Abstract:
A lithographic projection apparatus includes an illumination system arranged to condition a radiation beam, a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern, a substrate table configured to hold a substrate, a projection system arranged to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and a liquid supply system configured to at least partly fill a space between the projection system and the substrate, with a liquid. The projection system includes a first part and a second part that are two separate physical parts that are substantially isolated from each other such that vibrations in the second part are substantially prevented from being transferred to the first part. Each part includes an optical element of the projection system and the first and second parts are not attached to and movable with the substrate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Division of application Ser. No. 12/585,498 filed Sep. 16, 2009, which in turn is a division of application Ser. No. 11/322,125 filed Dec. 30, 2005, which in turn is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2004/010059, filed Jul. 8, 2004, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2003-272615 (filed on Jul. 9, 2003) and 2003-281182 (filed on Jul. 28, 2003). The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a coupling apparatus that couples two objects, an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate via a projection optical system in a state wherein a liquid is filled between the projection optical system and the substrate, and a device fabricating method that uses the exposure apparatus. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Semiconductor devices and liquid crystal display devices are fabricated by a so-called photolithography technique, wherein a pattern formed on a mask is transferred onto a photosensitive substrate. An exposure apparatus used by this photolithographic process comprises a mask stage that supports the mask, and a substrate stage that supports the substrate, and transfers the pattern of the mask onto the substrate via a projection optical system while successively moving the mask stage and the substrate stage. There has been demand in recent years for higher resolution projection optical systems in order to handle the much higher levels of integration of device patterns. As the exposure wavelength to be used is shorter, the resolution of the projection optical system becomes higher. As the numerical aperture of the projection optical system is larger, the resolution of the projection optical system becomes higher. Consequently, the exposure wavelength used in exposure apparatuses has shortened year by year, and the numerical aperture of projection optical systems has also increased. Furthermore, the currently mainstream exposure wavelength is the 248 nm KrF excimer laser, but an even shorter wavelength 193 nm ArF excimer laser is also being commercialized. In addition, the depth of focus (DOF) is also important as well as the resolution when performing an exposure. The following equations respectively express the resolution R and the depth of focus S. 
         [0000]        R=k   1   ·λ/NA,   (1) 
         [0000]      δ=± k   2   ·λ/NA   2 ,  (2) 
         [0006]    Therein, λ is the exposure wavelength, NA is the numerical aperture of the projection optical system, and k 1  and k 2  are the process coefficients. Equations (1) and (2) teach that shortening the exposure wavelength λ increases the resolution R, and that increasing the numerical aperture NA decreases the depth of focus δ. 
         [0007]    If the depth of focus δ becomes excessively small, then it will become difficult to align the surface of the substrate with the image plane of the projection optical system, and there will be a risk of insufficient margin of focus during the exposure operation. Accordingly, a liquid immersion method has been proposed, as disclosed in, for example, PCT International Publication No. WO99/49504 (Patent Document 1), as a method to substantially shorten the exposure wavelength and increase the depth of focus. In this liquid immersion method, the space between the lower surface of the projection optical system and the substrate surface is filled with a liquid such as water or any organic solvent to utilize the fact that the wavelength of the exposure light beam in the liquid is 1/n as compared with that in the air (n represents the refractive index of the liquid, which is about 1.2 to 1.6 in ordinary cases) so that the resolution is improved and the depth of focus is magnified about n times. Furthermore, the contents of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the laws or regulations of the states designated or elected by the present international patent application. 
         [0008]    Incidentally, there is a possibility that vibrations produced by the movement of the substrate stage that holds the substrate, and the like, in the state wherein the liquid is filled between the end surface (the terminal end surface) of the optical member on the most substrate side of the projection optical system and the substrate surface, will transmit to the optical member of the terminal end thereof via the liquid, and that the pattern image projected onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the liquid will unfortunately degrade. In addition, there is a possibility that changes in the pressure of that liquid will apply force to the projection optical system, and will fluctuate the projection optical system, and unfortunately degrade the pattern image projected onto the substrate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention was created considering such circumstances, and has a first object to provide an apparatus that couples two objects so that the vibration of one object does not transmit to the other object. In addition, the present invention has a second object to provide an exposure apparatus that can suppress the degradation of the pattern image when filling a liquid between a projection optical system and a substrate and performing an exposure, and a device fabricating method that uses this exposure apparatus. 
         [0010]    The first aspect of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate by filling a liquid between a projection optical system and the substrate, and projecting a pattern image onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the liquid, wherein: the projection optical system includes a first group having an optical member that contacts the liquid, and a second group that differs from the first group; the first group is supported by a first support member; and the second group is separated from the first group and is supported by a second support member that is different from the first support member. 
         [0011]    According to the present aspect, because, of the projection optical system, the first group including the optical member that contacts the liquid and the second group different therefrom are isolated and respectively supported by the first support member and the second support member, the first group and the second group can be vibrationally isolated. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the transmission of vibrations from the first group to the second group, to prevent degradation of the pattern image, and to manufacture a device with high pattern accuracy. 
         [0012]    The second aspect of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate by filling a liquid between a projection optical system and the substrate and projecting a pattern image onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the liquid, wherein: the projection optical system includes a first group has an optical member that contacts the liquid, and a second group that is different from the first group; and a drive mechanism, which moves the first group, adjusts the position of the first group with respect to the second group. 
         [0013]    According to the present aspect, because, of the projection optical system, the first group including the optical member that contacts the liquid can be positioned at a desired position with respect to the second group different from the first group, it is possible to prevent degradation of the pattern image, and to manufacture a high-precision device, even if liquid is filled between the projection optical system and the substrate. 
         [0014]    The third aspect of the present invention is a coupling apparatus that couples a first object and a second object, including: a parallel link mechanism that couples the first object and the second object; and a vibration isolating mechanism that is built in the parallel link mechanism so that vibrations of one of the first object and the second object do not transmit to the other. 
         [0015]    According to the present aspect, by coupling the first object and the second object using the parallel link mechanism in which the vibration isolating mechanism is built, it is possible to prevent the transmission of the vibrations (fluctuations) of the one object to the other object. In addition, by driving the parallel link mechanism, it is possible to maintain and adjust the relative position between the first object and the second object. 
         [0016]    The fourth aspect of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate by filling a liquid in at least one part between a projection optical system and the substrate, and projecting a pattern image onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the liquid, wherein: the projection optical system includes a first group having at least an optical member that contacts the liquid, and a second group disposed between the first group and the pattern; and the exposure apparatus includes: a first holding member that holds the first group; a second holding member that holds the second group isolated from the first holding member; and a frame member that supports the first holding member and the second holding member. 
         [0017]    According to the present aspect, because the first group including the optical member that contacts the liquid and the second group different therefrom are isolated and respectively supported by the first holding member and the second holding member, it is possible to vibrationally isolate the first group and the second group. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the transmission of vibrations, caused by the liquid, from the first holding member holding the first group to the second holding member holding the second group, to prevent degradation of the pattern image, and to manufacture a device with high pattern accuracy. 
         [0018]    In addition, if, for example, the reference mirror (fixed minor) of the interferometer system for measuring the position information of the substrate stage is affixed to the second holding member, by preventing the transmission of the vibrations to the second holding member, the measurement of the position information of the substrate stage and the position control of the substrate stage based on that measurement result can be performed with good accuracy. 
         [0019]    The fifth aspect of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate by irradiating the substrate with an exposure light via a projection optical system and a liquid, wherein: the projection optical system includes a first group having an optical member that contacts the liquid, and a second group disposed between the first group and a pattern; and the exposure apparatus includes: a first holding member that holds the first group; a second holding member that holds the second group isolated from the first holding member; a frame member for supporting the first holding member; and a linking mechanism including a vibration isolating mechanism for controlling the vibrations of at least one of the first holding member and the frame member, and that links the first holding member and the frame member. 
         [0020]    According to the present aspect, because the first group including the optical member that contacts the liquid and the second group different therefrom are isolated and respectively supported by the first holding member and the second holding member, it is possible to vibrationally isolate the first group and the second group. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the transmission of vibrations, caused by, for example, the liquid, from the first holding member holding the first group to the second holding member holding the second group, to prevent degradation of the pattern image, and to manufacture a device with high pattern accuracy. 
         [0021]    The sixth aspect of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate by irradiating the substrate with an exposure light via a projection optical system and a liquid, including: a liquid immersion mechanism that forms an immersion area at only one part on the substrate during exposure of the substrate; wherein, the projection optical system includes a first group having an optical member that contacts the liquid, and a second group disposed between the first group and a pattern; and the first group and the second group are supported vibrationally isolated. 
         [0022]    According to the present aspect, because the first group including the optical member that contacts the liquid and the second group different therefrom are supported vibrationally isolated, it is possible to prevent the transmission of vibrations, caused by, for example, the liquid, from the first group to the second group, to prevent degradation of the pattern image, and to manufacture a device with high pattern accuracy. 
         [0023]    In addition, the seventh aspect of the present invention is a device fabricating method, wherein an exposure apparatus as recited above is used. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram showing the first embodiment of an exposure apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows the positional relationship between a tip portion of a projection optical system, a liquid supply apparatus, and a liquid recovery apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary arrangement of supply nozzles and recovery nozzles. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram showing the first embodiment of a support structure of the projection optical system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing one example of a support structure of a first group. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing the second embodiment of the support structure of the projection optical system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram showing the second embodiment of the exposure apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  shows the positional relationship between the tip portion of the projection optical system, a liquid supply mechanism, and a liquid recovery mechanism. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  shows an exemplary arrangement of the supply nozzles and the recovery nozzles. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a schematic oblique view showing a coupling apparatus. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of a link part that constitutes the coupling apparatus. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a schematic block diagram showing a measuring means that measures the position information of the first group. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  depicts one example of an interferometer. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view for explaining the features of the double pass interferometer depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view of the optical path of the interferometer. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  shows another embodiment of the measuring means that measures the position information of the first group. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart showing one example of the processes for manufacturing a semiconductor device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    The following explains the exposure apparatus and a device fabricating method of the present invention, referencing the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments below; for example, the constituent elements of these embodiments may be suitably combined. 
       First Embodiment of the Exposure Apparatus 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram that depicts the first embodiment of the exposure apparatus according to the present invention. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 1 , the exposure apparatus EX includes a mask stage MST that supports a mask M; a substrate stage PST that supports a substrate P; an illumination optical system IL that illuminates with an exposure light EL the mask M supported by the mask stage MST; a projection optical system PL that projects and exposes an image of a pattern of the mask M illuminated by the exposure light EL onto the substrate P supported by the substrate stage PST; and a control apparatus CONT that collectively controls the overall operation of the exposure apparatus EX. 
         [0044]    Here, as an example, the present embodiment explains a case of using, as the exposure apparatus EX, a scanning type exposure apparatus (a so-called scanning stepper) that, while synchronously moving the mask M and the substrate P in mutually different directions (opposite directions) in the scanning direction, exposes the substrate P with the pattern formed on the mask M. In the following explanation, the direction that coincides with an optical axis AX of the projection optical system PL is the Z axial direction, the direction in which the mask M and the substrate P synchronously move in the plane perpendicular to the Z axial direction (the scanning direction) is the X axial direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z axial direction and the X axial direction (the non-scanning direction) is the Y axial direction. In addition, the rotational (inclined) directions around the X, Y, and Z axes are the θX, θY, and θZ directions, respectively. Furthermore, “substrate” herein includes one in which a semiconductor wafer is coated with a photoresist, and “mask” includes a reticle wherein is formed a device pattern that is reduction projected onto the substrate. 
