Abstract:
A stage apparatus including: a movement member movable with a plate member placed on a placement surface; and a fixing apparatus that fixes said plate member to said placement surface in parallel with said movement member passing through a prescribed first region.

Description:
[0001]    This is a Division of application Ser. No. 11/290,573 filed Dec. 1, 2005, which is a Continuation Application of International Application No. PCT/JP2004/008063, filed Jun. 3, 2004, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-159800, filed Jun. 4, 2003. The contents of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a stage apparatus that moves precisely in one dimension or two dimensions over a flat table onto which is placed a mask or substrate onto which a pattern is described, and to an exposure apparatus or the like using such a stage apparatus. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    In the past, in a microlithography apparatus in which a circuit pattern of a semiconductor device or a liquid-crystal device is formed by shining illumination light (an energy beam such as an ultraviolet beam, an X-ray beam, or an electron beam or the like) onto a mask or the like on which a circuit pattern is described so as to perform exposure of a sensitized substrate (a semiconductor wafer or glass plate or the like onto which a resist layer has been applied) by projection through a projection image forming system that is full-size or that has a reduction or magnification ratio, a stage apparatus is provided, onto which the mask or sensitized substrate is placed, and which moves in one dimension or in two dimensions within a plane (XY plane), under position servocontrol by a laser interferometer. 
         [0006]    In such a stage apparatus, the mask or substrate is generally vacuum chucked by a vacuum chucking force. In particular, because the surface area that is held by the vacuum chucking is small and scanning is done at a speed that is approximately 4 or 5 times that of the wafer, there is a tendency for the mask holding force to be insufficient, so that the mask position shifts during the scanning of the mask stage. For this reason, there is a technology, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H10-149979, of pressing a member serving as a positioning reference up against the mask, so as to prevent offset. 
         [0007]    In recent years, in order to improve the productivity of exposure apparatuses, there is a desire to increase the speed of the reticle stage apparatus or wafer stage, so that the acceleration to which the wafer is subjected reaches 5 to 6 G. 
         [0008]    In the above-described technology, however, because the force that holds the mask is only the vacuum chucking force that acts on the bottom surface of the mask, if the stage apparatus is moved with a high acceleration, there is the problem of insufficient holding force, resulting in mask offset and a deterioration of the transfer precision. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention was made in consideration of the above-noted situation, and has as object to provide a stage apparatus that, by holding a mask or the like with a strong force, has no danger of position offset, and an exposure apparatus that uses same. To make the description of the present invention easier to understand, the description is presented with reference to reference numerals applied to drawings of embodiments. However, the present invention is not restricted to those embodiments. 
         [0010]    A first aspect of the present invention is a stage apparatus includes: a movement member movable with a plate member placed on a placement surface; and a fixing apparatus that fixes the plate member to the placement surface in parallel with the movement member passing through a prescribed first region. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the fixing apparatus to be driven so as to fix the plate member automatically by the stage apparatus merely passing through a prescribed region. 
         [0012]    In the embodiment of the invention, the movement member can pass through the first region after moving from a second region in which the plate member is placed on the movement member, and the fixing apparatus can fix the plate member to the placement surface in parallel with the movement member from the second region passing through the first region. By doing this, the stage apparatus onto which the plate member is placed on the movement member simply passing through the first region after moving from the second region, so that the fixing apparatus is driven so as to fix the plate member automatically. 
         [0013]    In the embodiment of the invention, the movement member can pass through the first region during moving toward a third region in which the plate member is removed from the movement member, and the fixing apparatus can release fixing of the plate member in parallel with the movement member from the third region passing through the first region. By doing this, the stage in which the plate member is placed on the movement member simply moves through the first region and moves to the third region, so that the fixing apparatus is driven so as to release the fixation of the plate member. 
         [0014]    Additionally, in the case in which the second region and the third region are one and the same region, the region in which the plate member is placed on the movement member and the region in which the plate member is removed from the movement member are one and the same region, making it possible to suppress an excessive increase in the size of the apparatus. 
         [0015]    Also, if the direction of movement when the movement member passes through the first region when the fixing apparatus fixes the plate member and the direction of movement when movement member passes through the first region when the fixing apparatus releases the fixation are mutually inconsistent, it is possible to make a clear distinction between the region in which the plate member is fixed and the region in which the fixing of the plate member is released, surrounding the first region. 
         [0016]    Also, if a conversion apparatus that converts the movement of the movement member to motive force of the fixing apparatus by coming into contact with part of the movement member when the movement member passes through the first region, it is possible to cause the driving of the fixing member without using a special actuator. 
         [0017]    In the embodiment of the invention, the conversion apparatus can be a cam apparatus having a cam follower provided on the fixing apparatus and a cam member provided on a base part that supports the movement member. By doing this, it is possible by the cam apparatus to convert movement of the stage apparatus to motive force of the fixing apparatus easily and reliably. 
         [0018]    Also, if the cam follower is provided with a bearing that reduces the friction with the cam member, it is possible to make the operation of the fixing apparatus smooth, and also to extend the life of the apparatus. 
         [0019]    Also, if the cam member is provided with a shock-absorber which reduces the resistance when contact is made with the cam follower, it is possible to make the operation of the fixing apparatus smooth, and also to extend the life of the apparatus. 
         [0020]    Also, if a pull-back apparatus that causes the cam follower to pull-back from the movement paths of the movement member, it is possible by causing the cam member to pull-back from the movement path to stop the drive of the fixing apparatus. 
         [0021]    In the embodiment of the invention, a cam apparatus can be provided that turns movement of the movement member into motive force of the fixing apparatus by mechanical contact with a part of the movement member when the movement member passes through the first region, at least part of the cam apparatus disposed in the second region. Because the cam apparatus is disposed in the second region, there is no contact between the fixing apparatus and the cam apparatus in other regions, enabling the achievement of precise movement by the stage apparatus. 
         [0022]    If the fixing apparatus has a holding apparatus that holds fixing of the plate member, it is possible to hold (maintain) the fixing of the plate member even in the case in which the fixing apparatus and cam apparatus are not in contact. 
         [0023]    Also, if the fixing apparatus is provided with a springy body at a part contacting with the plate member, it is possible to avoid damage to the plate member by the fixing apparatus. 
         [0024]    In the embodiment of the invention, a second movement member can be provided so as to move in a direction that is opposite from the direction of movement of the movement member in accordance with the weight ratio with the movement member, by the reaction force generated when the movement member is driven, and the weight of the movement member can include at least part of the weight of the fixing apparatus. By doing this, the above-noted repelling force can be cancelled out or relaxed by the movement of the second movement member. For this reason, it is possible to suppress vibration of the stage apparatus. Also, if the above-noted repelling force is cancelled out, it is further possible to prevent a shift in the center of gravity of the stage apparatus. 
         [0025]    A second aspect of the present invention is a method of fixing a plate member to the movement member of the stage apparatus, whereby the movement member performs fixing of the plate member so as to pass through a prescribed first region provided within the stage apparatus. 
         [0026]    By doing this, by the stage apparatus merely passing through a prescribed region, it is possible to fix the plate member by drive of the fixing apparatus automatically, without providing a special drive apparatus. 
         [0027]    Additionally, by passing through the first region after the movement member passes from the second region in which the plate member is placed on the movement member so that the fixing apparatus fixes the plate member, the stage apparatus onto which the plate member is placed on the movement member simply passing through the first region after moving from the second region drives the fixing apparatus so as to fix the plate member automatically. 
         [0028]    Also, during the movement of the movement member towards the third region in which the plate member is removed from the movement member it passes through the first region so that the fixing apparatus releases the fixing of the plate member, by the stage apparatus in which the plate member is placed onto the movement member simply moving to the third region after passing through the first region can release the fixing of the plate member automatically by drive of the fixing apparatus. 
         [0029]    Additionally, in the case in which the second region and the third region are one and the same region, the region in which the plate member is placed on the movement member and the region in which the plate member is removed from the movement member are one and the same region, making it possible to suppress an excessive increase in the size of the apparatus. 
         [0030]    A third aspect of the present invention is an exposure apparatus having a mask stage that holds a mask and a substrate stage that holds a substrate, in which a substrate is exposed with a pattern formed on the mask, wherein a stage apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is used for at least one of the mask stage and substrate stage. 
         [0031]    By the above, because the fixing apparatus holds the mask or substrate with firm pressure, even if the stage is moved at high speed during exposure, it is possible to transfer a highly precise pattern onto the substrate without shifting of the mask or substrate. 
         [0032]    A fourth aspect of the present invention is an exposure method whereby the mask is fixed to a mask stage, the substrate is fixed to a substrate stage, and the substrate is exposed, in which the fixing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is used for at least one of the mask fixing method and the substrate fixing method. 
         [0033]    By the above, because the mask or substrate is held by firm pressure, even if the stage is quickly accelerated or decelerated during exposure processing, it is possible to transfer a highly precise pattern onto the substrate without shifting of the mask or substrate. 
