the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141that is illustrated by the hatched area represents the mirror element141(π) inFIG.6B, as withFIG.3BandFIG.3C. The same applies to each drawing described below.

The intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3projected on the wafer161through these mirror elements141is illustrated in a lower part ofFIG.6B. The intensity of the exposure light EL3via the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1is relatively large (for example, is equal to or larger than the predetermined intensity). On the other hand, the intensity of the exposure light EL3via the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2is nearly zero (alternatively, is equal to or smaller than the predetermined intensity). This is because the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π) cancel each other. As a result, the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3projected on the wafer161through the mirror elements141substantially approximates the intensity distribution of the exposure light projected on the wafer161through the mask M. However, as illustrated in the lower part ofFIG.6B, the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3projected on the wafer161through the mirror elements141is distorted to the ideal intensity distribution illustrated inFIG.6A(namely, the intensity distribution of the exposure light projected on the wafer161through the mask M). As a result, there is a possibility that a shape of the contact hole formed by the exposure light EL3through the mirror elements141is distorted to an ideal shape of the contact hole.

This distortion is caused by the exposure light EL3via a border area at which the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1are adjacent to the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2. Next, a technical reason why this distortion arise will be described with reference to the intensity distribution of the exposure light via the mirror elements141illustrated inFIG.7A. The mirror elements141illustrated inFIG.7Arepresents one portion of the mirror elements141corresponding to a neighborhood of a border between the opening part M1and the light shielding part M2among the mirror elements illustrated inFIG.6B. The exposure light EL3projected on the wafer161via these mirror elements141includes the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) corresponding to the opening part M1and the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) corresponding to the light shielding part M2.

Here, as described above, the phase of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) is inverted from (namely, is different by 180 degree from) the phase of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π). Thus, as illustrated inFIG.7B, it can be said that a polarity of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) is inverted from a polarity of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π). Therefore, when an amplitude of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) is represented by “1 (namely, +1)”, an amplitude of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π) is represented by “−1”, for the purpose of clear description. Note that a reference level (a zero level) of the amplitude of the exposure light EL3corresponds to an average value of a peak value of the amplitude of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and a peak value of the amplitude of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π).

Considering the amplitudes of the exposure lights EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π), an amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3via the mirror elements141illustrated inFIG.7Ais an amplitude distribution illustrated in a first top part ofFIG.8A. Moreover, the amplitude distribution illustrated in the first top part ofFIG.8Ais divided into an amplitude distribution illustrated in a second top part ofFIG.8Aand an amplitude distribution illustrated in a third top part ofFIG.8A. Note that the amplitude “2 (namely, +2)” illustrated in the third top part ofFIG.8Ameans an amplitude that is twice as large as the amplitude of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0). Moreover, the amplitude “0” illustrated in the third top part ofFIG.8Ameans that the amplitude of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141is zero level (namely, the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141is not substantially projected on the wafer161).

The amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Ais equivalent to the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) that are alternately distributed along each of the X direction and the Y direction. As described above, the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π) cancel each other. Thus, the actual amplitude of the exposure light EL3having the amplitude distribution illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Ais zero (alternatively, is equal to or smaller than the predetermined intensity). Therefore, the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Ais less likely to cause the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3.

On the other hand, the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the third top part ofFIG.8Ais divided into an amplitude distribution illustrated in a second top part ofFIG.8Band an amplitude distribution illustrated in a third top part ofFIG.8B, as illustrated inFIG.8B.

Here, the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Bis equivalent to the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3via the mirror elements141illustrated inFIG.7A(namely, the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the first top part ofFIG.8A). Thus, it can be said that the exposure light EL3having the amplitude distribution illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Bis the exposure light EL3for transferring the device pattern. Therefore, the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Bis less likely to cause the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3. Thus, it is estimated that the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the third top part ofFIG.8Bis likely to cause the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3. Thus, the reason of the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3will be examined more by converting the intensity of the exposure light EL3in a real space illustrated in the second top part and the third top part ofFIG.8Binto a spectrum of the exposure light EL3in a Fourier space corresponding to the real space as illustrated inFIG.9AandFIG.9B.

FIG.9Aillustrates the spectrum of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8B. Note that the spectrum of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Bis referred to as an “object spectrum” in the below described description, because the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Bis the exposure light EL3for transferring the device pattern as described above. Moreover,FIG.9Billustrates the spectrum of the exposure light EL3(especially, the spectrum of a first order diffracted light of the exposure light EL3) illustrated in the third top part ofFIG.8B. Note that the spectrum of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the second top part ofFIG.8Bis referred to as a “0/1 checker spectrum” in the below described description, because the amplitude distribution of the exposure light EL3illustrated in the third top part ofFIG.8Bis the amplitude distribution in which the amplitude “0” and the amplitude “1” are alternately distributed along each of the X direction and the Y direction (so to speak, the amplitude distribution corresponding to a checker mark or a checkered pattern). According to the 0/1 checker spectrum illustrated inFIG.9B, most part of the exposure light EL3corresponding to the 0/1 checker spectrum (it is referred to as a “0/1 checker pattern light” in the below described description) propagates outside a pupil of the projection optical system15. However, as illustrated inFIG.9B, one portion of the 0/1 checker pattern light (especially, the 0/1 checker pattern light corresponding to the exposure light EL2diffracted at the light modulation surface14a) enters the pupil of the projection illumination system15. This entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15becomes more prominent when a distribution area of the 0/1 checker spectrum in the Fourier space is expanded due to a convolution of the object spectrum and the 0/1 checker spectrum in the Fourier space (namely, an interference of the exposure light EL3corresponding to the object spectrum and the 0/1 checker pattern light in the real space). This entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15is not necessary for transferring the device pattern. Therefore, it is estimated that the entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15causes the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3.

