Patent ID: 8154708

Claim:
An exposure apparatus comprising: a projection optical system configured to project a pattern on a reticle onto an object to be exposed; a sensor or a mark that serves as a reference for an alignment between the reticle and the object; a liquid supply system configured to supply fluid that has a refractive index of 1 or greater to a space between at least part of said projection optical system and the object and a space between at least part of said projection optical system and the sensor or mark; a stage configured to support the object, wherein the sensor or mark is on the stage; a plate configured to be mounted on the stage and made of a transparent material that transmits radiation, the plate configured to be located between the sensor or mark and the projection optical system or a light source; and a structure configured to extend at least up to the plate and to be in contact with the plate, the structure disposed between a recess configured to receive the object therein and the sensor or mark.