         [0045]    The exposure apparatus EX of the present embodiment is a liquid immersion type exposure apparatus that applies the liquid immersion method to substantially shorten the exposure wavelength, improve the resolution, as well as substantially increase the depth of focus, and includes a liquid supply apparatus  1  that supplies a liquid  50  onto the substrate P, and a liquid recovery apparatus  2  that recovers the liquid  50  on the substrate P. At least during the transfer of the pattern image of the mask M onto the substrate P, the exposure apparatus EX forms the immersion area, by the liquid  50  supplied from the liquid supply apparatus  1 , at one part on the substrate P that includes a projection area of the projection optical system PL. Specifically, the exposure apparatus EX exposes the substrate P by locally filling the liquid  50  between a tip surface (lowest surface)  7  of an optical element  60  of the tip portion of the projection optical system PL and the surface of the substrate P; and then projecting the pattern image of the mask M onto the substrate P via the liquid  50  between this projection optical system PL and the substrate P, and via the projection optical system PL. 
         [0046]    The illumination optical system IL illuminates with the exposure light EL the mask M supported by the mask stage MST, and includes: an exposure light source; an optical integrator that uniformizes the intensity of the luminous flux emitted from the exposure light source; a condenser lens that condenses the exposure light EL from the optical integrator; a relay lens system; and a variable field stop that sets to a slit shape an illumination region on the mask M illuminated by the exposure light EL; and the like. The illumination optical system IL illuminates the predetermined illumination region on the mask M with the exposure light EL, having a uniform illumination intensity distribution. Examples of light used as the exposure light EL emitted from the illumination optical system IL include: deep ultraviolet light (DUV light), such as bright lines (g, h, and i lines) in the ultraviolet region emitted from a mercury lamp for example, and KrF excimer laser light (248 nm wavelength); and vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV light), such as ArF excimer laser light (193 nm wavelength) and F, laser light (157 nm wavelength). ArF excimer laser light is used in the present embodiment. 
         [0047]    The mask stage MST supports the mask M, and is two dimensionally movable in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX of the projection optical system PL, i.e., in the XY plane, and is finely rotatable in the OZ direction. A mask stage drive apparatus MSTD, such as a linear motor, drives the mask stage MST. The control apparatus CONT controls the mask stage drive apparatus MSTD. A laser interferometer measures in real time the position, in the two dimensional direction, and the rotational angle of the mask M on the mask stage MST, and outputs the measurement results to the control apparatus CONT. The control apparatus CONT drives the mask stage drive apparatus MSTD based on the measurement results of the laser interferometer, thereby positioning the mask M, which is supported by the mask stage MST. 
         [0048]    The projection optical system PL projection-exposes the pattern of the mask M onto the substrate P with a predetermined projection magnification β, and includes a plurality of optical elements (lenses), and these optical elements are supported by a lens barrel PK. In the present embodiment, the projection optical system PL is a reduction system having a projection magnification β of, for example, ¼ or ⅕. Furthermore, the projection optical system PL may be either a unity magnification system or an enlargement system. 
         [0049]    The projection optical system PL includes: the optical element (first group)  60  disposed on the tip side (the substrate P side) thereof and having an optical member that contacts the liquid  50 ; and a projection optical system main body (second group) MPL that includes a plurality of optical elements disposed between the optical element  60  and the mask M. The lens barrel PK supports the projection optical system main body MPL, and the optical element  60  is supported separated from the lens barrel PK. The details of the support structure of the optical element  60  and the projection optical system main body MPL will be discussed later. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the optical element  60  that constitutes the first group consists of one optical member (lens). 
         [0050]    The substrate stage PST supports the substrate P, and includes: a Z stage  51  that holds the substrate P via a substrate holder, and an XY stage  52  that supports the Z stage  51 . A stage base  53  supports the substrate stage PST includes the Z stage  51  and the XY stage  52 . A substrate stage drive apparatus PSTD, such as a linear motor, drives the substrate stage PST. The control apparatus CONT controls the substrate stage drive apparatus PSTD. By driving the Z stage  51 , the position in the Z axial direction (the focus position) and in the θX and θY directions of the substrate P held on the Z stage  51  is controlled. In addition, by driving the XY stage  52 , the position of the substrate P in the XY direction (the position in a direction substantially parallel to the image plane of the projection optical system PL) is controlled. In other words, the Z stage  51  controls the focus position and the inclination angle of the substrate P and aligns the surface of the substrate P with the image plane of the projection optical system PL by an auto focus system and an auto leveling system; further, the XY stage  52  positions the substrate P in the X axial direction and Y axial direction. It goes without saying that the Z stage and the XY stage may be integrally provided. 
         [0051]    A movable mirror  54  that moves integrally with the substrate stage PST is provided on the substrate stage PST (the Z stage  51 ). In addition, a laser interferometer  55  is provided at a position opposing the movable minor  54 . The laser interferometer  55  measures in real time the position in the two dimensional direction and the rotational angle of the substrate P on the substrate stage PST, and outputs the measurement results to the control apparatus CONT. The control apparatus CONT drives the substrate stage drive apparatus PSTD based on the measurement results of the laser interferometer  55 , thereby positioning the substrate P supported on the substrate stage PST. 
         [0052]    The exposure apparatus EX includes: the liquid supply apparatus  1  that supplies the predetermined liquid  50  into a space  56  between the tip surface (tip surface of optical element  60 )  7  of the projection optical system PL and the substrate P; and the liquid recovery apparatus  2  that recovers the liquid  50  from the space  56 . The liquid supply apparatus  1  is for the purpose of filling the liquid  50  in at least one part between the projection optical system PL and the substrate P, and has a tank that stores the liquid  50 , a pressurizing pump, and the like. One end of a supply pipe  3  is connected to the liquid supply apparatus  1 , and a supply nozzle  4  is connected to the other end of the supply pipe  3 . The liquid supply apparatus  1  supplies the liquid  50  into the space  56  via the supply pipe  3  and the supply nozzle  4 . 
         [0053]    The liquid recovery apparatus  2  has a suction pump, the tank that stores the recovered liquid  50 , and the like. One end of a recovery pipe  6  is connected to the liquid recovery apparatus  2 , and a recovery nozzle  5  is connected to the other end part of the recovery pipe  6 . The liquid recovery apparatus  2  recovers the liquid  50  from the space  56  via the recovery nozzle  5  and the recovery pipe  6 . When filling the liquid  50  into the space  56 , the control apparatus CONT drives the liquid supply apparatus  1 , supplies a predetermined amount of the liquid  50  per unit of time into the space  56  via the supply pipe  3  and the supply nozzle  4 , and also drives the liquid recovery apparatus  2  and recovers from the space  56  a predetermined amount of the liquid  50  per unit of time via the recovery nozzle  5  and the recovery pipe  6 . Thereby, the liquid  50  is disposed in the space  56  between the tip surface  7  of the projection optical system PL and the substrate P. 
         [0054]    In the present embodiment, pure water is used as the liquid  50 . Pure water is capable of transmitting not only ArF excimer laser light, but also the exposure light EL if set to deep ultraviolet light (DUV light), such as the bright lines (g, h, and i lines) in the ultraviolet region emitted from, for example, a mercury lamp, and KrF excimer laser light (248 nm wavelength). 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  is a front view that depicts the lower portion of the projection optical system PL of the exposure apparatus EX, the liquid supply apparatus  1 , the liquid recovery apparatus  2 , and the like. A tip portion  60 A of the optical element  60  at the lowest end of the projection optical system PL in  FIG. 2  is formed to have rectangular shape which is long in the Y axial direction (the non-scanning direction), leaving just the portion needed in the scanning direction. During scanning exposure, the pattern image of one part of the mask M is projected onto the rectangular projection area directly below the tip portion  60 A, and, synchronized to the movement of the mask M at a speed V in the −X direction (or the +X direction) with respect to the projection optical system PL, the substrate P moves at a speed β·V (where β is the projection magnification) in the +X direction (or the −X direction) via the XY stage  52 . Further, after the exposure of one shot region is completed, the next shot region moves to the scanning start position by stepping the substrate P, and the exposure process is subsequently performed sequentially for each shot region by the step-and-scan system. In the present embodiment, the liquid  50  flows parallel to and in the same direction as the movement direction of the substrate P. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  depicts the positional relationship between the tip portion  60 A of the lens  60  of the projection optical system PL, the supply nozzles  4  ( 4 A- 4 C) that supply the liquid  50  in the X axial direction, and the recovery nozzles  5  ( 5 A,  5 B) that recover the liquid  50 . In  FIG. 3 , the tip portion  60 A of the lens  60  is a rectangular shape that is long in the Y axial direction; further, the three supply nozzles  4 A- 4 C are disposed on the +X side and the two recovery nozzles  5 A,  5 B are disposed on the X side so that the tip portion  60 A of the lens  60  of the projection optical system PL is interposed therebetween in the X axial direction. Further, the supply nozzles  4 A- 4 C are connected to the liquid supply apparatus  1  via the supply pipe  3 , and the recovery nozzles  5 A,  5 B are connected to the liquid recovery apparatus  2  via the recovery pipe  6 . In addition, supply nozzles  8 A- 8 C and recovery nozzles  9 A,  9 B are disposed substantially 180° rotated from the supply nozzles  4 A- 4 C and the recovery nozzles  5 A,  5 B. The supply nozzles  4 A- 4 C and the recovery nozzles  9 A,  9 B are alternately arrayed in the Y axial direction, the supply nozzles  8 A- 8 C and the recovery nozzles  5 A,  5 B are alternately arrayed in the Y axial direction, the supply nozzles  8 A- 8 C are connected to the liquid supply apparatus  1  via a supply pipe  10 , and the recovery nozzles  9 A,  9 B are connected to the liquid recovery apparatus  2  via a recovery pipe  11 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram for explaining the support structure of the projection optical system PL. 
         [0058]    Furthermore, to simplify the explanation, the liquid  50 , the liquid supply apparatus  1 , the liquid recovery apparatus  2 , and the like, are omitted from  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 4 , the exposure apparatus EX includes a main frame  42  that supports the projection optical system main body MPL, and a base frame  43  that supports the main frame  42  and the substrate stage PST (the Z stage  51  and the XY stage  52 ). A flange  41  is provided at the outer circumference of the lens barrel PK that holds the projection optical system main body MPL, and the main frame (second support member)  42  supports the projection optical system main body MPL via this flange  41 . 
         [0059]    A vibration isolating apparatus  44  is disposed between the main frame  42  and the base frame  43 , and the vibration isolating apparatus  44  isolates the main frame  42  from the base frame  43  so that vibrations of the base frame  43  do not transmit to the main frame  42  that holds the projection optical system main body MPL. The base frame  43  is installed substantially horizontally on the floor surface of the clean room via foot parts  45 . 
         [0060]    The stage base (first base member)  53  is supported on the base frame (second base member)  43  via a vibration isolating apparatus  46 . This vibration isolating apparatus  46  isolates the base frame  43  from the stage base  53  so that vibrations of the base frame  43  do not transmit to the stage base  53 , and so that vibrations of the stage base  53  do not transmit to the base frame  43 . 
         [0061]    The substrate stage PST is supported on the stage base  53  in a non-contact manner using air bearings, and the like, and the substrate stage PST is two dimensionally movable on the stage base  53  using linear motors (not shown). A support frame (first support member)  47  is provided on the stage base  53 , and the support frame  47  supports a casing (lens cell)  61  that holds the optical element  60 . Thus, the support frame  47  that holds the optical element  60  (casing  61 ) and the main frame  42  that supports the projection optical system main body MPL are isolated via the vibration isolating apparatuses  44 ,  46  so that vibrations do not mutually transmit. 
         [0062]    Furthermore, in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 4 , a vibration isolating apparatus the same as the vibration isolating apparatuses  44 ,  46  may be provided between the support frame  47  and the stage base  53 , and an elastic member, such as rubber, may be disposed so that vibrations that do transmit between the support frame  47  and the stage base  53  are attenuated. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the optical element  60  of the projection optical system PL. 
