Patent Publication Number: US-2016243753-A1

Title: Pattern forming method and pattern forming apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-034018, filed on Feb. 24, 2015; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to a pattern forming method and a pattern forming apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Attention is focused on an imprint method for transferring a pattern of a template to a substrate, as a technology for forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device or the like with high productivity. In the imprint method, the template (original plate) on which an uneven pattern (template pattern) has been formed is brought into contact with resist applied on the substrate. Consequently, the resist is filled in the uneven pattern of the template. The filled resist is cured to transfer the template pattern to the resist on the substrate. 
     In the imprint method, stress is applied to the template when the template is impressed onto the resist. Hence, the template is distorted. Furthermore, the resist squeezes out from the uneven pattern-formation-purpose surface of the template. Especially, in the known imprint method, the template is pressed against the resist while pressure is applied to the back side of the template. Accordingly, a large amount of the resist squeezes out. It takes a long time to recover the distorted template and the squeezed-out resist. Accordingly, the productivity of the imprint method is not high. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imprint apparatus according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3A to 3C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to a second embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A to 5C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to a third embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIGS. 9A to 9C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to a fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating the state of squeezed-out resist, the state being observed in the imprint step according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to a sixth embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imprint apparatus according to a seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the seventh embodiment; 
         FIGS. 15A to 15D  are diagrams illustrating pressure control and exhaust velocities in the imprint step according to the seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a spin coating mechanism according to an eighth embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the eighth embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 18A to 18C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the eighth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of a pattern forming method and a pattern forming apparatus will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. 
     According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method is provided. In the pattern forming method, a template pattern formed on the front side of a template is brought into contact with resist placed on a substrate. Moreover, in the pattern forming method, rear pressure being ambient pressure on the back side of the template is adjusted to a second pressure. Moreover, in the pattern forming method, the resist is filled in the template pattern under the second pressure to be cured. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imprint apparatus according to a first embodiment. An imprint apparatus  1 A is an apparatus that transfers a template pattern of a template  10 A being a mold substrate to a to-be-transferred substrate such as a wafer Wa. The imprint apparatus  1 A forms a pattern on the wafer Wa using an imprint method such as optical nanoimprint lithography. 
     The imprint apparatus  1 A of the embodiment adjusts rear pressure (an atmosphere on the back side) of the template  10 A to negative pressure when filling the resist  30  in a template pattern. Note that the term “fill” used in the embodiments may also mean “supply”, “infiltrate”, “permeate”, “flow”, or “impregnate”. The template  10 A is a mold of a template. The template pattern is, for example, a circuit pattern to be transferred to the wafer Wa, and is formed on the front side of the template  10 A. The template  10 A is formed using a substantially flat plate-shaped silica glass substrate or the like. 
     The template  10 A of the embodiment is a Rigid template that is not provided with a level difference (that is not cored out) on the back of the template pattern being an uneven pattern. Moreover, the imprint apparatus  1 A is an apparatus that repeats the process of dropping the resist  30 , the process of impressing the template  10 A onto the resist  30 , and the process of separating the template  10 A from the resist  30 , on an imprint shot by imprint shot basis. 
     The imprint apparatus  1 A includes a processing mechanism  20 A and a control apparatus  21 . The processing mechanism  20 A transfers the template pattern to the wafer Wa in accordance with an instruction of the control apparatus  21 . 
     The processing mechanism  20 A includes a template stage  2 , a stage surface plate  3 , a substrate chuck  4 , a sample stage  5 , a reference mark  6 , an alignment sensor  7 , a UV light source  8 , a stage base  9 , and a liquid drop apparatus  11 . Moreover, the processing mechanism  20 A includes a template carrying arm  13 , a rear pressure adjustment mechanism (pressure adjustment unit)  14 , a flatness measurement apparatus  15 , a rear cover  18 , and a CCD camera  50 . 
     The stage surface plate  3  has a main surface in the horizontal direction. The sample stage  5  moves over the main surface. The wafer Wa is mounted on the sample stage  5 . The sample stage  5  moves in a plane (horizontal plane) parallel to the wafer Wa mounted thereon. Moreover, the sample stage  5  moves the wafer Wa to below the liquid drop apparatus  11  when the resist  30  as a transfer material is dropped on the wafer Wa. Moreover, the sample stage  5  moves the wafer Wa to below the template  10 A when the impress process is performed on the wafer Wa. 
     Moreover, the substrate chuck  4  is provided on the sample stage  5 . The substrate chuck  4  fixes the wafer Wa at a predetermined position on the sample stage  5 . Moreover, the reference mark  6  is provided on the sample stage  5 . The reference mark  6  is a mark for detecting the position of the sample stage  5 , and is used for positioning upon loading the wafer Wa onto the sample stage  5 . 
     The template stage  2  is provided to a wafer Wa side being a bottom side of the stage base  9 . The template stage  2  fixes the template  10 A at a predetermined position by vacuum suction or the like from the back side (the surface on the side where the template pattern has not been formed) of the template  10 A. 
