Exposure method and apparatus

Claim 2

An enlargement projection type exposure method comprising the steps of: a. projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through a lens system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. comparing the projected pattern on the substrate with design values therefor; c. measuring an image distortion of the projected circuit pattern inherent in the lens system; d. storing the measured image distortion in means for storing; e. calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate to correct the measured image distortion stored in the storing means; f. generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the calculated control deviations; and g. exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 3

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 1 further comprising the step of displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the lens system in accordance with the calculated control deviations.

Claim 4

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: a. measuring an image magnification error of the projected circuit pattern inherent in the lens system after the step of comparing the projected pattern with design values therefor; b. storing the image magnification error in means for storing; and c. calculating said control deviations of a surface level of the substrate by means for calculating so as to correct both the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storing means.

Claim 5

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 2 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 6

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 3 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 7

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim wherein said means for storing comprises an electronic data storage device.

Claim 8

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 1 wherein said step of generating a fine displacement comprises controlling a plurality of piezoelectric elements with a driver.

Claim 9

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 2 wherein said step of displacing comprises operating a wedge z-stage.

Claim 10

An enlargement projection type exposure method for exposing a second circuit pattern onto a corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on a substrate, said method comprising the steps of: a. projecting a second circuit pattern of a second mask through a lens system onto the substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. comparing the second projected pattern on the substrate with design values therefor; c. measuring an image distortion of the second projected circuit pattern of the second mask inherent in the lens system; d. storing the measured image distortion in means for storing; e. detecting relative displacement errors between the second circuit pattern of the second mask and the corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on the substrate at a plurality of predetermined points by a relative position detection system, said relative displacement errors being in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens system; f. calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate to correct the image distortion measured and stored in the storing means as well as to correct the relative displacement errors; g. generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the calculated control deviations; and h. exposing the second circuit pattern of the second mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 11

An enlargement projection type exposure method for exposing a second circuit pattern onto a corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on a substrate, said method comprising the steps of: a. projecting a second circuit pattern of a second mask through a lens system onto the substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. comparing the second projected pattern on the substrate with design values therefor; c. measuring an image distortion of the second projected circuit pattern of the second mask inherent in the lens system; d. storing the measured image distortion in means for storing; e. detecting relative displacement errors between the second circuit pattern of the second mask and the corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on the substrate at a plurality of predetermined points by a relative position detection system, said relative displacement errors being in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens system; f. calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate to correct the image distortion measured and stored in the storing means as well as to correct the relative displacement errors; g. generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the calculated control deviations; and h. exposing the second circuit pattern of the second mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 12

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 9 further comprising the step of displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the lens system in accordance with the calculated control deviations.

Claim 13

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: a. measuring an image magnification error of the second projected circuit pattern inherent in the lens system after the step of comparing the second projected pattern with design values therefor; b. storing the image magnification error in means for storing; and c. calculating said control deviations of a surface level of the substrate by means for calculating so as to correct both the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storing means.

Claim 14

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 9 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 15

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 11 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 16

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 9 wherein said means for storing comprises an electronic data storage device.

Claim 17

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 9 wherein said step of generating a fine displacement comprises the step of controlling a plurality of piezoelectric elements with a driver.

Claim 18

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 10 wherein said step of displacing comprises operating a wedge z-stage.

Claim 19

An enlargement projection type exposure apparatus comprising: a. a lens system projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through the lens system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. a measuring device measuring an image distortion of the projected circuit pattern of a mask inherent in the lens system, the projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; c. means for storing the image distortion measured by said measuring device; d. means for calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate so as to correct the image distortion measured and stored in the means for storing; e. a positioning system including means for generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said calculating means; and f. means for exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 20

An enlargement projection type exposure apparatus comprising: a. a lens system projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through the lens system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. a measuring device measuring an image distortion of the projected circuit pattern of a mask inherent in the lens system, the projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; c. means for storing the image distortion measured by said measuring device; d. means for calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate so as to correct the image distortion measured and stored in the means for storing; e. a positioning system including means for generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said calculating means; and f. means for exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 21

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 17 further comprising means for displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the lens system in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said calculating means.

Claim 22

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 18 further comprising: a. a measuring device measuring an image magnification error of the projected circuit pattern inherent in the lens system, the projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; b. means for storing the image magnification error measured by said measuring device; and c. means for calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate so as to correct both the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storing means.

Claim 23

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 18 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 24

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 20 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 25

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for storing comprises an electronic data storage device.

Claim 26

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for calculating comprises a microprocessor.

Claim 27

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for generating a fine displacement comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements coupled to a driver controlling said elements.

Claim 28

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means for displacing comprises a wedge z-stage.

Claim 29

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for exposing comprises an exposure illumination system and a magnifying lens.

Claim 30

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 17 wherein said measuring device comprises a plurality of air micrometers.

Claim 31

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 19 wherein said measuring device comprises a plurality of air micrometers.