         [0064]    A voice coil motor (drive mechanism)  48  is disposed between the support frame  47  and the casing  61  that holds the optical element  60 , the support frame  47  supports the casing  61  via the voice coil motor  48  in a non-contact manner, and the optical element  60  held by the casing  61  is movable in the Z axial direction by driving the voice coil motor  48 . In addition, the main frame  42  is provided with an interferometer (measuring apparatus)  71  that receives reflected light from a measuring mirror  49   a  affixed to the casing  61  and from a measuring mirror  49   b  affixed to the lens barrel PK, and measures the spacing between the projection optical system main body MPL and the optical element  60 . Three voice coil motors  48  are disposed between the casing  61  and the support frame  47  at, for example, 120° intervals from one another, and are constituted so that they can each move independently, so that they can move in the Z axial direction, and so that they can incline with respect to the projection optical system MPL. Based on the measurement result of the interferometer  71 , the voice coil motor  48  is controlled so that the predetermined positional relationship (predetermined spacing) between the projection optical system main body MPL and the optical element  60  is maintained. 
         [0065]    The following explains the procedure for using the exposure apparatus EX discussed above to expose the pattern of the mask M onto the substrate P. 
         [0066]    After the mask M is loaded on the mask stage MST and the substrate P is loaded on the substrate stage PST, the control apparatus CONT drives the liquid supply apparatus  1 , and starts the operation to supply liquid to the space  56 . Further, if scanning exposure is performed by moving the substrate P in the scanning direction (the −X direction) depicted by an arrow Xa (refer to  FIG. 3 ), then the liquid supply apparatus  1  and the liquid recovery apparatus  2  use the supply pipe  3 , the supply nozzles  4 A- 4 C, the recovery pipe  6 , and the recovery nozzles  5 A,  5 B to supply and recover the liquid  50 . Namely, when the substrate P moves in the −X direction, the liquid  50  is supplied between the projection optical system PL and the substrate P from the liquid supply apparatus  1  via the supply pipe  3  and the supply nozzles  4  ( 4 A- 4 C), the liquid  50  is also recovered by the liquid recovery apparatus  2  via the recovery nozzles  5  ( 5 A,  5 B) and the recovery pipe  6 , and the liquid  50  thereby flows in the −X direction so that it fills between the optical element  60  and the substrate P. On the other hand, if scanning exposure is performed by moving the substrate P in the scanning direction (the +X direction) depicted by an arrow Xb, then the liquid supply apparatus  1  and the liquid recovery apparatus  2  use the supply pipe  10 , the supply nozzles  8 A- 8 C, the recovery pipe  11 , and the recovery nozzles  9 A,  9 B to supply and recover the liquid  50 . Namely, when the substrate P moves in the +X direction, the liquid  50  is supplied between the projection optical system PL and the substrate P by the liquid supply apparatus  1  via the supply pipe  10  and the supply nozzles  8  ( 8 A- 8 C), the liquid  50  is also recovered by the liquid recovery apparatus  2  via the recovery nozzles  9  ( 9 A,  9 B) and the recovery pipe  11 , and the liquid  50  thereby flows in the +X direction so that it fills between the optical element  60  and the substrate P. In this case, the liquid  50  can be easily supplied into the space  56 , even if the supplied energy of the liquid supply apparatus  1  is small, because the liquid  50  supplied, for example, from the liquid supply apparatus  1  via the supply nozzles  4  flows so that it is drawn into the space  56  as the substrate P moves in the −X direction. Further, even if the substrate P is scanned in either the +X direction or the −X direction by switching the direction in which the liquid  50  flows in accordance with the scanning direction, the liquid  50  can be filled between the tip surface  7  of the optical element  60  and the substrate P, and a high resolution and large depth of focus can thereby be obtained. 
         [0067]    Here, a cooling apparatus may be provided that cools a coil part of the voice coil motor  48  to set a predetermined temperature. In that case, water may be used as the refrigerant for that cooling apparatus, which may be shared with part of the temperature regulating apparatus that sets the liquid  50  to a predetermined temperature. 
         [0068]    In addition, the interferometer  71  continuously monitors the spacing between the lens barrel PK that holds the projection optical system main body MPL and the casing  61  that holds the optical element  60 ; if the spacing changes due to, for example, vibrations of the substrate stage PST and/or a pressure change in the liquid  50 , then, based on the measurement result from the interferometer  71 , the voice coil motor  48  moves the optical element  60  held by the casing  61 , thereby maintaining the spacing (positional relationship) between the projection optical system main body MPL and the optical element  60  in a predetermined state. 
         [0069]    Thus, in the present embodiment, the main frame  42  that supports the projection optical system main body MPL and the support frame  47  that holds the optical element  60  are vibrationally isolated, and it is therefore possible to prevent vibrations transmitted to the optical element  60  from being transmitted to the projection optical system main body MPL. In addition, because the optical element  60  is supported by the support frame  47  via the voice coil motor  48  in a non-contact manner, thereby protected against vibrations from the support frame  47 , the position in the X axial and Y axial directions is stable, and the position in the Z axial direction is also controlled by the voice coil motor  48 ; therefore, the optical element  60  can be positioned in a predetermined state with respect to the projection optical system main body MPL. Accordingly, even if performing an immersion exposure by filling the liquid  50  between the optical element  60  of the projection optical system PL and the substrate P, the desired pattern image can be formed on the substrate P without causing any degradation of the pattern image. In addition, if the lens barrel PK is provided with a reference mirror used with the interferometer  55  to monitor the substrate stage PST as well as with an interferometer (not shown) to monitor the mask stage MST, then vibrations of the optical element  60  do not transmit to the lens barrel PK, and it is therefore possible to prevent measurement errors in each of the interferometers. 
         [0070]    Furthermore, a plurality of measuring mirrors may be provided respectively for the projection optical system main body MPL and the casing  61 , and the spacing between the projection optical system main body MPL and the casing  61 , as well as their relative inclination and their relative position in the X axial direction and the Y axial direction, may also be measured. In addition, based on those measurement results, the voice coil motor  48  may, for example, incline the optical element  60 , move the optical element  60  in the X axial direction and/or the Y axial direction. In addition, the present embodiment is constituted to move the optical element  60 , but may be constituted to Move the projection optical system main body MPL. In addition, if the projection state (imaging state) of the pattern image projected on the substrate P changes due to fluctuations in the optical element  60 , then a part of the plurality of optical members that constitute the projection optical system main body MPL may be moved so as to compensate for changes in the projection state. 
         [0071]    Furthermore, in the first embodiment discussed above, the interferometer system ( 49   a ,  49   b ,  71 ) is used as the measuring apparatus, but a measuring apparatus employing another system may be used provided that it can measure the positional relationship between the projection optical system main body MPL and the optical element  60  with a predetermined accuracy. For example, instead of the interferometer system discussed above, it is acceptable to use a measuring apparatus that optically measures the relative position information of measurement marks disposed respectively on the lens barrel PK and the casing  61 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram that depicts another embodiment of the support structure of the projection optical system. 
         [0073]    The present embodiment differs from the embodiment of the support structure of the projection optical system explained referencing  FIG. 14  on the point that a support frame  47 ′ that supports the casing  61  that holds the optical element  60  is affixed to the base frame  43 . In the present embodiment as well, the main frame  42  that supports the projection optical system main body MPL and the support frame  47 ′ that holds the optical element  60  are vibrationally isolated, and vibrations transmitted to the optical element  60  thereby do not transmit to the projection optical system main body MPL, and the positional relationship between the projection optical system main body MPL and the optical element  60  is also maintained in a predetermined state; therefore, the desired pattern image can be formed on the substrate P without causing degradation of the pattern image, even if performing an immersion exposure by filling the liquid  50  between the optical element  60  of the projection optical system PL and the substrate P. 
         [0074]    Furthermore, if the projection optical system main body MPL and the optical element  60  are vibrationally isolated, then the respective support member (frame) is not limited to the embodiments discussed above. 
         [0075]    In addition, in the abovementioned embodiments, the casing  61  is constituted so that it holds only one optical element  60 , but may hold a plurality of optical elements that includes the optical element  60 . In addition, in embodiments discussed above, the projection optical system PL is divided into two groups: the optical element  60 , and the projection optical system main body MPL between the mask M and the optical element  60 ; however, it may be separated into three or more groups, and the relative position of the first group, including the optical element  60 , and the groups not adjacent to that first group may be maintained in a predetermined state. 
         [0076]    The above embodiments are not particularly limited to the nozzle configurations discussed above, e.g., the liquid  50  may be supplied and recovered by two pairs of nozzles on the long sides of the tip part  60 A. Furthermore, in this case, the supply nozzles and the recovery nozzles may be disposed so that they are arrayed vertically in order to enable the supply and recovery of the liquid  50  from either the +X direction or the −X direction. 
       Second Embodiment of the Exposure Apparatus 
       [0077]      FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram that depicts the second embodiment of the exposure apparatus according to the present invention. 
         [0078]    In  FIG. 7 , an exposure apparatus EX 2  includes a mask stage MST 2  that supports a mask M 2 , a substrate stage PST 2  that supports a substrate P 2 , an illumination optical system IL 2  that illuminates the mask M 2  supported by the mask stage MST 2  with exposure light EL 2 , a projection optical system PL 2  that projects and exposes the pattern image of the mask M 2  illuminated by the exposure light EL 2  onto the substrate P 2  supported by the substrate stage PST 2 , and a control apparatus CONT 2  that performs overall control of the operation of the entire exposure apparatus EX 2 . Furthermore, the exposure apparatus EX 2  includes a main column  103  that supports the mask stage MST 2  and the projection optical system PL 2 . The main column  103  is installed on the base plate  104  which is placed horizontally upon the floor surface. An upper side step part (upper side support part)  103 A and a lower side step part (lower side support part)  103 B that protrude inwardly are formed in the main column  103 . 
         [0079]    The exposure apparatus EX 2  of the present embodiment is a liquid immersion type exposure apparatus that applies the liquid immersion method to substantially shorten the exposure wavelength, improve the resolution, as well as substantially increase the depth of focus, and includes a liquid supply mechanism  110  that supplies a liquid  101  onto the substrate P 2 , and a liquid recovery mechanism  120  that recovers the liquid  101  on the substrate P 2 . At least during the transfer of the pattern image of the mask M 2  onto the substrate P 2 , the exposure apparatus EX 2  forms an immersion area AR 2 , by the liquid  101  supplied from the liquid supply mechanism  110 , at one part on the substrate P 2  that includes a projection area AR 1  of the projection optical system PL 2 . Specifically, the exposure apparatus EX 2  exposes the substrate P 2  by locally filling the liquid  101  between an optical member (optical element)  102  of the tip part (terminal end part) of the projection optical system PL 2  and the surface of the substrate P 2 ; and then projecting the pattern image of the mask M 2  onto the substrate P 2  via the liquid  101  between the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 , and via the projection optical system PL 2 . 
         [0080]    As an example, the present embodiment explains a case of using, as the exposure apparatus EX 2 , a scanning type exposure apparatus (a so-called scanning stepper) that, while synchronously moving the mask M 2  and the substrate P 2  in mutually different directions (opposite directions) in the scanning direction, exposes the substrate P 2  with the pattern formed on the mask M 2 . In the following explanation, the direction that coincides with an optical axis AX 2  of the projection optical system PL 2  is the Z axial direction, the direction in which the mask M 2  and the substrate P 2  synchronously move in the plane perpendicular to the Z axial direction (the scanning direction) is the X axial direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z axial direction and the X axial direction (the non-scanning direction) is the Y axial direction. In addition, the rotational (inclined) directions around the X, Y, and Z axes are the θX, θY, and θZ directions, respectively. Furthermore, “substrate” herein includes one in which a semiconductor wafer is coated with a photoresist, which is a photosensitive material, and “mask” includes a reticle wherein is formed a device pattern that is reduction projected onto the substrate. 