Thus, when the entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15is reduced (in other words, suppressed), the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is reduced (in other words, suppressed). Namely, the entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15is reduced (in other words, suppressed), the actual intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3based on the modulation pattern data is closer to the ideal intensity distribution. Therefore, it can be said that the above described intensity distribution compensating process is a process for reducing the entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15.

Note thatFIG.6AtoFIG.9illustrates the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3that arises when the device pattern used to form the single contact hole is transferred to the wafer161. However, the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3also arises when any device pattern is transferred to the wafer161, for the same reason.

(2-3-2) Specific Example of Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

Next, a specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process will be described. In the below described description, four specific examples (a first specific example to a fourth specific example) of the intensity distribution compensating process will be described in order.

(2-3-2-1) First Specific Example of Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

The first specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process is an intensity distribution compensating process for correcting the modulation pattern data to directly minimize an entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15(in other words, a distortion amount of the intensity distribution caused by the entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light). Namely, the controller21corrects the modulation pattern data so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized.

Here, the entrance amount R (ξ, η) of the 0/1 checker pattern light at any coordinate (ξ, η) in the Fourier space is represented by an equation 2. Note that “p” in the equation 2 represents the size (the size in the X axis direction or the Y axis direction) of the mirror element141in the real space. Note that the size of the mirror element141in the X axis direction is same as the size of the mirror element141in the Y axis direction in the equation 2 for the purpose of simple description. However, the size of the mirror element141in the X axis direction may be different from the size of the mirror element141in the Y axis direction. In this case, “mλ/2p” and “nλ/2p” in the equation 2 may be replaced by “mλ/2px (note that px represents the size of the mirror element141in the X axis direction)” and “nλ/2py (note that py represents the size of the mirror element141in the Y axis direction)”, respectively. Moreover, “λ” in the equation 2 represents the wavelength of the exposure light EL1. Moreover, “(m, n)” in the equation 2 represents a coordinate outside the pupil in the Fourier space (note that each of m and n is an integer value that is equal to or larger than 1 or is equal to or smaller than −1), and substantially corresponds to a coordinate at which the above described 0/1 checker spectrum appears. Moreover, “amn” in the equation 2 represents the 0/1 checker spectrum at the coordinate (m, n) and is represented by an equation 3. Moreover, “TPATTERN(ξ, η)” in the equation 2 represents a spectrum of the spatial image that should be realized at the coordinate (ξ, η) to transfer the desired device pattern.

The entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is proportional to a value that is obtained by integrating the entrance amounts R (ξ, η), which is calculated by the equation 2, at all coordinates (ξ, η) in the pupil. Thus, the controller21corrects the modulation pattern data to satisfy an equation 4. Note that “(ξ, η)∈ pupil” represents all coordinates (ξ, η) in the pupil. The correction of the modulation pattern data includes correcting at least one portion of the modulation pattern data so that at least one portion of the mirror elements141that is set to the 0 state on the basis of the modulation pattern data before the correction is set to the π state on the basis of the modulation pattern data after the correction, for example. The correction of the modulation pattern data includes correcting at least one portion of the modulation pattern data so that at least one portion of the mirror elements141that is set to the π state on the basis of the modulation pattern data before the correction is set to the 0 state on the basis of the modulation pattern data after the correction, for example.

When the modulation pattern data is corrected to satisfy the equation 4, the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15is minimized. As a result, the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is also minimized. Namely, the actual intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3based on the corrected modulation pattern data is the closest to the ideal intensity distribution. Therefore, an exposure accuracy of the exposure light EL3via the spatial light modulator14improves.

Note that the controller21corrects the modulation pattern data so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized in the above described description. However, the controller21may correct the modulation pattern data so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is equal to or smaller than a first predetermined amount or is reduced (in other words, decreases). Even in this case, the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is reduced compared to the case where the modulation pattern data is not corrected. As a result, the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is also suppressed.

Moreover, in correcting the modulation pattern data to satisfy the equation 4, the controller21may use a constraint condition that the corrected modulation pattern data is the modulation pattern data by which the device pattern specified by the design layout is transferred to the wafer161appropriately. In other words, the controller21may not correct the modulation pattern data when the device pattern specified by the design layout is not transferred to the wafer161appropriately by the modulation pattern corrected to satisfy the equation 4. Alternatively, when the device pattern specified by the design layout is not transferred to the wafer161appropriately by the modulation pattern corrected to satisfy the equation 4, the controller21may correct the modulation pattern data so that the device pattern specified by the design layout is transferred to the wafer161appropriately and the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil calculated by the equation 4 is reduced to some extent (for example, is equal to or smaller than the first predetermined amount) although the equation 4 is not satisfied. The same applies to the case where the modulation pattern data is corrected in the below described second specific example to the fourth specific example.

