Abstract: An anti-vibration apparatus for actively damping an object vibrations by generating control forces for reducing the vibrations includes a first actuator for generating a first control force, and a second actuator which generates a second control force and is driven on a driving principle different from that for the first actuator. The first actuator generates forces in the vertical and horizontal directions. The second actuator generates a force in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: An exposure holding apparatus includes a substrate holding section for holding a substrate. The substrate holding section includes a thin film, which causes a photocatalytic reaction upon irradiation with light. This substrate holding apparatus prevents adhesion of foreign materials, which causes a decrease in yield of device production, and provides a system for rapidly removing the foreign materials.

Abstract: A stage device includes a movable body, movable along a guide surface, for moving an element mounted on the movable body, a static pressure bearing, having at least one pad, for guiding the movable body along the guide surface, the at least one pad being attached to the movable body at a first position, and a linear motor, having a movable part and a relatively stationary part, for moving the movable body, the movable part of the linear motor being attached to the movable body at a second position. The movable body has a hollow structure at at least one of the first position and the second position. The hollow structure has an enclosure structure or a rib structure.

Abstract: A stage device includes a movable body, movable along a guide surface, for moving an element mounted on the movable body, a static pressure bearing, having at least one pad, for guiding the movable body along the guide surface, the at least one pad being attached to the movable body at a first position, and a linear motor, having a movable part and a relatively stationary part, for moving the movable body, the movable part of the linear motor being attached to the movable body at a second position. The movable body has a hollow structure at at least one of the first position and the second position. The hollow structure has an enclosure structure or a rib structure.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus includes an original table for holding an original having a pattern to be transferred, a projection optical system, a substrate stage for holding a substrate to be exposed through the projection optical system, and a supporting member for supporting the projection optical system, wherein at least a portion of the supporting member is made of one of a ceramics material and a compound material provided by integrally sintering a ceramics material and a metal material.

Abstract: A substrate holding system for holding a substrate by attraction through a negative pressure, has protrusions for supporting the substrate, including a primary protrusion of annular shape disposed around a substrate lifting pin and secondary protrusions distributed around the primary protrusions, and an arrangement for reducing a local change in shape of the substrate in a portion around the primary protrusion as the substrate is attracted by the negative pressure.

Abstract: A projection lens, a reticle stage and a light source optical system are supported by a cast frame above a wafer stage for holding a wafer thereon. A top portion of the cast frame has an enclosed hollow structure in which strengthening ribs are built, thereby substantially increasing the rigidity of the top portion. Since the ribs are built in the top portion of the cast frame, the surface area exposed to the wafer stage is reduced. As a result, there is little chance that the wafer is contaminated by any adherents to the cast frame.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate with light from a light source has a stage for moving the substrate along a substantially horizontal plane, a base member for supporting the stage, and a frame member having at least three mounts for supporting the base member. A first actuator system having a plurality of first actuators provided in the mounts, respectively, moves the base member in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction. A second actuator system having at least one second actuator provided in at least one of the mounts moves the base member substantially along the horizontal plane. A control means is provided to control the first and second actuator systems in a such a way as to suppress vibration of the base member.