Claim 32

An enlargement projection type exposure apparatus for exposing a second circuit pattern onto a corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on a substrate, said apparatus comprising: a. a lens system projecting a second circuit pattern of a second mask through the lens system onto the substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. a measuring device measuring an image distortion of the second projected circuit pattern of a mask inherent in the lens system, the second projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; c. means for storing the image distortion measured by said measuring device; d. a relative position detection system detecting at a plurality of predetermined points relative displacement errors between said second circuit pattern of the second mask and the corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on the substrate, the displacement errors being in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens system; e. means for calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate so as to correct the image distortion measured and stored in the means for storing as well as to correct the relative displacement errors detected by said relative position detection system; f. a positioning system including means for generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said calculating means; and g. means for exposing the second circuit pattern of the second mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 33

An enlargement projection type exposure apparatus for exposing a second circuit pattern onto a corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on a substrate, said apparatus comprising: a. a lens system projecting a second circuit pattern of a second mask through the lens system onto the substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. a measuring device measuring an image distortion of the second projected circuit pattern of a mask inherent in the lens system, the second projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; c. means for storing the image distortion measured by said measuring device; d. a relative position detection system detecting at a plurality of predetermined points relative displacement errors between said second circuit pattern of the second mask and the corresponding first projected circuit pattern already formed on the substrate, the displacement errors being in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens system; e. means for calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate so as to correct the image distortion measured and stored in the means for storing as well as to correct the relative displacement errors detected by said relative position detection system; f. a positioning system including means for generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said calculating means; and g. means for exposing the second circuit pattern of the second mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 34

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 29 further comprising means for displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the lens system in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said calculating means.

Claim 35

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 30 further comprising: a. a measuring device measuring an image magnification error of the second projected circuit pattern inherent in the lens system, the second projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; b. means for storing the image magnification error measured by said measuring device; and c. means for calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate so as to correct both the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storing means.

Claim 36

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 30 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 37

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 31 wherein the lens system comprises a non-telecentric enlargement projection optical system.

Claim 38

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for storing comprises an electronic data storage device.

Claim 39

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for calculating comprises a microprocessor.

Claim 40

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for generating a fine displacement comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements coupled to a driver controlling said elements.

Claim 41

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 30 wherein said means for displacing comprises a wedge z-stage.

Claim 42

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for exposing comprises an exposure illumination system and a magnifying lens.

Claim 43

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 29 wherein said measuring device comprises a plurality of air micrometers.

Claim 44

The enlargement projection type exposure apparatus of claim 31 wherein said measuring device comprises a plurality of air micrometers.

Claim 45

An enlargement projection type exposure apparatus comprising: a. a lens system projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through the lens system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. at least two substrate chucks such that each chuck is adapted to support a substrate; c. a rotary index table, said substrate chucks being disposed on said table; d. a mask holder positioning the mask; e. substrate cassettes receiving the substrate; f. at least two carriages loading and unloading on said chucks the substrate received in said substrate cassette; g. a plurality of air micrometers measuring an image distortion and an image magnification error of the projected circuit pattern of a mask inherent in the lens system, the projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; h. a storage device storing the image distortion and the image magnification error measured by said air micrometers; i. a microprocessor calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate to correct the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storage device; j. a positioning system including piezoelectric elements coupled to a driver controlling said elements, said piezoelectric elements generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said microprocessor; k. a wedge Z-stage displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the lens system in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said microprocessor; and l. an exposure system exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 46

An enlargement projection type exposure apparatus comprising: a. a lens system projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through the lens system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. at least two substrate chucks such that each chuck is adapted to support a substrate; c. a rotary index table, said substrate chucks being disposed on said table; d. a mask holder positioning the mask; e. substrate cassettes receiving the substrate; f. at least two carriages loading and unloading on said chucks the substrate received in said substrate cassette; g. a plurality of air micrometers measuring an image distortion and an image magnification error of the projected circuit pattern of a mask inherent in the lens system, the projected circuit pattern on the substrate being compared with design values therefor; h. a storage device storing the image distortion and the image magnification error measured by said air micrometers; i. a microprocessor calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate to correct the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storage device; j. a positioning system including piezoelectric elements coupled to a driver controlling said elements, said piezoelectric elements generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said microprocessor; k. a wedge Z-stage displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the lens system in accordance with the control deviations calculated by said microprocessor; and l. an exposure system exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the lens system.

Claim 47

An enlargement projection type exposure method comprising the steps of: a. projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through an optical system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. comparing the projected pattern on the substrate with design values therefor; c. measuring an image distortion of the projected circuit pattern inherent in the optical system; d. storing the measured image distortion in means for storing e. calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate by means for calculating so as to correct the measured image distortion stored in the storing means; f. generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the calculated control deviations; and g. exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the optical system.

Claim 48

An enlargement projection type exposure method comprising the steps of: a. projecting a circuit pattern of a mask through an optical system onto a substrate before exposure to form a pattern; b. comparing the projected pattern on the substrate with design values therefor; c. measuring an image distortion of the projected circuit pattern inherent in the optical system; d. storing the measured image distortion in means for storing e. calculating control deviations of a surface level of the substrate by means for calculating so as to correct the measured image distortion stored in the storing means; f. generating a fine displacement to elastically deform a shape of the substrate in accordance with the calculated control deviations; and g. exposing the circuit pattern of the mask onto the substrate by projecting and enlarging the pattern through the optical system.

Claim 49

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 42 further comprising the step of displacing at least one of the substrate and the mask relative to the other along an optical axis of the optical system in accordance with the calculated control deviations.

Claim 50

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 43 further comprising the steps of: a. measuring an image magnification error of the projected circuit pattern inherent in the optical system after the step of comparing the projected pattern with design values therefor; b. storing the image magnification error in means for storing; and c. calculating said control deviations of a surface level of the substrate by means for calculating so as to correct both the image distortion and the image magnification error measured and stored in the storing means.

Claim 51

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 42 wherein the optical system comprises a reflection optical system.

Claim 52

The enlargement projection type exposure method of claim 44 wherein the lens system comprises a reflection optical system.