Illumination system and exposure apparatus and method

Abstract

An illumination system and exposure apparatus and method involving illuminating a surface over an illumination field (IF) having an arcuate shape. The illumination system comprises a light source (54) for providing a light beam (100), and an optical integrator (56). The optical integrator comprises a first reflective element group (60) having an array of first optical elements (E) each having an arcuate profile corresponding to the arcuate shape of the illumination field. Each of the first optical elements has an eccentric reflecting surface (RSE) comprising an off-axis section of either a spherical surface (S) or an aspherical surface (ASE). The array of first optical elements is designed so as to form a plurality of arcuate light beams (108) capable of forming a plurality of light source images (I). The illumination system further includes a condenser optical system (64) designed so as to condense said plurality of arcuate light beams to illuminate the surface over the arcuate illumination field in an overlapping manner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an illumination system capable of providing uniform illumination, and more particularly relates to an exposure apparatus incorporating the illumination system, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional exposure apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor devices include an illumination system for illuminating a circuit pattern formed on a mask and projecting this pattern through a projection optical system onto a photosensitive substrate (e.g., a wafer) coated with photosensitive material (e.g., photoresist). One type of projection optical system employs an off-axis field (e.g., an arcuate field) and projects and transfers only a portion of the mask circuit pattern onto the wafer if the exposure were static. An exemplary projection optical system having such a field comprises two reflecting mirrors, a concave mirror and a convex mirror. In such projection optical systems, transfer of the entire mask circuit pattern onto the wafer is performed dynamically by simultaneously scanning the mask and wafer in a fixed direction.

[0003] Scanning exposure has the advantage in that a high resolving power is obtained with a comparatively high throughput. In scanning-type exposure apparatus, an illumination system capable of uniformly illuminating with a fixed numerical aperture (NA) the entire arcuate field on the mask is highly desirable. Such an illumination system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. Sho 60-232552. With reference to FIG. 1, an illumination system 10, disclosed therein, comprises, along an optical axis A, an ultrahigh-pressure mercury lamp 12, an elliptical mirror 14, and an optical integrator 16. With reference now also to FIG. 2, optical integrator 16 has an incident surface 16i, an exit surface 16e, and comprises a combination of four segmented cylindrical lenses 1 6a-16d. Lenses 1 6a and 1 6d are located at the respective ends of optical integrator 16, are oriented in the same direction, and have a focal length f1.

[0004] Lenses 16b and 16c are located between lenses 16a and 16d and are each oriented in the same direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of lenses 16a and 16d.

[0005] Adjacent optical integrator 16 is a first condenser optical system 18 and a slit plate 20. With reference now also to FIG. 3, the latter includes an arcuate aperture 20A having a width 20W and a cord 20C. Adjacent slit plate 20 is a condenser optical system 22 and a mask 24.

[0006] Mercury lamp 12 generates a light beam 26 which is condensed by elliptical mirror 14 onto incident surface 16i of optical integrator 16. By virtue of having two different focal lengths, optical integrator 16 causes light beam 26, passing therethrough, to have different numerical apertures in orthogonal directions to the beam (e.g., in the plane and out of the plane of the paper, as viewed in FIG. 1). Light beam 26 is then condensed by condenser optical system 18 and illuminates slit plate 20 and arcuate aperture 20A. Light beam 26 then passes therethrough and is incident condenser optical system 22, which condenses the light beam to uniformly illuminate a portion of mask 24.

[0007] With continuing reference to FIG. 3, a rectangular-shaped region 28 on slit plate 20 is illuminated so that at least arcuate aperture 20A is irradiated. Thus, light beam 26 is transformed from a rectangular cross-section beam to an arcuate illumination beam, corresponding to aperture 20A. Note that aperture 20A passes only a small part of the beam incident slit plate 20.

