Abstract:
An exposure apparatus (EX) has an exposure region (E) for irradiating exposure light (EL) to a substrate (W) through an optical system ( 30 ) and liquid (LQ) and has a measurement region (A) for acquiring information on the position of the substrate (W) prior to the exposure. The substrate (W) is exposed when moved between the exposure region (E) and the measurement region (A). The exposure apparatus (EX) has an entry shutoff mechanism ( 60 ) for preventing a gas (G) in the vicinity of the exposure region (E) from entering into the measurement region (A).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an exposure apparatus used in the transfer process among the lithography processes for the manufacture of highly integrated semiconductor circuit elements. The present application asserts priority rights with respect to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-43114 applied for on Feb. 19, 2004, and the present application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    A semiconductor device or a liquid crystal display device is manufactured by the technique known as photolithography, in which a pattern formed on a mask is transferred onto a photosensitive substrate. The exposure apparatus used in this photolithography process has a mask stage that supports a mask and a substrate stage that supports a substrate, and it transfers the pattern of the mask to a substrate via a projection optical system while sequentially moving the mask stage and the substrate stage. In recent years, higher resolutions for projection optical systems have been in demand to deal with further high integration of device patterns. The shorter the exposure wavelength used and the larger the number of apertures of the projection optical system, the higher the resolution of the projection optical system becomes. For this reason, the exposure wavelengths used in exposure apparatuses are becoming shorter each year, and the number of apertures of projection optical systems is also increasing. In addition, the mainstream exposure wavelength at present is the 248 nm of a KrF excimer laser, but a shorter wavelength, the 193 nm of an ArF excimer laser, is also coming into practical application. In addition, when exposure is performed, the depth of focus (DOF) is also important as well as the resolution. The resolution Re and the depth of focus δ are expressed by the respective equations below. 
         [0000]        R=k   1   ·λ/NA   (1) 
         [0000]      δ=± k   2   ·λ/NA   2   (2) 
         [0005]    Here, λ is the exposure wavelength, NA is the number of apertures of the projection optical system, and k 1  and k 2  are process coefficients. Based on Equation (1) and Equation (2), it is apparent that when the exposure wavelength λ is made shorter and increases the number of apertures NA in order to increase the resolution Re, the depth of focus δ becomes narrower. 
         [0006]    When the depth of focus δ becomes too narrow, it becomes difficult to match the substrate surface to the image plane of the projection optical system, and there is concern that the margin during the exposure operation will be inadequate. Therefore, the liquid immersion method disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, for example, has been proposed as a method of practically shortening the exposure wavelength and widening the depth of focus. This liquid immersion method fills the space between the lower surface of the projection optical system and the substrate surface with a liquid such as water or an organic solvent, and it uses the fact that the wavelength of the exposure light in liquid becomes 1/n of that in the air (n is the refractive index of the liquid which is normally approximately 1.2˜1.6) to increase the resolution as well as to expand the depth of focus by approximately n times. The disclosure of the following pamphlet is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0000]    Patent Document 1: PCT International Publication No. WO99/49504 
         [0007]    Here, in the aforementioned liquid immersion exposure apparatus, liquid is arranged between the lower surface of the projection optical system and the substrate surface, so the humidity surrounding the substrate tends to fluctuate, and, due to this, there is a problem in that the wavelength of the measurement light irradiated from the laser interferometer that measures the substrate position is unstable, and measurement error occurs. In particular, in a so-called twin stage type exposure apparatus, which comprises two tables that hold the substrate and which moves between a region for performing exposure and a region for performing alignment processing, there is a need to prevent the occurrence of laser interferometer measurement errors in the alignment processing region. The present invention was devised taking the circumstances discussed above into account, and its purpose is to propose an exposure apparatus and a device manufacturing method that, in a liquid immersion exposure apparatus, are able to prevent fluctuation of the measurement light for substrate position measurement to control the occurrence of measurement error. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In the exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method relating to the present invention, the following means have been employed to solve the aforementioned problems. 
         [0009]    The first invention is such that, in an exposure apparatus that has an exposure region for irradiating exposure light to a substrate via an optical system and a liquid and a measurement region for obtaining information relating to the position of the substrate in advance of exposure and moves the substrate between the exposure region and the measurement region to perform exposure of the substrate, it comprises a penetration shielding mechanism that prevents the penetration of the gas, which exists in the vicinity of the exposure region, to the measurement region. According to this invention, the gas in the vicinity of the exposure region, in which the humidity tends to fluctuate, does not penetrate the measurement region, so it is possible to accurately measure the substrate position by means of a laser interferometer in the measurement region. 
         [0010]    In addition, in those in which the penetration shielding mechanism is an air conditioning system provided on the exposure apparatus, there is no need to newly provide a special apparatus, so it is possible to control increases in apparatus costs. 
         [0011]    Also, in those in which the air conditioning system comprises a chamber, which includes an exposure region and a measurement region, and a blower part that makes gas within the chamber to flow from the measurement region toward the exposure region, movement of the gas, which exists in the vicinity of the exposure region, to the measurement region is nearly eliminated, so it is possible to reliably improve the accuracy of the substrate position by the laser interferometer in the measurement region. 
         [0012]    In addition, in those in which the blower part comprises an intake port formed on the measurement region side and an exhaust port formed on the exposure region side, it is possible to flow the air, which is supplied from the intake port to the inside of the chamber, from the measurement region to the exposure region and then towards the exhaust port, so it is possible to always supply the measurement region with gas whose humidity and the like has been regulated, and it is also possible to exhaust the gas whose humidity has increased to outside of the chamber without flowing the gas to the measurement region, so it is possible to reliably improve the accuracy of the substrate position by the laser interferometer in the measurement region. 
         [0013]    In addition, in those in which the air conditioning system comprises a shielding part that prevents the passage of gas between the exposure region and the measurement region, it is possible to reliably prevent the gas in the vicinity of the exposure region from moving to the measurement region. 