         [0034]    A fifth aspect of the present invention is method of producing a device that include a lithography process step, in which the exposure apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is used in the lithography step. In the method for producing a device that includes a lithography process step, the exposure method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention was used. 
         [0035]    By the above, it is possible to produce a device onto which a highly precise pattern is transferred. 
         [0036]    According to a stage apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to automatically drive a fixing apparatus by merely the stage apparatus passing through a prescribed region, without providing a special drive apparatus. 
         [0037]    According to a fixation method of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to automatically drive a fixing apparatus my merely the stage apparatus passes through a prescribed region, without providing a special drive apparatus. 
         [0038]    According to an exposure apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, because a fixing apparatus fixes a mask or substrate by pressure holding, even if the stage is moved at high speed during exposure processing, the mask or substrate does not shift, making it possible to transfer a precise pattern to the mask. 
         [0039]    According to an exposure apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, because a mask or substrate is held firmly by pressure holding, even if the stage is moved at high speed during exposure processing, the mask or substrate does not shift, making it possible to transfer a precise pattern to the mask. 
         [0040]    According to a method for manufacturing a device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a device with a highly precise transferred pattern. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is an oblique view showing a reticle stage apparatus of a first embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are oblique views showing a reticle clamp of the first embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation showing an exposure apparatus of the first embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic representations showing a cam member of the first embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D are diagrams of the operation when the reticle clamp of the first embodiment clamps the reticle. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 C, and  6 D are diagrams of the operation when the reticle clamp of the first embodiment releases holding of the reticle. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view showing reticle stage apparatus of a second embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is an exploded oblique view showing a reticle stage apparatus of the second embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9A  is an oblique view and  FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view showing the stage part of the reticle stage apparatus of the second embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  is a drawing showing the positions of the reticle holders and reticle clamps in the reticle stage apparatus of the second embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are oblique views showing the reticle clamp of the second embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  is a schematic representation showing an exposure apparatus of the second embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are oblique views showing the cam member of the second embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIGS. 14A ,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D are diagrams showing the operation when the reticle clamp of the second embodiment clamps the reticle. 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing process for a semiconductor device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    A first embodiment of a stage apparatus and the like of the present invention is described below, with references being made to  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  is an oblique view showing the reticle stage apparatus  200  of the present invention. 
         [0058]    The reticle stage apparatus (stage apparatus)  200  holds the reticle (plate member, mask) with the pattern (PA) surface downward, moves in a one-dimensional scan in the Y direction, and also makes fine movements in the X direction and in the rotational direction (θ Z  direction). 
         [0059]    The reticle stage apparatus  200  has a stage part  203 , which is driven through a prescribed stroke in the Y direction over the reticle table (base part) that is held by a column  201 . 
         [0060]    The stage part (movement member)  203  has a reticle coarse movement stage  206 , which is driven in the Y direction by a pair of Y linear motors  205 , and a reticle fine movement stage  208  that is finely driven in the X, Y, and θ Z  directions over the reticle coarse movement stage  206  by a pair of X voice coil motors  207 X and a pair of Y voice coil motors  207 Y. 
         [0061]    Each of the Y linear motors  205  is provided with a stator (second movement member)  205   a  extending in the Y direction and supported in a floating manner by a plurality of air bearings (air pads)  209 , and an stator (second movement member)  205   b , provided in correspondence to the stator  205   a , and which is fixed to the reticle coarse movement stage  206  via a linking member  231 . For this reason, by the law of preservation of motion, in response to the +Y-direction movement of the reticle coarse movement stage  206 , the stator  205   a  moves in the −Y-direction. By the movement of this stator  205   a , the repelling force accompanying the movement of the reticle coarse movement stage  206  is cancelled out, and it is possible to prevent a change in the center of gravity. 
         [0062]    The reticle coarse movement stage  206  is such that it is guided by a pair of Y guides  232 , which are fixed to the upper surface of an upper protruding part formed at the center part of the reticle table  202  and which extend in the Y direction. The reticle coarse movement stage  206  is supported in a non-contacting manner on the Y guides  232  by air bearings, which are not illustrated. 
         [0063]    The reticle fine movement stage  208  has an aperture that opposes the pattern PA of the reticle R, the reticle R being supported by vacuum chucking with the pattern downward, via the reticle holder (placement surface)  211 , which is planar and disposed around the periphery of the aperture. Four reticle clamps  300  are disposed on the ends of the X-direction ends of the reticle holder  211  (two at each end). 
         [0064]    The reticle clamps  300  for mechanically holding the reticle R by pressing from above, for the purpose of supplementing the insufficiency in the vacuuming chucking force on the reticle R by the reticle holder  211 . The reason that the reticle clamps  300  are disposed at each of the X-direction ends of the reticle holder  211  is to avoid interference with the reticle R, which is placed on the reticle holder  211  and transported in the Y direction. Therefore, as long as there it would not hinder the transport of the reticle R, the reticle clamps  300  can alternatively be disposed at the Y-direction ends of the reticle R. The number of reticle clamps  300  to provide can be decided in accordance with the amount of pressing force required to hold the reticle R. However, to prevent distortion of the reticle R by the pressing force, it is desirable that they be disposed uniformly with respect to the reticle R (for example, at the four corners). 
         [0065]    A pair of Y-direction moving mirrors  233   a ,  233   b  formed by corner cubes, is fixed at the −Y-direction end of the reticle fine movement stage  208 , and an X-direction moving mirror  234  formed by a planar mirror extending in the X direction is fixed at the +X-direction end of the reticle fine movement stage  208 . Three laser interferometers  235   a  to  235   c  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) provided at the outer part with respect to these moving mirrors  233   a ,  233   b , and  234  measure the distance to each mirror, so as to measure the X, Y, and θ Z  (rotational direction) positions with high accuracy. Also, the position measurement information of the reticle fine movement stage  208  (that is, the position information of the reticle R) is sent to the main control system  70 . 
         [0066]    Next, the configuration of the reticle clamps (fixing apparatuses)  300  is described below in detail.  FIG. 2A  is an oblique view showing the reticle clamp  300 , this showing the condition in which the reticle R held by pressing.  FIG. 2B  is an exploded oblique view of the reticle clamp  300 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , the reticle clamp  300  is formed by a base part  310 , a pad part  320 , a link part  330 , sliding guide parts  340 , a clamping spring part  350 , and a follower part  360 . 
         [0068]    The base part  310  is provided at both X-direction ends of the reticle holder  211 . A pin  312  is provided in a channel part  311 , which is formed in substantially a channel shape along the X direction. The pad part  320  is held in the channel part  311 , and there is mating of the pin  312  with the pin hole  321  of the pad part  320 , as described later, so that the pad part  320  is rotatably supported. 
         [0069]    To both sides of the base part  310  are provided guide insertion holes  313  along the X direction for the purpose of inserting the sliding and fixing the guide parts  340 . Therefore, when the sliding guide parts  340  are inserted into the guide insertion holes  313 , the two sliding guide parts  340  are fixed in the condition of extending in the X direction. Also, the sliding guide parts  340  are formed by rod members  341 , onto one end of which is provided a stopper part  342  formed with a diameter that is larger than that of the rod member  341 . 
         [0070]    Two finger parts  314  are formed on the upper surfaces of the base part  310 . The finger parts  314  are formed so as to be substantially triangular viewed from the side, having an inclined surface  314   a  which increases in height moving towards the reticle R in the X direction, and a surface  314   b , which is substantially perpendicular to the reticle R. 
         [0071]    The pad part  320  is made of a substantially triangular member, on one vertex of which (the linear motor side) is formed a pin hole  321 . As described above, the pin hole  321  mates with the pin  312  of the base part  310 , and is housed within the channel part  311  of the base part  310 , being rotatably supported. Therefore, the pad part  320  is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the X-direction end surface of the reticle R. 
         [0072]    A contacting part  322  which makes contact with the reticle R placed on the reticle holder  211  is provided on the lower surface of the pad part  320 . The contacting part  322  is made of a springy body  322   a , so that it does not damage the reticle R which it contacts. In addition to sponge and rubber, it is possible to use a spring or springy hinge mechanism as the springy body  322   a . It is desirable to make the width of the contacting part  322  being such that it does not interfere with the channel part and the like of the base part  310 , thereby making the surface area of contact with the reticle R large, and pressing on the reticle R uniform. 
         [0073]    The other vertex part at the top is formed so as to be bifurcated in the X direction, with pin  323  formed in a part thereof. 
         [0074]    The link part  330  formed by a straight member has pin hole parts  331  and  332  at each end, the pin hole  331  mating with the above-described pin  323  of the pad part  320 , so as to provide support in a rotatable manner. Additionally, the other pin hole  332  mates with the pin  356  of the clamping spring part  350 , so as to provide rotatable support thereto. 
         [0075]    The clamping spring part  350  is formed by a body part  351 , a linking part  352  and a spring part  353 , and has a structure such that the body part  351  and the linking part  352  are linked via the spring part  353 . 
