Abstract:
Provided is a spatial light modulation element comprising a substrate; a reflecting mirror that moves from an initial position relative to the substrate; an elastic member that exerts an elastic force in a direction causing the reflecting mirror to return to the original position; a support body that supports the elastic member; and an elastic support member that elastically supports the support body relative to the substrate. In the spatial light modulation element, the support body may be supported at a distance from a surface of the substrate. The spatial light modulation element may further comprise a connecting portion that connects the support body to the substrate such that the support body can move along a surface direction of the substrate.

Description:
[0001]    The contents of the following Japanese and PCT patent applications are incorporated herein by reference:
   No. JP2011-184030 filed on Aug. 25, 2011, and   No. PCT/JP2012/005283 filed on Aug. 23, 2012.   
 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Technical Field 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to a spatial light modulation element and an exposure apparatus. 
         [0006]    2. Related Art 
         [0007]    There is a known spatial light modulator that forms a pattern in a radiated light beam by reflecting incident light, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H09-101467. 
         [0008]    The components forming the spatial light modulator have their own individual temperature characteristics. Therefore, until the overall temperature stabilizes, the characteristics change in a complicated manner and the control accuracy is reduced, thereby reducing the effective throughput of the equipment using the spatial light modulator. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, provided is a spatial light modulation element comprising a substrate; a reflecting mirror that moves from an initial position relative to the substrate; an elastic member that exerts an elastic force in a direction causing the reflecting mirror to return to the original position; a support body that supports the elastic member; and an elastic support member that elastically supports the support body relative to the substrate. 
         [0010]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, provided is a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of the spatial light modulation elements according to the first aspect. 
         [0011]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, provided is an exposure apparatus comprising the spatial light modulation element according to the first aspect. 
         [0012]    The summary clause does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention may also be a sub-combination of the features described above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded perspective view of the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a planar view of the support section  220 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the outside of the spatial light modulator  100 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the exposure apparatus  400   
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of the illumination light generating section  500 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a planar view of the support section  241 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a planar view of the support section  242 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a planar view of the support section  243 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a planar view of the support section  244 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a graph showing the temperature characteristics of the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , and  203 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a step in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 15  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 16  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 17  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 18  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 19  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 20  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 21  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 22  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 23  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 24  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 25  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 26  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 27  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 28  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 29  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 30  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 31  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  205 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the reflecting portion  231 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a schematic perspective view of the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of a step in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 36  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 37  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 38  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 39  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 40  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 41  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 42  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 43  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 44  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 45  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 47  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 46  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 48  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 47  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 49  is a schematic perspective view of the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view of a step in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 50  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 52  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 51  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 52  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 53  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 55  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 54  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 56  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 55  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 57  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 56  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 58  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 57  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 59  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 58  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 60  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 59  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 61  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 60  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 62  is a cross-sectional view of a step following the step of  FIG. 61  in the process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0075]    Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all the combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to means provided by aspects of the invention. 
         [0076]      FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spatial light modulation element  200 . The spatial light modulation element  200  includes a circuit portion  210 , a support section  220 , and a reflecting portion  230  that are layered sequentially. 
         [0077]    The circuit portion  210  includes a substrate  211  and electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 , and  216 . The substrate  211  includes a CMOS circuit, and applies a drive voltage to each of the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 , and  216 . 
         [0078]    Two pairs of electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215  are formed as flat electrodes on the surface of the substrate  211 , and are positioned to face each other. These two pairs of electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215  are supplied with a drive voltage from the CMOS circuit of the substrate  211 . The remaining electrode  216  covers the entire edge portion of the substrate  211 , and is connected to a reference voltage, e.g. a ground voltage. 
         [0079]    In the drawings, the shape of the support section  220 , which is the top layer, is shown by dotted lines on the surface of the substrate  211 . In this way, the positional relationship between each portion of the support section  220  and the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 , and  216  can be seen. 
         [0080]    The support section  220  includes lower posts  222 , a base frame  224 , a pivoting frame  226 , and a pivoting board  228 . The four lower posts  222  are arranged respectively at the four corners of the substrate  211 , and are secured upright on the surface of the substrate  211 . 
         [0081]    The base frame  224  (support body) connects the four corners at the top end of the lower posts  222 , using flexures  223  that are connecting members (elastic support members) formed integrally with the lower posts  222  and the base frame  224 . The height of the lower posts  222  is greater than the thickness of the base frame  224 . 
         [0082]    The pivoting frame  226  is supported inside the base frame  224  by a pair of torsion shafts  225  (elastic members) supported by the base frame  224 . The pair of torsion shafts  225  have the same bend strength as each other. The pivoting board  228  is supported inside the pivoting frame  226  by a pair of torsion shafts  227  arranged in a direction intersecting the direction of the torsion shafts  225 . The pair of torsion shafts  227  have the same bend strength as each other. 
         [0083]    When the support section  220  described above is secured to the top surface of the circuit portion  210 , the pivoting frame  226  is opposite the electrodes  213  and  215 , as shown by the dotted lines on the surface of the substrate  211  in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, when the drive voltage is applied to one of the electrodes  213  and  215 , electrostatic force acts between the pivoting frame  226  and this one of the electrodes  213  and  215 . As a result, the pivoting frame  226  pivots relative to the substrate  211 , with the torsion shafts  225  as the pivoting axis. 
         [0084]    In the same manner, the pivoting board  228  is opposite the electrodes  212  and  214 . Accordingly, when the drive voltage is applied to one of the electrodes  212  and  214 , electrostatic force acts between the pivoting board  228  and this one of the electrodes  212  and  214 . As a result, the pivoting board  228  pivots relative to the substrate  211 , with the torsion shafts  227  as the pivoting axis. 
         [0085]    The reflecting portion  230  includes a reflecting mirror  234  and an upper post  232 . The reflecting mirror  234  is a smooth flat plane facing upward in  FIG. 1 . The upper post  232  protrudes downward in  FIG. 1  from the bottom surface of the reflecting mirror  234 , and is coupled to the substantial center of the pivoting board  228  indicated by the dotted line in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0086]    As a result, the reflecting mirror  234  is formed integrally with the pivoting board  228 , while being distanced above the support section  220 . Accordingly, when the pivoting board  228  pivots toward the substrate  211 , the reflecting mirror  234  pivots together with the pivoting board  228 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 2  is a planar view of the support section  220 . Components that are the same as those in  FIG. 1  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0088]    The rectangular base frame  224  is connected to the lower posts  222  at the four corners by the flexures  223 . Accordingly, the position of the base frame  224  is set inside the lower posts  222 . 