Moreover, in correcting the modulation pattern data to satisfy the equation 4, the controller21may use a constraint condition that the cost function CF represented by the above described equation 1 is not too large (in other words, the cost function CF is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value). In other words, the controller21may not correct the modulation pattern data when the modulation pattern data corrected to satisfy the equation 4 results in too large cost function CF. Alternatively, when the modulation pattern data corrected to satisfy the equation 4 results in too large cost function CF, the controller21may correct the modulation pattern data so that the cost function CF is not too large and the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil calculated by the equation 4 is reduced to some extent (for example, is equal to or smaller than the first predetermined amount) although the equation 4 is not satisfied. The same applies to the case where the modulation pattern data is corrected in the below described second specific example to the fourth specific example.

(2-3-2-2) Second Specific Example of Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

Next, with reference toFIG.10toFIG.11B, the second specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process will be described. As described above, the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is caused by the entrance of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil of the projection optical system15. The 0/1 checker pattern light corresponds to one portion of the exposure light EL3via the border area at which the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1are adjacent to the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2. Thus, it is estimated that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is reduced if a data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the mirror elements141at the border area is corrected.

There are the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1and the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2at the border area. Therefore, the controller21corrects the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling at least one portion of the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1and the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2to reduce the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil.

Here, as described above, the states of all of the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1are set to the 0 state (alternatively, the it state). This setting is to keep the intensity of the exposure light EL3via the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1in a predetermined intensity. Thus, there is a possibility that there is relatively small scope to correct the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1. This is because there is a possibility that the intensity of the exposure light EL3via the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1decreases when at least one portion of the mirror elements141that is set to the 0 state on the basis of the modulation pattern data before the correction is set to the it state on the basis of the modulation pattern data after the correction. On the other hand, the states of the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2are set to the state in which the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X direction and the Y direction. This setting is to make the intensity of the exposure light EL3via the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2be zero (alternatively, be equal to or smaller than a predetermined intensity). Therefore, the states of the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2are allowed to be set to any state, as long as the intensity of the exposure light EL3is zero (alternatively, is equal to or smaller than a predetermined intensity). Therefore, there is relatively large scope to correct the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2.

For the above described reason, in the second specific example, the controller21corrects the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2to reduce the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil. Especially, the controller21corrects the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2that exists at the border area and the light shielding part M2that does not exist at the border area, in order to reduce a processing load to determine whether or not the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2exist at the border area. However, the controller21may correct the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2that exists at the border area and may not correct the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2that does not exist at the border area.

In the second specific example, the controller21corrects the data part for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2according to the following procedure. Specifically, the controller21divides a light shielding area SL at which the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2are located into a plurality of divided areas DA having predetermined shapes on the light modulation surface14aof the spatial light modulator14, as illustrated inFIG.10. The predetermined shape is a rectangular shape, for example. However, the predetermined shape may be any shape different from the rectangular shape.FIG.10illustrates an example in which the light shielding area is divided into four rectangular divided areas DA #1to DA #4.

Then, the controller21sets, as an arrangement pattern of the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element14(π) in each divided area DA, an arrangement pattern that allows the intensity of the exposure light EL3via each divided area DA to be zero. The controller21may set same arrangement pattern to the plurality of divided areas DA. The controller21may set different arrangement patterns to the plurality of divided areas DA.

In this case, the controller21selects, as the arrangement pattern set to each divided area DA, one candidate pattern from a plurality of pattern candidates each of which corresponds to the arrangement pattern that allows the intensity of the exposure light EL3to be zero. For example, the controller21selects a first candidate pattern as the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #1and selects the first candidate pattern or a second candidate pattern that is different from the first candidate pattern as the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #2. The plurality of pattern candidates may be stored in the memory22or may be generated by the controller21.

Here, as described above, the reason why the intensity of the exposure light EL3via the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2is zero is that the states of the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2are set to the state that allows the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π) that is adjacent to this mirror element141(0) to cancel each other. Thus, the arrangement pattern in which the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are arranged so that the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(0) and the exposure light EL3via the mirror element141(π) that is adjacent to this mirror element141(0) cancel each other is set to each divided area DA. This arrangement pattern is likely to be an arrangement pattern in which a basic pattern having at least one mirror element141(0) and at least one mirror element141(π) arranged on the basis of a predetermined rule appears repeatedly along the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. Thus, the plurality of pattern candidates that are the candidates for the arrangement pattern set to each divided area DA may include a plurality of basis patterns. For example, as illustrated inFIG.11AandFIG.11B, the plurality of pattern candidates may include a basic pattern #1in which two mirror elements141(0) and two mirror elements141(π) are arranged in 2×2 matrix so that the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are adjacent to each other along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction and a basic pattern #2that is obtained by inverting the basic pattern #1(namely, by replacing the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) in the basic pattern #1by the mirror element141(π) and the mirror element141(0), respectively). Alternatively, the plurality of pattern candidates may include a basic pattern in which any number of mirror element(s)141(0) and any number of mirror element(s)141(π) are arranged so that the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are arranged according to a first arrangement aspect, a basic pattern in which the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are arranged according to a second arrangement aspect, . . . , and a basic pattern in which the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are arranged according to a s-th (note that s is an integer number that is equal to or larger than 2) arrangement aspect.

The entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil under the situation where the light shielding area SL is divided into the plurality of divided areas DA is represented by an equation 5. Note that “N” in the equation 5 represents a total number of the divided areas DA. “i” in the equation 5 represents an identification number that is unique to each of N divided areas DA and is an integer number that satisfies 1=i=N. “TCHECKER(i)(ξ, η),” in the equation 5 represents a spectrum of the exposure light EL3via the i-th divided area DA at the coordinate (ξ, η). “sign(i)” represents a function a value including a sign of which varies depending on the arrangement pattern (the pattern candidate or the basic pattern) set to the i-th divided area DA. For example, in an example of the pattern candidates illustrated inFIG.11AandFIG.11B, sign(i) may be a function that is to be either one of +1 and −1 when the pattern candidate illustrated inFIG.11Ais set to the i-th divided area DA and that is to be the other one of +1 and −1 when the pattern candidate illustrated inFIG.11Bis set to the i-th divided area DA. For example, sign(i) may be a function that is to be either one of +k1 and −k1 (note that k1 is any real number) when a first pattern candidate is set to the i-th divided area DA, that is to be either one of +k2 and −k2 (note that k2 is any real number that is same as or different from k1) when a second pattern candidate is set to the i-th divided area DA, . . . , and that is to be either one of +kq and −kq (note that kq is any real number that is same as or different from at least one of k1 to kq−1) when q-th (note that q is an integer number that is equal to or larger than 2) pattern candidate is set to the i-th divided area DA.

The controller21calculates the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil by using the equation 5 every time the arrangement pattern is set to each divided area DA. The controller21adjusts the arrangement pattern set to each divided area DA so that this entrance amount R is minimized. Namely, the controller21sets the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA so that this entrance amount R is minimized (namely, an equation 6 is satisfied).

According to the second specific example, the controller21does not necessarily correct whole of the modulation pattern data in executing the intensity distribution compensating process. Namely, the controller21corrects one portion of the modulation pattern data (for example, the data part for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2) to complete the intensity distribution compensating process. In other words, the controller21completes the intensity distribution compensating process without correcting the other one portion of the modulation pattern data. Therefore, a processing load necessary for the intensity distribution compensating process is reduced compared to the first specific example in which there is a possibility that whole of the modulation pattern data is corrected.

Especially in the second specific example, the controller21corrects the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141located in the divided area DA that is a designated area to complete the intensity distribution compensating process. Namely, the controller21corrects the data part of the modulation pattern data that is determined in advance as the data part that should be corrected to complete the intensity distribution compensating process. Therefore, the processing load necessary for the intensity distribution compensating process is reduced compared to the first specific example in which a guide that indicates which data part in the modulation pattern data should be corrected is not used.

Moreover, in the second specific example, the controller21executes an operation of selecting one candidate pattern that should be set to the divided area DA from the plurality of candidate patterns for all of the plurality of divided areas DA to complete the intensity distribution compensating process. Namely, the controller21determines relatively easily how to correct the data part for controlling the mirror elements141located in each divided area DA by selecting one candidate pattern from the plurality of candidate patterns. Therefore, the processing load necessary for the intensity distribution compensating process is reduced compared to the first specific example in which a guide that indicates how to correct the modulation pattern data (namely, there is a possibility that the modulation pattern data is corrected is corrected randomly) is not used.

Note that the controller21may correct the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1, in addition to or instead of correcting the data part of the modulation pattern data for controlling the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2. In this case, the controller21divides an area at which the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the opening part M1are located into the plurality of divided areas DA. Then, the controller21sets, as an arrangement pattern of the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element14(π) in each divided area DA, an arrangement pattern that allows the intensity of the exposure light EL3via each divided area DA to be equal to or larger than the predetermined intensity. Note that the above described dividing method and setting method are usable as a method of dividing into the divided areas DA and a method of setting the arrangement pattern, respectively.

(2-3-2-3) Third Specific Example of Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

Next, with reference toFIG.12AandFIG.12B, the third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process will be described. The third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process divides the light shielding area SL at which the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2are located into the plurality of divided areas DA having the predetermined shapes, as with the second specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process. Then, the third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process sets the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized, as with the second specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process.

However, as illustrated inFIG.12A, the third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process is different from the second specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process in which sizes of the plurality of divided areas DA may be different in that sizes of the plurality of divided areas DA are uniformed. Furthermore, in the third specific example, an equation 7 is usable instead of the above described equation 5 as an equation for representing the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil, because the sizes of the plurality of divided areas DA are uniformed. Therefore, in the third specific example, the controller21sets the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA so that an equation 8 is satisfied. Note that “1 (specifically, vector 1)” in the equation 8 represents a vector indicating the coordinate (ξ, η). “I(l)” in the equation 8 represents a spectrum of the exposure light EL3via innumerable virtual mirror elements141in which the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction at a position represented by the vector 1 (namely, the coordinate (ξ, η)) and is represented by an equation 9. “bmn” in the equation 9 represents a spectrum of the exposure light EL3via the above described innumerable virtual mirror elements141at the coordinate (m, n)) and is represented by an equation 10. “δ” in the equation 9 represents a Dirac's delta function. “j” in the equation 8 represents a complex number. “ri(specifically, vector ri)” in the equation 8 represents a vector specifying a coordinate of the i-th divided area in the real space, as illustrated inFIG.12B. “jinc(l)” in the equation 8 is represented by an equation 11. “Δx” in the equation 11 represents a size of the divided area DA along the X axis direction in the real space. “Δy” in the equation 11 represents a size of the divided area DA along the Y axis direction in the real space. “k” in the equation 11 is a predetermined coefficient. Other characteristics of the third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process may be same as other characteristics of the second specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process.