         [0014]    In addition, in those in which the shielding part is an air curtain, changing of the shapes of the constituent elements (for example, the substrate stage and the like) within the chamber is not necessary, and it is possible to form the shielding part easily, so it is possible to control increases in apparatus costs. 
         [0015]    In addition, in those in which an intake port and an exhaust port are respectively formed in the exposure region and the measurement region, the gas in the vicinity of the exposure region and the gas in the vicinity of the measurement region almost never mix, so it is possible to maintain the gas of the respective regions in the desired condition without the gases being affected with each other. 
         [0016]    In addition, an exposure apparatus of a different embodiment of the present invention is such that, in an exposure apparatus that has an exposure region for irradiating exposure light to a substrate via an optical system and a liquid and a measurement region for obtaining information relating to the position of the substrate in advance of exposure, and moves the substrate between the exposure region and the measurement region to perform exposure of the substrate, it comprises an intake part that individually supplies a gas to the exposure region and the measurement region respectively. 
         [0017]    In addition, an exposure apparatus of another different embodiment, is such that, in an exposure apparatus that has an exposure region for irradiating exposure light to a substrate via an optical system and a liquid and a measurement region for obtaining information relating to the position of the substrate in advance of exposure, and moves the substrate between the exposure region and the measurement region to perform exposure of the substrate, it comprises an intake part, which supplies a gas to at least one of the exposure region and the measurement region, and an exhaust part which respectively independently exhausts the gas in the vicinity of the exposure region and the gas in the vicinity of the measurement region. 
         [0018]    The second invention is such that, in a device manufacturing method that includes a lithography process, the exposure apparatus of the first invention is used in the lithography process. According to this invention, substrate alignment accuracy is improved and pattern exposure in the exposure region is performed well, so it is possible to manufacture high quality devices. 
         [0019]    The following effects can be obtained by means of the present invention. 
         [0020]    With the first invention, it is possible to accurately perform measurement of the position of the substrate by a laser interferometer in the measurement region, so substrate alignment accuracy improves, and it is possible to perform pattern exposure in the exposure region well. 
         [0021]    With the second invention, it is possible to manufacture high quality devices stably and at low cost. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing that shows the configuration of an exposure apparatus EX. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing that shows the details of the wafer stage system  100 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing that shows the details of the wafer stage system  100 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a plan view that shows the air conditioning system  60 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a drawing that shows a variation of the air conditioning system  60 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 6A  is a drawing that shows a variation of the air conditioning system  60 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 6B  is a drawing that shows a variation of the air conditioning system  60 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a drawing that shows a variation of the air conditioning system  60 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart that shows an example of the semiconductor device manufacturing process. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    Embodiments of the exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method of the present invention will be explained below while referring to drawings.  FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing that shows the configuration of the exposure apparatus of the present invention. 
         [0032]    The exposure apparatus EX is a step and scan system scanning type exposure apparatus, that is, a so-called scanning stepper, that synchronously moves a reticle R and a wafer W in one dimensional direction while transferring a pattern formed on the reticle R to the respective shot regions on the wafer W via a projection optical system  30 . 
         [0033]    Furthermore, the exposure apparatus EX comprises an illumination optical system  10 , which illuminates a reticle R by an exposure light EL, a reticle stage  20 , which holds the reticle R, a projection optical system  30 , which projects the exposure light EL irradiated from the reticle R onto the wafer W, a wafer stage system  100 , which holds the wafer W, a control apparatus  50 , which comprehensively controls the exposure apparatus EX, and an air conditioning system  60 , which controls the gas G in the vicinity of the wafer stage system  100  and the like. 
         [0034]    Note that, in the explanation below, the direction that corresponds to the optical axis AX of the projection optical system  30  is the Z axis direction, the synchronous movement direction (scan direction) of the reticle R and the wafer W within a plane perpendicular to the Z axis direction is the Y axis direction, and the direction (non-scan direction) perpendicular to the Z axis direction and the Y axis direction is the X axis direction. Furthermore, the directions around the X axis, Y axis, and the Z axis are the θX, θY and θZ directions respectively. 
         [0035]    In addition, the exposure apparatus EX is a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that applies the liquid immersion method to practically shorten the exposure wavelength to improve resolution and to practically broaden the depth of focus, and it comprises a liquid supply apparatus  81  that supplies a liquid L onto the wafer W and a liquid recovery apparatus  82  that recovers the liquid on the wafer W. 
         [0036]    Note that, in this embodiment, pure water is used as the liquid L. Pure water is able to transmit, for example, deep ultraviolet light (DUV light) such as ultraviolet range bright lines (g-rays, h-rays, i-rays) that emerge from a mercury lamp or KrF excimer laser light (wavelength of 248 nm), or vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV light) such as ArF excimer laser light (wavelength of 193 nm). 
         [0037]    The illumination optical system  10  illuminates a reticle R supported on a reticle stage  20  using exposure light EL and is provided with an exposure light source  5 , an optical integrator that uniformize the illumination intensity of the light beam that has emerged from the exposure light source  5 , a condenser lens that focuses the exposure light EL from the optical integrator, a relay lens system, and a variable field stop that sets the region of illumination on the reticle R made by the exposure light EL to a slit shape (none of which are shown in the drawings). 
         [0038]    The laser beam that emerged from the light source  5  enters the illumination optical system  10 , and while the cross-sectional shape of the laser beam is shaped into a slit shape or a rectangular shape (polygon), the laser beam becomes an illumination light (exposure light) EL whose illumination intensity distribution is nearly uniform and is irradiated onto the reticle R. 
         [0039]    Note that, for the exposure light EL that emerges from the illumination optical system  10 , for example, deep ultraviolet light (DUV light) such as ultraviolet band bright lines (g-rays, h-rays, i-rays) that emerge from a mercury lamp and KrF excimer laser light (wavelength of 248 nm) or vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV light) such as ArF excimer laser light (wavelength of 193 μm) and F 2  laser light (wavelength of 157 nm) are used. In the present embodiment, ArF excimer laser light is used. 