         [0089]    The torsion shafts  225  connecting the pivoting frame  226  to the base frame  224  are finer and thinner than the base frame  224  and the pivoting frame  226 . Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acts between the pivoting frame  226  and the electrodes  213  and  215 , the torsion shafts  225  deform in a twisting manner to enable the pivoting frame  226  to pivot relative to the base frame  224 . 
         [0090]    The torsion shafts  227  connecting the pivoting board  228  to the pivoting frame  226  are finer and thinner than the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228 . Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acts between the pivoting board  228  and the electrodes  212  and  214 , the torsion shafts  227  deform in a twisting manner to enable the pivoting board  228  to pivot relative to the pivoting frame  226 . 
         [0091]    The torsion shafts  225  serving as the pivoting axis for the pivoting frame  226  and the torsion shafts  227  serving as the pivoting axis for the pivoting board  228  are arranged such that their directions are orthogonal to each other. Accordingly, by combining the pivoting of the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting of the pivoting board  228 , the pivoting direction of the pivoting board  228  can be selected freely. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the torsion shafts  225  and torsion shafts  227  are oriented orthogonally to each other, but the orientation directions only need to be intersecting. 
         [0092]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 , and shows the cross section in the direction of the arrows B shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Components that are the same as those in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0093]    As shown in the cross section of  FIG. 3 , the bottom end of the lower post  222  is secured to the electrode  216  on the substrate  211 . Furthermore, the top end of the lower post  222  is connected to the base frame  224  by the flexure  223 . 
         [0094]    As a result, the support section  220  is secured on the substrate  211 , and the base frame  224 , pivoting frame  226 , and pivoting board  228  are each positionally secured at a distance from the surface of the substrate  211 . Furthermore, the electrodes  212  and  214  are opposite the bottom surface of the pivoting board  228 . 
         [0095]    The edges of each of the pivoting frame  226 , the pivoting board  228 , and the reflecting mirror  234  are provided with ribs  229  and  239  that protrude downward. As a result, the pivoting frame  226 , the pivoting board  228 , and the reflecting mirror  234  each have high bend strength. 
         [0096]    The base frame  224  is thicker than both the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228 . Accordingly, the base frame  224  has relatively higher strength than the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228 , and is less likely to deform. Accordingly, when the flexure  223  deforms, the base frame  224  deforms only slightly. 
         [0097]    In contrast to this, the flexure  223  is finer and thinner than both the lower post  222  and the base frame  224 , and therefore has relatively lower strength. Accordingly, when the relative positions of the lower post  222  and the base frame  224  change in a direction of the surface of the substrate  211 , the flexure  223  deforms easily and movement of the base frame  224  relative to the substrate  211  is allowed. 
         [0098]    When the base frame  224  moves, the flexure  223  deforms within a range allowed by its elastic deformation ability. Accordingly, when the force acting on the base frame  224  is removed, the elastic force of the flexure  223  causes the base frame  224  to return to its initial position at the center of the lower post  222 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 , and shows the cross section in the direction of the arrows C shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Components that are the same as those in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0100]    The base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  are distanced from the substrate  211 . The electrodes  212  and  214  are arranged opposite the ends of the pivoting board  228  in  FIG. 4 . The torsion shafts  227  supporting the pivoting board  228  are arranged perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 , and therefore the electrostatic force caused by the drive voltage applied to the electrodes  212  and  214  acts efficiently on the pivoting board  228 . 
         [0101]    Furthermore, in this cross section, it can be seen that the base frame  224  and the pivoting frame  226  are connected by a torsion shaft  225 . As described above, the pivoting frame  226  has a rib  229 , and therefore has higher bend strength that the torsion shaft  225 . 
         [0102]    The base frame  224  is thicker than both the torsion shaft  225  and the pivoting frame  226 , and therefore has relatively higher bend strength. Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acts on the pivoting frame  226 , the torsion shaft  225  deforms in a twisting manner while the base frame  224  and the pivoting frame  226  do not deform, thereby allowing the pivoting frame  226  to pivot. 
         [0103]    It should be noted that, when the pivoting frame  226  pivots, the torsion shaft  225  deforms within the range allowed by its elastic deformation ability. Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acting on the pivoting frame  226  is removed, the elastic force of the torsion shaft  225  causes the pivoting frame  226  to return to its original position parallel to the substrate  211 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the spatial light modulation element  200 , and shows the cross section in the direction of the arrows D shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Components that are the same as those in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0105]    The base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  are distanced from the substrate  211 . The electrodes  213  and  215  are positioned opposite the ends of the pivoting frame  226  in  FIG. 5 . The torsion shafts  225  supporting the pivoting frame  226  are perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5 , and therefore the electrostatic force applied to the electrodes  213  and  215  acts efficiently on the pivoting frame  226 . 
         [0106]    Furthermore, in this cross section, it can be seen that the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228  are connected by a torsion shaft  227 . As described above, the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228  have ribs  229 , and therefore have higher bend strength that the torsion shaft  227 . Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acts on the pivoting board  228 , the torsion shaft  227  deforms in a twisting manner while the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228  do not deform, thereby allowing the pivoting board  228  to pivot. 
         [0107]    It should be noted that, when the pivoting board  228  pivots, the torsion shaft  227  deforms within the range allowed by its elastic deformation ability. Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acting on the pivoting board  228  is removed, the elastic force of the torsion shaft  227  causes the pivoting board  228  to return to its original position parallel to the substrate  211 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 6  shows a cross section of the spatial light modulation element  200 , which is the same cross section as shown in  FIG. 5 . Components that are the same as those in  FIG. 5  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0109]    In the cross section of  FIG. 6 , the electrostatic force acts between the pivoting frame  226  and one of the electrodes  213  and  215 , thereby causing the pivoting frame  226  to be inclined relative to the substrate  211 . As a result, the pivoting board  228  becomes inclined along with the pivoting frame  226 . Furthermore, the reflecting mirror  234  connected to the pivoting board  228  by the upper post  232  becomes inclined relative to the substrate  211 , along with the pivoting board  228 . In this way, in the spatial light modulation element  200 , the inclination of the reflecting mirror  234  can be changed by controlling the drive voltage applied to the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215 . 