         [0081]    The illumination optical system IL 2  is supported by a support column  105  fixed to the upper part of the main column  103 . The illumination optical system IL 2  illuminates with the exposure light EL 2  the mask M 2  supported by the mask stage MST 2 , and includes: an exposure light source; an optical integrator that uniformizes the intensity of the luminous flux emitted from the exposure light source; a condenser lens that condenses the exposure light EL 2  from the optical integrator; a relay lens system; a variable field stop that sets to a slit shape an illumination region on the mask M 2  illuminated by the exposure light EL 2 ; and the like. The illumination optical system IL 2  illuminates the predetermined illumination region on the mask M 2  with the exposure light EL 2 , having a uniform illumination intensity distribution. Examples of light used as the exposure light EL 2  emitted from the illumination optical system IL 2  include: deep ultraviolet light (DUV light), such as bright lines (g, h, and i lines) in the ultraviolet region emitted from a mercury lamp for example, and KrF excimer laser light (248 nm wavelength); and vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV light), such as ArF excimer laser light (193 nm wavelength) and F 2  laser light (157 nm wavelength). ArF excimer laser light is used in the present embodiment. 
         [0082]    In the present embodiment, pure water is used as the liquid  101 . Pure water is capable of transmitting not only ArF excimer laser light, but also deep ultraviolet light (DUV light), such as the bright lines (g, h, and i lines) in the ultraviolet region emitted from, for example, a mercury lamp, and KrF excimer laser light (248 nm wavelength). 
         [0083]    The mask stage MST 2  supports the mask M 2 , and includes an aperture  134 A at its center part through which passes the pattern image of the mask M 2 . A mask base plate  131  is supported on the upper side step part  103 A of the main column  103  via a vibration isolating unit  106 . An aperture  134 B through which passes the pattern image of the mask M 2  is also formed at the center part of the mask base plate  131 . A plurality of gas bearings (air bearings)  132 , which are non-contact bearings, is provided at the lower surface of the mask stage MST 2 . The mask stage MST 2  is supported by the air bearings  132  in a non-contact manner with respect to an upper surface (guide surface)  131 A of the mask base plate  131 , and is two dimensionally movable by the mask stage drive mechanism, such as a linear motor, within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX 2  of the projection optical system PL 2 , i.e., within the XY plane, and is finely rotatable about the θZ direction. A movable minor  135  is provided at a predetermined position on the +X side on the mask stage MST 2 . In addition, a laser interferometer  136  is provided at a position opposing the movable minor  135 . Likewise, although not shown, a movable minor is also provided on the +Y side on the mask stage MST 2 , and a laser interferometer is provided at a position opposing thereto. The laser interferometer  136  measures in real time the position, in the two dimensional direction, and the rotational angle in the θZ direction (depending on the case, also including the rotational angles in the θX, θY directions) of the mask M 2  on the mask stage MST 2 , and outputs the measurement results to the control apparatus CONT 2 . The control apparatus CONT 2  drives the mask stage drive mechanism based on the measurement results of the laser interferometer  136 , thereby positioning the mask M 2 , which is supported by the mask stage MST 2 . 
         [0084]    The projection optical system PL 2  projects and exposes the pattern of the mask M 2  onto the substrate P 2  with a predetermined projection magnification β. In the present embodiment, the projection optical system PL 2  is a reduction system having a projection magnification β of for example, ¼ or ⅕. Furthermore, the projection optical system PL 2  may be either a unity magnification system or an enlargement system. The projection optical system PL 2  includes: the optical element (first group)  102  disposed on the terminal side (the substrate P 2  side) thereof and that contacts the liquid  101 ; and an optical group (second group) MPL 2  that includes a plurality of optical elements disposed between the optical member  102  and the mask M 2  having a pattern. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first group has only the optical member  102 , i.e., only one lens element (optical element). A metal lens cell (first holding member) LS 2  holds the lens element  102 . The lens cell LS 2  is made of metal, and a spring mechanism (not shown) is interposed between the lens cell LS 2  and the lens element  102 . Further, a lens barrel (second holding member) PK 2  holds the optical group MPL 2 . The lens cell LS 2  and the lens barrel PK 2  are isolated. 
         [0085]    An outer circumferential part of the lens barrel PK 2  is provided with a flange part FLG 2 . In addition, a lens barrel base plate  108  is supported via a vibration isolating unit  107  on the lower side step part  103 B of the main column  103 . Furthermore, engaging the flange part FLG 2  to the lens barrel base plate  108  causes the lens barrel PK 2 , which holds the optical group MPL 2 , to be supported by the lens barrel base plate (frame member)  108 . 
         [0086]    The lens cell LS 2  that holds the lens element  102  is coupled to the lens barrel base plate  108  by a coupling apparatus  160 , which is discussed in detail later, and supported by the lens barrel base plate  108  via the coupling apparatus  160 . The lens element  102  held by the lens cell LS 2  is movable by the coupling apparatus  160  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  held by the lens barrel PK 2 . 
         [0087]    Each of the plurality of optical elements that constitutes the projection optical system PL 2  is made of fluorite or quartz, and aspherical surface polishing process is applied to the curved surface of a part of the optical elements. In particular, if the lens element  102  is made of fluorite, then this fluorite will unfortunately corrode due to water if left as is over a long period of time, and it is therefore coated beforehand with an appropriate thin film to increase its affinity. Thereby, the liquid  101  can be made to closely contact the substantially entire surface of the liquid contact surface of the lens element  102 , and the optical path between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2  can thereby be reliably filled with the liquid  101 . Furthermore, the lens element  102  may also be made of quartz, which has a high affinity for water. In addition, if the liquid contact surface of the lens element  102  is treated to make it hydrophilic (lyophilic), such as with a coating, and its affinity for water is thereby increased, then it may have a special film structure (for example, a film that changes its molecular arrangement if an electric field is applied, or a film that increases in temperature if a minute electric current flows) so that, in a dried state wherein the water has been removed from the immersion area AR 2 , moisture from the liquid contact surface of the lens element  102  rapidly escapes. 
         [0088]    The substrate stage PST 2  is movable while holding the substrate P 2  by suction via a substrate holder PH 2 , and a plurality of gas bearings (air bearing)  142 , which are non-contact bearings, is provided at the lower surface thereof. A substrate base plate  141  is supported on a base plate  104  via a vibration isolating unit  109 . A substrate stage PST 2  is supported by the air bearings  142  in a non-contact manner with respect to an upper surface (guide surface)  141 A of the substrate base plate  141 , and is finely rotatable in the θZ direction and two dimensionally movable within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX 2  of the projection optical system PL 2 , i.e., within the XY plane, by a substrate stage drive mechanism, such as a linear motor. Furthermore, the substrate stage PST 2  is also movable in the Z axial direction, the θX direction, and the θY direction. The control apparatus CONT 2  controls the substrate stage drive mechanism. The substrate stage PST 2  aligns the surface of the substrate P 2  with the image plane of the projection optical system PL 2  by an auto focus system and an auto leveling system, by controlling the focus position (Z position) and the inclination angle of the substrate P 2 , and also positions the substrate P 2  in the X axial direction and the Y axial direction. 
         [0089]    A movable minor  180  that moves integrally with the substrate stage PST 2  is provided at a predetermined position on the +X side on the substrate stage PST 2  (substrate holder PH 2 ), and a reference mirror (fixed minor)  181  is provided at a predetermined position on the +X side of the lens barrel PK 2 . In addition, a laser interferometer  182  is provided at a position opposing the movable mirror  180 . The laser interferometer  182  irradiates the movable mirror  180  with a measuring beam (measuring light), and also irradiates the reference mirror  181  with a reference beam (reference light) via minors  183 A,  183 B. The reflected light of each of the movable mirror  180  and the reference mirror  181  based on the irradiated measuring beam and the reference beam is received by a light receiving part of the laser interferometer  182 . The laser interferometer  182  causes these light beams to interfere, and measures the amount of change in the optical path length of the measuring beam, using the optical path length of the reference beam as a reference, and the position (coordinate) and/or displacement of the movable mirror  180 , using the reference minor  181  as a reference. The lens barrel PK 2  supports the reference minor  181 , and the substrate holder PH 2  (substrate stage PST 2 ) supports the movable mirror  180 . Likewise, although not shown, a movable mirror and a reference mirror are also provided on the +Y side of the lens barrel PK 2  on the substrate stage PST 2  respectively, and a laser interferometer is provided at a position opposing thereto. The laser interferometer  182  measures in real time the position in the two dimensional direction and the rotational angle of the substrate P 2 , and the measurement results are outputted to the control apparatus CONT 2 . The control apparatus CONT 2  moves and positions the substrate P 2  supported by the substrate stage PST 2  by driving the substrate stage drive mechanism, which includes a linear motor, based on the measurement results of the laser interferometer  182 . 
         [0090]    In addition, an auxiliary plate  143  that surrounds the substrate P 2  is provided on the substrate stage PST 2  (substrate holder PH 2 ). The auxiliary plate  143  has a flat surface of substantially the same height as the surface of the substrate P 2  held by the substrate holder PH 2 . The liquid  101  can be held below the projection optical system PL 2  using the auxiliary plate  143  even when exposing the edge area of the substrate P 2 . 
         [0091]    The substrate stage PST 2  is supported freely movable in the X axial direction by an X guide stage  144 . The substrate stage PST 2  is movable by a predetermined stroke in the X axial direction by an X linear motor  147  while being guided by the X guide stage  144 . The X linear motor  147  includes a stator  147 A provided in the X guide stage  144  extending in the X axial direction, and a slider  147 B provided corresponding to the stator  147 A and fixed to the substrate stage PST 2 . Furthermore, the substrate stage PST 2  moves in the X axial direction by driving the slider  147 B with respect to the stator  147 A. Here, the substrate stage PST 2  is supported, in a non-contact manner, by a magnetic guide including an actuator and a magnet that maintains a gap of a predetermined size in the Z axial direction with respect to the X guide stage  144 . The X linear motor  147  moves the substrate stage PST 2  in the X axial direction in a state supported by the X guide stage  144  in a non-contact manner. 
         [0092]    The ends of the X guide stage  144  in the longitudinal direction are each provided with one of the pair of Y linear motors  148  capable of moving this X guide stage  144  along with the substrate stage PST 2  in the Y axial direction. The Y linear motors  148  respectively include sliders  148 B, provided at both ends of the X guide stage  144  in the longitudinal direction, and stators  148 A provided corresponding to these sliders  148 B. 
         [0093]    Furthermore, the X guide stage  144  along with the substrate stage PST 2  moves in the Y axial direction by driving the sliders  148 B with respect to the stators  148 A. In addition, the X guide stage  144  can also be rotated in the OZ direction by adjusting the respective drives of the Y linear motors  148 . Accordingly, the substrate stage PST 2  is movable substantially integrally with the X guide stage  144  in the Y axial direction and the OZ direction by these linear motors  148 . 
         [0094]    Guides  149  that guide the movement of the X guide stage  144  in the Y axial direction are provided respectively on both sides of the substrate base plate  141  in the X axial direction. Each guide part  149  is supported on the base plate  104 . Further, a U-shaped guided member  145  is provided on the lower surface of the X guide stage  144  at each end of the X guide stage  144  in the longitudinal direction. Each guide part  149  is provided so that it engages with the respective guided member  145 , and so that the upper surface (the guide surface) of each guide part  149  opposes the inner surface of the guided member  145 . The guide surface of each guide part  149  is provided with a gas bearing (air bearing)  146 , which is a non-contact bearing, and the X guide stage  144  is supported by the guide surfaces of the guide parts  149  in a non-contact manner. 
         [0095]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view that depicts the vicinity of the liquid supply mechanism  110 , the liquid recovery mechanism  120 , and the tip portion of the projection optical system PL 2 . 
         [0096]    The liquid supply mechanism  110  supplies the liquid  101  between the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 , and includes a liquid supply section  111  capable of feeding the liquid  101 ; and supply nozzles  114 , which are connected to the liquid supply section  111  via a supply pipe  115 , that supply the liquid  101  fed from this liquid supply section  111  onto the substrate P 2 . The supply nozzles  114  are disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate P 2 . The liquid supply section  111  includes a tank that stores the liquid  101 , a pressurizing pump, a temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature of the liquid  101  to be supplied, and the like, and supplies the liquid  101  onto the substrate P 2  via the supply pipe  115  and the supply nozzles  114 . The control apparatus CONT 2  controls the operation by which the liquid supply section  111  supplies the liquid, and can control the amount of liquid supplied per unit of time onto the substrate P 2  by the liquid supply section  111 . 