Here, as can be seen from the equation 8 to the equation 11, the variable that varies depending on the change of the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA among the variables included in the equation 8 is “sign(i)”. On the other hand, “I(l)”, “jinc(l)” and “exp(−jl×ri)” in the equation 8 are the variables that do not vary when the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA is changed (namely, are substantially fixed values). This is because the sizes of the plurality of divided areas DA are uniformed and thus weights of influences to the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil from the plurality of divided areas DA are also equalized. Thus, in the third specific example, the controller21is allowed to calculate the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil by keeping “I(l)”, “jinc(l)” and “exp(−jl×ri)” in the constant value even when the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA is changed. Thus, a processing load necessary for calculating the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is reduced in the third specific example compared to the second specific example. Namely, the processing load necessary for the intensity distribution compensating process is reduced in the third specific example compared to the second specific example.

Note that the controller21may set the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA according to the following procedure so that the equation 8 is satisfied by using the fact that “I(l)”, “jinc(l)” and “exp(−jl×ri)” do not vary when the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA is changed. Specifically, the controller21firstly calculates the vector 1 indicating the coordinate (ξ, η) (especially, the vector 1 indicating the coordinate (ξ, η) in the pupil of the projection optical system15) at which there exists the spectrum that contributes to a formation of the spatial image for transferring the device pattern relatively largely by evaluating (for example, calculating the value) I(l)*jinc(1). Alternatively, the controller21firstly calculates the vector 1 indicating the coordinate (ξ, η) at which there exists the spectrum that contributes to the transfer of the device pattern relatively largely. This vector 1 is a vector indicating the coordinate (ξ, η) at which a first order diffracted light of the exposure light EL3appears, for example. Then, the controller21tentatively sets the arrangement pattern to each divided area DA so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized for the calculated vector 1 (however, addition over all coordinates (ξ, η) in the pupil in the equation 8 is not executed), and then properly changes the arrangement pattern set to each divided area DA on the basis of the arrangement pattern that is tentatively set so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized to set the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA.

(2-3-2-4) Fourth Specific Example of Intensity Distribution Compensating Process

Next, with reference toFIG.13AtoFIG.14, the fourth specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process will be described. The fourth specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process divides the light shielding area SL at which the plurality of mirror elements141corresponding to the light shielding part M2are located into the plurality of divided areas DA having the same sizes, as with the third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process. Then, the fourth specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process sets the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized, as with the third specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process.

However, in the fourth specific example of the intensity distribution compensating process, the controller21does not calculate the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil in setting the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA. The controller21sets the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA on the basis of states of the mirror elements141in the plurality of divided areas DA and an arrangement manner of the plurality of divided areas DA, instead of calculating the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil.

Specifically, when the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in the plurality of divided areas DA, the controller21sets the different two types of arrangement patterns to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along a direction intersecting with each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. In this case, the controller21may use, as the different two types of arrangement patterns, two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other.

For example,FIG.13Aillustrates two divided areas DA #31and DA #32that are adjacent to each other along a direction intersecting with each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. These two divided areas DA #31and DA #32may exists in an area in which the mirror elements141controlled to form adjacent two contact holes are disposed, for example. In the two divided areas DA #31and DA #32, the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. Thus, the controller21sets the arrangement pattern to each of the two divided areas DA #31and DA #32so that the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #32is an arrangement pattern that is obtained by inverting the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #31, as illustrated inFIG.13B. As a result, the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3via these two divided areas DA #31and DA #32is the intensity distribution illustrated inFIG.13C.

Just for reference, the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3via the divided areas DA #31and DA #32to which same arrangement patterns are set (seeFIG.13A) is the intensity distribution illustrated inFIG.13D. As illustrated inFIG.13CandFIG.13D, it turns out that the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is reduced when two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other are set to the two divided areas DA #31and DA #32, compared to the case where the same arrangement patterns are set to the two divided areas DA #31and DA #32. Therefore, it turns out that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is reduced when two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other are set to the two divided areas DA #31and DA #32, compared to the case where the same arrangement patterns are set to the two divided areas DA #31and DA #32.

Alternatively, when a mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(0) sequentially arranged along the X axis direction and a mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(π) sequentially arranged along the X axis direction are alternately distributed along the Y axis direction in the plurality of divided areas DA, the controller21sets different two types of arrangement patterns (for example, two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other) to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along the Y axis direction. Alternatively, when a mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(0) sequentially arranged along the Y axis direction and a mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(π) sequentially arranged along the Y axis direction are alternately distributed along the X axis direction in the plurality of divided areas DA, the controller21sets two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along the X axis direction.

For example,FIG.14Aillustrates two divided areas DA #41and DA #42that are adjacent to each other along the Y axis direction. In the two divided areas DA #41and DA #42, the mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(0) sequentially arranged along the Y axis direction and the mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(π) sequentially arranged along the Y axis direction are alternately distributed along the X axis direction. Thus, the controller21sets the arrangement pattern to each of the two divided areas DA #41and DA #42so that the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #42is an arrangement pattern that is obtained by inverting the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #41, as illustrated inFIG.14B. As a result, as illustrated inFIG.14C, the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is reduced when two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other are set to the two divided areas DA #41and DA #42, compared to the case where the same arrangement patterns are set to the two divided areas DA #41and DA #42.FIG.14Cillustrates an intensity distribution I(a) along the X axis direction of the spatial image that is obtained when the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIG.14Ais used and an intensity distribution I(b) along the X axis direction of the spatial image that is obtained when the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIG.14Bis used. As is clear fromFIG.14C, a horizontal shift of the intensity distribution (the distortion of the intensity distribution) is smaller in the case of the intensity distribution I(b) of the spatial image when the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIG.14Bis used. Therefore, the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is reduced when two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other are set to the two divided areas DA #41and DA #42, compared to the case where the same arrangement patterns are set to the two divided areas DA #41and DA #42.