     The stage base  9  supports the template  10 A with the template stage  2  and presses the template pattern of the template  10 A against the resist  30  on the wafer Wa. The stage base  9  moves in the perpendicular direction. Accordingly, the stage base  9  gives a press against the resist  30  on the template  10 A and separates the template  10 A from the resist  30  (mold separation). 
     Moreover, the alignment sensor  7  is provided above the stage base  9 . The alignment sensor  7  is a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer Wa and detecting the position of the template  10 A. 
     The liquid drop apparatus  11  is an apparatus that drops the resist  30  on the wafer Wa by the inkjet method. An inkjet head (not illustrated) of the liquid drop apparatus  11  includes a plurality of micropores that ejects droplets of the resist  30 . 
     The template carrying arm  13  is an arm that carries the template  10 A in the imprint apparatus  1 A. The template carrying arm  13  carries the template  10 A carried in from the outside of the imprint apparatus  1 A, to below the template stage  2 . 
     The UV light source (curing processing unit)  8  is a light source that applies UV light including light of a wavelength that can cure the resist  30  (for example, 300 to 380 nm). The UV light source  8  is provided above the stage base  9 . The UV light source  8  applies UV light from above the template  10 A while the template  10 A is being pressed against the resist  30 . 
     The rear cover  18  is a cover being a plate-shaped member provided on an upper side of the template stage  2 . The rear cover  18  covers the upper side of the template stage  2  and the back side of the template  10 A with the plate-shaped member. Between the rear cover  18  and the back side of the template  10 A is a predetermined space  19 . The pressure in the space  19  is adjusted by the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 . 
     The rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  is an apparatus that adjusts pressure on the back side (at the rear) of the template  10 A. The rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts rear pressure being ambient pressure on the back side of the template  10 A. Specifically, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the pressure of the space  19  surrounded by the rear cover  18 , the back of the template  10 A, and the sides of the template stage  2 . The rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  has the functions of decompressing and compressing the space  19 . 
     The rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the pressure of the space  19  to atmospheric pressure or positive pressure when the template  10 A is pressed against the resist  30  on the wafer Wa. Moreover, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the pressure of the space  19  to negative pressure when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern. 
     The flatness measurement apparatus  15  is an apparatus that measures the flatness of a template pattern surface. The flatness measurement apparatus  15  is provided above the template stage  2 . The flatness measurement apparatus  15  applies light of a predetermined wavelength to the template pattern surface or the back side of the template  10 A, and causes the applied light to be reflected on the back side of the template  10 A. The flatness measurement apparatus  15  measures the flatness of the template pattern surface based on the interference degree of the reflected light from the template  10 A. 
     The CCD camera  50  captures images of the resist  30  from above the template  10 A or a template  10 B described below. Specifically, the CCD camera  50  captures images of the back side of the template pattern and the resist  30  squeezed out from the template pattern. The CCD camera  50  transmits the captured images to the control apparatus  21 . 
     The control apparatus  21  is connected to each component of the processing mechanism  20 A and controls the components. The control apparatus  21  of the embodiment transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the pressure of the space  19  to negative pressure when filling the resist  30  in the template pattern. 
     Upon imprinting on the wafer Wa, the wafer Wa mounted on the sample stage  5  is moved to directly below the liquid drop apparatus  11 . The resist  30  is dropped within a predetermined shot area of the wafer Wa. 
     After the resist  30  has been dropped on the wafer Wa, the wafer Wa on the sample stage  5  is moved to directly below the template  10 A. The template  10 A is then pressed against the resist  30  on the wafer Wa. 
     After the template  10 A has been brought into contact with the resist  30  only for a predetermined time, UV light is applied to the resist  30  in this state. The resist  30  is then cured. Consequently, a transfer pattern corresponding to the template pattern is patterned on the resist  30  on the wafer Wa. The imprint process is subsequently performed for the next shot. 
     The imprint apparatus  1 A may press the resist  30  against the template pattern, instead of pressing the template pattern against the resist  30 . In this case, the sample stage  5  presses the resist  30  on the wafer Wa against the template pattern. In this manner, a contact processing unit that closes the distance between the template pattern and the wafer Wa on which the resist  30  has been placed to a predetermined distance is the sample stage  5  or the stage base  9 . The imprint apparatus  1 A closes the distance between the template pattern and the wafer Wa on which the resist  30  has been placed to the predetermined distance when pressing the template pattern against the resist  30 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the first embodiment. Moreover,  FIGS. 3A to 3C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the first embodiment.  FIGS. 3A to 3C  illustrate cross-sectional views of the wafer Wa, the template  10 A, and the like in the imprint step. 
     In the imprint step according to the first embodiment, the template  10 A is carried into the imprint apparatus  1 A. The template  10 A is then placed at a predetermined position in the processing mechanism  20 A (Step S 10 ). Specifically, the template  10 A is fixed by the template stage  2 . At this point in time, the template stage  2  suctions an area (outer peripheral area) being part of the back of the template  10 A with an electrostatic chuck or vacuum chuck (for example, −70 kPa). 