         [0097]    The liquid recovery mechanism  120  recovers the liquid  101  on the substrate P 2  supplied by the liquid supply mechanism  110 , and includes recovery nozzles  121  disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate P 2 , and a liquid recovery section  125  connected to the recovery nozzles  121  via a recovery pipe  124 . The liquid recovery section  125  includes a suction pump, and a tank that can store the recovered liquid  101 . The liquid  101  recovered by the liquid recovery section  125  is, for example, discharged, or cleaned and returned to the liquid supply section  111 , and the like, for reuse. 
         [0098]    When forming the immersion area AR 2  on the substrate P 2 , the control apparatus CONT 2  drives the liquid supply section  111  to supply a predetermined amount of the liquid  101  per unit of time via the supply pipe  115  and the supply nozzles  114 , and also drives the liquid recovery section  125  to recover a predetermined amount of the liquid  101  per unit of time via the recovery nozzles  121  and the recovery pipe  124 . Thereby, an immersion area AR 2  of the liquid  101  is formed between the lens element  102  of the terminal end part of the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 . 
         [0099]    Furthermore, as depicted in the partial cross sectional views of  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the liquid supply mechanism  110  and the liquid recovery mechanism  120  are supported and isolated from the lens barrel base plate  108 . Thereby, vibrations produced by the liquid supply mechanism  110  and the liquid recovery mechanism  120  do not transmit to the projection optical system PL 2  via the lens barrel base plate  108 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 9  is plan view that depicts the positional relationship between the liquid supply mechanism  110 , the liquid recovery mechanism  120 , and the projection area AR 1  of the projection optical system PL 2 . The projection area AR 1  of the projection optical system PL 2  is a rectangular shape (slit shape) that is long in the Y axial direction; further, the three supply nozzles  114 A- 114 C are disposed on the +X side and the two recovery nozzles  121 A,  121 B are disposed on the X side so that the projection area AR 1  is interposed therebetween in the X axial direction. Furthermore, the supply nozzles  114 A- 114 C are connected to the liquid supply section  111  via the supply pipe  115 , and the recovery nozzles  121 A,  121 B are connected to the liquid recovery section  125  via the recovery pipe  124 . In addition, supply nozzles  114 ′- 114 C′ and recovery nozzles  121 A′,  121   a  are disposed in an arrangement substantially 180° rotated from the supply nozzles  114 A- 114 C and the recovery nozzles  121 A,  121 B. The supply nozzles  114 A- 114 C and the recovery nozzles  121 A′,  121 B′ are alternately arrayed in the Y axial direction, the supply nozzles  114 A′- 114 C′ and the recovery nozzles  121 A,  121 B are alternately arrayed in the Y axial direction, the supply nozzles  114 A′- 114 C′ are connected to the liquid supply section  111  via a supply pipe  115 ′, and the recovery nozzles  121 A′,  121 B′ are connected to the liquid recovery section  125  via a recovery pipe  124 ′. 
         [0101]      FIG. 10  is an oblique view that depicts the coupling apparatus  160  that couples the lens cell LS 2  and the lens barrel base plate  108 . 
         [0102]    The coupling apparatus  160  includes a parallel link mechanism provided with a plurality of link parts  161  arranged in a row and each having an actuator unit  162 . In the present embodiment, the coupling apparatus  160  is a six degrees of freedom parallel link mechanism including six link parts  161 , and the lens cell LS 2  is kinematically supported. In the present embodiment, the link parts  161  are disposed at substantially 120° intervals, two at a time as pairs. Furthermore, the six link parts  161  may be arranged at equal intervals, or may be arranged at unequal intervals. 
         [0103]    Each link part  161  includes a first linking member  164  linked to the lens cell LS 2  via a spherical bearing  163 , and a second linking member  166  linked to the lens barrel base plate  108  via a spherical bearing  165 . The first and second linking members  164 ,  166  are shaft shaped members, and are provided movable in the axial direction with respect to a tubular member  167  that constitutes the actuator unit  162 . Furthermore, the first and second linking members  164 ,  166  can be moved in the axial direction with respect to the tubular member  167  of the actuator unit  162  by driving the actuator unit  162 , and thereby the link part  161  can maintain or change (expand or contract) the spacing between the spherical bearing  163  and the spherical bearing  165 . 
         [0104]    By expanding and contracting each of the link parts  161 , the coupling apparatus  160  can maintain or adjust the attitude of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel base plate  108 . Because the lens barrel PK 2  that holds the optical group MPL 2  is supported by the lens barrel base plate  108 , and the lens element  102  is held by the lens cell LS 2 , the coupling apparatus  160  can substantially maintain or adjust the attitude of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  by expanding or contracting each of the link parts  161 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the link part  161 . 
         [0106]    In  FIG. 11 , the link part  161  includes the tubular member  167 , and the first and second linking members  164 ,  166 , which are shaft shaped members provided movable (retractable) with respect to the tubular member  167 . The spherical bearings  163 ,  165  are provided respectively at tip parts  164 A,  166 A of the first and second linking members  164 ,  166 . Gas bearings (air bearings)  168 ,  169 , which are non-contact bearings, are disposed respectively between the tubular member  167  and the first and second linking members  164 ,  166 . Furthermore, other systems of bearings that use magnetism and the like can also be used as the non-contact bearings. Two air bearings  168  are provided arranged in a row in the axial direction at a position opposing the first linking member  164  on the inner surface of the tubular member  167 . Likewise, two air bearings  169  are provided lined up in the axial direction at a position opposing the second linking member  166  on the inner surface of the tubular member  167 . These air bearings  168 ,  169  are tubularly provided along the inner surface of the tubular member  167 . A gas supply source  171  supplies compressed gas (air) to the air bearings  168 ,  169  via a passageway  170  formed inside the tubular member  167 . The first and second linking members  164 ,  166  are supported by the air bearings  168 ,  169  in a non-contact manner with respect to the tubular member  167 . 
         [0107]    A first voice coil motor  172  is disposed between the first linking member  164  and the tubular member  167  as a drive mechanism that drives the first linking member  164 . In the present embodiment, a coil  172 A is provided along the inner surface of the tubular member  167  and a magnet  172 B is provided along an outer circumferential surface of the first linking member  164 , both constituting the first voice coil motor  172 . Furthermore, driving the first voice coil motor  172  generates Lorentz&#39;s force, and the first linking member  164  supported by the tubular member  167  in a non-contact manner is movable in the axial direction thereof. 
         [0108]    Likewise, a second voice coil motor  173  is disposed between the second linking member  166  and the tubular member  167  as a drive mechanism that drives the second linking member  166 . A coil  173 A is provided along the inner surface of the tubular member  167  and a magnet  173 B is provided along the outer circumferential surface of the second linking member  166 , both constituting the second voice coil motor  173 . Furthermore, driving the second voice coil motor  173  generates Lorentz&#39;s force, and the second linking member  166  supported by the tubular member  167  in a non-contact manner is movable in the axial direction thereof. 
         [0109]    The link part  161  uses Lorentz&#39;s force produced by the voice coil motors  172 ,  173  to move the first and second linking members  164 ,  166 , and the distance between the tip part  164 A of the first linking member  164  and the tip part  166 A of the second linking member  166  can thereby be changed. In other words, the link part  161  is expandable and contractible. 
         [0110]    The first linking member  164  and the second linking member  166  are linked in a non-contact manner, and a space  174  therebetween is connected to a vacuum apparatus  176  via a passageway  175  formed in the tubular member  167 . 
         [0111]    By driving the vacuum apparatus  176 , a negative pressure is applied to the space  174 . Thereby, in a state wherein the lens cell LS 2  is linked to the first linking member  164  and the lens barrel base plate  108  is linked to the second linking member  166 , even if the first linking member  164  receives a force, such as the weight of the lens cell LS 2  and its own weight of the first linking member  164 , in a direction away from the second linking member  166 , a counterforce acts to pull together the first linking member  164  and second linking member  166  which are linked in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, if the lens cell LS 2  is held with the projection optical system PL 2  turned upside down, then a positive pressure may be applied to the space  174  between the first linking member  164  and the second linking member  166 . 
         [0112]    A first encoder  177 , which is a position measuring apparatus that measures the position information of the first linking member  164  with respect to the tubular member  167 , is provided at a predetermined position disposed at a rear end part  164 B of the first linking member  164 , i.e., at the space  174  of the first linking member  164 . Likewise, a second encoder  178 , which is a position measuring apparatus that measures the position information of the second linking member  166  with respect to the tubular member  167 , is provided at a predetermined position disposed at the rear end part  166 B of the second linking member  166 , i.e., at the space  174  of the second linking member  166 . The measurement result of each of the first and second encoders  177 ,  178  is outputted to the control apparatus CONT 2 . Further, because the relative position information between the first linking member  164  and the tubular member  167  is measured by the first encoder  177 , and the relative position information between the second linking member  166  and the tubular member  167  is measured by the second encoder  178 , the control apparatus CONT 2  can obtain the position information of the first linking member  164  with respect to the second linking member  166  based on the measurement results of these first and second encoders  177 ,  178 . The first linking member  164  is linked to the lens cell LS 2  that holds the lens element  102 , and the second linking member  166  is linked to the lens barrel base plate  108  that supports the lens barrel PK 2  that holds the optical group MPL 2 . Accordingly, by obtaining the position information of the first linking member  164  with respect to the second linking member  166 , the control apparatus CONT 2  can substantially obtain the position information of the lens cell LS 2  (the lens element  102 ) with respect to the lens barrel base plate  108  (the optical group MPL 2 ). 
         [0113]    Further, based on the measurement results of the first and second encoders  177 ,  178  provided in each of the six link parts  161 , the control apparatus CONT 2  obtains the attitude information of the lens cell LS 2  (lens element  102 ) with respect to the lens barrel base plate  108  (optical group MPL 2 ). 
         [0114]    When expanding and contracting each of the link parts  161  in the present embodiment (when changing the distance between the tip part  164 A of the first linking member  164  and the tip part  166 A of the second linking member  166 ), only the first voice coil motor  172  is driven, and the second voice coil motor  173  is not driven. Further, because the air bearing  168  supports the first linking member  164  in a non-contact manner with respect to the tubular member  167 , when driving the voice coil motor  172  in order to change the distance between the tip part  164 A of the first linking member  164  and the tip part  166 A of the second linking member  166 , the tubular member  167  moves in a direction the opposite of the movement direction of the first linking member  164  by just the amount of that applied drive impulse divided by the mass of the tubular member  167 . This movement of the tubular member  167  offsets the reaction force which is generated with the drive of the voice coil motor  172  in order to move the first linking member  164 , or in order to maintain the attitude of the first linking member  164  after the movement. In other words, this tubular member  167  functions as a so-called counter mass. The action of the tubular member  167  as a counter mass absorbs the vibrations produced by the movement of the lens cell LS 2  via the first linking member  164 , and those vibrations therefore do not transmit to the lens barrel base plate  108 . 
         [0115]    In addition, when, for example, a force is applied to the lens cell LS 2  by the liquid  101 , the voice coil motor  172  drives to maintain the attitude of the lens cell LS 2 , i.e., so that the first linking member  164  does not move. At this time, the tubular member  167  moves in the direction the reverse of the direction in which the voice coil motor  172  applied a force to the first linking member  164 , and the reaction force which is generated with the drive of the voice coil motor  172  is thereby offset. In this case as well, the action of the tubular member  167  absorbs the vibrations produced by the lens cell LS 2 , and it is therefore possible to prevent the transmission of those vibrations to the lens barrel base plate  108 . 
         [0116]    The following explains the procedure for using the exposure apparatus EX 2  discussed above to expose the pattern of the mask M 2  onto the substrate P 2 . 