Alternatively, when the mirror elements141(0) and141(π) are distributed on the basis of a predetermined arrangement rule in the plurality of divided areas DA, the controller21may set different two types of arrangement patterns (for example, two types of arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other) to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along a direction based on the predetermined arrangement rule or that are arranged in an arrangement manner based on the predetermined arrangement rule, not limited to an example illustrated inFIG.13AtoFIG.14C.

According to the fourth specific example, the controller21sets the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA on the basis of the states of the mirror elements141in the plurality of divided areas DA and an arrangement direction of the plurality of divided areas DA. Thus, the processing load necessary for the intensity distribution compensating process is reduced in the fourth specific example compared to the second specific example or the third example.

Note that the controller21may set different two types of arrangement patterns to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along the X axis direction or the Y axis direction when the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in the plurality of divided areas DA. The controller21may set different two types of arrangement patterns to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along the X axis direction or along a direction intersecting with each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction when the mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(0) sequentially arranged along the X axis direction and the mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(π) sequentially arranged along the X axis direction are alternately distributed along the Y axis direction. The controller21may set different two types of arrangement patterns to two divided areas DA that are adjacent to each other along the Y axis direction or along a direction intersecting with each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction when the mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(0) sequentially arranged along the Y axis direction and the mirror element group including the plurality of mirror elements141(π) sequentially arranged along the Y axis direction are alternately distributed along the X axis direction.

Incidentally, in the fourth specific example, it can be said that the plurality of mirror elements141disposed in a first area (for example, the divided area DA #31) are set so that the mirror element141(0) in the first state (the 0 state) and the mirror element141(π) in the second state (π state) are arranged on the basis of a first rule (for example, the basic pattern #2) and the plurality of mirror elements141disposed in a second area (for example, the divided area DA #32) are set so that the mirror element141(0) in the first state (the 0 state) and the mirror element141(π) in the second state (π state) are arranged on the basis of a second rule (for example, the basic pattern #1). In this case, when an area in which the mirror element141(0) in the first state (the 0 state) and the mirror element141(π) in the second state (π state) are arranged on the basis of the first rule is expanded to include the second area, the state of the mirror elements141in the area including the second area (the divided area DA #32) and the state of the mirror elements141in the second area (the divided area DA #32) may be different from each other.

In the fourth specific example, diffracted light from the plurality of mirror elements141that are arranged on the basis of the first rule and that are disposed in the first area (for example, the divided area DA #31) and diffracted light from the plurality of mirror elements141that are arranged on the basis of the second rule and that are disposed in the second area (for example, the divided area DA #32) causes an interference (for example, a destructive interference) to weaken each other at an incident pupil surface of the projection optical system15, and the intensities of these diffracted light are decreased, and as a result, the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is reduced. In other words, it can be said that the first rule in the first area and the second rule in the second rule are determined so that the 0/1 checker pattern lights that enter the incident pupil surface of the projection optical system15from the first and second areas have different phases.

In the fourth specific example, it can be said that states (the first state (the 0 state) and the second state (the it state)) of mirror elements141-31aand141-31bin a first group among the plurality of optical elements141are set to have a cyclicity in a cyclic direction (for example, the X direction) and states (the first state (the 0 state) and the second state (the it state)) of mirror elements141-32aand141-32bin a second group among the plurality of optical elements141are set to have a cyclicity in the cyclic direction. In this case, a cycle of the plurality of mirror elements141-31aand141-31bin the first group and a cycle of the plurality of mirror elements141-32aand141-32bin the second group may have different phases in the cyclic direction. Here, a condition where the phases of the cycles of the states of the plurality of mirror elements141may mean a condition where phases of square waves are different from each other when the distribution of the plurality of mirror elements141are represented by the square wave in which a vertical axis represents states of the plurality of mirror elements141that cyclically changed from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state and a horizontal axis represents a position of the mirror element141. Moreover, the mirror elements141-32aand141-32bin the second group may be disposed at the cyclic direction (X axis direction) side from the mirror elements141-31aand141-31bin the first group. A plurality of rows of mirror elements may be disposed in the X direction between the mirror elements141-31aand141-31bin the first group and the mirror elements141-32aand141-32bin the second group, and each row may extend along the Y direction. Moreover, the mirror elements141-31aand141-31bin the first group and the mirror elements141-32aand141-32bin the second group may be adjacent to each other.

In the fourth specific example, it can be said that the two mirror elements141-31aand141-31bamong the plurality of mirror elements141are set so that the mirror element141-31ain the first state (the 0 state) and the mirror element141-31bin the second state (the π state) are arranged along the X direction and the two mirror elements141-32aand141-32bthat are different from the two mirror elements141-31aand141-31bamong the plurality of mirror elements141are set to be arranged along the X direction. In this case, an even number of rows of mirror elements141may be disposed between the mirror elements141-31aand141-31band the different mirror elements141-32aand141-32b. In this case, each row of the mirror elements141may extend along the Y direction and the number of rows of the mirror elements may be even number in the X direction. Incidentally, in this case, the two mirror elements and the different two mirror elements may be adjacent to each other. Here, the two mirror elements141and the different two mirror elements141may be adjacent to each other in the X direction.