[0008] Generally, arcuate cord 20C is made long to increase the size of the exposure field on the wafer. In addition, arcuate slit width 20W is set comparatively narrow to correspond to the corrected region of the projection optical system used in combination with illumination system 10. The illumination efficiency is determined by the ratio of surface area of arcuate aperture 20A to rectangular-shaped region 28. This ratio is small for illumination system 10, an indication that the system is very inefficient, which is disadvantageous. As a result, the amount of light reaching mask 24 is fixed at a relatively low level. Since the time of exposure of mask 24 is inversely proportional to the amount of light (i.e., intensity) at the mask (i.e., the more intense the light, the shorter the exposure time), the scanning speed of the mask is limited. This limits the exposure apparatus' ability to process an increasingly large number of wafers (e.g., to increase throughput).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an illumination system capable of providing uniform illumination, and more particularly relates to an exposure apparatus incorporating the illumination system, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method using same.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has the goals of providing an illumination system capable of supporting higher throughput with an illumination efficiency markedly higher than heretofore obtained. Another goal is to maintain uniform illumination (e.g., uniform Köhler illumination).

[0011] There has been a strong desire in recent years for a next-generation exposure apparatus capable of projecting and exposing a pattern having a much finer line width onto a photosensitive substrate by using a light source, such as a synchrotron, that supplies soft X-rays. However, prior art illumination systems are not capable of efficiently and uniformly illuminating a mask with X-ray wavelength light (“X-rays”).

[0012] Consequently, the present invention has the further goal of supplying an illumination system and exposure apparatus capable of efficiently and uniformly illuminating a mask with X-rays, and further to provide a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices using X-rays.

[0013] Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention is an illumination system for illuminating a surface over an illumination field having an arcuate shape. The system comprises a light source for providing a light beam and an optical integrator. The optical integrator includes a first reflective element group having an array of first optical elements each having an arcuate profile corresponding to the arcuate shape of the illumination field. Each first optical element also includes an eccentric reflecting surface comprising an off-axis section of a spherical reflecting surface or an off-axis section of an aspherical reflecting surface. The array of first optical elements is designed so as to form a plurality of arcuate light beams capable of forming multiple light source images. The illumination system further includes a condenser optical system designed so as to condense the plurality of arcuate light beams to illuminate the surface over the arcuate illumination field in an overlapping manner.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention is the illumination system as described above, wherein the condenser optical system comprises a condenser mirror with a focal point, with the condenser mirror arranged such that the focal point substantially coincides with the surface to be illuminated.

[0015] A third aspect of the invention is an illumination optical system as described above, further comprising a second reflective element group having a plurality of second optical elements. Each of the second optical elements has a rectangular shape and a predetermined second reflecting curved surface which is preferably an on-axis section of a spherical or aspherical reflective surface. The first and second reflecting element groups are opposingly arranged such that the multiple light source images are formed at the plurality of second optical elements when the light beam is incident the first reflecting element group.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the invention is an exposure apparatus for exposing the image of a mask onto a photosensitive substrate. The apparatus comprises the illumination system as described above, a mask stage capable of supporting the mask, and a substrate stage capable of supporting the photosensitive substrate. A projection optical system is arranged between the mask stage and the substrate stage, and is designed so as to project a predetermined pattern formed on the mask onto the photosensitive substrate over an arcuate image field corresponding to the arcuate illumination field.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the invention is an exposure apparatus as described above, and further including drive apparatus designed so as to synchronously move the mask stage and the wafer stage relative to the projection optical system.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the invention is the exposure apparatus as described above, wherein the illumination system includes a first variable aperture stop having a first variable diameter. The projection optical system further includes a second variable aperture stop having a second variable diameter. First and second drive systems are operatively connected to the first and second variable aperture stops, respectively, so as to change the first and second variable diameters, respectively. A control apparatus is also preferably included. The control apparatus is electrically connected to the first and second drive units so as to control the coherence factor by varying the first and second variable aperture diameters.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the invention is a method of patterning the surface of a photosensitive substrate with a pattern on a mask in the manufacturing of a semiconductor device. The method comprising the steps of first, providing an illumination light beam. The next (i.e., second) step is reflectively dividing the illumination light beam into a plurality of arcuate light beams corresponding to an arcuately shaped illumination field. The next step is condensing the arcuate light beams onto the mask over the arcuately shaped illumination field. The final step is projecting light from the mask onto the photosensitive substrate. The present method preferably further includes the steps in the above-mentioned second step, of first reflecting the light beam from a first array of reflecting elements each having an arcuate shape and a reflecting surface having an eccentric curvature, and forming a plurality of light source images, and then second, reflecting light from the plurality of light source images with a second array of reflecting elements opposingly arranged relative to the first array of reflecting elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic optical diagram of a prior art illumination system;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the optical integrator of the prior art illumination system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the slit aperture of the prior art illumination system of FIG. 1, with the rectangular illumination region superimposed;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the exposure apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the reflecting element group shown in FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts the X-Z plane geometry associated with the reflecting elements in the reflecting element group of FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts the Y-Z plane geometry associated with the reflecting elements in the reflecting element group of FIG. 5;