         [0117]    After the mask M 2  is loaded onto the mask stage MST 2  and the substrate P 2  is loaded onto the substrate stage PST 2 , the control apparatus CONT 2  drives the liquid supply section  111  of the liquid supply mechanism  110 , and supplies a predetermined amount of liquid  101  per unit of time onto the substrate P 2  via the supply pipe  115  and the supply nozzles  114 . In addition, the control apparatus CONT 2  drives the liquid recovery section  125  of the liquid recovery mechanism  120  as the liquid supply mechanism  110  supplies the liquid  101 , and recovers a predetermined amount of the liquid  101  per unit of time via the recovery nozzles  121  and the recovery pipe  124 . Thereby, the immersion area AR 2  of the liquid  101  is formed between the lens element  102  of the tip part of the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 . Furthermore, the control apparatus CONT 2  illuminates the mask M 2  with the exposure light EL 2  by the illumination optical system  1 L 2 , and projects an image of the pattern of the mask M 2  onto the substrate P 2  via the projection optical system PL 2  and the liquid  101 . 
         [0118]    During a scanning exposure, the pattern image of part of the mask M 2  is projected onto the projection area AR 1 , and the substrate P 2  moves in the +X direction (or −X direction) at a speed β·V (where β is the projection magnification) via the substrate stage PST 2  synchronized to the movement of the mask M 2  at the speed V in the −X direction (or +X direction) with respect to the projection optical system PL 2 . Further, after the exposure of one shot region is completed, the next shot region moves to the scanning start position by the stepping of the substrate P 2 , and the exposure process is successively performed subsequently for each shot region by the step-and-scan system. In the present embodiment, the liquid  101  is flowed in a direction parallel to and identical to the movement direction of the substrate P 2 . In other words, if the scanning exposure is performed by moving the substrate P 2  in the scanning direction (the −X direction) depicted by an arrow Xa 2  (refer to  FIG. 9 ), then the liquid supply mechanism  110  and the liquid recovery mechanism  120  use the supply pipe  115 , the supply nozzles  114 A- 114 C, the recovery pipe  124 , and the recovery nozzles  121 A,  121 B to supply and recover the liquid  101 . In other words, when the substrate P moves in the −X direction, the supply nozzles  114  ( 114 A- 114 C) supply the liquid  101  between the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 , the recovery nozzles  121  ( 121 A,  121 B) recover the liquid  101  on the substrate P 2 , and the liquid  101  thereby flows in the −X direction so that it fills between the lens element  102  at the tip portion of the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 . On the other hand, if the scanning exposure is performed by moving the substrate P 2  in the scanning direction (the +X direction) depicted by an arrow Xb 2  (refer to  FIG. 9 ), then the liquid supply mechanism  110  and the liquid recovery mechanism  120  use the supply pipe  115 ′, the supply nozzles  114 A′- 114 C′, the recovery pipe  124 ′, and the recovery nozzles  121 A′,  121 B′ to supply and recover the liquid  101 . In other words, when the substrate P moves in the +X direction, the supply nozzles  114 ′ ( 114 A′- 114 C′) supply the liquid  101  between the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 , the recovery nozzles  121 ′ ( 121 A′,  121 B′) recover the liquid  101 , and the surrounding gas, on the substrate P 2 , and the liquid  101  thereby flows in the +X direction so that it fills between the lens element  102  at the tip portion of the projection optical system PL 2  and the substrate P 2 . In this case, the liquid  101  can be easily supplied between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2 , even if the supplied energy of the liquid supply mechanism  110  (liquid supply part  111 ) is small, because the liquid  101  supplied, for example, via the supply nozzles  114 , flows so that it is drawn between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2  as the substrate P 2  moves in the −X direction. Further, even if the substrate P 2  is scanned in either the +X direction or the −X direction by switching the direction in which the liquid  101  flows in accordance with the scanning direction, the liquid  101  can be filled between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2 , and a high resolution and large depth of focus can thereby be obtained. 
         [0119]    Here, the vibration component produced by the substrate P 2  side due to the movement of the substrate stage PST 2  in the XY direction to perform scanning and exposure, and/or due to the movement in the Z axial direction and the inclined directions (θX, θY directions) to perform focus-leveling adjustment, may be transmitted to the lens element  102  via the liquid  101  of the immersion area AR 2 . In addition, it is also conceivable that the viscous resistance of the liquid  101  in the immersion area AR 2  may move the lens element  102  when scanning the substrate P 2 . In that case, there is a possibility that the pattern image projected onto the substrate P 2  via the projection optical system PL 2  and the liquid  101  will unfortunately degrade. 
         [0120]    Incidentally, because the lens element  102 , which contacts the liquid  101 , and the optical group MPL 2  are isolated and held by the lens cell LS 2  and the lens barrel PK 2 , respectively, the lens element  102  and the optical group MPL 2  can be vibrationally isolated. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the transmission to the optical group MPL 2  of vibrations transmitted to the lens element  102 . 
         [0121]    When vibrations act upon the lens element  102 , the lens element  102  moves, and changes its relative position with the optical group MPL 2 , and there is consequently a possibility of inviting degradation of the pattern image therewith. At this time, the control apparatus CONT 2  obtains the attitude information of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  based on the measurement results of the first and second encoders  177 ,  178  provided in each of the link parts  161  that constitute the coupling apparatus  160 . 
         [0122]    The control apparatus CONT 2  can maintain in a desired state the position (attitude) of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  by driving the first voice coil motor  172  of each of the link parts  161  based on the obtained attitude information. In other words, the control apparatus CONT 2  performs feedback control wherein the first voice coil motor  172  is driven to maintain in a desired state the attitude of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  based on the measurement results of the first and second encoders  177 ,  178 . Thereby, even if vibrations act upon the lens element  102 , the lens element  102  moves, and thereby the relative position with respect to the optical group MPL 2  is made to change, the positional relationship between the optical group MPL 2  and the lens element  102  can be constantly maintained, and it is therefore possible to ensure that vibrations of the lens element  102  do not transmit to the optical group MPL 2 . 
         [0123]    At this time, the control apparatus CONT 2  obtains the position information of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  in each of the X axial, Y axial, Z axial, θX, θY and AZ directions by performing arithmetic processing based on the measurement results of the encoders  177 ,  178  provided in each of the six link parts  161 . In addition, the control apparatus CONT 2  controls the position of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  in each of the X axial, Y axial, Z axial, θX, θY and θZ directions by expanding and contracting each of the six link parts  161 . 
         [0124]    Furthermore, because vibrations produced when driving the first voice coil motor  172  are absorbed by the action of the tubular member  167  as a counter mass, which is a vibration isolating mechanism built in the link part  161 , it is possible to ensure that the vibrations are not transmitted to the optical group MPL 2  via the lens barrel base plate  108  and the lens barrel PK 2 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent degradation of the pattern image projected onto the substrate P 2 . 
         [0125]    In addition, by preventing the transmission of the vibrations to the optical group MPL 2  and to the lens barrel PK 2  that holds the optical group MPL 2 , the measurement of the position information of the substrate stage PST 2  and the control of its position based on those measurement results can be performed with good accuracy, even if the reference mirror (fixed mirror)  181  of the interferometer system for measuring the position information of the substrate stage PST 2  is affixed to the lens barrel PK 2 . 
         [0126]    In the present embodiment, when each link part  161  is expanded and contracted, and the attitude of the lens element  102  held by the lens cell LS 2  is controlled, only the first voice coil motor  172  is driven, and the second voice coil motor  173  is not driven, as discussed above. In other words, when controlling the attitude of the lens element  102 , electric power for its control is supplied only to the first voice coil motor  172 , and hardly any (or no) electric power is supplied to the second voice coil motor  173 . Furthermore, when moving the first voice coil motor  172  for controlling the attitude of the lens element  102 , for example, toward the arrow J 1  side in  FIG. 11 , then the tubular member  167  moves toward the arrow J 2  side. At this time, the second linking member  166  linked to the lens barrel base plate  108  does not move. Depending on the scanning exposure conditions, there is a possibility that the tubular member  167  will continue to move only in, for example, the arrow J 2  direction. In that case, there is a possibility that the first linking member  164  will disconnect from the tubular member  167  if the relative position gap between the tubular member  167  and the first and second linking members  164 ,  166  increases. Therefore, when the relative position between the tubular member  167  and the first and second linking members  164 ,  166  exceeds a permissible value, the control apparatus CONT 2  corrects the position of the tubular member  167  by driving the second voice coil motor  173 . Furthermore, the second voice coil motor  173  may be driven with a timing other than the exposure operation, such as, for example, during replacement of the substrate, and/or the time from after the exposure of the first shot region until before the exposure of the next second shot region. Furthermore, when the attitude of the lens element  102  (the lens cell LS 2 ) is controlled by the first voice coil motor  172  during exposure, the vacuum apparatus  176  maintains the space  174  at a constant pressure. 
         [0127]    In the present embodiment, by negatively pressurizing the space  174  between the first linking member  164  and the second linking member  166 , the relative position (distance) between the first linking member  164  and second linking member  166  which are linked in anon-contact manner is maintained, even if the first linking member  164  receives a force, due to, for example, the weight of the lens cell LS 2  and its own weight of the first linking member  164 , in a direction away from the second linking member  166 . Further, by continuing to supply electric power to the voice coil motors  172 ,  173 , it is also possible that they will be subject to the weight of the lens cell LS 2  and its own weight of the first linking member  164 ; in that case, there is a possibility that the amount of electric power supplied to the voice coil motors will increase, and it cause the generation of heat. Because the link parts  161  are disposed in the vicinity of the image plane of the projection optical system PL 2 , there is a possibility that the generation of heat will cause degradation of the pattern image projected onto the substrate P 2 . 
         [0128]    Furthermore, because the weight of the lens cell LS 2  and its own weight of the first linking member  164  are supported by applying a negative pressure to the space  174 , the electric power supplied to the voice coil motors may be just the electric power for controlling the attitude of the lens cell LS 2  (the lens element  102 ). Accordingly, the amount of electric power supplied to the voice coil motors can be curbed, and the problems associated with the generation of heat can be suppressed. 
         [0129]    Furthermore, a temperature regulator may be provided for adjusting the temperature of (for cooling) these voice coil motors  172 ,  173  in order to suppress the impact on the pattern image due to the generation of heat by the voice coil motors  172 ,  173 . 
         [0130]    By providing the space  174 , the elastic action of the gas of that space  174  can reduce the high frequency component of the vibrations that attempt to transmit from the lens cell LS 2  side to the lens barrel base plate  108  side. 
         [0131]    Furthermore, because the relatively low frequency component of the vibrations is reduced by the voice coil motors, the link parts  161  (the coupling apparatus  160 ) can achieve the affect of eliminating the vibrations over a broad frequency band. Thus, by combining active vibration isolation (dynamic vibration isolation) using the voice coil motors with passive vibration isolation (passive vibration isolation) using the elastic action of the gas of the space  174 , it is possible to effectively suppress the transmission to the optical group MPL 2  of the vibrations that act upon the lens element  102 . 
         [0132]    Furthermore, instead of a constitution wherein the weight of the lens cell LS 2  and its own weight of the first linking member  164  are received by the space  174  negatively pressurized, the first linking member  164  and the second linking member  166  may be linked by, for example, a spring member. 
         [0133]    Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lens cell LS 2  is constituted so that it holds only one lens element  102 , but may be constituted so that it holds a plurality of lens elements (optical elements). 
         [0134]    In addition, in the exposure apparatus of the second embodiment as well, the projection optical system PL 2  is divided into two groups: the optical element  102 , and the projection optical system main body MPL 2  between the mask M 2  and the optical element  102 ; however, it may be divided into three or more groups. 
         [0135]    Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, the second linking member  166  of the link part  161  is linked to the lens barrel base plate  108 , but may be linked to another member, e.g., the column  103  (the lower side step part  103 B). 
         [0136]    Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, the attitude control (the control of the active vibration isolation from the optical group MPL 2 ) of the lens element  102  is accomplished by feedback control based on the result of measuring the position of the lens element  102  by the encoders  177 ,  178 ; however, in that case, there is the possibility of control delays. Therefore, it is also possible to perform active vibration isolation with feedforward control, wherein, physical quantities related to the behavior of the exposure apparatus EX 2  and/or the liquid  101  during scanning exposure are obtained prior to performing the exposure, and the attitude of the lens element  102  is controlled by driving the link part  161  (voice coil motor  172 ) during the exposure based on those obtained physical quantities. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine feedback control and feedforward control. 