         [0040]    The reticle stage  20  supports the reticle R and performs two-dimensional movement within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX of the projection optical system  30 , that is, within the XY plane and performs slight rotation in the 0 Z direction, and it comprises a reticle fine movement stage, which holds the reticle R, a reticle rough movement stage, which is able to move at the prescribed stroke in the Y axis direction, which is the scan direction, in unison with the reticle fine movement stage, and a linear motor etc. that moves these (none of which are shown in the drawings). In addition, a rectangular aperture is formed on the reticle fine movement stage, and the reticle is held by vacuum suction and the like by means of a reticle suction mechanism provided at the peripheral part of the aperture. 
         [0041]    A movable mirror  21  is provided on the reticle stage  20  (reticle fine movement stage). In addition, a laser interferometer  22  is provided at a position that opposes the movable mirror  21 . Also, the position and angle of rotation of the reticle R on the reticle stage  20  in the two-dimensional direction is measured in real time by the laser interferometer  22 , and the measurement results thereof are output to a control apparatus  50 . Then, positioning and the like of the reticle R supported on the reticle stage  20  is performed by the control apparatus  50  driving a linear motor and the like based on the measurement results of the laser interferometer  22 . 
         [0042]    The projection optical system  30  projection exposes the pattern of the reticle R onto a wafer W at a prescribed projection magnification β, and it comprises a plurality of optical elements, which include an optical element  32  provided at the front end (lower end) part of the wafer W side, and these optical elements are supported by a lens barrel  31 . In this embodiment, the projection optical system  30  is a reduction system in which the projection magnification β is ¼ or ⅕, for example. Note that the projection optical system  30  may be either a same magnification system or an enlargement system. Note that the optical element  32  of the front end part of the projection optical system  30  is detachably supported with respect to the lens barrel  31 . 
         [0043]    The optical element  32  arranged on the lower end of the projection optical system  30  is formed of fluorite. Fluorite has high affinity with water, so it is possible to make the liquid L adhere to nearly the entire liquid contact surface of optical element  32 . Specifically, a liquid L (water) that has high affinity with the liquid contact surface of optical element  32  is supplied, so the adhesion between the liquid L and the liquid contact surface of optical element  32  is high, and it is possible to reliably fill the space between optical element  32  and the wafer W with the liquid L. Note that the optical element  32  may be quartz that has high affinity with water. In addition, hydrophilic (lyophilic) treatment may be performed on the liquid contact surface of optical element  32  to further increase affinity with the liquid L. 
         [0044]    The wafer stage system  100  comprises two tables (stages), which hold the wafer W, and it is formed so that it alternately moves the wafer W between the region for performing alignment processing of the wafer W (hereunder referred to as the alignment region A) and the region for performing exposure processing (hereunder referred to as the exposure region E). 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  are drawings that show the details of the wafer stage system  100 . 
         [0046]    The wafer stage system  100  comprises two stages  103  and  104 , in which the upper surface of the base plate  101 , which is the reference surface of the XY plane, is driven at the prescribed stroke in the X direction and the Y direction. A noncontact bearing (air bearing) which is not shown in the drawings is arranged between the upper surface of the base plate  101  and the stages  103 ,  104  and is float supported. In addition, as stages  103  and  104  are driven in the X direction by two X linear motors  111 ,  112 , they are driven in the Y direction by two Y linear motors  121 ,  122 . Note that stages  103  and  104  respectively comprise tables  105 ,  106  on whose upper surface the wafer W is loaded. 
         [0047]    X linear motors  111  and  112  share two stators  113  provided to extend approximately in parallel in the X direction, and they comprise a pair of movers  114 ,  115  respectively provided corresponding to the stators  113 . In addition, a pair of movers  114  is linked by a Y guide bar  161  provided to extend in parallel with the Y direction. Similarly, a pair of movers  115  is linked by a Y guide bar  162  provided to extend in parallel with the Y direction. Therefore, X linear motors  111  and  112  are configured so that Y guide bars  161  and  162  are able to move in the X direction, but they are mutually restricted from moving in the X direction, since they share stators  113 . Note that stators  113  are supported by the base plate  101  via four motor posts  109 . 
         [0048]    Y linear motors  121  and  122  share two stators  123  provided to extend approximately in parallel with the Y direction, and they comprise a pair of movers  124 ,  125  respectively provided corresponding to the stators  123 . In addition, a pair of movers  124  is linked by an X guide bar  151  provided to extend in parallel with the X direction. Similarly, a pair of movers  125  is linked by an X guide bar  152  provided to extend in parallel with the X direction. Therefore, Y linear motors  121  and  122  are configured so that X guide bars  151  and  152  are able to move in the Y direction, but they are mutually restricted from moving in the Y direction, since they share stators  123 . Note that, in the same way as stators  113 , stators  123  are supported on the base plate  101  via four motor posts  109 . 
         [0049]    X guides  153 ,  154 , which are configured to be able to move in parallel in the X direction along X guide bars  151  and  152  respectively, are provided on X guide bars  151  and  152 . Similarly, Y guides  163 ,  164 , which are configured to be able to move in parallel in the Y direction along Y guide bars  161  and  162  respectively, are provided on Y guide bars  161  and  162 . Note that X guide bars  151  and  152  and X guides  153  and  154  and Y guide bars  161  and  162  and Y guides  163  and  164  are linked by electromagnetic force. 
         [0050]    In addition, one of either X guides  153  or  154  (in  FIG. 2 , X guide  153 ) and Y guide  163  are linked to a stage  103 . Also, the other X guide  153 ,  154  (in  FIG. 2 , X guide  154 ) and Y guide  164  are linked to a stage  104 . 