     Moreover, the wafer Wa is carried into the imprint apparatus  1 A. The wafer Wa is then placed at a predetermined position in the processing mechanism  20 A (Step S 20 ). Specifically, the wafer Wa is fixed by the substrate chuck  4 . 
     The wafer Wa is subsequently moved by the sample stage  5  to a predetermined position (below the liquid drop apparatus  11 ) (Step S 30 ). The liquid drop apparatus  11  then drops the resist  30  on the wafer Wa (Step S 40 ). The resist  30  is resin such as light curable resin. Furthermore, the wafer Wa is moved by the sample stage  5  to a predetermined position (below the template  10 A). 
     The distance between the template  10 A and the wafer Wa is closed (reduced) to the predetermined distance when the template  10 A is impressed onto the resist  30 . Specifically, the stage base  9  impresses the template  10 A supported by the template stage  2  onto the resist  30  (Step S 50 ). At this point in time, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 A (the space  19 ) to atmospheric pressure (0 kPa). Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the space  19  to 0 kPa as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the back side of the template  10 A to atmospheric pressure when pressing the template  10 A against the resist  30 . 
     When the template  10 A is pressed against the resist  30 , the template  10 A distorts (warps) while the resist  30  squeezes out from the template pattern surface. In this state, the resist  30  starts being filled in the template pattern. In this manner, when the template  10 A made by carving a silica substrate or the like is brought into contact with the resist  30 , a capillary phenomenon allows the resist  30  to start flowing into the template pattern. 
     After the template  10 A has been pressed against the resist  30 , the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 A to negative pressure (for example, −10 to −200 kPa). Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  decompresses the space  19  (an area on the back of the template  10 A, which is not chucked by the template stage  2 ). As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to a negative pressure, for example, −80 kPa, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B  (Step S 60 ). In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the back side of the template  10 A to negative pressure when filling the resist  30  in the template pattern. 
     When the back side of the template  10 A has been adjusted to negative pressure, the distortion (deformation) of the template  10 A is solved in a short time. Moreover, if the back side of the template  10 A is adjusted to negative pressure, the resist  30  squeezed out from the template pattern surface is solved in a short time. As a result, the filling of the resist  30  in the template pattern is completed in a short time. 
     When the filling of the resist  30  is complete, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 A to atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  compresses the space  19 . As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to atmospheric pressure (0 kPa) as illustrated in  FIG. 3C  (Step S 70 ). 
     The UV light source B then applies UV light to the resist  30  through the template  10 A (Step S 80 ). Consequently, the resist  30  is cured. In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the back side of the template  10 A to atmospheric pressure when curing the resist  30 . 
     After the resist  30  has been cured, the template  10 A is separated from the cured resist  30  (a resist pattern). Accordingly, the resist pattern, which is the reversed template pattern, is formed on the wafer Wa. 
     The control apparatus  21  subsequently checks whether or not imprinting on all designated areas (desired areas) on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 ). In other words, it is checked whether or not the processes of Steps S 30  to S 80  have been executed for all the imprint shots on the wafer Wa. 
     If imprinting on the designated areas on the wafer Wa is not complete (Step S 90 , No), the imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 80 . The imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 90  until imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete. 
     If imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 , Yes), the wafer Wa is moved (Step S 100 ). The wafer Wa is then carried out of the imprint apparatus  1 A. 
     When a semiconductor device (semiconductor integrated circuit) is manufactured, the imprint process of the embodiment is performed for, for example, each layer of the wafer process. Specifically, a resist pattern is formed by the imprint process on the wafer Wa. A lower layer side of the resist pattern is then etched using the resist pattern as a mask. Consequently, an actual pattern corresponding to the resist pattern is formed on the wafer Wa. When a semiconductor device is manufactured, the above-mentioned imprint process, etching process, and the like are repeated on a layer by layer basis. 
     The imprint process of the embodiment may be used, not limited to when a semiconductor device is manufactured, but also to when an electronic device such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System: microelectromechanical system), a magnetic recording apparatus, a magnetic recording medium, and the like are manufactured. 
     When the imprint method of the embodiment is executed, the imprint apparatus  1 A may not include the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , the flatness measurement apparatus  15 , and the CCD camera  50 . Moreover, after the adjustment process of adjusting the space  19  to atmospheric pressure is started and before the adjustment process is complete (before the pressure reaches atmospheric pressure), the process of applying UV light to the resist  30  may be started. Moreover, the adjustment process of adjusting the space  19  to atmospheric pressure and the process of applying UV light to the resist  30  may be started simultaneously. 
     In this manner, according to the first embodiment, the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern while the rear pressure of the template  10 A is changed to negative pressure. Accordingly, the distorted template  10 A resulting from that the template  10 A is impressed onto the resist  30  can be recovered in a short time. Moreover, the squeezed-out resist  30  can be solved in a short time. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C . In the second embodiment, a Rigid template that is not provided on the back of the template pattern with a level difference is used as in the first embodiment. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the rear pressure of the template  10 A is adjusted from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure after UV light is applied to the resist  30 . 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the second embodiment.  FIGS. 5A to 5C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the second embodiment.  FIGS. 5A to 5C  illustrate cross-sectional views of the wafer Wa, the template  10 A, and the like in the imprint step. 