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts the X-Y plane geometry associated with the arcuate illumination field formed on the mask in the exposure apparatus of FIG. 14;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a close-up of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4 showing the reflecting action of the reflecting element group;

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts the X-Y plane geometry associated with a reflecting element in the reflecting element group of FIG. 5 when the reflecting element is aspherical;

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts the Y-Z plane geometry associated with the arcuate illumination field when the reflecting elements are aspherical;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a close-up view of the condenser optical system of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4 with an aspherical condenser mirror showing the reflecting action associated with the creation of secondary light sources;

[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the exposure apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes an optical integrator having two reflecting element groups;

[0033] FIG. 14 is a front view of the first reflecting element group of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0034] FIG. 15 is a front view of the second reflecting element group of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0035] FIG. 16 depicts the geometry in the Y-Z plane associated with the reflecting elements in the first reflecting element group of FIG. 14;

[0036] FIG. 17 depicts the geometry in the X-Z plane associated with the reflecting elements in the first reflecting element group of FIG. 14;

[0037] FIG. 18 depicts the geometry associated with the reflecting elements in the second reflecting element group of FIG. 14;

[0038] FIG. 19 depicts the geometry associated with the reflecting elements in the second reflecting element group of FIG. 14;

[0039] FIG. 20 is a close-up of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 13 showing the reflecting action of the first and second reflecting element groups and the condensing action of the condenser optical system;

[0040] FIG. 21 is an alternate embodiment of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 13, wherein the optical axes of the projection optical system and the condenser optical system are colinear;

[0041] FIG. 22 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the first reflecting element group of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 23 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the second reflecting element group of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 24 is a perspective schematic illustration of the reflecting action associated with a single column of the first and second reflecting element groups shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, respectively;

[0044] FIG. 25 is a first alternate embodiment of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4, further including a vacuum chamber, a light source unit and variable aperture stop;

[0045] FIG. 26 is a second alternate embodiment of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4, further including a turret plate in place of the first variable aperture stop, and an adjustable light beam converting unit;

[0046] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the aperture turret plate of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 26;

[0047] FIG. 28 is a third alternate embodiment of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4, further including an auxiliary optical integrator;

[0048] FIG. 29 is a front view of the first auxiliary reflecting element group in the auxiliary optical integrator of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 28;

[0049] FIG. 30 is a front view of the second auxiliary reflecting element group in the auxiliary optical integrator of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 28;

[0050] FIG. 31 is a fourth alternate embodiment of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4, wherein the function of the condenser mirror is combined into the second reflecting element group of the optical integrator; and