         [0076]    The body part  351  has two holes  355  that mate with the sliding guide parts  340 , so that by the mating of the two sliding guide parts  340  fixed to the base part  310  with these holes  355 , the slide guide parts  340  are movably supported in the X direction along the slide guide parts  340 . Holes  357 , which mate with the follower part  360 , are provided at the upper part of the body part  351 . 
         [0077]    The linking part  352  is formed as a channel, having a pin therewithin which mates with the pin hole  332  of the link part  330 . 
         [0078]    The spring part  353  is configured by a springy hinge mechanism that is machined using electric discharge machining using the wire-cut method, and supports the link part  353  so as to enable its movement in the X direction relative to the body part  351 . By the resilience of the spring part  353  force is applied that holds the reticle R. Therefore, by adjusting the spring constant of the spring part  353 , it is possible to adjust the pressing force of the reticle clamp  300 . The spring part  353  is not restricted to being a springy hinge mechanism, but can also be a coil spring or leaf spring or the like having resilience. 
         [0079]    The follower part  360  is formed by a body part  361 , pins  352  provided at both ends of the body part  361 , a cam follower  363  provide at the upper part of the body part  361 , a leaf spring  364  extending from the body part  361  in the direction of the reticle R, and two support plates  365 , which are disposed so as to overlap the leaf springs  364  at the bottom surface side and so as to restrict the deformation of the leaf springs  364  in the downward direction. 
         [0080]    The follower part  360 , by the pins  362  provided at both ends of the body part  361  mating with the holes  357  of the clamping spring part  350 , rotatably supports the clamping spring part  350 . Also, by the contact between the body part  361  of the follower part  360  and the body part  351  of the clamping spring part  350 , restriction so as to not rotate above a prescribed amount is achieved. Specifically, the leaf springs  364  are prevented from rotating downward from the horizontal position (refer to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0081]    A rectangular hole  364   a  that mates with the finger parts  314  of the base part  310  is provided in the end of each of the two leaf springs (holding apparatuses)  364 . A channel-shaped cutout part  365   a  is provided at the end parts of the two support plates  365 , in parts that are opposite the holes  364   a  of the leaf springs  364 . 
         [0082]    A bearing  363   a  for the purpose of alleviating friction of contact with the cam member  400 , which is described below, is provided on the cam follower  363 . 
         [0083]    Next, an embodiment in which the above-described reticle stage apparatus  200  is applied to an exposure apparatus  100  is described below.  FIG. 3  is a schematic representation showing the exposure apparatus  100 . 
         [0084]    The exposure apparatus  100  is a step-and-scan type of scanning exposure apparatus, a so-called scanning stepper, in which exposure illumination (exposure light) EL is shined onto a reticle R as the reticle R and the wafer (plate member, substrate) W are caused move relatively in one dimension (direction), so that a patterns (circuit pattern or the like) formed on the reticle R is transferred to the wafer W via a projection optical system  40 . 
         [0085]    The exposure apparatus  100  is formed by an exposure illumination system  10  that illuminates the reticle R with the exposure illumination EL, a reticle stage  200  that holds the reticle R, a projection optics system  200  that shines exposure illumination light EL emitted from the reticle R onto the wafer W, a wafer stage apparatus  50  that holds the wafer W, and a main control system  70  that performs overall control of the operation of the exposure apparatus  100 . 
         [0086]    The exposure illumination system  10  has an optical integrator for the purpose of shining the exposure illumination light EL emitted from the light source  12  onto the reticle R with a distribution that is substantially uniform over a prescribed illumination region thereof. 
         [0087]    A vacuum ultraviolet beam in the wavelength range from approximately 120 nm to approximately 190 nm, for example an ArF excimer laser (ArF laser) having an oscillation wavelength of 193 nm, a fluorine laser (F 2  laser) having an oscillation wavelength of 157 nm, a krypton dimer laser (Kr 2  laser) having an oscillation wavelength of 146 nm, or an argon dimer laser (Ar 2  laser) having an oscillation wavelength of 126 nm or the like can be used as the exposure illumination light EL. 
         [0088]    The reticle stage apparatus  200  is provided directly below the exposure illumination system  10 . The specific configuration of the reticle stage apparatus  200  is as described above. 
         [0089]    The stage part  203  of the reticle stage apparatus  200  holds the reticle R, with the pattern PA facing downward and moves in a one-dimension scan in the Y direction, and midway in the movement path thereof is a loading region (second region) A 2  in which the reticle R is placed onto the reticle holder  211 , an unloading region (third region) A 3  in which the reticle R is removed from the reticle holder  211 , and an exposure region A 4  in which the exposure illumination light EL is shined onto the reticle R. Normally, the loading region A 2  and the unloading region A 3  are coinciding regions (which is hereafter called the loading/unloading region A 0 ) and, as shown in  FIG. 3 , because of the dimensional restrictions of the apparatus, there is partial overlapping of the loading/unloading region A 0  and the exposure region A 4 . Also the clamp drive region (first region) A 1 , to be described below, is also included midway in the movement path of the stage part  203 . 
         [0090]    A cam member  400  that serves as a cam apparatus (conversion apparatus) C which is configured together with the above-described reticle clamp  300  is provided at the upper part within the loading/unloading region A 0 . The cam member  400  is fixed, via an elevator apparatus to be described later, to either the reticle table  202  or the column  201 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation showing the cam member  400 . The cam member  400  is formed in substantially a channel shape, by rotatably linking the end parts of each of the two members  401   a  and  401   b  formed in L shapes so that they are symmetrical. 
         [0092]    Grooves  402   a  and  402   b , into which the cam follower  363  of the above-described follower part  360  enters, are formed on the lower surface of the members  401   a  and  401   b . The widths of the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  are formed so as to be large at the end parts of the members  401   a  and  402   a , and are made gradually narrower toward the +Y direction so that they are slightly wider than the width of the end parts of the members  401   a  and  401   b . The grooves  402   a  and  402   b  are formed so as to veer inward at the end parts, veering gradually outwards as they progress in the +Y direction, after which they reach a width dimension in the part that is parallel to the Y direction that is greater than the reticle R. (Hereinafter, the region in which the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  veer inward and then gradually outward is referred to as the clamp drive region A 1 ). Therefore, when the cam follower  363  moves from the left side of the paper in  FIG. 4  toward the right in the +Y direction, it enters the widely formed end parts of the grooves  402   a  and  402   b . When there is further movement in the +Y direction, as the clamp drive region A 1  is passed, it is guided so as to move from inside to outside. 
         [0093]    A spring (shock-absorber)  403  is provided between the members  401   a  and  402   a , at the end of the cam apparatus  400 . This rotatably links the members  401   a  and  401   b  and, by providing the spring  403 , it is possible to make fine movement relative to the cam follower  363  that comes into the grooves  402   a  and  402   b , so that there is a reduction in the shock and friction between the cam follower  363  and the grooves  402   a  and  402   b.    
         [0094]    An elevator apparatus (pull-back apparatus)  410  that causes upward movement of the cam member  400  is provided on the cam member  400 . The elevator apparatus  410  is formed, for example, by an air cylinder or the like and, by causing the cam member  400  to rise, the cam member  400  and the reticle clamp  300  are separated, so that it is not possible for the cam follower  363  to enter the grooves  402   a  and  402   b . In this manner, the cam member  400  can be pulled back from the loading/unloading region A 0 , or can be made to intrude into the cam member  400 . 
         [0095]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , the projection optical system  40  is a system of a plurality of lenses and reflective mirrors made from fluoride crystals such as lithium fluoride, hermetically sealed in a projection system housing (lens tube). The projection lens system reduces the illumination light shined through the reticle R by a projection ratio of β (β being, for example, ¼), and forms an image of the pattern PA of the reticle R onto a prescribed region (shot region) of the wafer W. Also, the various elements of the projection lens system of the projection optical system  40  are supported in the projection system housing by a respective holding member, each holding member being annular, for example, so as hold each element around its periphery (none are illustrated). 
         [0096]    The wafer stage apparatus (stage apparatus)  50  is made up of elements such as a wafer holder  52  that holds the wafer W, and a wafer stage  53  that can move within the XY plane. The wafer holder  52  is supported by the wafer stage  53 , and holds the wafer by vacuum chucking. The wafer stage  53  is a pair of blocks that can move in mutually perpendicular directions, superposed on the base  54 , and is driving in the XY plane by a drive section that is not illustrated. 
         [0097]    Externally provided laser interferometer measuring apparatuses successively detect the X-direction and Y-direction positions of the wafer stage  53 , and output these to the main control system  70 . 
         [0098]    An X moving mirror  56 X, formed by a planar mirror, is provided on at the −X direction of the wafer holder  52  so as to extend in the Y direction. A distance measurement beam from the X-axis laser interferometer  57 X is shined substantially perpendicularly onto the X moving mirror  56 X, and the reflected light therefrom is received by the X-axis laser interferometer  57 X, so as to detect the X position of the wafer W. The Y position of the wafer W is detected by a Y-axis laser interferometer  57 Y having substantially the same configuration. 