In the fourth specific example, it can be said that the first mirror element141-31aamong the plurality of mirror elements141is set to be in the first state (0 state), the second mirror element141-31bthat is adjacent to the X direction side of the first mirror element141-31bamong the plurality of mirror elements141is set to be in the second state (π state), the third mirror element141-32aamong the plurality of mirror elements141is set to be in the second state (π state) and the fourth mirror element141-32bthat is adjacent to the X direction side of the third mirror element141-32bamong the plurality of mirror elements141is set to be in the first state (0 state). In this case, an odd number of mirror elements141may be disposed in the X direction or the Y direction between the first mirror element141-31aand the third mirror element141-32a. Moreover, a position of the first mirror element141-31amay be same as a position of the third mirror element141-32ain the X direction or in the Y direction.

Moreover, the controller21may apply “a rule of setting the arrangement pattern to the plurality of divided areas DA” used in the fourth specific example to the second or third specific example. Namely, in the second or third specific example, the controller21may set the appropriate arrangement pattern to each divided area DA on the basis of the states of the mirror elements141in the plurality of divided areas DA and the arrangement manner of the plurality of divided areas DA in setting the arrangement pattern to each divided area DA so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized.

However, there is a possibility that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is not minimized (alternatively, is not equal to or smaller than the first predetermined amount) only by setting the arrangement pattern to each divided area DA on the basis of the states of the mirror elements141in the plurality of divided areas DA and the arrangement manner of the plurality of divided areas DA. In this case, the controller21may change the arrangement pattern set to each divided area DA so that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized. Alternatively, the controller21may divide (namely, segmentalize) each divided area DA into smaller divided areas DA. Next, with reference toFIG.15AtoFIG.17B, an example in which each divided area DA is divided into smaller divided areas DA.

FIG.15Aillustrates an example in which four divided areas DA #51to DA #54in which the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction are adjacent in a 2×2 matrix manner. These four divided areas DA #51to DA #54may exists in an area in which the mirror elements141controlled to form adjacent four contact holes are disposed, for example. Moreover,FIG.15Billustrates the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3via these four divided areas DA #51to DA #54. As illustrated inFIG.15B, it turns out that the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3is distorted.

In the four divided areas DA #51to DA #54, the mirror element141(0) and the mirror element141(π) are alternately distributed along each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. Thus, the controller21sets arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other to the two divided areas DA #51and DA #54, respectively, so that the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #54is an arrangement pattern that is obtained by inverting the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #51that is adjacent to the divided area DA #54along a direction intersecting with each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction, as illustrated inFIG.16A. Similarly, the controller21sets arrangement patterns that are inverted from each other to the two divided areas DA #52and DA #53, respectively, so that the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #53is an arrangement pattern that is obtained by inverting the arrangement pattern set to the divided area DA #52that is adjacent to the divided area DA #53along a direction intersecting with each of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction, as illustrated inFIG.16A. However, as illustrated inFIG.16B, it turns out that the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3via these four divided areas DA #51to DA #54is still distorted. Namely, there is a possibility that the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is not minimized.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG.17A, the controller21divides the divided area DA #51into smaller four divided areas DA #51-1to DA #51-4. The controller21also divides each of the other divided areas DA #52to DA #54into smaller four divided areas DA. Then, the controller21sets the arrangement pattern to each of 4×4=16 divided areas DA. Even in this case, the controller21may set the arrangement pattern to each of the 16 divided areas DA by using the “rule of setting the arrangement pattern to the plurality of divided areas DA” used in the fourth specific example. Alternatively, the controller21may set the arrangement pattern to each of the 16 divided areas DA without using the “rule of setting the arrangement pattern to the plurality of divided areas DA”. Note thatFIG.17Aillustrates an example in which the arrangement pattern is set to each of the 16 divided areas DA without using the “rule of setting the arrangement pattern to the plurality of divided areas DA” used in the fourth specific example. As a result, the entrance amount R of the 0/1 checker pattern light in the pupil is minimized. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.17B, the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3via these 16 divided areas DA #51-1to DA #54-4is also minimized. Note that the distortion of the intensity distribution of the exposure light EL3may be an amount of a deformation from an intensity distribution in an ideal state. The intensity distribution in the ideal state may be a distribution in which the intensity is maximized in an area obtained by geometrically reducing or enlarging each of the divided areas DA #51to DA #54by the magnification of the projection optical system15and the intensity is zero in the other area.

Note that the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIG.18AtoFIG.18Cmay be used in the fourth specific example.

Note that the structure and the operation of the exposure apparatus1and the pattern design apparatus2described by usingFIG.1toFIG.18Cis one example. Therefore, at least one portion of the structure and the operation of the exposure apparatus1and the pattern design apparatus2may be properly modified. Next, one example of the modification of at least one portion of the structure and the operation of the exposure apparatus1and the pattern design apparatus2will be described.