         [0051]    Through the above configuration, tables  105  and  106  (stages  103 ,  104 ) are configured so that they are able to move along the intersecting X and Y axes by driving linear motors  111 ,  112 ,  121  and  122 . 
         [0052]    In addition, as shown in  FIG. 3 , stages  103  and  104 , which are formed in cuboids, are linked with X guides  153  and  154  and Y guides  163  and  164 . Also, approximately square tables  105  and  106  are arranged at the upper part of stages  103  and  104 . In addition, tables  105  and  106  comprise wafer holders  107 ,  108 , which respectively hold the wafer W by suction. 
         [0053]    Stages  103  and  104  and tables  105  and  106  are linked via an actuator that is not shown in the drawing, and the configuration is such that, by driving the actuator, it is possible to perform fine movement of tables  105  and  106  in the six directions (degrees of freedom) of the X direction, the Y direction, the Z direction, and the directions around these axes (directions). Note that the actuator may be formed by one or a plurality of rotary motors, voice coil motors, linear motors, electromagnetic actuators or other types of actuators. In addition, the case may also be such that they are configured so that fine movement in the three degrees of freedom of the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction is possible. 
         [0054]    In addition, electromagnetic chucks that are not shown in the drawing are respectively provided on two surfaces (that is, two surfaces that link with X guides  153  and  154 ) intersecting to the Y direction of the side surfaces of stages  103  and  104 . Also, by driving either one of the two (or both) electromagnetic chucks, X guides  153  and  154  and stages  103  and  104  are detachably linked. On the other hand, Y guide  163  and stage  103  and Y guide  164  and stage  104  are linked so that they cannot be detached. 
         [0055]    In addition, by combining movement of stages  103  and  104  to the prescribed positions by the respective linear motors  111 ,  112 ,  121 ,  122  and attachment and detachment of guides  153 ,  154 ,  163  and  164  with stages  103  and  104  by means of the two electromagnetic chucks, switching of the position between stage  103  and stage  104  is made possible. A stage system which switches the positions of a plurality of stages by such a method is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-190627. 
         [0056]    Note that the means for attaching and detaching X guides  153  and  154  and stages  103  and  104  is not limited to electromagnetic chucks, and it may be, for example, a chuck mechanism that uses air. 
         [0057]    Returning to  FIG. 2 , a measuring system  180 , which measures the respective two-dimensional positions (X and Y directions) of tables  105  and  106  is provided on the wafer stage system  100 . Specifically, movable mirrors  181 - 186  are respectively secured along three intersecting sides at the upper surfaces of tables  105  and  106 . 
         [0058]    In addition, four laser interferometers  191 - 194 , which project the measurement lasers to these movable mirrors  181 - 186  are provided. Laser interferometers  191 - 194  are arranged along the X direction or the Y direction. Also, laser interferometers  191  and  193  perform positional measurement of tables  105  and  106  positioned in the alignment region A, and laser interferometers  192  and  194  perform positional measurement of tables  105  and  106  positioned in the exposure region E. Note that laser interferometers  191 - 194  are multiaxis interferometers that have a plurality of optical axes, and measurement of the X, Y and θZ directions is also possible in addition to positional measurement of the XY plane. Also, the output values of the respective optical axes can be independently measured. 
         [0059]    In addition, through laser interferometers  191 - 194 , the distance (position information) of tables  105  and  106  in the XY plane is measured, and that measurement information is sent to the control apparatus  50 . In addition, in the control apparatus  50 , the positions and the like of tables  105  and  106  in the XY plane are obtained. Through this, the position and the like of the wafer W loaded on tables  105  and  106  in the X and Y directions and in the θZ direction is obtained with high accuracy. 
         [0060]    Note that a Z direction measurement system that is not shown in the drawing is arranged below tables  105  and  106  for positional measurement of tables  105  and  106  in the Z direction. Positional measurement in the Z direction is only performed at exposure region E and alignment region A discussed below. 
         [0061]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the control apparatus  50  comprehensively controls the exposure apparatus EX, and it comprises, in addition to a computation part that performs the various computations and control, a memory part, which records the various information, and an input and output part and the like. 
         [0062]    In addition, for example, the positions of the reticle R and the wafer W are controlled based on the detection results such as those of laser interferometers  22  and  191 - 194  and the like provided on the reticle stage  20  and the wafer stage system  100 , and the exposure operation which transfers the image of pattern formed on the reticle R to the shot regions on the wafer W is repeatedly performed. 
         [0063]    The liquid supply apparatus  81  and the liquid recovery apparatus  82  form a liquid immersion region AR on a portion on the wafer W that includes the projection region of the projection optical system  30  by means of a prescribed liquid L (water) at least while the image of the pattern of the reticle R is being transferred onto the wafer W. 
         [0064]    Specifically, the wafer W is exposed in such a way that the liquid L is filled between optical element  32  of the front end part of the projection optical system  30  and the surface of the wafer W by means of the liquid supply apparatus  81 , and the image of the pattern of the reticle R is projected onto the wafer W via the projection optical system  30  and the liquid L existing between this projection optical system  30  and the wafer W. Simultaneously, by recovering the liquid L of the liquid immersion region AR by means of the liquid recovery apparatus  82 , the liquid L of the liquid immersion region AR is always circulated, and prevention of pollution and temperature control and the like of the liquid L are strictly performed. 
         [0065]    In addition, the liquid supply amount and the liquid recovery amount per unit time of the liquid supply apparatus  81  and the liquid recovery apparatus  82  with respect to the surface of the wafer W are controlled by the control apparatus  50 . 
         [0066]    Note that a synthetic resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene and the like is used to form at least the members through which the liquid L flows among the respective members that form the liquid supply apparatus  81  and the liquid recovery apparatus  82 . Through this, it is possible to restrict impurities from being contained in the liquid L. 