         [0099]    By the movement of the wafer stage  53  within the XY plane, the projection position (exposure position) of the pattern PA of the reticle R is positioned at any arbitrary position on the wafer W, and transfers by projection to the wafer W the image of the pattern PA of the reticle R. 
         [0100]    The main control system  70  performs overall control of the exposure apparatus  100 . For example, it controls the exposure light amount (amount of exposure light illumination), and the positions of the reticle stage apparatus  200 , described later, and the wafer stage  53 , and performs repeated exposure operations that transfer the pattern PA of the reticle R onto shot regions of the wafer W. The main control system  70  is provided with a processor  71 , which performs various calculations, and also a storage unit  72 , which records various information. 
         [0101]    Next, a method of performing exposure processing that transfers the pattern PA formed on the reticle R to the wafer W by shining exposure illumination light EL onto the reticle R using the exposure apparatus  100  having the above-noted configuration is described below. 
         [0102]    The exposure processing method of this embodiment has a step of loading the reticle R onto the reticle stage apparatus  200 , a step of pressure holding the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300 , a step of releasing the holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300 , and a step of unloading the reticle R from the reticle stage apparatus  200 . Holding the reticle R and releasing the holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300  will operate with the stage part  203  passing through the clamp drive region A 1 , as described bellow. 
         [0103]    The step of loading the reticle R onto the reticle stage apparatus  200  will now be described. Before the reticle R is placed (in the initial condition), the reticle stage apparatus  200  is at the exposure region (A 4 ). The reticle clamps  300  are in the condition in which the pad parts  320  are either flipped up (refer to  FIG. 5A ) or lowered (refer to  FIG. 5D ). Also, the cam member  400  is disposed within the loading/unloading region A 0 . 
         [0104]    By a command from the main control system  70 , the stage part  203  moves in the +Y direction, moving from the exposure region A 4  up to the loading/unloading region A 0 , where it stops. Accompanying the movement of the stage part  203 , the cam followers  363  of the reticle clamps  300  enter the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam member  400 . The cam followers  363  moves first to the inside (direction approaching the reticle R), but when the stage part  203  stops at the loading/unloading region A 0 , all of the cam followers  363  pass through the clamp drive region A 1 , and move to the outside (direction moving away form the reticle R). By doing this, all of the reticle clamps  300  are held in the condition in which the pad parts  320  are in the flipped up condition. The specific operation of the reticle clamps  300  will be described later. The bearing  363   a  provided on the cam follower  363  and the spring  403  provided on the cam member  400  reduce the contact friction between the cam follower  363  and the grooves  402   a  and  402   b , so that the cam follower  363  moves smoothly in the grooves  402   a  and  402   b.    
         [0105]    By a reticle transport apparatus that is not illustrated, a reticle R is transported from outside, placed on the reticle holder  211  above the stage part  203 , and the reticle R is vacuum chucked by the reticle holder  211 . 
         [0106]    Next, in the step in which the reticle R is held by pressure by the reticle clamps  300 , −Y-direction movement is done with the reticle R placed on the stage part  203 . Accompanying the movement of the stage part  203 , when the cam followers  363  of the reticle clamps  300  pass through the clamp drive region A 1  they gradually move into the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam members  400 . In this manner, by the cam follower  363  moving from the outside to the inside, the reticle clamps  300  are driven, and the reticle R is successively clamped by pressing (clamping). 
         [0107]    When the stage part  203  moves further in the −Y direction, by it moving from the loading/unloading region A 0  to inside the exposure region A 4 , the cam followers  363  of the reticle clamps  300  successively are pulled out from the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam members  400 . However, the pressure holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300  is maintained by the action of the leaf springs  364 . 
         [0108]    The operation when the reticle R is held (pressed) by the reticle clamps  300  is described below in detail.  FIG. 5  is a drawing showing the operation when the reticle R is held by pressing. 
         [0109]    First, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the reticle R is placed on the reticle holder  211  on the stage part  203  and held by vacuum chucking. When this is done, because the reticle clamps  300  are in the condition in which the pad parts  320  are flipped up, there is no interference between the reticle R and the reticle clamps  300 . After the holding of the reticle R by vacuum chucking, a force directed toward the reticle R side acts on the cam followers  363 . That is, this is the case in which the cam followers  363  enter the clamp drive region A 1 , and start to move along the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam members  400 , toward the inside (the direction approaching the reticle R). 
         [0110]    When the force acts on the cam followers  363  in the direction toward the reticle R (toward the left in the drawing), a moment acts that rotates the cam follower  363  about the pin  362  and, as shown in  FIG. 5B , because the follower part  360  does not rotate relative to the clamping spring part  350 , the follower part  360  acts as one with the clamping spring part  350  and starts to move toward the base part  310 , along the sliding guide parts  340 . Accompanying this movement, the force that is caused to act on the cam follower  363  is transmitted to the pad part  320  via the link part  330 , causing the link part  320  to rotate about the pin hole  321 . Also, because the pad parts  320  rotated smoothly, there is almost no deformation of the spring part  353  of the clamping spring part  350 . 
         [0111]    Additionally, when a force acts on the cam follower  363  in the direction toward the reticle R side, as shown in  FIG. 5C , the leaf spring  364  of the follower part  360  is butted against the finger part  314  provided at the upper surface of the base part  310 , and deforms so as to bend upward along the inclined surface of the finger part  314 . Because a channel-shaped cutout  365   a  is provided in the support plate  365 , it does not butt up against the finger part  314 , and moves toward the reticle R, avoiding the finger part  314 . The pad part  320  rotates further about the pin hole  321 , and the contacting part  322  comes into contact with the reticle R. By the contacting part  322  coming into contact with the reticle R, because the pad parts  320  cannot rotate further about the pin hole  321 , the spring part  353  of the clamping spring part  350  begins to deform. 
         [0112]    Then, further force acts on the cam follower  363  in the direction toward the reticle R side. That is, the cam follower  363  passes the clamp drive region A 1  is in the condition in which it is at the innermost position. When this occurs, as shown in  FIG. 5D , the leaf spring  364  rises over the finger part  314  provided at the upper surface of the base part  310 , the hole  364   a  in the leaf spring  364  mating with the finger part  314 , and the leaf spring  364  deformation returning to the initial condition (flat condition). The spring part  353  of the clamping spring part  350  further deforms and applies a strong pressing force on the reticle R via the pad part  320 . 
         [0113]    Finally, in this condition the force on the cam follower  363  directed toward the reticle R is released. That is, the cam follower  363  of the reticle clamp  300  go into the condition in which the cam member  400  pulls out of the grooves  402   a  and  402   b . When the force acting on the cam follower  363  is released, by the spring force of the spring part  353  of the clamping spring part  350  a force acts to move the clamping spring part  350  in the direction of the linear motor side. However, the leaf spring  364  of the follower part  360  linked to the clamping spring part  350  restricts the movement of clamping spring part  350  toward the linear motor. That is, because the hole  364   a  of the leaf spring  364  mates with the finger part  314  of the base part  310 , even if the force acting on the cam follower  363  in the direction of the reticle R is released, by the action of the leaf spring  364  of the follower part  360 , the deformation of the spring part  353  is not released, and the condition of pressing the reticle R is maintained. 
         [0114]    The reticle clamps  300  hold the reticle R in this manner, with a strong pressing force. 
         [0115]    Next, the in the step of performing exposure, before starting the exposure processing the cam member  400  is caused to pull back from the loading/unloading region A 0 . That is, the elevator apparatus  410  is driven so as to cause the cam member  400  to rise, thereby causing it to move outside the loading/unloading region A 0 . 
         [0116]    After the cam member  400  is caused to pull back, as done in the past, exposure illumination light (exposure light) EL is shined onto the reticle R as the reticle R and the wafer W are caused to move relatively in one direction, so as to transfer onto the wafer W, via the projection optical system  40 , a pattern PA formed on the reticle R. 
         [0117]    In this manner, the performing of exposure processing after causing the cam member  400  to pull back is in order to prevent the release of the pressing force of the reticle clamps  300  on the reticle R during exposure processing. That is, during exposure processing the stage part  203  moves reciprocally at high speed. As described above, there is a partial overlapping between the exposure region A 4  and the loading/unloading region A 0 . For this reason, if the cam member  400  remains in the loading/unloading region A 0 , during exposure processing part of the plurality of reticle clamps  300  enter the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam member  400 , pass by the clamp drive region A 1 , and the pressing that holds the reticle R is released. 
         [0118]    In this manner, by causing the cam member  400  to pull back from the loading/unloading region A 0  before the start of exposure processing, it is possible to prevent the risk of the release of the reticle clamps  300  during exposure processing before it occurs. 
         [0119]    Next, the step of releasing the holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300  is described below. 
         [0120]    When the exposure processing is completed, the elevator apparatus  410  is driven so as to cause the cam member  400  to move into the loading/unloading region A 0 . When this is done, the stage part  203  is caused to move in the −Y direction so as to avoid interference with the cam member  400 . 