In the above described description, the spatial light modulator14is the reflective type of spatial light modulator. However, the spatial light modulator14may be a transmission type of spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements (for example, a plurality of transmission pixels including a liquid crystal element and the like) through each of which the exposure light EL passes. Here, when the spatial light modulator14is the transmission type of spatial light modulator, the plurality of transmission pixels may control at least one of a light amount, a phase and a polarization of the light that passes through the transmission pixels. Moreover, although the light modulation surface14aof the spatial light modulator14has the rectangular shape in the above described description, not only the rectangular shape but also any shape such as a polygonal shape (a trapezoidal shape, a parallelogram shape, a hexagonal shape and the like), a circular shape, an oval shape and a long round shape may be used. Moreover, although the plurality of mirror elements141of the spatial light modulator14have the square shape in the above described description, not only the square shape but also any shape such as a polygonal shape (a trapezoidal shape, a parallelogram shape, a hexagonal shape and the like), a circular shape, an oval shape and a long round shape may be used.

In the above described description, the exposure apparatus1is a dry-type of exposure apparatus that exposes the wafer161not through liquid. However, the exposure apparatus1may be a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that forms a liquid immersion space including a light path of the exposure light EL3between the projection optical system15and the wafer161and exposes the wafer161through the projection optical system15and the liquid immersion space. Note that one example of the liquid immersion exposure apparatus is disclosed in EP1420298A2, WO2004/055803A1, US6,952,253B and so on, for example.

The exposure apparatus1may be a twin stage type or a multi stage type of exposure apparatus that includes a plurality of stages16. The exposure apparatus1may be a twin stage type or a multi stage type of exposure apparatus that includes a plurality of stages16and a measurement stage. One example of the twin stage type or the multi stage type of exposure apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,007B, 6,208,407B and 6,262,796B that are incorporated in the disclosures of the present application by reference, for example.

The optical source11may emit, as the exposure light EL1, any light that is different from the ArF excimer laser light having the wavelength of 193 nm. For example, the optical source11may emit deep-ultraviolet light (DUV light) such as KrF excimer laser light having a wavelength of 248 nm. The optical source11may emit vacuum-ultraviolet light (VUV light) such as F2laser light having a wavelength of 157 nm. The optical source11may emit any laser light or any light having a desired wavelength (for example, a bright line emitted from mercury lamp, and g-line, h-line, i-line or the like, for example)). The optical source11may emit harmonic that is generated by amplifying a single-wavelength laser light in an infrared range or a visible range oscillated from a DFB semiconductor laser or a fiber laser by a fiber amplifier in which erbium (alternatively, both of erbium and yttrium) is doped and wavelength-converting it to ultraviolet light by using a non-linear optical crystal, as disclosed in US7,023,610B. The optical source11may emit not only the light having the wavelength of 100 nm or more but also the light having the wavelength less than 100 nm. For example, the optical source11may emit EUV (Extreme Ultra Violet) light in a soft X-ray range (for example, a wavelength range from 5 to 15 nm). The exposure apparatus1may have an electron beam source that emits electron beam used as the exposure light EL1, in addition to or instead of the light source11. The exposure apparatus1may have a solid pulse laser optical source that generates harmonic of laser light outputted from a YAG laser or a solid laser (semiconductor laser and the like), in addition to or instead of the light source11. The solid pulse laser optical source is allowed to emit the pulse light that has the pulse width of Ins and the wavelength of 193 nm (other wavelength such as 213 nm, 266 nm, 355 nm, for example, may be used) and that is used as the exposure light EL1in a frequency from 1 to 2 MHz. The exposure apparatus1may have a beam source that emits any energy beam that is used as the exposure light EL1, in addition to or instead of the light source11.

Moreover, a polarized illumination method disclosed in US2006/0170901A1 and US2007/0146676A1 may be used in the above described description.

An object to which the device pattern is transferred is not limited to the wafer161and may be any object such as a glass plate, a ceramic substrate, a film member and a mask blanks. The exposure apparatus1may be an exposure apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor element that exposes a semiconductor element pattern on the wafer161. The exposure apparatus may be an exposure apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element or a display. The exposure apparatus1may be an exposure apparatus for manufacturing at least one of a thin film magnetic head, an imaging element (for example, a CCD), a micro machine, a MEMS, a DNA chip and a mask or a reticle that is used for a photolithography.

A micro device such as the semiconductor device or the like may be manufactured through each step illustrated inFIG.19. Steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device may include a step S201at which function and performance of the micro device is designed, a step S202at which the design variables are adjusted on the basis of the designed function and performance (see the above describedFIG.5), a step S203at which the wafer161that is the base material of the device is manufactured, a step S204at which the wafer161is exposed by the exposure light EL3obtained by the spatial light modulator14reflecting the exposure light EL2and the exposed wafer161is developed, a step S205including a device assembling process (a manufacturing process including a dicing process, a bonding process, a packaging process and the like) and an inspection step S206.

At least one portion of the aspect of each embodiment described above may be appropriately combined with at least another one portion of the aspect of each embodiment described above. One portion of the aspect of each embodiment described above may not be used. Moreover, the disclosures of all publications and United States patents that are cited in each embodiment described above and that relates to the exposure apparatus are incorporated in the disclosures of the present application by reference if it is legally permitted.

The present invention can be changed, if desired, without departing from the essence or spirit of the invention which can be read from the claims and the entire specification. A control apparatus and a control method, an exposure apparatus and an exposure method, a device manufacturing method, a data generating method and a program, which involve such changes, are also intended to be within the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CODES