     Among the processes of  FIG. 4 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the first embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , are omitted.  FIG. 5A  illustrates the template  10 A (rear pressure: 0 kPa) of when the template  10 A is pressed against the resist  30 . Moreover,  FIG. 5B  illustrates the template  10 A (rear pressure: negative pressure, for example, −80 kPa) of when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern. Moreover,  FIG. 5C  illustrates the template  10 A (rear pressure: negative pressure, for example, −80 kPa) of when the resist  30  is cured. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the processes of Steps S 10  to S 60 , S 90 , and S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the first embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The processes of Steps S 70  and S 80  are performed in the first embodiment while the processes of Steps S 71  and S 81  are performed in the second embodiment. 
     In other words, in the imprint step according to the second embodiment, after the back side of the template  10 A is adjusted to negative pressure (Step S 60 ), and the filling of the resist  30  is complete, the UV light source  8  applies UV light to the resist  30  through the template  10 A (Step S 71 ). At this point in time, the rear pressure of the template  10 A remains at a negative pressure, for example, −80 kPa, as illustrated in  FIG. 5C . 
     After the resist  30  has been cured, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 A to atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  compresses the space  19 . As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to atmospheric pressure (0 kPa) (Step S 81 ). 
     The template  10 A is subsequently separated from the cured resist  30 . The control apparatus  21  then checks whether or not imprinting on all designated areas (desired areas) on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 ). 
     If imprinting on the designated areas on the wafer Wa is not complete (Step S 90 , No), the imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 81 . The imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 90  until imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete. 
     If imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 , Yes), the wafer Wa is moved (Step S 100 ). The wafer Wa is then carried out of the imprint apparatus  1 A. 
     After the application process of applying UV light to the resist  30  is started and before the application process is complete (before all of the resist  30  is cured), the adjustment process of adjusting the space  19  to atmospheric pressure may be started. 
     In this manner, according to the second embodiment, the distortion of the template  10 A and the squeezed-out resist  30 , which result from that the template  10 A is impressed onto the resist  30 , can be solved in a short time as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, a third embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7A to 7C . A cored-out template (Fast template) is used in the third embodiment. Moreover, in the third embodiment, after UV light is applied to the resist  30 , the rear pressure of the template is adjusted from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the third embodiment. Moreover,  FIGS. 7A to 7C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the third embodiment.  FIGS. 7A to 7C  illustrate cross-sectional views of the wafer Wa, the template  10 B described below, and the like in the imprint step. 
     Among the processes of  FIG. 6 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the first or second embodiment are omitted.  FIG. 7A  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: positive pressure, for example, +50 kPa) of when the template  10 B is pressed against the resist  30 . Moreover,  FIG. 7B  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: negative pressure, for example, −100 kPa) of when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern. Moreover,  FIG. 7C  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: negative pressure, for example, −100 kPa) of when the resist  30  is cured. 
     The template  10 B used in the embodiment is formed thinner on the back side of an area (center area) where the template pattern has been formed than on the back side of an area (outer peripheral portion area) where the template pattern has not been formed. When the template  10 B is formed, the back side of the area where the template pattern has been formed is shaved off by a predetermined thickness. Consequently, the template  10 B is thinner in the center area than in the outer peripheral portion area. In this manner, the template  10 B is provided with a core out area (countersink) on the back side of the area where the template pattern has been formed. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the processes of Steps S 10  to S 40 , and S 71  to S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the second embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The processes of Steps S 50  and S 60  are performed in the second embodiment while the processes of Steps S 41 , S 50 , S 51 , and S 60  are performed in the third embodiment. 
     In other words, in the imprint step according to the third embodiment, after the liquid drop apparatus  11  drops the resist  30  on the wafer Wa (Step S 40 ), the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 B to positive pressure (for example, 0 to 200 kPa). Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  compresses the space  19 . As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to a positive pressure, for example, +50 kPa, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A  (Step S 41 ). 
     The stage base  9  impresses the template  10 B supported by the template stage  2  onto the resist  30  (Step S 50 ). Consequently, the filling of the resist  30  in the template pattern is started. At this point in time, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 B (the space  19 ) to atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the rear pressure of the template  10 B to atmospheric pressure (0 kPa) (Step S 51 ). 
     Furthermore, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure. Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the space  19  to a negative pressure, for example, −100 kPa as illustrated in  FIG. 7B  (Step S 60 ). In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the back side of the template  10 B to negative pressure when filling the resist  30  in the template pattern. The imprint apparatus  1 A subsequently executes the processes of S 71  to S 100  in a similar procedure to that of the second embodiment. The process of Step S 41  may be executed at any timing as long as the timing is between after the process of Step S 10  and before the process of Step S 50 . 