         [0110]    The elastic force of the torsion shaft  225  acts on the inclined pivoting frame  226 , with a bias toward the initial position parallel to the substrate  211 . Accordingly, when the electrostatic force acting on the pivoting frame  226  is removed, the pivoting frame  226  returns to its initial position parallel to the substrate  211 . Furthermore, this motion of the pivoting frame  226  causes the reflecting portion  230  to return to its original position. In this way, the torsion shafts  225  and  227  act as elastic members. 
         [0111]      FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the outside of the spatial light modulator  100  including the spatial light modulation element  200 . Components that are the same as those in  FIGS. 1 to 6  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0112]    The spatial light modulator  100  includes a single substrate  211  and a plurality of reflecting mirrors  234  arranged on the substrate  211 . Each reflecting mirror  234  is provided with a support section  220  and electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 , and  216  formed on the substrate  211 , and a plurality of the spatial light modulation elements  200  are arranged in a matrix on the substrate  211 . 
         [0113]    In this way, the inclination of each reflecting mirror  234  can be changed independently, by independently controlling the drive voltage applied to each spatial light modulation element  200 . Accordingly, by using the spatial light modulator  100  to reflect light from a light source having a uniform distribution, for example, a desired radiation pattern can be formed. Furthermore, by using the spatial light modulator  100  to reflect light from a light source with a non-uniform distribution, uniform radiated light can be formed. Accordingly, the spatial light modulator  100  can be used to form a variable light source, an exposure apparatus, an image display device, an optical switch, or the like. 
         [0114]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an exposure apparatus  400  including the spatial light modulator  100 . This exposure apparatus  400  includes the spatial light modulator  100  and, when performing a light source mask optimization, can input radiation light having a desired intensity distribution to an illumination optical system  600 . Specifically, the exposure apparatus  400  includes an illumination light generating section  500 , the illumination optical system  600 , and a projection optical system  700 . 
         [0115]    The illumination light generating section  500  includes a control section  510 , a light source  520 , the spatial light modulator  100 , a prism  530 , an imaging optical system  540 , a beam splitter  550 , and a measuring section  560 . The light source  520  generates the radiation light L. The radiation light L generated by the light source  520  has an intensity distribution corresponding to characteristics of the light emitting mechanism of the light source  520 . Therefore, the radiation light L includes a raw image I 1  in a cross-sectional plane orthogonal to the optical path of the radiation light L. 
         [0116]    The radiation light L emitted from the light source  520  is incident to the prism  530 . The prism  530  guides the radiation light L to the spatial light modulator  100 , and then emits the light to the outside. The spatial light modulator  100  modulates the radiation light L incident thereto under the control of the control section  510 . The configuration and operation of the spatial light modulator  100  has already been described above. 
         [0117]    The radiation light L emitted from the prism  530  through the spatial light modulator  100  passes through the imaging optical system  540  and is then incident to the illumination optical system  600 . The imaging optical system  540  forms an illumination light image I 3  in an input surface  612  of the illumination optical system  600 . 
         [0118]    The beam splitter  550  is arranged in the optical path of the radiation light L, between the imaging optical system  540  and the illumination optical system. The beam splitter  550  splits a portion of the radiation light L prior to being incident to the illumination optical system  600 , and guides this split portion to the measuring section  560 . 
         [0119]    The measuring section  560  measures the image of the radiation light L at a position optically conjugate with the input surface  612  of the illumination optical system  600 . In this way, the measuring section  560  measures the image that is the same as the illumination light image I 3  incident to the illumination optical system  600 . Accordingly, the control section  510  can perform feedback control of the spatial light modulator  100 , by referencing the illumination light image I 3  measured by the measuring section  560 . 
         [0120]    The illumination optical system  600  includes a fly eye lens  610 , a condenser optical system  620 , a field stop  630 , and an imaging optical system  640 . The emission end of the illumination optical system  600  has a mask stage  720  holding a mask  710  arranged thereon. 
         [0121]    The fly eye lens  610  includes a large number of lens elements arranged in parallel with high density, and forms a two-dimensional light source including the same number of illumination light images  13  as the number of lens components on the rear focal surface. The condenser optical system  620  focuses the radiation light L emitted from the fly eye lens  610  and illuminates the field stop  630  in a superimposed manner. 
         [0122]    The radiation light L that has passed through the field stop  630  forms an emission light image I 4 , which is an image of the aperture of the field stop  630 , on the pattern surface of the mask  710  due to the imaging optical system  640 . In this way, the illumination optical system  600  can perform Kohler illumination with the emission light image I 4  on the pattern surface of the mask  710  arranged on the emission end thereof. 
         [0123]    The intensity distribution formed at the incident end of the fly eye lens  610 , which is also the input surface  612  of the illumination optical system  600 , exhibits a high correlation with a global intensity distribution of the overall two-dimensional light source formed on the emission end of the fly eye lens  610 . Accordingly, the illumination light image I 3  input to the illumination optical system  600  by the illumination light generating section  500  is also exhibited in the emission light image I 4 , which has the intensity distribution of the radiation light L radiated by the illumination optical system  600  onto the mask  710 . 
         [0124]    The projection optical system  700  is arranged directly behind the mask stage  720 , and includes an aperture stop  730 . The aperture stop  730  is arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with the emission end of the fly eye lens  610  of the illumination optical system  600 . A substrate stage  820  that holds a substrate  810  having a photosensitive material applied thereto is arranged at the emission end of the projection optical system  700 . 
         [0125]    The mask  710  held by the mask stage  720  includes a mask pattern formed by a region that reflects or passes the radiation light L emitted by the illumination optical system  600  and a region that absorbs this radiation light L. Accordingly, by radiating the emission light image I 4  onto the mask  710 , the projection light image I 5  is generated by the interaction between the intensity distribution of the emission light image I 4  itself and the mask pattern of the mask  710 . The projection light image I 5  is projected onto the photosensitive material of the substrate  810 , and forms a sacrificial layer having the desired pattern on the surface of the substrate  810 . 
         [0126]    In  FIG. 8 , the optical path of the radiation light L is a straight line, but the exposure apparatus  400  can be miniaturized by bending the optical path of the radiation light L. Furthermore,  FIG. 8  shows the radiation light L passing through the mask  710 , but a reflective mask  710  may be used instead. 