[0051] FIG. 32 is a fifth alternate embodiment of the exposure apparatus of FIG. 4, further including a subchamber with a filter for passing X-rays and not dust particles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention relates to an illumination system capable of providing uniform. Illumination, and more particularly relates to an exposure apparatus incorporating the illumination system, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method using same.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, exposure apparatus 50 comprises, along an optical axis Ac, a light source 54 which supplies light of wavelength &lgr;<200 nm. A preferred light source is a laser, such as an ArF excimer laser supplying light of wavelength &lgr;=193 nm, or an F2 laser supplying light of wavelength &lgr;=157. Alternatively, light source 54 may be an X-ray radiating apparatus such as a laser plasma X-ray source radiating X-rays of wavelength &lgr;=10-15 nm or &lgr;=5-20 nm, a synchrotron generating apparatus radiating light of wavelength &lgr;=10-15 nm, &lgr;=5-20 nm and the like.

[0054] Exposure apparatus 50 further comprises an optical integrator (i.e., a multiple light source forming system) 56. Light beam 100 from light source 54 is directed to optical integrator 56. Optical integrator 56 is disposed in a predetermined position to receive light beam 100. Optical integrator 56 comprises a reflecting element group 60 having a plurality of reflecting elements E (FIG. 5) arranged two-dimensionally in dense formation (i.e., in an array) along a predetermined first reference plane P1 parallel to the Y-Z plane. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, reflecting elements E have reflecting curved surfaces with an arcuate shape (profile). In a preferred embodiment, reflecting elements E are arranged in a number of columns 62 (e.g., five columns, as shown) arranged along the Y-direction. Each column 62 comprises a plurality of reflecting elements E arranged along the Z-direction. Furthermore, columns 62 are designed such that together they roughly form a circular shape. The arcuate shape of reflecting elements E is similar to the shape of the arcuate illumination field formed on the mask, as discussed further below.

[0055] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, each reflecting element E comprises an arcuate section, removed from an optical axis AE, of a reflecting curved surface S of radius of curvature RE. Surface S is centered on optical axis AE and has an apex OE. Further, arcuate reflecting element E has a center CE removed from optical axis AE by a heigh hE. Accordingly, each reflecting element E comprises an eccentric reflecting surface RSE which is a section of reflecting curved surface S. Reflecting surface RSE is the effective reflecting region of reflecting element E that reflects light (e.g., light beam 100) from light source 54.

[0056] With reference again to FIG. 4, exposure apparatus 50 further comprises a condenser optical system 64 having a condenser mirror 66 removed from optical axis AC. Condenser mirror 66 comprises a section of a spherical mirror 66′ (dashed line) centered on optical axis AC and having a radius of curvature RC (not shown). Optical axis AC passes through the center of a plane P2 located on optical axis AC. However, the focal point (not shown) of condenser mirror 66 is located on optical axis AC. The latter is also parallel to each optical axis AE of plurality of optical elements E in optical element group 60.

[0057] Exposure apparatus 50 further comprises a fold mirror 68 for folding the optical path between condenser optical system 64 and a reflective mask M, and a mask stage MS for movably supporting the reflective mask M having a backside MB, and a reflective front side MF with a pattern (not shown), such as a circuit pattern. Mask stage MS is operatively connected to a mask stage drive system 72 for driving the mask stage in two-dimensional movement in the X-Y plane. A control system 74 is electrically connected to drive system 72 to control its operation.

[0058] A projection optical system 76 is disposed in the optical path between reflective mask M and a photosensitive substrate such as wafer W. Projection optical system 76 includes an optical axis AP and is preferably an off-axis-type reduction system comprising, for example, four aspherical mirrors 78a-78d. The latter have effective reflecting surfaces at positions removed from optical axis AP. Mirrors 78a, 78c and 78d comprise concave aspherical mirrors, and mirror 78b comprises a convex aspherical mirror. A pupil position P is located at a reflecting surface SC of mirror 78c. An aperture stop (not shown) is provided at pupil position P.