     In this manner, according to the third embodiment, the distortion of the template  10 B and the squeezed-out resist  30 , which result from that the template  10 B is impressed onto the resist  30 , can be solved in a short time as in the second embodiment. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Moreover, the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted to positive pressure when the template  10 B is pressed against the resist  30 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent bubbles from entering the resist  30 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Next, a fourth embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9A to 9C . In the fourth embodiment, a cored-out template is used as in the third embodiment. Moreover, in the fourth embodiment, after the rear pressure of the template is adjusted from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure, UV light is applied to the resist  30  as in the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the fourth embodiment. Moreover,  FIGS. 9A to 9C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the fourth embodiment.  FIGS. 9A to 9C  illustrate cross-sectional views of the wafer Wa, the template  10 B, and the like in the imprint step. 
     Among the processes of  FIG. 8 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint steps according to the first to third embodiments are omitted.  FIG. 9A  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: positive pressure, for example, +50 kPa) of when the template  10 B is pressed against the resist  30 . Moreover,  FIG. 9B  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: negative pressure, for example, −100 kPa) of when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern. Moreover,  FIG. 9C  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: atmospheric pressure) of when the resist  30  is cured. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the processes of Steps S 10  to S 60 , S 90 , and S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the third embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The processes of Steps S 71  and S 81  are performed in the third embodiment while the processes of Steps S 70  and S 80  similar to those of the first embodiment are performed in the fourth embodiment. 
     In other words, in the imprint step according to the fourth embodiment, after the back side of the template  10 B is adjusted to negative pressure (Step S 60 ) and the filling of the resist  30  is complete, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 B to atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  compresses the space  19 . As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to atmospheric pressure (0 kPa) as illustrated in  FIG. 9C  (Step S 70 ). 
     The UV light source  8  then applies UV light to the resist  30  through the template  10 B (Step S 80 ). Consequently, the resist  30  is cured. In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the back side of the template  10 B to atmospheric pressure when curing the resist  30 . 
     The template  10 B is subsequently separated from the cured resist  30 . The control apparatus  21  then checks whether or not imprinting on all designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 ). 
     If imprinting on the designated areas on the wafer Wa is not complete (Step S 90 , No), the imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 80 . The imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 90  until imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete. 
     If imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 , Yes), the wafer Wa is moved (Step S 100 ). The wafer Wa is then carried out of the imprint apparatus  1 A. 
     In this manner, according to the fourth embodiment, the distortion of the template  10 B and the squeezed-out resist  30 , which result from that the template  10 B is impressed onto the resist  30 , can be solved in a short time as in the third embodiment. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Next, a fifth embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In the fifth embodiment, the CCD camera  50  observes the state of the resist  30  squeezed out from the template pattern surface. The rear pressure of the template  103  is controlled based on the state of the squeezed-out resist  30 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the fifth embodiment. Among the processes of  FIG. 10 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint steps according to the first to fourth embodiments are omitted. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the processes of Steps S 10  to S 51 , S 90 , and S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the third embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The processes of Steps S 60 , S 71 , and S 81  are performed in the third embodiment while the processes of Steps S 61  and S 72  are performed in the fifth embodiment. 
     In other words, in the imprint step according to the fifth embodiment, the template  10 B is impressed onto the resist  30  (Step S 50 ). After the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted to atmospheric pressure (Step S 51 ), the CCD camera  50  starts observing the state of the resist  30 . 
     The CCD camera  50  captures images of the resist  30  from above the template  10 B while the resist  30  is being filled in the template pattern. Consequently, images of the back side of the template pattern and the resist  30  squeezed out from the template pattern are captured. The CCD camera  50  transmits the captured images to the control apparatus  21 . 
     The control apparatus  21  detects the state (amount and the like) of the squeezed-out resist  30  based on the captured image. Furthermore, the control apparatus  21  controls the rear pressure of the template  10 B based on the detected squeezed-out state. At this point in time, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to set the pressure of the space  19  to a negative pressure in accordance with the detected squeezed-out state. 
     For example, if the amount of distortion of the template  10 B is larger than a predetermined value, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to make an adjustment to a first pressure (for example, −50 kPa). Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  controls the pressure in accordance with the instruction of the control apparatus  21 . In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure while observing the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  (Step S 61 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating the state of the squeezed-out resist, the state being observed in the imprint step according to the fifth embodiment.  FIG. 11  illustrates top views of the template  10 B when viewing the template pattern from the back side.  FIG. 11  illustrates the back side of a template pattern area  61  and the resist  30  squeezed out from the template pattern area  61 . 
     A state  60 A of  FIG. 11  illustrates the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  of when the template  10 B is pressed against the resist  30  (rear pressure: +50 kPa). Moreover, a state  60 B and a state  60 C of  FIG. 11  illustrate the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  at the point when a predetermined time has passed since the resist  30  started being filled in the template pattern. The state  60 B is the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  of when the rear pressure of the template  10 B is set to −50 kPa. Moreover, the state  60 C is the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  of when the rear pressure of the template  10 B is set to −100 kPa. 