         [0137]    If performing feedforward control, then a test exposure is performed beforehand and a plurality of physical quantities are obtained. Namely, an identification test is performed on the system of the exposure apparatus EX 2 , and the dynamic characteristics, including the physical quantities of that system, are obtained. In the identification test, the substrate stage PST 2  is scanned in a state wherein the immersion area AR 2  is formed between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2  using the liquid supply mechanism  110  and the liquid recovery mechanism  120 , and the physical quantities are detected using the abovementioned encoders  177 ,  178  and/or the laser interferometer  182 . Furthermore, the voice coil motors  172 ,  173  are, of course, not driven during the identification test. The detected physical quantities include: the time during the exposure sequence; the position, speed, and acceleration of the substrate P 2 ; the position, speed, and acceleration of the lens element  102 ; the relative position, the relative speed, and the relative acceleration between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2 ; and the like. The position, speed, and acceleration values are detected for all X axial, Y axial, Z axial, θX, θY and θZ directions (six degrees of freedom). Furthermore, the detected physical quantities include the amount (volume and mass), for example, of the liquid  1  to be supplied. The plurality of physical quantities detected by the identification test are stored in the control apparatus CONT 2 . Based on the detected physical quantities, the control apparatus CONT 2  determines the control quantities (electric power for control) for driving the voice coil motors  172  ( 173 ), and performs the exposure while driving the voice coil motor  172  based on those determined physical quantities so that it vibrationally isolates the optical group MPL 2 . Thus, the control apparatus CONT 2  can use the voice coil motor  172  to perform vibration isolation in accordance with the dynamic characteristics (operation) of the exposure apparatus EX 2  itself, and can maintain the positional relationship between the optical group MPL 2  and the lens element  102  in the desired state. 
         [0138]    Incidentally, as discussed above, the control apparatus CONT 2  can control the attitude of the lens element  102  by expanding and contracting each of the plurality of link parts  161 . Therefore, by actively controlling the attitude of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  by expanding and contracting the link parts  161 , the control apparatus CONT 2  can adjust the pattern image to be formed on the substrate P 2  via the projection optical system PL 2 . Furthermore, by driving the lens element  102 , at least one of the image plane, the image position, and the distortion can be controlled. By employing the constitution wherein the pattern image is adjusted by driving the lens element  102 , a high speed response can be achieved compared to the constitution wherein the heavy substrate stage PST 2  is driven, because the relatively lightweight lens element  102  is driven, for example, when aligning the image plane of the projection optical system PL 2  to the surface of the substrate P 2 . Of course, in that case, both the substrate stage PST 2  and the lens element  102  may be driven. 
         [0139]    The abovementioned embodiment is constituted to obtain the attitude of the lens element  102  based on the measurement results of the encoders  177 ,  178  provided in each of the six link parts  161 . In this case, because the control apparatus CONT 2  obtains the attitude information of the lens element  102  by performing arithmetic processing based on the measurement results of the encoders  177 ,  178  of the six link parts  161 , errors in the position measurement (arithmetic errors) may arise due to errors in the attachment and the installation of the link parts  161 , and the like. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the position information of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  may be measured by a measuring apparatus  190  including a laser interferometer system. The control apparatus CONT 2  controls the attitude of the lens element  102  by expanding and contracting each of the link parts  161  based on the measurement result of that measuring apparatus  190 . Because the position information of the lens element  102  with respect to the optical group MPL 2  can be directly derived by the laser interferometer system without going through arithmetic processing, the position information of the lens element  102  can be derived with good accuracy. 
         [0140]    In  FIG. 12 , the measuring apparatus (laser interferometer system)  190  includes a movable mirror  191  provided at a predetermined position on the +X side of the lens cell LS 2 , a reference mirror (fixed mirror)  192  provided at a predetermined position on the +X side of the lens barrel PK 2 , and a laser interferometer  193  provided at a position opposing the movable mirror  191  and the reference mirror  192 . The laser interferometer  193  irradiates the movable mirror  191  with a measuring beam (measuring light), and irradiates the reference mirror  192  with a reference beam (reference light). The reflected lights respectively from the movable mirror  191  and the reference minor  192  based on the radiated measuring beam and the reference beam are received by the light receiving portion of the laser interferometer  193 , the laser interferometer  193  causes these lights to interfere, and measures the amount of change of the optical path length of the measuring beam using the optical path length of the reference beam as a reference, and consequently measures the position (coordinate) of the movable minor  191  using the reference minor  192  as a reference. Because the reference minor  192  is provided on the lens barrel PK 2  and the movable mirror  191  is provided on the lens cell LS 2 , the laser interferometer  193  can measure the position in the X axial direction of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2 . Likewise, although not shown, a movable minor and a reference minor are also provided on the +Y side of the lens cell LS 2  and the lens barrel PK 2 , a laser interferometer is provided at a position opposing thereto, and this laser interferometer can measure the position in the Y axial direction of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2 . In addition, the position in the θZ direction of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2  can be measured by, for example, the laser interferometer  193  irradiating the movable minor  191  and the reference mirror  192  with at least two beams lined up in a row in the Y axial direction. 
         [0141]    Furthermore, laser interferometers  194  ( 194 A- 194 C) are respectively affixed to the lens barrel PK 2  at a plurality of mutually differing predetermined locations (three locations) in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel PK 2 . However,  FIG. 12  representatively depicts just the one laser interferometer  194 A of the three laser interferometers  194 A- 194 C. In addition, a movable minor  195  is affixed at a position opposing each of the laser interferometers  194  on the upper surface of the lens cell LS 2 , and each movable mirror  195  is irradiated by a measuring beam from each of the laser interferometers  194  parallel to the Z axial direction. Furthermore, the reference minor corresponding to each laser interferometer  194  is affixed to the lens barrel PK 2  or built in the laser interferometer  194 , but is not depicted in  FIG. 12 . The laser interferometer  194  can measure the position in the Z axial direction of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2 . In addition, the position in the θX, θY directions of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2  can be measured based on the measurement result of each of the three laser interferometers  194 . 
         [0142]    The measurement result of each of the abovementioned laser interferometers is outputted to the control apparatus CONT 2 . The control apparatus CONT 2  expands and contracts each of the plurality of link parts  161  based on the measurement result of each of the abovementioned laser interferometers, i.e., based on the position information of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2  in each of the X axial, Y axial, Z axial, θX, θY and θZ directions, thereby enabling control of the position of the lens cell LS 2  with respect to the lens barrel PK 2  in each of the X axial, Y axial, Z axial, θX, θY and θZ directions. 
         [0143]    Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the measuring apparatus  190  measures the positional relationship between the lens cell LS 2  and the lens barrel PK 2 ; however, because the lens cell LS 2  holds the lens element  102  and the lens barrel PK 2  holds the optical group MPL 2 , the measurement of the positional relationship between the lens cell LS 2  and the lens barrel PK 2  and the measurement of the positional relationship between the lens element  102  and the optical group MPL 2  are substantially equivalent. Accordingly, the control apparatus CONT 2  can obtain the positional relationship between the lens element  102  and the optical group MPL 2  based on the measurement result of the measuring apparatus  190 . 
         [0144]    The laser interferometer in the present embodiment is a so-called double pass interferometer. 
         [0145]      FIG. 13  is a schematic block diagram of the interferometer  193 . Furthermore, the other interferometers  194 ,  182  and the like also have a constitution equivalent to the interferometer depicted in  FIG. 13 . The interferometer  193  includes a light source  220  that radiates a light beam; a polarizing beam splitter  224  that divides the light beam that is irradiated from the light source  220  and enters via a reflecting minor  223  into a measuring beam  191 A and a reference beam  192 A; quarter-wave plates  225  ( 225 A,  225 B) disposed between the polarizing beam splitter  224  and the movable mirror  191  and through which passes the measuring beam  191 A from the polarizing beam splitter  224 ; quarter-wave plates  226  ( 226 A,  226 B) disposed between the polarizing beam splitter  224  and the reference minor  192  and through which passes the reference beam  192 A from the polarizing beam splitter  224  via a reflecting minor  227 ; a corner cube  228  to which the measuring beam  191 A reflected by the movable mirror  191  and the reference beam  192 A reflected by the reference mirror  192  enters via the polarizing beam splitter  224 ; and a light receiving portion  230  that receives the synthesized light (interference light) of the reflected light of the measuring beam  191 A and the reflected light of the reference beam  192 A synthesized by the polarizing beam splitter  224 . 
         [0146]    The light beam that enters the polarizing beam splitter  224  from the light source  220  is divided into the measuring beam  191 A and the reference beam  192 A. The measuring beam  191 A passes through the quarter-wave plate  225 A, and then irradiates the movable minor  191 . By passing through the quarter-wave plate  225 A, the linearly polarized measuring beam  191 A is converted to circularly polarized light, and then irradiates the movable minor  191 . The reflected light of the measuring beam  191 A that irradiated the movable mirror  191  once again passes through the quarter-wave plate  225 A, then enters the polarizing beam splitter  224  and is sent to the corner cube  228 . The measuring beam  191 A from the corner cube  228  once again enters the polarizing beam splitter  224 , passes through the quarter-wave plate  225 B, and then irradiates the movable mirror  191 . That reflected light once again passes through the quarter-wave plate  225 B, and enters the polarizing beam splitter  224 . The reference beam  192 A emitted from the polarizing beam splitter  224  passes through the quarter-wave plate  226 A via the reflecting minor  227 , and then irradiates the reference minor  192 . The reference beam  192 A irradiates the reference minor  192  with circularly polarized light. The reflected light once again passes through the quarter-wave plate  226 A, then enters the polarizing beam splitter  224  and is sent to the corner cube  228 . The reference beam  192 A from the corner cube  228  once again enters the polarizing beam splitter  224 , passes through the quarter-wave plate  226 B, and then irradiates the reference minor  192 . The reflected light once again passes through the quarter-wave plate  226 B, and then enters the polarizing beam splitter  224 . The measuring beam  191 A that passed through the quarter-wave plate  225 B and the reference beam  192 A that passed through the quarter-wave plate  226 B are synthesized by the polarizing beam splitter  224 , and then received by the light receiving portion  230 . Thus, the interferometer  193  of the present embodiment includes a so-called double pass interferometer that twice irradiates a movable mirror (reference minor) with a measuring beam (reference beam); even if the movable minor  191  is, for example, inclined, the interferometer  193  has a characteristic in that there is no change in the travel direction of the reflected light of the measuring beam from that movable minor  191 . 
         [0147]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the double pass interferometer. 
         [0148]      FIG. 14  depicts only the measuring beam  191 A that irradiates the movable mirror  191 , and omits the quarter-waveplates, and the like. 
         [0149]    In  FIG. 14 , the light beam emitted from the light source  220  enters the polarizing beam splitter  224  via the reflecting mirror  223 . The length measuring beam  191 A is reflected by the reflecting surface of the polarizing beam splitter  224 , and then irradiates the reflecting surface of the movable mirror  191 ; after the reflected light twice irradiates the reflecting surface of the movable mirror  191  via the polarizing beam splitter  224  and the corner cube  228 , it is received by the light receiving portion  230 . At that time, if the reflecting surface of the movable mirror  191  is not inclined (if the angle with the Y axis is 0°, then the measuring beam  191 A travels as depicted by the broken line in  FIG. 14 , and the exit light beam emitted from the polarizing beam splitter  224  towards the light receiving portion  230  becomes parallel to the incident light beam that enters the polarizing beam splitter  224 . On the other hand, if the reflecting surface of the movable mirror  191  is inclined at an angle θ, then the measuring beam travels as depicted by the chain line  191 A′ in  FIG. 14 . In this case as well, the exit light beam from the polarizing beam splitter  224  becomes parallel to the incident light beam. In other words, the travel directions of each of the exit light beams are the same regardless of whether the reflecting surface of the movable mirror  191  is inclined. Accordingly, if the constitution is such that the measuring beam  191 A irradiates the movable minor  191  one time, as in the schematic view depicted in  FIG. 15 , then, if the movable minor  191  is inclined, the travel direction of that reflected light with respect to the uninclined state changes, causing a problem wherein the light is not received by the light receiving portion  230 . However, as explained referencing  FIG. 14 , even if the movable minor  191  is, for example, inclined, a double pass interferometer can receive that reflected light by the light receiving portion  230 . 