         [0127]      FIG. 9  is a partial enlarged view of the illumination light generating section  500 , and shows the role of the spatial light modulator  100  in the exposure apparatus  400 . The prism  530  includes a pair of reflective surfaces  532  and  534 . The radiation light L incident to the prism  530  is radiated toward the spatial light modulator  100  by the one reflective surface  532 . 
         [0128]    As already described above, the spatial light modulator  100  includes a plurality of reflecting portions  230  that can pivot independently. Accordingly, by having the control section  510  control the spatial light modulator  100 , the desired light source image I 2  can be foam ed. 
         [0129]    The light source image I 2  emitted from the spatial light modulator  100  is reflected by the other reflective surface  534  of the prism  530 , and is emitted from the end of the prism  530  on the right side of  FIG. 9 . The light source image I 2  emitted from the prism  530  forms the illumination light image I 3  on the input surface  612  of the illumination optical system  600 , due to the imaging optical system  540 . 
         [0130]      FIG. 10  is a planar view of a support section  241  having a different shape. Components that are the same as those in  FIG. 2  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0131]    The support section  241  differs from the support section  220  with respect to the shape of the flexures  253  connecting the lower posts  222  to the base frame  224 . Specifically, the flexures  223  in the support section  220  are straight lines, while the flexures  253  in the support section  241  are formed as repeating curves. 
         [0132]    As a result, the elasticity of the flexures  253  is reduced, and the flexures  253  become more deformed when the same load is applied. Accordingly, the movement of the lower posts  222  formed integrally with the substrate  211  and the movement or deformation of the base frame  224  can be more effectively stopped. 
         [0133]    The strength of the flexures  253  may be greater than the strength of the torsion shafts  225  and  227 . As a result, the effect of the elastic deformation of the flexures  253  on the pivoting of the reflecting portion  230  can be restricted. 
         [0134]      FIG. 11  is a planar view of a support section  242  having yet another shape. Components that are the same as those in  FIG. 10  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0135]    The support section  242  differs from the support sections  220  and  241  by including a smaller pivoting board  258 . The pivoting frame  226  is removed, and the pivoting board  258  is connected to the center portion of each edge of the base frame  224  by long flexures  255 . The base frame  224  may be connected to the lower posts  222  by flexures  253  having bending shapes, in the same manner as the support section  241 . 
         [0136]    With the configuration described above, the pivoting board  258  can easily pivot relative to the base frame  224  using the support section  242 . The support section  242  does not include a surface acted upon by the electrostatic force of the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215  on the substrate  211 . Accordingly, in the spatial light modulation element  200  including the support section  242 , the reflecting mirror  234  is made to pivot by an electrostatic force between the back surface of the reflecting mirror  234  mounted on the pivoting board  258  and the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215 . 
         [0137]      FIG. 12  is a planar view of a support section  243 . Components that are the same as those in  FIG. 11  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0138]    The support section  243  differs from the support section  242  in that the long flexures  257  that connect the pivoting board  258  inside the base frame  224  are arranged extending to the corners of the base frame  224 . As a result, the long flexures  257  become longer, which results in significantly lower elasticity and allows for easier pivoting of the pivoting board  228 . 
         [0139]    In a spatial light modulation element  200  including this support section  243 , the support section  243  does not include a surface acted upon by the electrostatic force of the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215  on the substrate  211 . Accordingly, in the spatial light modulation element  200  including the support section  243 , the reflecting mirror  234  is made to pivot by an electrostatic force between the back surface of the reflecting mirror  234  mounted on the pivoting board  258  and the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215 . 
         [0140]      FIG. 13  is a planar view of a support section  244  manufactured for the purpose of comparison. Components that are the same as those in  FIG. 11  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0141]    The support section  244  does not include the base frame  224 , and the lower posts  222  and pivoting board  258  are connected directly to each other by the long flexures  257 . Accordingly, in a spatial light modulation element  200  including the support section  244 , the electrostatic force between the back surface of the reflecting mirror  234  mounted on the pivoting board  258  and the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215  acts to pivot the reflecting mirror  234 . 
         [0142]      FIG. 14  is a graph showing the relationship between the compliance rate and the temperature of spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , and  203  including the support sections  220 ,  241 ,  242 , and  243  shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 . In  FIG. 14 , the characteristics of the spatial light modulation element  204  including the support section  244  shown in  FIG. 13  are included for comparison. 
         [0143]    In  FIG. 14 , for each of the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , and  203 , the dotted lines represent cases in which the support sections  220 ,  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  are selectively heated, and the solid lines represent cases in which the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 ,  203 , and  204  are heated overall. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , and  203  including the support sections  220 ,  241 ,  242 , and  243  with the base frame  224  supported by the flexures  223  and  253  exhibited little divergence in the temperature characteristics between cases of partial heating (dotted lines) and cases of overall heating (solid lines). 
         [0144]    Specifically, for the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , and  203  including the support sections  220 ,  241 , and  243  with the base frame  224  supported by the flexures  223  and  253 , at a temperature of 20° C., for example, the differences between the compliance rates for the cases of partial heating and the compliance rates for the cases of overall heating were well under the acceptable range of ±0.15%, as shown in  FIG. 14 . However, in the spatial light modulation element  204  including the support section  244  that does not have the base frame  224 , although the solid line and the dotted line are horizontally near each other in the graph, the slopes of the straight lines representing the characterizes are steep. Therefore, the difference between the compliance rate for the case of partial heating and the compliance rate for the case of overall heating is incredibly large. 
         [0145]    Accordingly, a device that includes the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , or  203  can use the spatial light modulation element immediately after startup, without experiencing a decrease in control during an initial time when the temperatures of the components are unstable. As a result, the throughput of a spatial light modulator  100  using the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 ,  202 , or  203  and the throughput of devices using this spatial light modulator  100  can be improved. 
         [0146]    Furthermore, the spatial light modulation elements  200 ,  201 , and  203  including the support sections  220 ,  241 , and  243  have gentle compliance rate temperature characteristics, and can restrict the decrease in controllability caused by temperature change. Accordingly, devices including the spatial light modulation element  200  can operate stably over long periods of time. 
         [0147]      FIGS. 15 to 31  are each a cross-sectional view of a step in a process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . The steps of manufacturing the circuit portion  210  in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the steps of manufacturing the support section  220  in  FIGS. 17 to 23 , and the steps of manufacturing the reflecting portion  230  in  FIGS. 24 to 32  are all shown using the same cross section as in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0148]    Since a manufacturing process is shown in  FIGS. 15 to 31 , there are cases where corresponding components in the spatial light modulation element  200  will have different shapes or states. Therefore, in  FIGS. 15 to 31 , a unique reference numeral is given to each component, and when a portion or all of a component is completed, the relationship of this component to the components of the spatial light modulation element  200  is explained. 