         [0121]    Then the stage part  203  is moved in the +Y direction, moving from the exposure region A 4  to a position within the loading/unloading region A 0 . Accompanying the movement of the stage part  203 , the cam followers  363  of the reticle clamps  300  enter the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam member  400 , and successively pass through the clamp drive region A 1 , moving from the inside (reticle R side) to the outside. In this manner, by causing the cam followers  363  to move from the inside to the outside, the reticle clamps  300  are driven, and the pressing forces holding the reticle R are successively released. 
         [0122]    The operation of releasing of the holding (pressure) on the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300  is described below in detail.  FIG. 6  is a drawing showing the operation when the holding of the reticle R is released. 
         [0123]    First, as shown in  FIG. 6A , a force is caused to act on the cam followers  363  in the direction that moves them away from the reticle R (to the right in the drawing). That is, the cam followers  363  of the reticle clamps  300  enter the grooves  402   a  and  402   b  of the cam member  400  and enter into the clamp drive region A 1 , the condition in which movement to the outside (in the direction away from the reticle R) begins. 
         [0124]    When force is caused to act on the cam follower  363  in the direction away from the reticle R, as shown in  FIG. 6B  a moment acts that cause the cam follower  363  to rotate about the pad part  320 , and the follower part  360  begin to rotate about the pad part  320 . 
         [0125]    When the follower part  360  rotate a prescribed angle or greater about the pad part  320 , as shown in  FIG. 6C  the hole  364   a  of the leaf spring  364  rises over the perpendicular surface  314   b  of the finger part  314 , and the mating between the leaf spring  364  and the finger  314  is released. By this occurring, it becomes possible to release the deformation of the spring part  353 , and the follower part  360  and clamping spring part  350  act as one in moving along the sliding guide part  340  towards the right side as shown in the drawing. Then, accompanying this movement, because the link part  330  moves to the right side as shown in the drawing, the pad part  320  begins to rotate about the pin hole  321 . 
         [0126]    Then, the follower part  360  and the clamping spring part  350  return to the initial position. That is, the cam follower  363  passes through the clamp drive region A 1  and goes into the condition in which it has moved to the most outside position. When this happen, as shown in  FIG. 6D  the pad part  320  flips up and away from the reticle R. 
         [0127]    By doing the above, the pressing of the reticle clamp  300  that hold the reticle R is released. 
         [0128]    Finally, in the step of unloading the reticle R from the reticle stage apparatus  200 , after or as the same time as the holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamps  300  is released, the vacuum chucking of the reticle R by the reticle holder  211  is released. Then, by a reticle transport apparatus that is not illustrated, the reticle R is transported from the top of the reticle stage apparatus  200  towards the outside. In the same manner as when the reticle R is transported onto the reticle stage apparatus  200 , because the pad parts  320  of the reticle clamps  300  are in the flipped up condition, the reticle R can be transported out without interference. 
         [0129]    By doing the above, it is possible not only to hold the reticle R firmly on the reticle stage apparatus  200 , but also to maintain that holding during the exposure processing. Also, the pressing by the reticle clamps  300  that hold the reticle R is released only when the reticle R is placed on and removed from the reticle stage  200 . 
         [0130]    By holding the reticle R firmly on the reticle stage apparatus  200 , even if the reticle stage apparatus  200  is moved with high acceleration, the reticle R does not shift, enabling highly precise transfer of the pattern PA onto the wafer W. 
         [0131]    Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a detection apparatus for the purpose of verifying that the pressing by the reticle clamps  300  that holds the reticle R is released. For example, providing a reflective mirror on the upper surface of the link part  330  of the reticle clamp  300  and installing a laser interferometer above the exposure region A 4 . This having been done, by measuring the height of the upper surface of the link part  330  that passes beneath the laser interferometer, it is possible to detect the operating condition of the reticle clamp  300 . Alternatively, it is possible to measure the position of the body  351  of the clamping spring part  350 , or to provide a limit switch that is actuated when the body  351  has moved to the rearmost position. 
         [0132]    In this manner, by detecting the operating condition of the reticle clamp  300 , because the reticle R is held securely on the reticle stage apparatus  200 , it is possible to avoid problems caused by release of a reticle clamp  300  during exposure processing. 
         [0133]    Next, a second embodiment of a stage apparatus and the like according to the present invention is described below, with references made to  FIGS. 7 to 14 . 
         [0134]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view showing the reticle stage apparatus  500  of the present invention,  FIG. 8  is an exploded oblique view of the reticle stage apparatus  500 ,  FIG. 9  is an oblique view and a cross-sectional view showing the stage part  520 , and  FIG. 10  is a drawing showing the positions of the reticle holders  525  and reticle clamps  600 . Constituent elements that are the same as in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and are not described herein. 
         [0135]    The reticle stage apparatus  500 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , has elements such as a reticle table  510 , a stage part  520 , which is driven through a prescribed stroke in the Y direction over the reticle table  510 , a frame-shaped member  530  disposed so as to surround the stage part  520 , and a reticle stage drive system (linear motor  540  and voice coil motor  550 ) that drives stage part  520 . 
         [0136]    The reticle table (base part)  510  is supported substantially horizontally by a support member that is not illustrated. The reticle table  510 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , is formed from an approximately planar member, in the substantially center position of which is formed a protrusion  516   a . Additionally, in the substantially center part of the protrusion  516   a  there is formed a rectangular aperture  516   b  having the X-axis direction as its longitudinal direction so as to pass the exposure illumination light EL and so as to be a through hole in the Z direction. 
         [0137]    As shown in  FIG. 9A , the stage part (movement member)  520  is formed by such elements as a stage body  522  that is substantially rectangular in shape, and four extension parts  524 , which are provided so as to extend in the Y direction from the stage part  520 . On the lower surfaces of each of the four extension parts  524  are formed static pressure air bearings. By doing this, the stage part  520  is supported in non-contact, floating manner, via a clearance of several microns over the reticle table  510 . 
         [0138]    A pair of Y-direction moving mirrors  233   a ,  233   b  formed by corner cubes, is fixed at the −Y-direction end of the stage part  520 , and laser interferometers  235   a  to  235   c  (refer to  FIG. 12 ) provided at the outer part measure the Y-direction position of the Y moving mirrors  233   a  and  233   b , so as to measure the Y-direction position of the stage part  520  (reticle R) with high precision. 
         [0139]    In substantially the center part of the stage body  522  is provided a stepped aperture  523  that forms a path for the exposure illumination light EL, the step part of this stepped aperture  523  (part that is one step down) being provided with a reticle holder (placement surface)  525  that vacuum chucks the reticle R from the bottom. Additionally, four reticle clamps  600  are provided at both edges of the stepped aperture  523  (two at each edge). The configuration of the reticle clamps  600  is described later. 
         [0140]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the reticle holder  525  has vacuum chucking surfaces  525   a  and  525   b  formed so as to be rectangular along the Y direction at the outside of the stepped aperture in the X direction, these holding the regions of the reticle R at the X-direction edges by vacuum chucking from the bottom of the reticle. It is possible to used electrostatic chucking in place of vacuum chucking, and further possible to use a combination of electrostatic chucking and vacuum chucking. 
         [0141]    Four reticle clamps  600  are provided further to the outside of the reticle holders  525  in the X direction, and a region at ends of the reticle R in the X direction that is vacuum chucked by the reticle holders  525  is held by pressing at a plurality of points from both sides of the reticle. Because each of the reticle clamps  600  press onto the reticle R at two points (and have two clamping areas  600   p ), the reticle R is held by pressing at a total of eight points. 
         [0142]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the positions of pressure onto the reticle R by each of the reticle clamps  600  are set so as to be positions that overlap with the vacuum chucking surfaces  525   a  and  525   b , although there is no restriction in this regard. For example, it is possible to divide the vacuum chucking surfaces  525   a  and  525   b  into a plurality of regions, with the vacuum chucking regions and pressure holding regions positioned alternately in the Y direction. Also, it is possible to establish positions so that the inside of the reticle R (side near the stepped aperture  523 ) is held using vacuum chucking and the outside thereof is held using pressing or, in reverse, so that the inside of the reticle R is held by pressing and the outside thereof is held by vacuum chucking. Although there is no particular restriction on the size of the clamping area  600   p , it can be set, for example, to have a width in the Y direction of 20 to 40 mm and a width in the X direction of 5 to 20 mm at each reticle clamp  600 . 
         [0143]    The pressure holding force by a reticle clamp can be made, for example 0.5 to 2.0 kgf at one clamping area  600   p . The pressure holding force by the reticle clamps  600  and the vacuum chucking force on the reticle R at the reticle holders  525  can be set so that there is a ratio of 2-to-3 or 2-to-5 when taking the overall reticle R. Because setting the proportion of pressure holding force by the reticle clamps  600  so as to be large leads to the possibility of deformation of the reticle R, it is preferable that the pressure force of the reticle clamps  600  and vacuum chucking force of the reticle holders  525  be appropriately set so that such deformation does not occur. 