     If the rear pressure of the template  10 B is −100 kPa, the amount of the squeezed-out resist  30  is reduced as compared to the case where the rear pressure of the template  10 B is −50 kPa. This is because the distortion of the template  10 B is solved by the amount in accordance with the rear pressure of the template  10 B after a lapse of the predetermined time. 
     In other words, the speed to solve the squeezed-out resist  30  is a speed in accordance with the rear pressure of the template  10 B. Hence, the control apparatus  21  determines the rear pressure of the template  10 B based on the detected state of the squeezed-out resist  30 . 
     For example, the control apparatus  21  instructs the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  to set a rear pressure with a large value (a first value) since the amount of the squeezed-out resist  30  is large in the beginning. When the amount of the squeezed-out resist  30  is subsequently reduced, the control apparatus  21  instructs the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  to set a rear pressure with a smaller value (a second value smaller than the first value). 
     Consequently, in the early stage of the filling of the resist  30 , resist squeeze-out is solved at high speeds. Moreover, in the last stage of the filling of the resist  30 , resist squeeze-out is solved with high precision. 
     When the filling of the resist  30  is complete, the UV light source  8  applies UV light to the resist  30  through the template  10 B (Step S 72 ). The template  10 B is subsequently separated from the cured resist  30 . The control apparatus  21  then checks whether or not imprinting on all designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 ). 
     If imprinting on the designated areas on the wafer Wa is not complete (Step S 90 , No), the imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 72 . The imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 90  until imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete. 
     If imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 , Yes), the wafer Wa is moved (Step S 100 ). The wafer Wa is then carried out of the imprint apparatus  1 A. 
     The timing when the rear pressure of the template  10 B is returned to atmospheric pressure after the filling of the resist  30  may be any timing. In other words, after the resist  30  is filled, the imprint apparatus  1 A can first execute either of the UV light application process and the process of adjusting the rear pressure of the template  10 B to atmospheric pressure. In other words, the rear pressure of the template  10 B upon the application of UV light may be negative pressure or atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the imprint apparatus  1 A may fill the resist  30  in the template pattern while exhausting the inside of the space  19  at an exhaust velocity in accordance with the state of the squeezed-out resist  30 . 
     In this manner, according to the fifth embodiment, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure while observing the state of the squeezed-out resist  30 . Accordingly, the distortion of the template  10 B and the squeezed-out resist  30  can be solved in a short time. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     Next, a sixth embodiment is described with reference to  FIG. 12 . In the sixth embodiment, the flatness measurement apparatus  15  measures the flatness of the template  10 B. The rear pressure of the template  10 B is controlled based on the flatness of the template  10 B. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the sixth embodiment. Among the processes of  FIG. 12 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint steps according to the first to fifth embodiments are omitted. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the processes of Steps S 10  to S 51 , S 72 , S 90 , and S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the fifth embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The process of Step S 61  is performed in the fifth embodiment while the process of Step S 62  is performed in the sixth embodiment. 
     In other words, in the imprint step according to the sixth embodiment, the template  10 B is impressed onto the resist  30  (Step S 50 ). After the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted to atmospheric pressure (Step S 51 ), the flatness measurement apparatus  15  measures the flatness of the template  10 B. 
     The flatness measurement apparatus  15  measures the flatness of the template  10 B from the back side of the template  10 B while the resist  30  is being filled in the template pattern. The flatness measurement apparatus  15  transmits the measured flatnesses to the control apparatus  21 . The control apparatus  21  controls the rear pressure of the template  10 B based on the measured flatnesses. The control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to set the pressure of the space  19  to a negative pressure in accordance with the flatness. The control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to set a negative pressure at which the pattern surface of the template  10 B becomes flat. 
     For example, if the amount of distortion of the template  10 B is larger than a predetermined value, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to make an adjustment to a first pressure (for example, −50 kPa). Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  controls the pressure in accordance with the instruction of the control apparatus  21 . In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure while observing the flatness of the template pattern surface (Step S 62 ). 
     In a similar processing procedure to that of the fifth embodiment, the processes of Steps S 72 , S 90 , and S 100  are subsequently executed. In other words, if imprinting on designated areas on the wafer Wa is not complete (Step S 90 , No), the imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 72 . The imprint apparatus  1 A repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 90  until imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete. 
     If imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 , Yes), the wafer Wa is moved (Step S 100 ). The wafer Wa is then carried out of the imprint apparatus  1 A. 
     The imprint apparatus  1 A may fill the resist  30  in the template pattern while setting the inside of the space  19  to a negative pressure in accordance with the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  and the flatness of the template  10 B. 