         [0149]    First, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the substrate  211  forming the spatial light modulation element  200  is prepared, and the conductive layer  310  that will become the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 , and  216  is formed over the entire surface of the substrate  211 . The substrate  211  can be a silicon monocrystalline substrate, or can be another widely used component having a flat surface, such as a compound semiconductor substrate or a ceramic substrate. It is assumed that circuitry for providing drive power, a CMOS circuit, and the like are formed in advance in the substrate  211 . 
         [0150]    The conductive layer  310  can be formed by a TiAl alloy, for example. Another metal such as aluminum or copper may be used. The method for depositing the conductive layer  310  can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like, according to the material used for the conductive layer  310 . 
         [0151]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the conductive layer  310  is patterned. In this way, the electrodes  212 ,  214 , and  216  of the spatial light modulation element  200  are formed. The surface of the conductive layer  310  that is patterned as the electrodes  212 ,  214 , and  216  may further be covered with an insulating layer. In this way, shorts in the electrodes  212 ,  213 ,  214 , and  215  can be prevented. 
         [0152]    A nitride or oxide of the material used for the substrate  211  can be used as the material for the insulating layer, for example. Furthermore, the insulating layer may be a porous body with a high dielectric constant. The method for depositing the insulating material layer can be selected from among any type of physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition, depending on the material. 
         [0153]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the surface of the substrate  211  and the surface of the conductive layer  310  are made flat by the sacrificial layer  322 , and then the metal layer  332  is formed. The sacrificial layer  322  is formed by silicon oxide, for example. The metal layer  332  can be formed of a TiAl alloy, for example, using physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0154]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the metal layer  332  is patterned using dry etching or the like. In this way, the metal pattern  334  serving as a portion of the base frame  224  in the spatial light modulation element  200  is formed. 
         [0155]    Next, in order to form the support section  220  of the spatial light modulation element  200 , a sacrificial layer serving as the deposition base is formed. It should be noted that the patterning using photolithography is limited to a flat surface. Therefore, when forming a stereoscopic structure, a plurality of sacrificial layers are formed in stages to create a stereoscopic deposition base. 
         [0156]    First, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the sacrificial layer  324  is further deposited around the metal pattern  334 , thereby adjusting the height. The material and deposition method for the sacrificial layer  324  may be the same as for the initial sacrificial layer  322 . 
         [0157]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 20 , another sacrificial layer  326  provided for patterning is layered on the existing sacrificial layer  324 , thereby achieving deposition with the same height as the metal pattern  334 . For example, the sacrificial layer  324  formed by silicon oxide can be patterned using an HF vapor technique. 
         [0158]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the two sacrificial layers  324  and  326  are patterned together, thereby forming the contact hole  321 . The contact hole  321  is formed by dry etching, for example, and reaches the conductive layer  310  directly above the substrate  211 . In this way, the deposition base having a stereoscopic shape is formed on the substrate  211 . 
         [0159]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the metal layer  336  is formed over the entire surface of the conductive layer  310 , the sacrificial layer  324 , and the sacrificial layer  326 . The metal layer  336  can be formed by a TiAl alloy, for example, and the deposition method can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0160]    Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the metal layer  336  is patterned to form the support section  220 . The metal layer  336  can be patterned using dry etching, for example. 
         [0161]    As can be seen by referencing  FIG. 3 , the lower posts  222 , the flexures  223 , the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  are formed sequentially in the metal layer  336 , in the stated order beginning from the outside. Furthermore, by forming the metal layer  336  on the stereoscopic deposition base, the ribs  229  protruding downward are formed on the edges of the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228 . As a result, the pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228  have a high cross-sectional two-dimensional moment. 
         [0162]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the surface of the metal layer  336  and the surface of the sacrificial layer  326  exposed therebetween are flattened by a new sacrificial layer  342 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the surface of the sacrificial layer  342  is trimmed such that the sacrificial layer  342  and the top surface of the metal layer  336  form a flat surface. 
         [0163]    In this way, the structure existing below the support section  220  is protected, and the deposition base forming the reflecting portion  230  is formed. In order to simplify the drawings, the following description refers to the sacrificial layers  322 ,  324 , and  326  collectively as the sacrificial layer  320 . 
         [0164]    Next, a two-layer structure including sacrificial layers  344  and  346  is again formed to serve as a deposition base. First, as shown in  FIG. 26 , the sacrificial layer  344  serving as the bottom layer of this two-layer structure is formed on the surfaces of the sacrificial layer  342  and the metal layer  336 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the sacrificial layer  344  is patterned to form the hole pattern  343  reaching the metal layer  336  in the substantial center of the device. 
         [0165]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the sacrificial layer  346  serving as the second layer of the two-layer structure is deposited, and includes a hole pattern aligned with the hole pattern of the sacrificial layer  344  and a unique trimming pattern that removes the edges thereof. In this way, the substrate base of the reflecting portion  230  is formed. The material, deposition method, and patterning method for the sacrificial layers  344  and  346  can be the same as used for the sacrificial layer  320 . 
         [0166]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the metal layer  350  is formed on the surfaces of the sacrificial layers  344  and  346 . The metal layer  350  can be formed of a TiAl alloy, for example. The deposition method can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0167]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the reflective layer  360  is deposited on the metal layer  350 . The reflective layer  360  is formed by a material with high reflectance, such as an aluminum thin film. 
         [0168]    The reflective layer  360  has a surface that reflects incident light in the spatial light modulation element  200 . Accordingly, prior to forming the reflective layer  360 , the surface of the metal layer  350  serving as the base may be undergo chemical mechanical polishing to become a mirror surface. Furthermore, the surface of the reflective layer  360  itself may undergo chemical mechanical polishing to become a mirror surface. Furthermore, the metal layer  350  and the reflective layer  360  may both undergo chemical mechanical polishing. 
         [0169]    When aluminum or the like is used as the material of the reflective layer  360 , in order to prevent change in the surface state due to oxidation or the like, a protective film may be further layered on the surface of the reflective layer  360 . The protective film can be a dense thin film made of inorganic material such as alumina. The protective layer is obviously transparent with respect to the light reflected by the reflective layer  360 . 