         [0067]    The air conditioning system (penetration shielding mechanism)  60  is an apparatus for keeping the environmental conditions (cleanliness, temperature, pressure, humidity and the like) of the vicinity of the wafer stage system  100  nearly constant, and the lower end of the projection optical system  30  and the wafer stage system  100  are accommodated in the interior space thereof. 
         [0068]    In addition, the air conditioning system  60  comprises a chamber  61 , which is installed on top of the floor surface within the clean room, a duct  62  that is connected with the supply port  63  and the exhaust port  64  formed on the chamber  61 , and a blower (blower part)  65 , which supplies gas G (air) to the interior of the chamber  61 . Note that provided on the duct  62  are an air filter AF, which removes particles in the gas G, a chemical filter CF, which removes chemical substances, and a temperature regulation part  66 , which regulates the temperature and humidity. The chamber  61  and the duct  62  and the like are formed from a material that has little outgas, such as stainless (SUS) or Teflon (registered trademark). 
         [0069]    In addition, due to the fact that the blower  65 , the temperature regulation part  66  and the like are controlled by the control apparatus  50 , purification, temperature regulation and the like are performed when the gas G within the chamber  61  is circulated via the duct  62 , so the environmental conditions within the chamber  61  are kept nearly constant. 
         [0070]    In addition, in the configuration of  FIG. 1 , a configuration, in which the wafer stage system  100  and the lower end of the projection optical system  30  are accommodated within the chamber  61 , is used but it is not limited to this. For example, all of the illumination optical system  10 , the reticle stage  20 , the projection optical system  30 , the liquid supply apparatus  81 , and the liquid recovery apparatus  82  may be accommodated within the chamber  61 , or a portion of these may be accommodated. 
         [0071]    Here,  FIG. 4  is a plan view that shows the air conditioning system  60 . 
         [0072]    The supply port  63  is provided at the side wall (−Y side) of the alignment region A side of the chamber  61 . On the other hand, the exhaust port  64  is provided at the side wall (+Y side) of the exposure region E side. Specifically, the supply port  63  and the exhaust port  64  are arranged in opposition so that the alignment region A and the exposure region E are positioned therebetween. Therefore, the configuration is such that, when the air conditioning system  60  has been activated, the gas G within the chamber  61  always flows from the alignment region A side to the exposure region E side. 
         [0073]    Note that, though this is omitted from  FIG. 1 , the illumination optical system  10  and the projection optical system  30  are such that their respective interior spaces are purged by an inert gas (for example, nitrogen, helium and the like), and the reticle stage  20  is also accommodated within a chamber that is not shown in the drawing, and the cleanliness and the like is maintained extremely well. 
         [0074]    Next, the method of exposing the image of the pattern of the reticle R onto the wafer W using the aforementioned exposure apparatus EX will be explained. Note that tables  105  and  106  are arranged as shown in  FIG. 1 , and the wafer W, on which alignment processing has been completed, is mounted on a wafer holder  107  on table  105 , and, on the other hand, a wafer W is not mounted on wafer holder  108  on table  106 . 
         [0075]    First, an X linear motor  111  and a Y linear motor  121  are driven by means of a command of the control apparatus  50  and stage  103  (table  105 ) on which the wafer W is to be mounted is moved to the exposure region E. Then, in the exposure region E, distance measurement lasers are projected from laser interferometers  191  and  193  toward movable mirrors  181  and  182  arranged on table  105 , and the wafer W is moved to the acceleration start position (scan start position) for exposure of the first shot (the first shot region). 
         [0076]    Next, the control apparatus  50  operates the liquid supply apparatus  81  to start the supply operation of liquid onto the wafer W. When the liquid supply apparatus  81  is operated, the liquid L is supplied onto the wafer W, and the region between the projection optical system  30  and the wafer W is filled with the liquid L, and a liquid immersion region AR is formed. Then, after the liquid immersion region AR has been formed, the liquid recovery apparatus  82  is also operated to set the supply amount and the recovery amount of the liquid L to approximately the same level or so that the supply amount is slightly higher than the recovery amount, and that status is maintained. By doing so, the liquid immersion region AR is filled with the liquid L at the start of exposure. 
         [0077]    Then, after the various exposure conditions are set, Y axis direction scanning of the reticle stage  20  and stage  103  is started, and when the reticle stage  20  and stage  103  are reached the respective target scanning velocities, the pattern region of the reticle R is irradiated by the exposure light EL, and scanning exposure is started. Then, by different pattern regions of the reticle R being sequentially illuminated using exposure light EL and illumination to the entire surface of the pattern region being completed, scanning exposure with respect to the first shot region on the wafer W ends. Through this, the pattern of the reticle R is reduction transferred onto the resist layer of the first shot region on the wafer W via the projection optical system  30  and the liquid L. 
         [0078]    When scanning exposure with respect to this first shot region is ended, the control apparatus  50  moves the wafer W gradually by prescribed steps in the X and Y axis directions to move it to the acceleration start position for exposure of the second shot region. That is, an intershot stepping operation is performed. Then, scanning exposure such as that discussed above is performed with respect to the second shot region. 
         [0079]    By doing this, scanning exposure of the shot region of the wafer W and stepping operation for exposure of the next shot region are repeatedly performed, and the pattern of the reticle R is sequentially transferred to all shot regions of the wafer W which are to be exposed. 
         [0080]    Then, when exposure processing of the wafer W is completed, operation of the liquid supply apparatus  81  is stopped, the amount of the liquid L recovered by the liquid recovery apparatus  82  is increased, and all of the liquid L of the liquid immersion region AR is recovered. 
         [0081]    On the other hand, a wafer W is mounted on stage  104  (table  106 ), on which a wafer W is not mounted, by means of a wafer conveyance apparatus that is not shown in the drawing and is suction held by means of a wafer holder  108 . Then, the stage  104  which holds the wafer W is moved to the alignment region A. 