     In this manner, according to the sixth embodiment, the imprint apparatus  1 A adjusts the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure while observing the flatness of the template  10 B. Accordingly, the distortion of the template  10 B and the squeezed-out resist  30  can be solved in a short time. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Moreover, when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern, the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted to negative pressure to make the pattern surface of the template  10 B flat. Accordingly, the distortion of the template pattern can be solved in a short time. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     Next, a seventh embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 13 to 15D . In the seventh embodiment, the exhaust velocity of when the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted is controlled based on the flatness of the template  10 B. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imprint apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. An imprint apparatus  1 B includes a processing mechanism  20 B and the control apparatus  21 . The processing mechanism  20 B of the embodiment includes an exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  in addition to the components of the processing mechanism  20 A. 
     The exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  is connected to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 . The exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  adjusts the exhaust velocity of when the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts the rear pressure, in accordance with an instruction of the control apparatus  21 . 
     In the embodiment, the flatness measurement apparatus  15  measures the flatness of the template  10 B. The exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  then adjusts the exhaust velocity of when the rear pressure of the template  10 B to an exhaust velocity in accordance with the flatness of the template  10 B. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the seventh embodiment. Moreover,  FIGS. 15A to 15D  are diagrams illustrating pressure control and exhaust velocities in the imprint step according to the seventh embodiment.  FIGS. 15A to 15D  illustrate cross-sectional views of the wafer Wa, the template  10 B, and the like in the imprint step. 
     Among the processes of  FIG. 14 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint steps according to the first to sixth embodiments are omitted.  FIG. 15A  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: +50 kPa) of when the template  10 B is pressed against the resist  30 . Moreover,  FIGS. 15B and 15C  illustrate the template  10 B (the exhaust velocity) of when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern. Moreover,  FIG. 15D  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: atmospheric pressure) of when the resist  30  is cured. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the processes of Steps S 10  to S 51 , S 72 , S 90 , and S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the sixth embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The process of Step S 62  is performed in the sixth embodiment while the process of Step S 63  is performed in the seventh embodiment. 
     In other words, in the imprint step according to the seventh embodiment, the template  10 B is impressed onto the resist  30  (Step S 50 ). After the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted to atmospheric pressure (Step S 51 ), the flatness measurement apparatus  15  measures the flatness of the template  10 B, and transmits the measured flatness (measurement result) to the control apparatus  21 . 
     The control apparatus  21  controls the exhaust velocity of when the rear pressure of the template  10 B is adjusted, based on the measured flatness. The control apparatus  21  transmits, to the exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12 , an instruction to set an exhaust velocity in accordance with the flatness. 
     For example, if the amount of distortion of the template  10 B is larger than a predetermined value, the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to exhaust at a first exhaust velocity. Consequently, the exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  adjusts the exhaust velocity in accordance with the instruction of the control apparatus  21 . In this manner, the imprint apparatus  1 B adjusts the exhaust velocity while observing the flatness of the template pattern surface, and adjusts the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure (Step S 63 ). 
     For example, in the early stage of the filling of the resist  30 , the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12 , an instruction to exhaust the rear pressure of the template  10 B at 15 L/min, as illustrated in  FIG. 15B . Consequently, the exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  causes the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  to exhaust at 15 L/min. As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to, for example, −60 kPa. 
     Moreover, in the last stage of the filling of the resist  30 , the control apparatus  21  transmits, to the exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12 , an instruction to exhaust the rear pressure of the template  10 B at 10 L/min as illustrated in  FIG. 15C . Consequently, the exhaust velocity adjustment mechanism  12  causes the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  to exhaust at 10 L/min. As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to, for example, −100 kPa. 
     Consequently, in the early stage of the filling of the resist  30 , resist squeeze-out is solved at high speeds. Moreover, in the last stage of the filling of the resist  30 , resist squeeze-out is solved with high precision. 
     After the filling of the resist  30  is complete, the processes of Steps S 72 , S 90 , and S 100  are executed in a similar processing procedure to that of the sixth embodiment. In other words, if imprinting on designated areas on the wafer Wa is not complete (Step S 90 , No), the imprint apparatus  1 B repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 72 . The imprint apparatus  1 B repeats the processes of Steps S 30  to S 90  until imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete. 
     If imprinting on all the designated areas on the wafer Wa is complete (Step S 90 , Yes), the wafer Wa is moved (Step S 100 ). The wafer Wa is then carried out of the imprint apparatus  1 B. 
     The imprint apparatus  1 B may fill the resist  30  in the template pattern while exhausting the inside of the space  19  at an exhaust velocity in accordance with the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  and the flatness of the template  10 B. 
     Moreover, the imprint apparatus  1 B may fill the resist  30  in the template pattern while setting an exhaust velocity in the space  19  in accordance with the state of the squeezed-out resist  30  and the flatness of the template  10 B. 
     In this manner, according to the seventh embodiment, the imprint apparatus  1 B adjusts the exhaust velocity while observing the flatness of the template  10 B. Accordingly, the distortion of the template  10 B and the squeezed-out resist  30  can be solved in a short time. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     Next, an eighth embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 18C . In the eighth embodiment, a template pattern is transferred to the wafer Wa on which the resist  30  has been applied by spin coating. 