         [0144]    A moving piece unit  544  of the linear motor  540  is disposed at both sides of the stepped aperture  523  in the stage part  520 . The moving piece units  544 , as shown in  FIG. 9B , have a pair of pole units  544   a ,  544   b  embedded in the upper and lower surfaces of the stage body  522 . Additionally, the armature  544  of a voice coil motor  550  is disposed at the X-direction end part. A planar permanent magnet  554   a  is used as the moving piece unit  544 . 
         [0145]    The reticle stage drive system is formed by a pair of linear motors that drive the stage part  520  in the Y direction and provide fine drive in the Oz direction. The pair of linear motors  540  is formed by a stator unit  542  and the above-described armature unit  544 , which are each set over in the Y direction at the X direction inside of a frame member  530 . The voice coil motor  550  is formed by a stator unit  552  and the above-described moving piece unit  554 , which are each set over in the Y direction at the −X direction inside the frame member  530 . 
         [0146]    The stator unit  542  is formed by a pair of Y-axis linear guides  542   a  and  542   b  oriented lengthwise in the Y-axis direction, and fixed to an inner wall surface of the frame member  530  so as to be mutually opposing with a prescribed spacing therebetween in the Z direction and also so as to parallel to the XY plane. A plurality of armatures are disposed inside the Y-axis linear guides  542   a  and  542   b , with a prescribed spacing. The magnetic pole units  544   a  and  544   b  of the stage part  520  are disposed between the Y-axis linear guide  542   a  and  542   b , with a prescribed clearance therebetween. 
         [0147]    The stator unit  552  is formed by a pair of armature units  552   a  and  552   b  oriented lengthwise in the Y-axis direction, which are fixed to an inner wall surface of the frame member  530  so as to be mutually opposing with a prescribed spacing therebetween in the Z direction and also so as to parallel to the XY plane. The permanent magnet  554   a  of the stage part  520  is disposed between the armature units  552   a  and  552   b  with a prescribed clearance therebetween. 
         [0148]    In this manner, a moving magnet type linear motor  540  that can move the stage part  520  in the Y direction is formed by the Y-axis linear guides  542   a  and  542   b  and the magnetic pole units  544   a  and  544   b . The armature units  552   a  and  552   b , together with the permanent magnet  554   a , forms a moving magnet type voice coil motor  550  that can perform fine movement the stage part  520  in the X direction. 
         [0149]    When electrical current is supplied to the armature coils within the Y-axis linear guides  542   a  and  542   b , Y-direction drive force is generated that drives the stage part  520  in the Y direction. When electrical current flows in the Y-axis direction in the armature coils of the armature units  552   a  and  552   b , drive force is generated that drives the stage part  520  in the X direction. 
         [0150]    The frame member (second movement member)  530  has a gas static pressure air bearing formed on the lower surface thereof. By doing this, the frame member  530  is held in a non-contacting floating manner with a clearance of approximately several microns over the reticle table  510 . Moving pieces  561 ,  563 ,  565 , and  567  formed by magnetic units are provided on the +X direction and −X direction surfaces of the frame member  530 . Stators  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568 , formed by armature units are provided so as to be opposite these moving pieces  561 ,  563 ,  565 , and  567  via a support  512 . The moving pieces  562 ,  563 ,  565 , and  567  have permanent magnets on the inside thereof, and form magnetic fields in the Z direction. The stators  562  and  564  have armature coils on the inside thereof, and current flows therein in the Y direction. The stators  566  and  568  have armature coils on the inside thereof, and current flows therein in the X direction. 
         [0151]    Therefore, a trim motor  560 X for the purpose of X-direction drive is formed by a moving magnet type voice coil motor by the moving pieces  561  and  563  and the stators  562  and  564 . In the same manner, a trim motor  560 Y for Y-direction drive is formed by a moving coil voice coil motor by the moving pieces  565  and  567  and the stators  566  and  568 . In this manner, the four trim motors  560 X and  560 Y can drive the frame member  530  with three degrees of freedom, in the directions of X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and θ Z  direction. Window glasses  532  and  534  are fitted into the −X direction and −Y direction side walls of the frame member  530 , enabling a length measurement beam from the laser interferometers  235   a  to  235   c  that measure the position of the stage part  520  to pass through. 
         [0152]    The Y-direction position of the stage part  520  is measured by the length measurement beams emitted from the laser interferometers  235   a  to  235   c  being passed through the window glass  534  so as to strike the Y moving mirrors  233   a  and  233   b  and by detecting the reflected light therefrom. The X-direction position and θ Z -axis position of the stage part  520  is measured by shining a plurality of length measurement beams onto an X fixed mirror (not illustrated) fixed to the reticle table  510 , and detecting the light reflected therefrom. The X moving mirror is formed longitudinally along the Y direction so as to cover the movement range of the stage part  520 , and is installed on the outer part of the frame member  530 . A length measurement beam that passes through the window glass  534  has its light path bent by approximately 90 degrees by an optical element fixed to the stage part  520 , after which it passes through the window glass  532  and reaches the X fixed mirror. It is also possible to not provide window glasses  532  and  534  on the frame member  530 , but rather to dispose the above-noted length measurement beam emitting part and X fixed mirror on the inside of the frame member  530  (inside the frame). 
         [0153]    In a reticle stage apparatus  500  configured in this manner, repelling force accompanying the movement of the stage part  520  is cancelled out by the movement of the frame member  530 . For example, when the stage part  520  is driven in the X direction, the moving piece of the voice coil motor  550  is driven as one with the stage part  520  in the X-axis direction, and the repelling force to the drive force acts on frame member, to which the stators of the voice coil motor  550  (armature units  552   a  and  552   b ) and stators are fixed. Because the frame member  530  is supported in a non-contacting manner with a prescribed clearance with respect to the reticle table  510 , by the above-described repelling force the frame member  530  moves in a direction responsive to the repelling force by an amount in accordance with the law of conservation of motion. In the same manner, in the case of drive in the Y-axis direction, the frame member  530  moves in accordance with the law of conservation of motion. In particular, because the frame member  530  is formed so as to surround the stage part  520 , it inevitably grows large and heavy. It is therefore possible to make the ratio of weight with the stage part  520  be high. For this reason, the movement distance of the frame member  530  can be relatively short. Also, in this embodiment because the reticle clamps  600  are mounted to the stage part  520 , the weight of the frame member (counter mass)  530 , in consideration of the weight of the stage part  520 , which includes the reticle clamps  600 , is set to achieve a prescribed weight ratio. 
         [0154]    Next, the configuration of the reticle clamp  600  is described in detail.  FIG. 11A  is an oblique view of a reticle clamp  600 , shown in the condition in which it is holding the reticle R by pressing.  FIG. 11B  is an exploded oblique view of the reticle clamp  600 . Also, because the reticle clamp  600  has the same basic configuration as the reticle clamp  300 , parts that are the same as the reticle clamp  300  are assigned the same reference numerals and are described briefly herein. 
         [0155]    The reticle clamp (fixing apparatus)  600 , as shown in  FIG. 11B , is formed by a base part  610 , a pad part  620 , slide guides  640 , a clamping spring  650 , and a follower part  660 . 
         [0156]    The base part  610  is a member that is substantially the same as the base part  310 , in which a pin  612  provided in a channel part  611  rotatably supports a pad part  620  to be described below. The slide guides  640 , each of which is formed by a rod member  641  and a stopper part  642 , are inserted into and fixed in the two guide insertion holes  613 , which are provided on either side. Also, two finger parts  614 , having an inclined surface  614   a  and a substantially vertical surface  614   b  are provided on the upper surface of the base part  610 . 
         [0157]    The pad part  620  is formed from a member that is substantially triangular viewed from the side (Y direction), and has a pin hole  621  provided on one vertex part thereof. As described above, the pin  612  of the base part  610  mates with the pin hole  621 . By doing this, it is fit into and rotatably supported by the channel part  611  of the base part  610 . Also, a spring mechanism is located within the mating part between the pin hole  621  and the pin  612 , thereby providing an impelling force that flips up the pad part  620 . A contacting part  622  making contact with the reticle R placed onto the reticle holder  525  is provide on the lower surface of the pad part  620 . The contacting part  622  is formed so as to extend in the Y direction. This is to support the reticle R over a larger surface or press it at a plurality of points. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , each contacting part  622  has two clamping areas  600   p , the reticle R being held at these two points by a uniform force. The contacting part  622  is formed by a resilient body  622   a , so as not to damage the reticle R, and the periphery thereof is beveled. 
         [0158]    An arc-shaped surface  623  that makes contact with the linking part  652  of the clamping spring part  650 , described below, is formed at another vertex part disposed at the top. This arc-shaped surface  623 , together with the roller  659  of the linking part  652 , forms a cam mechanism. Specifically, by the arc-shaped surface  623  being pressed in the +X direction by the roller  659  of the linking part  652 , the pad part  620  is caused to rotate about the pin hole  621 . 
         [0159]    It is possible to provide a resilient pivot at the clamping point, so as to enable pressing on the reticle R with the same condition at all times, regardless of error or variations in the thickness of the reticle R. 