         [0150]    Furthermore, in the present embodiment explained referencing  FIG. 12 , the measuring apparatus  190  including the laser interferometers  193 ,  194  measures the positional relationship between the lens barrel PK 2  and the lens cell LS 2 ; however, a reflecting member having a reflecting surface capable of reflecting the radiated measuring beam may be provided at a predetermined position of the lens element  102 , and the laser interferometer may irradiate that reflecting surface with the measuring beam. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 16 , a mirror member having a reflecting surface may be affixed at a position on the lens element  102  where the measuring beam from the laser interferometer  193  will be irradiated, a vacuum metallized film may be provided at a position where the measuring beam from the laser interferometer  194  will be irradiated, and that film surface may be a reflecting surface. For example, if it is constituted so that a spring mechanism (flexure) is interposed between the lens cell LS 2  and the lens element  102 , and if the lens cell LS 2  and the lens element  102  are temporarily mispositioned, then if an attempt is made to control the attitude of the lens element  102  in order to adjust the pattern image based on the position measurement result of the lens cell LS 2 , as in the embodiment explained referencing  FIG. 12 , then there is a possibility that the pattern image cannot be controlled to achieve the desired state; however, the position information of the lens element  102  can be accurately derived by forming the reflecting surface on the lens element  102  itself and measuring the position of the lens element  102  using that reflecting surface, as depicted in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0151]    Furthermore, in the present embodiment discussed above, an interferometer system is used as the measuring apparatus  190 , but a measuring apparatus that employs another system may be used. For example, instead of the interferometer system discussed above, it is possible to use a measuring apparatus that optically measures the position information of a measurement mark formed on the lens cell LS 2 . 
         [0152]    In addition, because the coupling apparatus  160  can move the lens element  102 , it is possible to form the immersion area AR 2  between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2  by sufficiently enlarging the distance between the substrate P 2  and the lens element  102  by pre-raising the lens element  102  using the coupling apparatus  160 , disposing the liquid on the substrate P 2 , and subsequently driving the coupling apparatus  160  to lower the lens element  102  and bring the lens element  102  proximate to the substrate P 2 , when, for example, filling the liquid  101  between the lens element  102  and the substrate P 2 . In this case, when lowering the lens element  102 , by bringing the lens element  102  proximate (lowering) to the substrate P 2  from the inclined direction, it is possible to remove any bubbles that may exist, for example, in the liquid  101 . In addition, when supplying the liquid  101  onto the substrate P 2  prior to exposure, it is possible to dispose the liquid  101  onto the substrate P 2  using, for example, a liquid supply apparatus provided at a position separate from the liquid supply mechanism  110 , without using the liquid supply mechanism  110 . 
         [0153]    The above embodiments are not particularly limited to the nozzle configurations discussed above, e.g., the liquid  101  may be supplied and recovered by two pairs of nozzles on the long sides of the projection area AR 1 . Furthermore, in this case, the supply nozzles and the recovery nozzles may be disposed so that they are arrayed vertically in order to enable the supply and recovery of the liquid  101  from either the +X direction or the −X direction. 
         [0154]    In addition, in the embodiments discussed above, the two object coupling apparatus used in the parallel link mechanism is used to support the lens cell LS 2 , but the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the coupling apparatus may be used, for example, to support the substrate holder PH 2 . 
         [0155]    As discussed above, the liquids  50 ,  101  in the above embodiments include pure water. Pure water is advantageous because it can be easily obtained in large quantities at a semiconductor fabrication plant, and the like, and because pure water has no adverse impact on the optical elements (lenses), the photoresist on the substrates P, P 2 , and the like. In addition, because pure water has no adverse impact on the environment and has an extremely low impurity content, it can also be expected to have the effect of cleaning the surfaces of the substrates P, P 2 , and the surfaces of the optical element provided on the tip surfaces of the projection optical systems PL, PL 2 . 
         [0156]    Further, because the refractive index n of pure water (water) for the exposure lights EL, EL 2  having a wavelength of approximately 193 nm is substantially 1.44, the use of ArF excimer laser light (193 nm wavelength) as the light sources of the exposure lights EL, EL 2  would shorten the wavelength on the substrates P, P 2  to 1/n, i.e., approximately 134 nm, thereby obtaining a high resolution. Furthermore, because the depth of focus will increase approximately n times, i.e., approximately 1.44 times, that of in air, the numerical aperture of the projection optical systems PL, PL 2  can be further increased if it is preferable to ensure a depth of focus approximately the same as that when used in air, and the resolution is also improved from this standpoint. 
         [0157]    In the present embodiment, the lenses  60 ,  102  are affixed at the tip of the projection optical systems PL, PL 2 . As an optical element that is affixed at the tip of the projection optical systems PL, PL 2 , it may be an optical plate used to adjust the optical characteristics, e.g., aberrations (spherical aberration, coma aberration, and the like), of the projection optical systems PL, PL 2 . Alternatively, it may be a plane parallel plate capable of transmitting the exposure light EL therethrough. 
         [0158]    Furthermore, although the liquids  50 ,  101  in the above embodiments are water, they may be a liquid other than water; for example, if the light sources of the exposure lights EL, EL 2  are F 2  lasers, then the F 2  laser light will not transmit through water, so it would be acceptable to use as the liquids  50 ,  101  a fluorine based liquid, such as perfluorinated polyether (PFPE) or fluorine based oil, that is capable of transmitting F 2  laser light. In addition, it is also possible to use one as the liquids  50 ,  101  (e.g., cedar oil) that is transparent to the exposure lights EL, EL 2 , has the highest possible refractive index, and is stable with respect to the projection optical systems PL, PL 2  and the photoresist coated on the surfaces of the substrates P, P 2 . 
         [0159]    Furthermore, the substrates P, P 2  in each of the abovementioned embodiments is not limited to a semiconductor wafer for fabricating semiconductor devices, and is also applicable to a glass substrate for a display device, a ceramic wafer for a thin film magnetic head, or a mask or original plate of a reticle (synthetic quartz, silicon wafer) used by an exposure apparatus, and the like. 
         [0160]    In addition, in the embodiments discussed above, an exposure apparatus is used that locally fills liquid between the projection optical systems PL, PL 2  and the substrates P, P 2 , but the present invention is also applicable to a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that moves a stage, which holds the substrate to be exposed, in a liquid bath, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H06-124873, as well as to a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that forms a liquid bath having a predetermined depth on the stage, and holds the substrate therein, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H10-303114. 
         [0161]    In addition to a step-and-scan system scanning type exposure apparatus (scanning stepper) that scans and exposes the patterns of the masks M, M 2  while synchronously moving the masks M, M 2  and the substrates P, P 2 , a step-and-repeat system projection exposure apparatus (stepper) that exposes the full patterns of the masks M, M 2  with the masks M, M 2  and the substrates P, P 2  in a stationary state and sequentially steps the substrates P 1 , P 2  is also applicable to the exposure apparatuses EX, EX 2 . In addition, the present invention is also applicable to a step-and-stitch system exposure apparatus that partially and superimposingly transfers at least two patterns onto the substrates P, P 2 . 
         [0162]    In addition, the present invention is also applicable to twin stage type exposure apparatuses that include two stages where substrates to be processed, e.g., wafers, are mounted separately, and that can move those substrates independently in the XY directions. The structure and the exposure operation of a twin stage type exposure apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H10-163099 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H10-214783 (corresponding U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,341,007; 6,400,441; 6,549,269; and 6,590,634); Published Japanese translation No. 2000-505958 of PCT International Publication (corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,441); or U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,407; and the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of the states designated or elected by the present international patent application. 
         [0163]    The types of exposure apparatuses EX, EX 2  are not limited to semiconductor device fabrication exposure apparatuses that expose the pattern of a semiconductor device on the substrates P, P 2 , but is also widely applicable to exposure apparatuses for fabricating liquid crystal devices or displays, exposure apparatuses for fabricating thin film magnetic heads, imaging devices (CCD), reticles and masks, and the like. 
         [0164]    If a linear motor is used in the substrate stage PST and/or the mask stage MST, then either an air levitation type that uses an air bearing or a magnetic levitation type that uses Lorentz&#39;s force or reactance force may be used. In addition, each of the stages PST, MST may be a type that moves along a guide, or may be a guideless type not provided with a guide. An example of using a linear motor in a stage is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,623,853 and 5,528,118, and the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of the states designated or elected by the present international patent application. 
         [0165]    For the drive mechanism of each of the stages PST, PST 2 , MST, MST 2 , a planar motor may be used that disposes a magnet unit, wherein magnets are arranged two dimensionally, opposing an armature unit, wherein coils are arranged two dimensionally, and drives each of the stages PST, PST 2 , MST, MST 2  by electromagnetic force. In this case, any one among the magnet unit and the armature unit is connected to the stages PST, PST 2 , MST, MST 2 , and the other one of the magnet unit and the armature unit should be provided on the moving surface side of the stages PST, PST 2 , MST, MST 2 . 
         [0166]    The reaction force generated by the movement of the substrate stage PST may be mechanically discharged to the floor (ground) using a frame member so that it is not transmitted to the projection optical system PL. A method of handling this reaction force is disclosed in detail in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,118 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H08-166475), and the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of the states designated or elected by the present international patent application. 
         [0167]    The reaction force generated by the movement of the mask stage MST may be mechanically discharged to the floor (ground) using a frame member so that it is not transmitted to the projection optical system PL. A method of handling this reaction force is disclosed in detail in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,820 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H08-330224), and the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of the states designated or elected by the present international patent application. 
         [0168]    The exposure apparatuses EX, EX 2  of the embodiments are manufactured by assembling various subsystems, including each constituent element recited in the claims of the present application, so that a predetermined mechanical accuracy, electrical accuracy, and optical accuracy are maintained. To ensure these various accuracies, adjustments are performed before and after this assembly, including an adjustment to achieve optical accuracy for the various optical systems, an adjustment to achieve mechanical accuracy for the various mechanical systems, and an adjustment to achieve electrical accuracy for the various electrical systems. 
         [0169]    The assembly process, from the various subsystems to the exposure apparatus includes the mutual mechanical connection of the various subsystems, the wiring and connection of electrical circuits, the piping and connection of the atmospheric pressure circuit, and the like. Naturally, before the process of assembling from these various subsystems to the exposure apparatus, there are processes for assembling each of the individual subsystems. When the assembly process ranging from various subsystems to the exposure apparatus has been completed, a comprehensive adjustment is performed to ensure the various accuracies of the exposure apparatus as a whole. Furthermore, it is preferable to manufacture the exposure apparatus in a clean room where the temperature, the cleanliness level, and the like, are controlled. 
         [0170]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , a micro-device, such as a semiconductor device, is manufactured by: a step  201  that designs the functions and performance of the micro-device; a step  202  that fabricates a mask (reticle) based on this design step; a step  203  that fabricates a substrate, which is the base material of the device; a substrate processing step  204  wherein the exposure apparatus EX of the embodiments discussed above exposes a pattern of the mask onto the substrate; a device assembling step  205  (including a dicing process, a bonding process, and a packaging process); a scanning step  206 ; and the like. 
         [0171]    The present invention is an exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate by filling a liquid between a projection optical system and a substrate and then projecting a pattern image onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the liquid, wherein the projection optical system includes a first group having an optical member that contacts the liquid, and a second group different from the first group; and, because that first group and second group are supported vibrationally isolated, degradation of the pattern image can be suppressed and a high precision device can be manufactured, even in the state wherein the liquid is filled between the projection optical system and the substrate.