         [0170]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the edge portions of the metal layer  350  and reflective layer  360  in  FIG. 31  are trimmed. As a result, the reflecting portion  230  having the rib protruding downward in  FIG. 31  is formed. Finally, as shown in  FIG. 32 , the sacrificial layers  320 ,  342 ,  344 , and  346  are removed. 
         [0171]    The surface of the sacrificial layer  344  is exposed at both ends of the reflective layer  360 . The sacrificial layer  326  remaining within the metal layer  336  is layered on the sacrificial layer  324 , and therefore these layers are continuous. The sacrificial layer  324  is layered on the sacrificial layer  322 , and therefore these layers are continuous. In this way, the sacrificial layer  324  is formed in a continuous manner, and can therefore be removed all at once using the HF vapor technique. 
         [0172]    When the sacrificial layer  324  is removed, the spatial light modulation element  200  is completed. In other words, the electrodes  212 ,  214 , and  216  formed by the conductive layer  310  are arranged on the surface of the substrate  211 , thereby forming the circuit portion  210 . 
         [0173]    Furthermore, the metal layers  332  and  336  form the support section  220 . In the support section  220 , the flexures  223  and the torsion shafts  225  and  227  are thin, while the base frame  224  is thick. The pivoting frame  226  and the pivoting board  228  each include a rib  229 . 
         [0174]    Yet further, the reflecting portion  230  is connected to the pivoting board  228  by the upper post  232 . The reflecting portion  230  has the reflecting mirror  234  with high reflectance formed by the reflective layer  360 . 
         [0175]    A portion similar to a flange extending horizontally might occur at the bottom end of the rib  229 . This is the fin remaining when the metal layer  336  is patterned, and is not formed intentionally. However, this portion does not reduce the strength of the pivoting frame  226  or the pivoting board  228  and may actually improve the strength, and so this portion may be left intact. 
         [0176]    In the example described above, a single spatial light modulation element  200  is manufactured. However, the spatial light modulator  100  can also be manufactured by forming a plurality of spatial light modulation elements  200  on a single substrate  211  en bloc. 
         [0177]      FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of a spatial light modulation element  205  having a different configuration. In  FIG. 33 , reference numerals in the 200s are given to components that are the same as in the spatial light modulation element  200  of  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, reference numerals in the 300s are given to components that correspond to the components in the manufacturing process shown in  FIGS. 15 to 32 . 
         [0178]    As shown in  FIG. 33 , the spatial light modulation element  205  includes the circuit portion  210 , the support section  220 , and the reflecting portion in the same manner as the spatial light modulation element  200 . However, each component of the spatial light modulation element  205  has a conductive layer  310  and a layered structure including metal layers  336  and  350 , and a insulating layer  370  or compound layer  380 . In this way, the conductive layer  310  and the metal layers  336  and  350  can be formed of a material that is lightweight and easily handled, such as aluminum or copper. 
         [0179]    Furthermore, the surfaces of the conductive layer  310  and the metal layers  336  and  350  is covered by the compound layer  380  or the insulating layer  370 , which are chemically stable, and therefore have high endurance. Since the front and back surface of the metal layers  336  and  350  are covered by the compound layer  380 , the support section  220  and the reflecting portion  230  can prevent change caused by the bimetal effect of the metal and compounds. The material for the insulating layer  370  and the compound layer  380  can be selected from a wide group including oxides, nitrides, or carbides of the substrate material, for example. 
         [0180]      FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of a lone reflecting portion  231  having a different configuration. The reflecting portion  231  includes a stereoscopic structure  236  and a flat portion  238 . The top portion of the stereoscopic structure  236  has a stereoscopic box shape. The upper post  232  has a fold portion  237  up to a midpoint thereof. As a result, the stereoscopic structure  236  has high strength. 
         [0181]    The flat portion  238  formed on the stereoscopic structure  236  has absolutely no corrugation such as depressions, and is completely flat over the entire surface. Accordingly, by forming the reflective layer  360  on the top surface of the flat portion  238 , the entire top surface of the reflecting portion  231  can be used as a flat reflecting mirror  234 . Accordingly, the reflectance of the spatial light modulation element  200  can be improved. 
         [0182]    The flat portion  238  is supported by the stereoscopic structure  236  having high strength, and therefore does not deform. Since the stereoscopic structure  236  is hollow, the overall weight of the reflecting portion  231  is not increased. By providing a drain  235  on the bottom surface during formation of the stereoscopic structure  236 , the sacrificial layer serving as the base when forming the flat portion  238  can be removed. 
         [0183]      FIG. 35  is a schematic blown-up perspective view of a spatial light modulation element  201  including the support section  241  shown in  FIG. 10 . The spatial light modulation element  201  has the same configuration as the spatial light modulation element  200  of  FIG. 1 , aside from the portions described below. Accordingly, components that are the same as those of the spatial light modulation element  200  shown in  FIG. 1  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0184]    The spatial light modulation element  201  differs from the spatial light modulation element  200  in that the base frame  224  of the support section  241  is supported from the lower posts  222  by curved flexures  253 . Therefore, as described above, the mechanical effect between the base frame  224  and the substrate  211  side including the lower posts  222  is effectively stopped, and the temperature characteristics of the spatial light modulation element  201  are stabilized. 
         [0185]    In the spatial light modulation element  201 , the ribs  229  and  239  of the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , the pivoting board  228 , and the reflecting portion  230  are removed, thereby realizing greater strength relative to the thickness. As a result, the thickness of the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , the pivoting board  228 , and the reflecting portion  230  becomes uniform, and the manufacturing process can be simplified in the manner described below. 
         [0186]      FIGS. 36 to 47  each show a cross section for each step in a process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  201  shown in  FIG. 35 .  FIGS. 36 to 47  each show the cross section indicated by the arrows E in  FIG. 35 .  FIGS. 37 to 42  show the steps of forming the support section  241 , and  FIGS. 43 to 47  show the steps of forming the reflecting portion  230 . 
         [0187]    In  FIGS. 35 to 47 , there are cases where components in the spatial light modulation element  201  are included with a different shape or state. Therefore, in  FIGS. 35 to 47 , each component is given a unique reference numeral, and the relationship to the components on the spatial light modulation element  201  is described separately. 