         [0082]    Then, in the alignment region A, alignment (enhanced global alignment (EGA) and the like) of the wafer W using an alignment sensor  70  and the like is performed under the control of the control apparatus  50 , and the array coordinates of the plurality of shot regions on the wafer W are obtained. 
         [0083]    Note that, in the alignment region A, distance measurement lasers are projected from laser interferometers  192  and  194  toward movable mirrors  185  and  186  arranged on table  106 , and the position of table  106  is measured with high accuracy. 
         [0084]    In this way, a process that performs exposure processing of a wafer W mounted on table  105  and a process that performs mounting and alignment processing of a wafer W on table  106  are independently and simultaneously executed. However, for example, there are also cases in which movement (or alignment processing) of stage  104  (table  106 ) is restricted (interrupted) through movement of stage  103  (table  105 ) in the XY direction accompanied by exposure processing. 
         [0085]    Then, when exposure processing of the wafer W on table  105  and alignment processing of the wafer W on table  106  are completed, table  105  (stage  103 ) is moved from the exposure region E to the alignment region A, and, on the other hand, table  106  (stage  104 ) is moved from the alignment region A to the exposure region E. 
         [0086]    Then, exposure processing of the wafer W mounted on table  106  (stage  104 ) is started. On the other hand, the wafer W mounted on table  105  is unloaded by means of a wafer conveyance apparatus, and, furthermore, a new wafer W is loaded onto table  105 , and alignment processing of the new wafer W is started. 
         [0087]    In this way, exposure processing of a plurality of wafers W is performed at high throughput by making stage  103  (table  105 ) and stage  104  (table  106 ) alternately come and go between the exposure region E and the alignment region A. 
         [0088]    In any case, when exposure processing and alignment processing are performed, the gas G within the chamber  61  always flows from the alignment region A toward the exposure region E by the air conditioning system  60 . For this reason, the gas G in the vicinity of the exposure region E, whose humidity has increased in conjunction with the liquid immersion region AR being formed, is exhausted to outside the chamber  61  without flowing to the vicinity of the alignment region A. In addition, when tables  103  and  104  (stages  105  and  106 ) move from the exposure region E to the alignment region A, the liquid L of the liquid immersion regions AR formed on the respective tables  103 ,  104  is recovered, and drying processing is further implemented, so penetration of the liquid L to the alignment region A, accompanied by the movement of tables  103  and  104 , is prevented. Therefore, the environmental conditions surrounding the alignment region A are always kept constant. 
         [0089]    In this way, through the exposure apparatus EX of the present invention, the gas G in the vicinity of the exposure region E, whose humidity tends to fluctuate, does not penetrate to the alignment region A, so positional measurement of the wafer W by laser interferometers  192  and  194  in the alignment region A can be accurately performed. Through this, the alignment accuracy of the wafer W is improved, and it is possible to perform pattern exposure in the exposure region well. 
         [0090]    Next, a variation of the air conditioning system  60  will be explained. 
         [0091]    In the embodiment discussed above, the supply port  63  and the exhaust port  64  formed on the chamber  61  are provided on opposing side walls, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , it is also possible to form the supply port  63  and the exhaust port  64  on the same side wall. Furthermore, by providing a shielding plate (shielding part)  67  between the alignment region A and the exposure region E, a flow path, in which the gas G within the chamber  61  flows from the alignment region A toward the exposure region E, may also be formed. 
         [0092]    Note that the shielding plate  67  is not limited to a material being, but it may also be an air curtain  68 . In the case of an air curtain  68 , it is possible to reliably separate the alignment region A and the exposure region E even when it is a wafer stage system  100  with a complex shape, so leakage of gas G is almost entirely eliminated. Also, as in the case in which a shielding plate  67  is provided, there is an advantage in that the shape and the like of the wafer stage system  100  is never restricted. 
         [0093]    In addition, a plurality of supply ports  63  and exhaust ports  64  may be provided. For example, two exhaust ports  64  are provided as in  FIG. 6A , and two pairs of supply port  63  and exhaust port  64  are provided as in  FIG. 6B , and a flow path by which the gas G within the chamber  61  flows from the alignment region A toward the exposure region E is formed. In this case as well, it is preferable to provide a shielding plate  67  or an air curtain  68  between the alignment region A and the exposure region E. In the configuration of  FIG. 6B , a supply port that supplies gas to the exposure region E and a supply port that supplies gas to the measurement region A are individually provided in the respective regions, so they may be set so that the properties (flow amount, humidity, temperature, constituents and the concentration thereof and the like) of the gas supplied from the respective supply ports are mutually different. 
         [0094]    In addition, in the embodiment discussed above, an explanation was given with respect to eliminating the effects of humidity on laser interferometers  192  and  194 , which measure the position of the wafer W of the alignment region A, but it is of course also important to eliminate the effects of humidity on laser interferometers  191  and  193 , which measure the position of the wafer W of the exposure region E. 
         [0095]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , by arranging a nozzle-shaped exhaust port  69  in the vicinity of the exposure region E, gas GL whose humidity has increased may be prevented from diffusing within the chamber  61 . Exhaust port  69  is connected to a vacuum source and the like that is not shown in the drawing, and gas whose humidity has become high, which is existing in the vicinity of the exposure region E (liquid immersion region AR), is sucked from this exhaust port  69  and exhausted to the exterior of the chamber  61 . Through this, it is possible to eliminate the effects on the laser interferometers  191 - 194 , it is also possible to prevent adverse influence on the electrical wiring or the optical elements within the chamber  61  (for example, leakage of electricity and deterioration of optical characteristics due to condensation). 
         [0096]    In addition, in the embodiment discussed above, two tables  103 ,  104  (stages  105  and  106 ) alternately move the exposure region E and the alignment region A, but, for example, the case may be such that there is one table or there are three or more tables. Also, in addition to the exposure region E and the alignment region A, there may be another region in which positional measurement by the laser interferometers is performed. Even in this case, it is desirable that the gas G in the vicinity of the exposure region E does not penetrate to another region. 