         [0160]    The clamping spring part  650  is formed by a body part  651 , a linking part  652 , and a spring part  653 , a linked structure being formed by the body part  651 , the linking part  652 , and the spring part  653 . The body part  651  is provided with two holes  655 , which made with the slide guides  640 , thereby enabling support and movement along the X direction. 
         [0161]    The clamping spring part  650  is formed by a body part  651 , a link part  652 , and a spring part  653 , the structure thereof being such that the body part  651  and the link part  652  are linked by the spring part  653 . The body part  651  has a cam followers  358  provided at substantially the center of its upper part. Additionally, holes  657  which mate with the follower part  660  are provided in both ends of the upper part of the body part  651 . The cam follower  658  is provide with a bearing  658   a  for the alleviation of friction when contact is made with the cam member  700  that is described later. The link part  652  is provided with a roller  659  on the end thereof, which is made of a member that extends in the X direction. The spring part  653  is formed by a resilient hinge mechanism, and links the link part  652  to the body part  651  so as to enable movement in the X direction. Also, the spring force of the spring part  653  applies a pressing force that holds the reticle R. 
         [0162]    The follower part  660  is formed by a body part  661 , pin parts  662  provided on both ends of the body part  661 , a cam followers  663  provided on the upper part of the body part  661 , and a holding plate  665  extending in the +X direction. The follower part  660 , pin the pin parts  662  mating with the hole part  657  is rotatably supported by the clamping spring part  650 . In the mating part between the pin parts  662  and the hole part  657  a spring mechanism is incorporated, so that the holding plate  665  is pushed and impelled downward, so that the holding plate  665  is substantially horizontal. 
         [0163]    At the ends on both sides of the holding plate  665  are provided rectangular holes that mate with the finger parts  614  of the base part  610 . The cam followers  663  is provided with a bearing  663   a  for the purpose of alleviating friction when contact is made with the cam member  700 . 
         [0164]    Next, an embodiment to which the exposure apparatus  150  is applied to the above-described reticle stage apparatus  500  is described.  FIG. 12  is a schematic representation showing the exposure apparatus  150 . Because the exposure apparatus  150 , with the exception of the reticle stage apparatus  500 , is the same as the exposure apparatus  100 , same elements are assigned the same reference numerals and are not described herein. 
         [0165]    The reticle stage apparatus  500  is provided directly beneath the exposure light illumination system  10 . The specific configuration of the reticle stage apparatus  500  is as described above. 
         [0166]    Similar to the case of the reticle stage apparatus  200 , a loading/unloading region A 0  (loading region A 2  and unloading region A 3 ), a clamp drive region A 1 , and an exposure region A 4  are provided midway in the path of the stage part  520 . A cam member  700 , in which the above-described cam followers  658  and  663  of the reticle clamp  600  are formed as one, is disposed at the upper part within the loading/unloading region A 0  as a cam mechanism (conversion apparatus) C 2 . The cam member  700  is fixed to the reticle table  510  and the like via an elevator apparatus  710 . 
         [0167]      FIG. 13  is a schematic representation showing the cam member  700 . The cam member  700  has a structure substantially the same as that of the cam member  400 . On the lower surface of the end parts of each of the members  701   a  and  701   b  of the cam member  700  are formed protrusions  702   a ,  702   b ,  703   a , and  703   b , which are contacted by the above-described cam followers  658  and  663 . Specifically, the cam follower  658  comes into contact with the side walls of the protrusions  702   a  and  702   b , and the cam follower  663  comes into contact with the side walls of the protrusions  703   a  and  703   b . Also, a hard chrome plating using a tempered material (for example SUS420J annealed material) is provided on the side walls of the protrusions  702   a ,  702   b ,  703   a , and  703   b  for the purpose of reducing friction with the cam followers  658  and  663 . It is also possible to use a tempered material that has been hard-chrome plated at locations other than the came member  700  requiring measures with regard to friction. 
         [0168]    The spacing between the protrusions  702   a  and  703   a  and between  702   b  and  703   b  in the X direction are made large at the end parts of the members  701   a  and  701   b , this narrowing gradually toward the +Y direction, and becoming large once again. In particular, the protrusions  702   a  and  702   b  are formed so as to veer inward at the end parts, veering gradually outwards as they progress in the +Y direction. (The region in which the protrusions  702   a ,  702   b ,  703   a , and  703   b  are formed is referred to hereafter as the clamp drive region A 1 .) 
         [0169]    By doing this, when the cam followers  658  and  663  move in the +Y direction from the left side of the drawing  FIG. 12A , the cam followers  658  and  663  enter between the protrusions  702   a  and  703   a  and between  702   b  and  703   b . When passing the clamp drive region A 1 , first the cam follower  658  makes contact with the protrusions  702   a  and  702   b  and, after first being guided so as to move from the outside toward the inside, is guided so as to once again move from the outside toward the inside. The cam follower  663 , moves so as to track the cam follower  658 , and when contact is made with the protrusions  703   a  and  703   b , the cam follower  658 , in reverse of the cam follower  663 , is guided so as to approach the cam follower  658 . 
         [0170]    Similar to the cam member  400 , a spring (shock-absorber) is provided at the end of the cam member  700 , and an elevator apparatus (pull-back apparatus)  710  is provided at the end of the cam member  700 . 
         [0171]    The contact point between the cam member  700  and the cam follower  663  is established so as to be low at the side of reticle clamp  600  closing (open-to-closed) and high at the side of the reticle clamp opening (closed-to-open). By doing this, the moment load generated when the clamp  600  closes is made small, and it is possible when opening to have the holding plate easily be removed from the finger part  614 . 
         [0172]    Next, the exposure processing using the exposure apparatus  150  will be explained. Because the great part thereof is the same as to the first embodiment, only the operation of the reticle clamp  600  is described below. 
         [0173]      FIG. 14  is a drawing showing the operation of the reticle clamp  600  when the reticle R is held by pressing. 
         [0174]    First, as shown in  FIG. 14A , in the initial condition of the reticle clamp  600 , the pad part  620  is maintained in the flipped-up condition. This is because it is impelled by the spring mechanism incorporated into the mating part between the pin hole  621  and the pin  612 . 
         [0175]    When the reticle R is placed on the reticle holder  525  on the stage part  520  and held by vacuum chucking, a force acts on the cam follower  658  towards the reticle side. That is, this is the case in which the cam followers  358  enters the clamp drive region A 1  and begins to move toward the inside (direction approaching the reticle R) along the protrusions  702   a  and  702   b  of the cam member  700 . 
         [0176]    When the force acts on the cam followers  358  in the direction towards the reticle R (towards the left in the drawing), the follower part  660  and the clamping spring part  650  become as one, as shown in  FIG. 14B , and begin to move towards the base part  610  along the slide guide  640 . This is because, as described above, the cam followers  663  tracks to the cam follower  658  as it moves. 
         [0177]    Accompanying the movement of the clamping spring part  650 , the force caused to act on the cam followers  358  is transmitted from the roller  659  provided on the end of the link part  652  to the pad part  620 , via the arc-shaped surface  623  of the pad part  620 , thereby causing the pad part  620  to rotate about the pin hole  621 . 
         [0178]    Then, as shown in  FIG. 14C , just before the holding plate  665  comes into contact with the finger part  614  of the base part  610 , a force is caused to act on the cam followers  663  in the direction moving away from the reticle R (to the right in the drawing). That is, this is the case in which the cam followers  663  within the clamp drive region A 1  has started moving along the protrusions  703   a  and  703   b  of the cam member  700 , toward the outside (direction away from the reticle R). By this occurring, the follower part  660  rotates about the pin part  662 , and the holding plate  665  is flipped upward. 
         [0179]    The pad part  620  rotates further about the pin hole  621 , and the contacting part  622  comes into contact with the reticle R. Because by the contacting part  662  contacting the reticle R, the pad part  620  can rotate no further about the pin hole  621 , the spring part  653  of the clamping spring part  650  begins to deform. 
         [0180]    Then, when the cam followers  658  and  663  pass by the clamp drive region A 1 , first the force that had been acting on the cam followers  663  is released and, as shown in  FIG. 14D , the holding plate  665  returns to the horizontal condition, causing the hole part  665   a  to mate with the finger part  314  provided on the upper surface of the base part  610 . Next, the force that had been acting on the cam followers  358  is also released and, by the spring force of the spring part  653  of the clamping spring part  650 , the clamping spring part  650  is acted upon by a force that causes movement away form the reticle R. However, because the holding plate  665  of the follower part  660  linked to the clamping spring part  650  is mated with the finger part  614  of the base part  610 , the movement of the clamping spring part  650  is restricted. Therefore the spring force of the spring part  653  of the clamping spring part  650  presses the pad part  620  firmly, so as to continue the pressure that firmly holds the reticle R. 
         [0181]    Next, the operation when the pressure holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamp  600  is released is described below. The releasing operation, because it is the reverse of the pressure holding operation, will be described using  FIG. 14 . 