         [0188]      FIG. 36  shows a stage at which the electrodes  214  and  216  are formed on the surface of the substrate  211  and then made flat by the sacrificial layer  322 , after which the metal layer  332  is deposited over the entire surface of the sacrificial layer  322 . The steps up to this point are the same as the steps for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200  shown in  FIGS. 15 to 17 . A TiAl alloy is used for the metal layer  332  and silicon oxide is used for the sacrificial layer  322 . 
         [0189]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 37 , the metal layer  332  is patterned using dry etching or the like. As a result, the metal pattern  334  forming a portion of the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  in the spatial light modulation element  201  is formed. 
         [0190]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 38 , a new sacrificial layer  324  is deposited on the existing sacrificial layer  322  and the metal pattern  334 , and the entire surface is made flat. Next, as shown in  FIG. 39 , a portion of the surface of the sacrificial layer  324  in the thickness direction is removed using the HF vapor technique, thereby exposing the metal pattern  334 . As a result, a flat surface is formed on the substrate  211  by the metal pattern  334  or the sacrificial layer  324 . 
         [0191]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 40 , the two sacrificial layers  324  and  326  are patterned together, thereby forming the contact hole  321 . The contact hole  321  is formed by dry etching, for example, and reaches the conductive layer  310  directly on the substrate  211 . In this way, the deposition base with a stereoscopic shape is formed on the substrate  211 . 
         [0192]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 41 , the metal layer  336  is deposited over the entire surface of the sacrificial layer  324  and metal pattern  334 . A portion of the deposited metal layer  336  is formed integrally with the metal pattern  334  and has a different thickness. The metal layer  336  can be formed of a TiAl alloy, for example, and the deposition method can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0193]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 42 , the metal layer  336  is patterned through dry etching or the like, thereby forming each component of the support section  241 . As shown by the reference numerals in the 200s in  FIG. 42 , the lower post  222 , the flexure  253 , the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  are each formed by the metal layer  336 . Furthermore, although not shown in the cross section of  FIG. 42 , the torsion shafts  225  and  227  between the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  are also formed. 
         [0194]    The metal layer  336  is formed integrally with the metal pattern  334 , and therefore among the elements of the support section  241 , the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  are thicker than the flexure  253  and the torsion shafts  225  and  227 . Accordingly, the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , and the pivoting board  228  have high strength. In this way, the portion corresponding to the support section  241  is formed. 
         [0195]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 43 , a new sacrificial layer  326  is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate  211 , thereby flattening this surface. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 44 , a portion of the sacrificial layer  326  is removed to form the hole pattern  343  reaching to the metal layer  336 . 
         [0196]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 45 , the metal layer  350  is deposited over the entire surface of the sacrificial layer  326  and the metal layer  336 . The metal layer  350  can be formed by a TiAl alloy, for example. The deposition method can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0197]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 46 , the reflective layer  360  is deposited on the metal layer  350 . The reflective layer  360  is formed of a material with high reflectance, such as aluminum thin film. 
         [0198]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 47 , the side portions of the metal layer  350  and reflective layer  360  in  FIG. 47  are trimmed. As a result, the continuous metal layer  350  and reflective layer  360  are separated at each spatial light modulation element  201 , thereby forming the reflecting portions  230  that are independent in each element. 
         [0199]    Finally, as shown in  FIG. 48 , the sacrificial layers  322 ,  324 , and  326  are removed en bloc. Since the sacrificial layer  324  is formed in a continuous manner, the sacrificial layer  324  can be removed all at once through the HF vapor technique. In this way, the spatial light modulation element  201  is completed. 
         [0200]    Specifically, the electrodes  212 ,  214 , and  216  are formed by the conductive layer  310  on the surface of the substrate  211 , thereby forming the circuit portion  210 . The metal pattern  334  and the metal layer  336  form the support section  241 . In the support section  241 , the flexure  253  and the torsion shafts  225  and  227  are thin, while the base frame  224  is thick. 
         [0201]    Furthermore, the reflecting portion  230  is connected to the pivoting board  228  by the upper post  232 . The reflecting portion  230  has the reflecting mirror  234  with high reflectance formed by the reflective layer  360 . The above example describes the manufacturing process focusing on a single spatial light modulation element  200 , but the spatial light modulator  100  can also be manufactured by forming a plurality of the spatial light modulation elements  200  on a single substrate  211  en bloc. 
         [0202]    The configurations and manufacturing processes described above are merely examples, and other configurations, processes, or materials can also be used to manufacture the spatial light modulation element  201 . Specifically, one or all of the base frame  224 , the pivoting frame  226 , the pivoting board  228 , and the reflecting mirror  234  may be provided with a portion having a looped shape, box shape, or the like to increase their strength. Furthermore, the spatial light modulation element  201  may be formed by composite materials formed by alternately layering metal layers and layers of oxides, nitride, carbides, or the like. 
         [0203]      FIG. 49  is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spatial light modulation element  203  including the support section  243  shown in  FIG. 12 . The spatial light modulation element  203  has the same configuration as the spatial light modulation element  200  of Claim  1 , aside from the portions described below. Accordingly, components that are the same as those of the spatial light modulation element  200  shown in  FIG. 1  are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 
         [0204]    The spatial light modulation element  203  differs from the spatial light modulation element  200  in that the base frame  224  of the support section  243  is supported from the lower posts  222  by curved flexures  253 . Therefore, as described above, the mechanical effect between the base frame  224  and the substrate  211  side including the lower posts  222  is effectively stopped, and the temperature characteristics of the spatial light modulation element  201  are stabilized. 
         [0205]    Furthermore, in the spatial light modulation element  203 , the pivoting frame  226  is removed, and the pivoting board  258  is supported directly from the base frame  224  by the long flexures  257 . The base frame  224  has greater thickness than other portions of the support section  243 , and therefore has relatively high strength. 
         [0206]    The pivoting board  258  has the same thickness as the long flexure  257 , and has substantially the same shape as the bottom end of the upper post  232  of the reflecting portion  230 . As a result, the pivoting board  258  is much smaller and more lightweight than the pivoting board  228 . 
         [0207]    Each long flexure  257  is shaped as a repeating curve, in the same manner as the flexures  253  that support the base frame  224  from the outside, and is oriented to extend diagonally from an inside corner of the base frame  224  to the pivoting board  258 . As described above, since the long flexures  257  have low surface area, the pivoting board  258  cannot pivot as a result of electrostatic force acting on the long flexures  257 . 