         [0097]    Note that the operating procedures indicated in the embodiment discussed above or the various shapes and combinations of the respective component members are only examples, and various changes are possible based on the process conditions and the design requirements within a scope in which there is no deviation from the gist of the present invention. The present invention also includes, for example, following embodiments. 
         [0098]    As discussed above, in this embodiment, since ArF excimer laser light is used as the exposure light EL, pure water is supplied as a liquid for liquid immersion exposure. Pure water has advantages in that it can be easily obtained in large quantity at semiconductor fabrication plants and the like and in that it has no adverse effects on the photoresist on the wafer W or on the optical elements (lenses) and the like. In addition, since pure water has no adverse effects on the environment and contains very few impurities, such effects can be expected that the surface of the wafer W and the surface of optical element  32  provided on the front end surface of the projection optical system  30  are cleaned. 
         [0099]    In addition, the index of refraction n of pure water (water) with respect to exposure light EL with a wavelength of approximately 193 nm is said to be nearly 1.44. In the case where ArF excimer laser light (193 nm wavelength) is used as the light source of the exposure light EL, on the wafer W, it is possible to shorten the wavelength to 1/n, that is, approximately 134 nm, to obtain high resolution. Also, the depth of focus is expanded by approximately n times, that is, approximately 1.44 times compared with the case in the air. 
         [0100]    In addition, it is also possible to use a liquid L that is permeable by the exposure light EL and whose refractive index is as high as possible and that is stable with respect to the photoresist which is coated on the projection optical system  30  or the surface of the wafer W. 
         [0101]    For example, if an F2 laser is used as the exposure light source EL, for example, a fluorine group liquid such as a fluorocarbon oil or a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), through which F2 laser light is able to pass, may be used as the liquid L. In this case, it is preferable that lyophilic treatment be performed on the portion that comes into contact with the liquid L by forming, for example, a thin film using a substance with a molecular structure with a low polarity that includes fluorine. 
         [0102]    In addition, not only semiconductor wafers for the manufacture of semiconductor devices but glass substrates for display devices, or ceramic wafers for thin film magnetic heads and the like are applicable as the wafer W. 
         [0103]    In addition to a step and scan system scanning exposure apparatuses (scanning steppers) that synchronously moves a reticle and a wafer and performs a scanning expose of the pattern of the reticle, a step and repeat system projection exposure apparatuses (steppers) that performs one-shot exposure to the pattern of the reticle in a status that the reticle and the wafer are stationary and sequentially moves the wafer gradually by prescribed steps. 
         [0104]    For example, it may be a liquid immersion type stepper provided with a refracting type optical system with a ⅛ magnification ratio. In this case, one-shot exposure of large area chips is not possible, so a stitching (step and stitch) system may also be employed with large area chips. 
         [0105]    Note that the configuration of the twin stage type exposure apparatus is not limited to the type of this embodiment. For example, they are disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H10-163099, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H10-214783 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,441 corresponding thereto, Published Japanese Translation No. 2000-505958 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,441 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,796 corresponding thereto. 
         [0106]    The disclosure of the above publications or U.S. patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0107]    The type of exposure apparatus EX is not limited exposure apparatuses that are used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices, in which a semiconductor element pattern is exposed onto a wafer, and it can also be widely applied to exposure apparatuses that are used in the manufacture of liquid crystal display elements and used in the manufacture of displays and exposure apparatuses for the manufacture of thin film magnetic heads, image pickup elements (CCDs), or reticles and masks. 
         [0108]    In the case where a linear motor is used in the wafer stage or the reticle stage, an air floating type that uses air bearings or a magnetic levitation type that uses Lorentz&#39;s force or reactance force may be used. In addition, the stages may be the types that move along a guide or may be the guideless type in which a guide is not provided. Moreover, in the case where a planar motor is used as the drive apparatus of the stage, one of either a magnet unit (permanent magnet) or an armature unit is connected to the stage, and the other among the magnet unit and the armature unit may be provided on the moving surface side (base) of the stage. 
         [0109]    The reaction force generated by the movement of the wafer stage may be mechanically escaped to the floor (ground) using a frame member so that it is not transmitted to the projection optical system, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H8-166475 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,118 corresponding thereto. 
         [0110]    The disclosure of the above publication or U.S. patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0111]    The reaction force generated by the movement of the reticle (mask) stage may be caused to mechanically escape to the floor (ground) using a frame member so that it is not transmitted to the projection optical system, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H8-330224 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,820 corresponding thereto. 
         [0112]    The disclosure of the above publication or U.S. patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0113]    Note that, if the liquid immersion method is used as discussed above, the number of apertures NA of the projection optical system  30  may at times become 0.9-1.3. In this way, if the number of apertures NA of the projection optical system  30  becomes larger, there are cases in which image formation performance deteriorates due to a polarization effect with the random polarized light conventionally used as the exposure light, so it is preferable that polarized light illumination be used. In that case, linear polarization illumination to match the lengthwise direction of the line pattern of the line and space pattern of the reticle is performed, and diffracted light of the S polarization component (the polarization direction component along the lengthwise direction of the line pattern) may be irradiated from the reticle R pattern in large quantity. In the case in which the space between the projection optical system  30  and the resist coated onto the surface of the wafer W is filled with a liquid, the transmissivity of the diffracted light of the S polarization component at the resist surface, which contributes to the improvement of contrast, is higher than that of the case in which the space between the projection optical system  30  and the resist coated onto the surface of the wafer is filled with gas G (air), so high image formation performance can be obtained even in such cases as when the number of apertures NA of the projection optical system  30  exceeds 1.0. In addition, it is even more effective when a phase shift mask or a grazing-incidence illumination method (particularly, the dipole illumination method) matching the lengthwise direction of the line pattern as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H6-188169, is arbitrary combined. The disclosure of the above publication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0114]    In addition, for example, in the case where an ArF excimer laser is used as the exposure light, and a projection optical system  30  with a reduction rate of approximately ¼ is used to expose a fine line and space pattern (for example, L/S of approximately 20-25 nm) on the wafer, depending on the structure of the reticle (for example, the fineness of the pattern and the thickness of the chrome), the reticle acts as a polarization plate due to the Wave guide effect, and more diffracted light of the S polarization component (TM polarization component) is irradiated from the reticle than diffracted light of the P polarization component (TM polarization component), which reduces contrast. In this case as well, it is preferable that a linear polarization illumination as discussed above is used, but even if the reticle were illuminated by random polarized light, it would be possible to obtain high resolution performance using a projection optical system in which the number of apertures NA is large, for example, 0.9-1.3. 