[0059] Exposure apparatus 50 further comprises a wafer stage WS for movably supporting a wafer W having a surface WS coated with a photosensitive material, such as photoresist. Wafer stage WS is connected to a wafer stage drive system 92 for driving the wafer stage in two-dimensional movement in the X-Y plane. Drive system 92 is also electrically connected to control system 74 which controls drive system 92 and also coordinates the relative driving of drive systems 72 and 92.

[0060] The operation of exposure apparatus 50 is now described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6. A light beam 100 having a wavefronts 105 and a beam diameter DB emanates from light source 54 and travels parallel to optical axis AC and also parallel to optical axis AE of reflecting element E (FIG. 6). Light beam 100 then reflects from each reflecting surface RSE of element E and is condensed at a focal point position FE (FIG. 6) on optical axis AE. A plurality of light source images I are formed corresponding to each reflecting element E (FIG. 6). If focal length fE of reflecting element E is equal to the distance between apex OE and focal point position FE, and RE is the radius of curvature of the reflecting curved surface S, then the relationship in condition (1) below holds:

fE=−RE/2.   (1)

[0061] With continuing reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, wavefronts 105 of light beam 100 are incident reflecting element group 60 substantially perpendicular, thereby forming, upon reflection from reflecting elements E, a plurality of converging beams 108 each having an arcuate cross-section (hereinafter, “arcuate light beam”). This results in the formation of plurality of light source images I at plane P2. Light source images I are displaced from incident light beam 100 in direction perpendicular to optical axis AE. The number of light source images I corresponds to the number of reflecting elements E in reflecting element group 60. In other words, assuming light beam 100 is incident reflecting elements E from a direction parallel to each optical axis AE, light source images I are respectively formed in plane P2 through which focal point position FE passes. In this manner, reflecting element group 60 functions as an optical integrator, i.e., a multiple-light-source forming optical system capable of forming a plurality of secondary light sources.

[0062] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, light beams 110 emanating from plurality of light source images I are respectively reflected and condensed by condenser mirror 66, which forms condensed light beams 116. The latter are deflected by deflection (fold) mirror 68 and arcuately illuminate front side MF of mask M in a superimposed manner.

[0063] With reference now to FIG. 8, an arcuate illumination field IF, as formed on mask M when viewed from backside MB, has a center of curvature OIF on optical axis AP of projection optical system 76. If fold mirror 68 were to be removed, arcuate illumination field IF would be formed at position (plane) IP, and center of curvature OIF of arcuate illumination field IF would be located on optical axis AC.

[0064] In exposure apparatus 50 of FIG. 4, optical axis AC is not deflected 90° by a fold mirror. However, if optical axis AC were so deflected by a hypothetical reflecting surface 68A, optical axis AC and optical axis AP would become coaxial and intersect mask M. Consequently, it can be said that optical axes AC and AP are optically coaxial. Accordingly, condenser mirror 66 and projection optical system 76 are arranged such that optical axes AC and AP optically pass through center of curvature OIF of arcuate illumination field IF.

[0065] Light from condensed light beams 116 reflects from front side MF of mask M, thereby forming a light beam 118 which is incident projection optical system 76. The latter forms an image of the pattern present on mask front side MF over an arcuate image field IF′ on surface WS of wafer W. Mask stage MS moves two-dimensionally in the X-Y plane via drive system 72, and substrate stage WS moves two-dimensionally in the X-Y plane via drive system 92. Control system 74 controls the drive amount of drive systems 72 and 92. In particular, control system 74 moves mask stage MS and substrate stage WS synchronously in opposite directions (as indicated by arrows) via the two drive systems 72 and 92. This allows for the entire mask pattern to be scanned and exposed onto surface WS of wafer W through projection optical system 76. In this manner, semiconductor devices can be manufactured, since satisfactory circuit patterns are transferred (“patterned”) onto surface WS of wafer W.

[0066] The operation of reflecting element group 60 is now explained in greater detail. With reference now to FIG. 9, reflecting element group 60 comprises, for the sake of explanation, three reflecting elements Ea-Ec arranged along plane P1 parallel to the Y-Z plane such that the position of the center of curvatures (the focal points) of each reflecting element Ea-Ec reside on plane P2.