         [0208]    Therefore, in the spatial light modulation element  203 , the reflecting mirror  234  pivots as a result of being acted on by the electrostatic force between the reflecting mirror  234  of the reflecting portion  230  and the electrodes  213 ,  215 ,  217 , and  219  on the substrate  211 . Therefore, the electrodes  213 ,  215 ,  217 , and  219  are arranged at positions to avoid the long flexures  257 . 
         [0209]      FIGS. 50 to 62  each show a cross section for each step in a process for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  203  shown in  FIG. 49 .  FIGS. 50 to 62  each show the cross section indicated by the arrows F in  FIG. 49 .  FIGS. 50 to 56  show the steps of forming the support section  243 , and  FIGS. 57 to 62  show the steps of forming the reflecting portion  230 . 
         [0210]    In  FIGS. 50 to 62 , there are cases where components in the spatial light modulation element  203  are included with a different shape or state. Therefore, in  FIGS. 50 to 62 , each component is given a unique reference numeral, and the relationship to the components on the spatial light modulation element  203  is described separately. 
         [0211]      FIG. 50  shows a stage at which the electrode  216  is formed on the surface of the substrate  211  and is then flattened by the sacrificial layer  322 , after which the metal layer  332  is deposited over the entire surface of the sacrificial layer  322 . The steps up to this point are the same as the steps for manufacturing the spatial light modulation element  200  shown in  FIGS. 10 to 17 . 
         [0212]    The electrodes  213 ,  215 ,  217 , and  219  are formed on the substrate  211  at the same time as the electrode  216 , but do not appear in the cross section. A TiAl alloy is used for the metal layer  332 , and silicon oxide is used for the sacrificial layer  322 . 
         [0213]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 51 , the metal layer  332  is patterned using dry etching or the like. As a result, the metal pattern  334  forming a portion of the base frame  224  in the spatial light modulation element  203  is formed. 
         [0214]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 52 , a new sacrificial layer  324  is deposited on the existing sacrificial layer  322  and the metal pattern  334 , thereby burying the metal pattern  334 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 53 , a portion of the surface of the sacrificial layer  324  in the thickness direction is removed using the HF vapor technique, thereby exposing the metal pattern  334 . As a result, a flat surface is formed on the substrate  211  by the metal pattern  334  or the sacrificial layer  324 . 
         [0215]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 54 , the two sacrificial layers  324  and  326  are patterned together, thereby forming the contact hole  321 . The contact hole  321  is formed by dry etching, for example, and reaches the conductive layer  310  directly on the substrate  211 . In this way, the deposition base with a stereoscopic shape is formed on the substrate  211 . 
         [0216]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 55 , the metal layer  336  is deposited over the entire surface of the sacrificial layer  324  and metal pattern  334 . A portion of the metal layer  336  is formed integrally with the metal pattern  334  and has a different thickness. The metal layer  336  can be formed of a TiAl alloy, for example, and the deposition method can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0217]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 56 , the metal layer  336  is patterned through dry etching or the like, thereby forming each component of the support section  243 . As shown by the reference numerals in the 200s in  FIG. 56 , the lower post  222 , the flexure  253 , the base frame  224 , the long flexure  257 , and the pivoting board  258  are each formed by the metal layer  336 . 
         [0218]    The metal layer  336  is formed integrally with the metal pattern  334 , and therefore the base frame  224  is thicker than the flexure  253 , the long flexure  257 , and the pivoting board  258 . Accordingly, the base frame  224  has high strength. In this way, the portion corresponding to the support section  243  is formed on the substrate  211 . 
         [0219]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 57 , a new sacrificial layer  326  is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate  211 , thereby flattening this surface. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 58 , a portion of the sacrificial layer  326  is removed to form the hole pattern  343  reaching to the surface of the metal layer  336 . 
         [0220]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 59 , the metal layer  350  is deposited over the entire surface of the sacrificial layer  326  and the metal layer  336 . The metal layer  350  can be formed by a TiAl alloy, for example. The deposition method can be selected from among physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, gold impregnation, or the like. 
         [0221]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 60 , the reflective layer  360  is deposited on the metal layer  350 . The reflective layer  360  is formed of a material with high reflectance, such as aluminum thin film. 
         [0222]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 61 , the side portions of the metal layer  350  and reflective layer  360  in  FIG. 61  are trimmed. As a result, the continuous metal layer  350  and reflective layer  360  are separated at each spatial light modulation element  203 , thereby forming the reflecting portions  230  that are independent in each element. 
         [0223]    Finally, as shown in  FIG. 62 , the sacrificial layers  322 ,  324 , and  326  are removed en bloc. Since the sacrificial layer  324  is formed in a continuous manner, the sacrificial layer  324  can be removed all at once through the HF vapor technique. In this way, the spatial light modulation element  203  is completed. 
         [0224]    Specifically, the electrode  216  is formed by the conductive layer  310  on the surface of the substrate  211 , thereby forming the circuit portion  210 . The metal pattern  334  and the metal layer  336  form the support section  243 . In the support section  243 , the flexure  253  and the long flexure  257  are thin, while the base frame  224  is thick. 
         [0225]    Furthermore, the reflecting portion  230  is connected to the pivoting board  258  by the upper post  232 . The reflecting portion  230  has the reflecting mirror  234  with high reflectance formed by the reflective layer  360 . The above example describes the manufacturing process focusing on a single spatial light modulation element  200 , but the spatial light modulator  100  can also be manufactured by forming a plurality of the spatial light modulation elements  200  on a single substrate  211  en bloc. 
         [0226]    The configurations and manufacturing processes described above are merely examples, and other configurations, processes, or materials can also be used to manufacture the spatial light modulation element  203 . Specifically, the base frame  224  and the reflecting mirror  234  may be provided with a portion having a looped shape, box shape, or the like to increase their strength. Furthermore, the spatial light modulation element  203  may be formed by composite materials formed by alternately layering metal layers and layers of oxides, nitride, carbides, or the like. 
         [0227]    While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. It is apparent to persons skilled in the art that various alterations and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. It is also apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the invention. 
         [0228]    The operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each process performed by an apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, embodiments, or diagrams can be performed in any order as long as the order is not indicated by “prior to,” “before,” or the like and as long as the output from a previous process is not used in a later process. Even if the process flow is described using phrases such as “first” or “next” in the claims, embodiments, or diagrams, it does not necessarily mean that the process must be performed in this order.