         [0115]    In addition, in a case where an extremely fine line and space pattern on the reticle is exposed onto the wafer, there is a possibility that the P polarization component (TM polarization component) will be larger than the S polarization component (TM polarization component) due to the Wave guide effect, but, for example, in the case in which an ArF excimer laser is used as the exposure light, a projection optical system with a reduction rate of approximately ¼ is used to expose a line and space pattern larger than 25 nm on the wafer, more diffracted light of the S polarization component (TM polarization component) is irradiated from the reticle than diffracted light of the P polarization component (TM polarization component), so it would be possible to obtain high resolution performance even in the case in which the number of apertures NA of the projection optical system is large at 0.9-1.3. 
         [0116]    In addition, not only linear polarization illumination (S polarization illumination) that matches the lengthwise direction of the line pattern of the reticle but a combination of a polarization illumination method that linearly polarizes in the tangential (circumferential) direction of a circle, of which the optical axis is the center, and the grazing incidence method is also effective. In particular, in the case where not only a line pattern in which the pattern of the reticle extends in a prescribed fixed direction but also a line pattern that extends in a plurality of different directions are intermingled, by jointly using a polarization illumination method that linearly polarizes in the tangential direction of a circle, of which the optical axis is the center, and the annular illumination method, it is possible to obtain high resolution performance even in the case in which the number of apertures NA of the projection optical system is large. 
         [0117]    In addition, in the embodiment discussed above, an exposure apparatus that locally fills liquid between the projection optical system and the substrate is employed, but it is also possible to apply the present invention to a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that moves a stage that holds the substrate to be exposed inside a liquid tank and to a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that forms a liquid tank of a prescribed depth on the stage and holds the substrate therein. The structure and the exposure operation of a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that moves a stage that holds the substrate to be exposed inside a liquid tank is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H6-124873, and a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that forms a liquid tank of a prescribed depth on the stage and holds the substrate therein is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, first Publication No. H10-303114 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,043. The disclosure of the above publications or U.S. patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0118]    In addition, the exposure apparatus which has applied the liquid immersion method discussed above is of a configuration that fills the optical path space of the emergence side of the terminating end optical member of the projection optical system with liquid (pure water) and exposes the wafer W, but, as is disclosed in the PCT International Publication No. WO2004/019128, the optical path space of the incidence side of the terminating end optical member of the projection optical system may also be filled with liquid (pure water). The disclosure of the above publication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0119]    In the embodiment discussed above, a light transmission type mask, which formed a prescribed light shielding pattern (or phase pattern/light reduction pattern) on a light transmittive substrate, or a light reflecting type mask, which formed a prescribed reflection pattern on a light reflective substrate, was used, but it is not limited to these. For example, instead of those types of masks, an electronic mask (considered as a type of optical system) that forms a transmission pattern, a reflection pattern, or a light emission pattern based on the electronic data of the pattern to be exposed may also be used. This type of electronic mask is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,778,257. The disclosure of the above U.S. patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. Note that the aforementioned electronic mask is a concept that includes both non-emissive image display elements and self-emissive image display elements. 
         [0120]    In addition, for example, application to an exposure apparatus that exposes interference fringes produced by the interference of a plurality of beam of lights, such as those known as two-beam interference exposure, onto a substrate is also possible. That type of exposure method and exposure apparatus are disclosed in, for example, PCT International Publication No. WO01/35168. The disclosure of the above publication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted by the national laws and regulations of the designated states (or elected states) designated by the present international patent application. 
         [0121]    The exposure apparatus to which the present invention is applied is manufactured by assembling various subsystems, including the respective constituent elements presented in the Scope of Patents Claims of the present application, so that the prescribed mechanical precision, electrical precision, and optical precision are maintained. To ensure these respective precisions, adjustments for achieving optical precision with respect to the various optical systems, adjustments for achieving mechanical precision with respect to the various mechanical systems, and adjustments for achieving electrical precision with respect to the various electrical systems are performed before and after the assembly. The process of assembly from the various subsystems to the exposure apparatus includes mechanical connections, electrical circuit wiring connections, and air pressure circuit piping connections and the like among the various subsystems. Obviously, before the assembly process of these various subsystems to the exposure apparatus, there are the processes of individual assembly of the respective subsystems. When the assembly process of the various subsystems to the exposure apparatuses is ended, overall adjustment is performed, and the various precisions are ensured for the exposure apparatus as a whole. Note that it is preferable that the manufacture of the exposure apparatus is performed in a clean room in which the temperature, the cleanliness and the like are controlled. 
         [0122]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , microdevices such as semiconductor devices are manufactured by going through a step  201  that performs microdevice function and performance design, a step  202  that fabricates the mask (reticle) based on this design step, a step  203  that manufactures the substrate that is the base material of the device, a substrate processing step  204  that exposes the pattern of the mask onto a substrate by means of the exposure apparatus EX of the embodiment discussed above, a device assembly step (including a dicing process, a bonding process, and a packaging process)  205 , and an inspection step  206  and the like. 
         [0123]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.