         [0182]    First, as shown in  FIG. 14C , a force is caused to act on the cam followers  658  and  663  with respect to the reticle clamp  600  ( FIG. 14D ). That is, this is the case in which the cam followers  658  and  663  enter the clamp drive region A 1  and make contact with the protrusions  702   a ,  702   b ,  703   a , and  703   b  of the cam member  700 . By this occurring, the follower part  660  rotates about the pin part  662 , the holding plate  665  is flipped up, and the mating with the base part  610  is released. Therefore, it becomes possible for the spring part  653  deformation to be released, the follower part  660  and the clamping spring part  650  become as one and move in the direction away from the reticle R. 
         [0183]    Then, as shown in  FIG. 14B , the holding plate  665  returns to the horizontal condition, and the point of action of the force on the cam followers  358  moves in the direction away from the reticle R. That is, this is the case in which only the cam followers  358  is in contact with the protrusions  702   a ,  702   b ,  703   a , and  703   b  of the cam member  700 . By this occurring, the follower part  660  and clamping spring part  650  become as one and move along the slide guide  640  in the right direction as shown in the drawing. 
         [0184]    Accompanying the movement of the clamping spring part  650 , the deformation of the spring mechanism incorporated within the mating part between the pin hole  621  and the pin part  621  is released, and the pad part  620  gradually rises. 
         [0185]    Then, as shown in  FIG. 14A , the reticle clamp  600  returns to the initial condition, and the pressure holding of the reticle R is released. Then, by the releasing of the vacuum chucking of the reticle R by the reticle holder  525 , the reticle R can be removed from the stage part  520 . 
         [0186]    As described above, the reticle clamp  600  is different from the reticle clamp  300 , in that, because there is no rubbing of the holding plate  665  with the inclined surface  614   a  of the finger part  614  when the hole part  665   a  of the holding plate  665  is caused to mate with the hole part  614   a , and no rubbing of the holding plate  665  with the substantially perpendicular surface  614   b  of the finger part  614  when the mating is released, the pressing holding action and releasing action of the reticle clamp  600  are performed smoothly over long periods of time. That is, there are almost no problems caused by friction between the holding plate  665  and finger part  614 . 
         [0187]    Similar to the case of the reticle clamp  300 , it is preferable to provide a detection apparatus in order to verify whether the pressure holding of the reticle R by the reticle clamp  600  has been released. For example, a reflective mirror is provided on the upper surface of the link part  652  and a laser interferometer is installed above the exposure region so that it does not interfere with the exposure operation. By measuring the X-direction position or Z-direction position of the link part  652  that passes beneath, it is possible to detection the operation condition of the reticle clamp  600 . By doing this, because the reticle R is securely held on the reticle stage apparatus  500 , it is possible to avoid problems caused by release of the reticle clamp  600  during exposure processing. 
         [0188]    The operating sequence and shapes and combinations of the various constituent elements in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to make variations thereof, based on process condition and design requirements, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention, for example, encompasses the following variations. 
         [0189]    Although the foregoing description was for the case in which the loading region A 2 , in which the reticle R is loaded onto the reticle holder  211 ,  525 , and the unloading region A 3 , in which the reticle R is unloaded from the reticle holder  525 , coincide, there is no restriction in this regard. For example, it is possible to dispose the loading region A 2  and the unloading region A 3  at the two ends of the stroke of the reticle stage  200  and  500 , and to dispose a cam member  400  at each of these regions. 
         [0190]    Also, there is no restriction to having the elevator apparatus  410  or  710  raise and lower the cam member  400  or  700  to move it away from the loading region A 2  or unloading region A 3 . For example, it is also possible to rotate the cam member  400  or  700  to move it away. 
         [0191]    Also, it is possible when the stage part  203  or  520  passes by the cam member  400  or  700  and the reticle clamp  300  or  600  is opened and closed, to apply a limit to the speed of the stage part  203  or  520  as a consideration for protecting the reticle R. 
         [0192]    Also, in the reticle stage apparatuses  200  and  500 , there is no restriction to having the stators  205   a  and  542  move in the −Y direction in response to movement of the stage part  203  and  520  in the +Y direction, so that the repelling force accompanying the movement of stage parts  203  and  520  is cancelled out movement of the center of gravity is prevented. It is also possible to have a configuration in which an air pad is provided between the reticle stage apparatuses  203  and  520  and the column  201 , so that the reticle table  202  or  510  moves in the −Y direction in response to movement of the stage part  203  or  520  in the +Y direction. 
         [0193]    In these embodiments, the description is for the case in which pressure holding of the reticle R is done by the reticle clamps  300  and  600 . There is, however, no such restriction, and it is also possible to hold the wafer W by pressure holding by a clamping apparatus (fixing apparatus). Also, it is possible to each of the reticle R and the wafer W using pressure holding. 
         [0194]    Also, there is no restriction to the case in which the reticle clamps  300  and  600  press the upper surface of the reticle R, and it is also possible to press the end surfaces of the reticle R. 
         [0195]    It is further possible to apply the present invention to a step-and-repeat type of exposure apparatus, in which exposure of the mask pattern is done with the mask and substrate in the static condition, the substrate being then successively moved. 
         [0196]    It is further possible to apply the present invention to a proximity type of exposure apparatus, in which exposure of the mask pattern is done without using a projection optical system, by bringing the mask and substrate into intimate contact. 
         [0197]    The present invention is not restriction to application in an exposure apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices can be widely applied to exposure apparatuses, for example exposure apparatuses for exposing a liquid-crystal display element onto a square glass plate, and exposure apparatuses for the manufacturing of thin-film magnetic heads. 
         [0198]    Also, the light source of an exposure apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a g line (436 nm), an i line (365 nm), a KrF excimer laser (248 nm), an ArF excimer laser (193 nm), or an F 2  laser (157 nm), and can alternatively be an X-ray or charged-particle beam such as an electron beam, or a thermionic emission type lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ), or tantalum (Ta). Additionally, the magnification ratio of the projection optical system is not limited to a reducing system but can alternatively be a full-size or magnifying system. 
         [0199]    In the case of using far infrared lines of an excimer laser or the like, it is possible to use a glass material through which far infrared passes, such as quartz or fluorite or the like as the projection optical system, in the case of using an F 2  laser or X-rays, it is possible to using a reflecting or refracting optical system (in which case a reflective type of reticle is also used), and in the case of using an electron beam, it is possible to use an electron optical system made up by an electron lens and deflectors as the projection optical system. Of course the optical path through which an electron beam passes must be a vacuum. 
         [0200]    In the case in which linear motors are used in the wafer stage or reticle stage, it is possible to use either an air-floating type using air bearings or a magnetic floating type that uses either Lorentz force or reactance force. The stage can be a type that moves along guides or a guideless type for which guides are not provided. Additionally, in the case in which a flat motor is used as the stage drive apparatus, one of the magnet unit (permanent magnet) and the armature unit can be connected to stage, and the other of the magnet unit (permanent magnet) and the armature unit can be provided at the moving surface side (base) of the stage. 
         [0201]    The repelling force by the movement of the wafer stage, as noted in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H08-166475 and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,654, can be configured so as to mechanically escape into the floor (ground), using a frame member. To the extent permitted by the laws of the countries specified (or selected countries) in this international patent application, the language of the above-described Japanese laid-open patent application publication and the corresponding U.S. patent are included herein by reference. 
         [0202]    The repelling force by the movement of the reticle stage, as noted in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H08-330224 and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,433, can be configured so as to mechanically escape into the floor (ground), using a frame member. To the extent permitted by the laws of the countries specified (or selected countries) in this international patent application, the language of the above-described Japanese laid-open patent application publication and the corresponding US patent are included herein by reference. 
         [0203]    The exposure apparatus to which the present invention is applied is manufactured by assembly of the various subsystems, including those recited in the attached claims, so as to maintain the prescribed mechanical precision, electrical precision, and optical precision. In order to maintain this type of precision, before and after assembly adjustment is performed so that each optical system achieves optical precision, each mechanical system achieves mechanical precision, and each electrical system achieves electrical precision. The process of assembling the exposure apparatus from each sub-system includes mutual mechanical connections, electrical circuit wiring connections, and electrical circuit piping connections and the like between the various sub-systems. It will be understood, of course, that before the step of assembling the exposure apparatus from the various sub-systems are the steps of assembling the individual sub-systems. Once the process of assembling the various sub-systems into the exposure apparatus is completed, overall adjustment is performed, so as to achieve the various precisions as an overall exposure apparatus. Furthermore, it is desirable that the exposure apparatus be manufactured in a cleanroom with a controlled temperature and level of cleanness. 
         [0204]    Microdevices such as semiconductor devices, are manufactured, as shown in  FIG. 8 , by such steps as the step  801  of designing the function and performance of the microdevice, step  802  of manufacturing a mask (reticle) based on the design step, step  803  of manufacturing a substrate of the device material, step  804  of exposing the substrate with the mask pattern, using an exposure apparatus as described above, step  805  of assembling the device (including dicing, bonding, and packaging steps), and the inspection step  806 .