     An imprint apparatus  1 C (not illustrated) of the embodiment is an apparatus that repeats the process of impressing the template  10 B onto the resist  30  and the process of separating the template  10 B from the resist  30  on an imprint shot by imprint shot basis, after the resist  30  is applied substantially all over the surface of the wafer Wa. 
     The imprint apparatus  1 C includes a spin coating mechanism  40  instead of the liquid drop apparatus  11  of the imprint apparatus  1 B.  FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the spin coating mechanism according to the eighth embodiment. The spin coating mechanism  40  includes a discharge nozzle  16  and a rotating table  17 . 
     The rotating table  17  supports the wafer Wa from the back side and rotates the wafer Wa in a plane parallel to the main surface of the wafer Wa. The discharge nozzle  16  is a nozzle that discharges the resist  30 . The discharge nozzle  16  is placed above the rotating table  17 , and discharges the resist  30  onto the wafer Wa on the rotating table  17 . 
     When imprinting on the wafer Wa, the wafer Wa is fixed on the rotating table  17 . The rotating table  17  then rotates the wafer Wa. The discharge nozzle  16  subsequently discharges the resist  30  onto the wafer Wa. Consequently, the resist  30  is applied substantially all over the surface of the wafer Wa. 
     After the resist  30  has been applied over the wafer Wa, the wafer Wa is fixed on the sample stage  5 . The wafer Wa on the sample stage  5  is subsequently moved to directly below the template  10 B. The template  10 B is then pressed against the resist  30  on the wafer Wa. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of an imprint step according to the eighth embodiment. Moreover,  FIGS. 18A to 18C  are diagrams illustrating pressure control in the imprint step according to the eighth embodiment.  FIGS. 18A to 18C  illustrate cross-sectional views of the wafer Wa, the template  10 B, and the like in the imprint step. 
     Among the processes of  FIG. 17 , the descriptions of similar processes to those of the imprint steps according to the first to seventh embodiments are omitted.  FIG. 18A  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: +50 kPa) of when the template  10 B is pressed against the resist  30 . Moreover,  FIG. 18B  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: −100 kPa) of when the resist  30  is filled in the template pattern. Moreover,  FIG. 18C  illustrates the template  10 B (rear pressure: −100 kPa) of when the resist  30  is cured. 
     In the imprint step illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the processes of Steps S 10 , S 30 , S 41  to S 100  are similar processes to those of the imprint step according to the third embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The process of Step S 20  is performed in the third embodiment while the process of Step S 21  is performed in the eighth embodiment. Moreover, the process of Step S 40  is performed in the third embodiment while the process of Step S 40  is performed in the eighth embodiment. 
     In other words, the imprint step according to the eighth embodiment, the template  10 B is placed at a predetermined position in the processing mechanism  20 B (Step S 10 ). The wafer Wa where the resist  30  has been applied in advance substantially all over the surface is placed at a predetermined position in the processing mechanism  20 B (Step S 21 ). 
     The wafer Wa is subsequently moved by the sample stage  5  to a predetermined position (below the liquid drop apparatus  11 ) (Step S 30 ). The control apparatus  21  then transmits, to the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14 , an instruction to adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 B to positive pressure. Consequently, the rear pressure adjustment mechanism  14  compresses the space  19 . As a result, the space  19  is adjusted to a positive pressure, for example, +50 kPa, as illustrated in  FIG. 18A  (Step S 41 ). In a similar processing procedure to that of the third embodiment, the processes of Steps S 50  to S 100  are subsequently executed. 
     In this manner, in the eighth embodiment, the imprint apparatus  1 C sets the rear pressure of the template  10 B to negative pressure when filling the spin coated resist  30 . Hence, the distorted template  10 B resulting from that the template  10 B is impressed onto the resist  30  can be recovered in a short time. Moreover, the squeezed-out resist  30  can be solved in a short time. Therefore, the imprint process can be executed in a short time. 
     The imprint methods described in the first to eighth embodiments may be combined. For example, the imprint methods described in the first to eighth embodiments may use the template  10 A or may use the template  10 B. 
     Moreover, the imprint methods described in the first to eighth embodiments may drop the resist  30  on the wafer Wa by the inkjet method, or may apply the resist  30  to the wafer Wa by spin coating. 
     Moreover, the imprint methods described in the first to eighth embodiments may adjust the rear pressure of the template  10 A/ 10 B to positive pressure or atmospheric pressure when the template  10 A/ 10 B is pressed against the resist  30  (when starting a press). 
     Moreover, the imprint method described in the fifth embodiment may be applied to the imprint methods described in the embodiments other than the fifth embodiment. Moreover, the imprint method described in the sixth embodiment may be applied to the imprint methods described in the embodiments other than the sixth embodiment. Moreover, the imprint method described in the seventh embodiment may be applied to the imprint methods described in the embodiments other than the seventh embodiment. 
     Moreover, the imprint methods described in the fifth to seventh embodiments can first execute either of the process of curing the resist  30  and the process of returning the rear pressure of the templates  10 A/ 10 B to atmospheric pressure. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.