[0067] Light beam 100 comprises collimated light beams 100a and 100c comprising wavefronts 105a and 105c, respectively, that are incident reflecting elements Ea and Ec. The latter form, from light beams 100a and 100c, converging arcuate light beams 108a and 108c, respectively, which correspond to the profile shape of reflecting surface RSEA of reflecting element Ea and reflecting surface RSEC of reflecting element Ec. Arcuate light beams 108a and 108c converge to form light source images Ia and Ic, respectively, at plane P2. Subsequently, diverging light beams 110a and 110c emanate from light source images Ia and Ic and propagate toward condenser mirror 66. The latter condenses light beams 110a and 110c, thereby forming condensed light beams 116a (solid lines) and 116c (dashed lines). Light beams 116a and 116c are condensed by condenser mirror 66 such that they overlap (i.e., are super-imposed) and obliquely illuminate front side MF of mask M over arcuate illumination field IF. The Z-direction (i.e., the direction in the plane of the paper) along mask front side MF is the width direction of arcuate illumination field IF.

[0068] Thus, light reflects from each reflecting element E in reflecting element group 60 and arcuately illuminates mask M over arcuate illumination field IF in an overlapping (i.e., superimposed) manner, allowing uniform illumination to be achieved. Uniform Köhler illumination is achieved when each light source image I formed by each reflecting element E is re-imaged at pupil position P of projection optical system 76

[0069] Even if the entire illumination system (i.e., elements 54 through 68) and projection optical system 76 includes only catoptric members and catoptric elements, an arcuate illumination field IF with uniform illumination intensity can be efficiently formed on mask M while substantially maintaining Köhler illumination.

[0070] By making the projective relationship of condenser optical system 64 a positive projection, mask M can be illuminated with a uniform numerical aperture (NA), regardless of illumination direction.

[0071] With reference again to FIG. 5, by densely arranging reflecting elements E such that reflecting element group 60 has a roughly circular outline, the outline (profile) of the secondary light sources formed by plurality of light source images I formed at position P2 is also roughly circular. Accordingly, by making the projective relationship of condenser mirror 66 a positive projection and by simultaneously setting the outline (profile) of plurality of light sources I, the spatial coherence inside arcuate illumination field IF formed on mask M can be rendered uniform regardless of the location and direction of incident beams 116 (see FIG. 9).

[0072] Furthermore, by configuring the shape of reflecting surface RSE of each reflecting element E so that the projective relationship is identical to that of condenser mirror 66, the illumination intensity in arcuate illumination field IF can be rendered even more uniform, without generating distortion due to reflecting element group 60 and condenser mirror 66.

[0073] With reference again to FIG. 8, an exemplary arcuate illumination field IF has a central arc 130 of radius RIF and an angle &agr;IF=60°, ends IFa and IFb separated by a linear distance LIF=96 mm, a width WIF=6 mm, and an illumination numerical aperture NA=0.015 at mask M. Further, the inclination of the principle ray (not shown) of the illumination light with respect to the mask normal (not shown) is approximately 30 mrad (i.e., the entrance pupil position of projection optical system 76 is approximately 3119 mm from mask M), and diameter DB of light beam 100 from light source 54 is on the order of 42 mm (FIG. 4).

[0074] The above description considered reflecting elements E and condenser mirror 66 both with eccentric spherical reflecting surfaces. However, these surfaces can also be aspherical surfaces. Below, specific numerical values for these surfaces as aspherical surfaces are provided.

[0075] With reference now to FIG. 10, reflecting element E includes an arcuate section, removed from optical axis AE, of a reflecting curved aspherical surface ASE and a reference spherical surface SE having a common apex OE. Spherical surface SE has a center of curvature ORE. The X-axis passes through apex OE in the direction perpendicular to a plane PT tangential at apex OE (optical axis AE of reflecting element E is co-linear with the X-axis). The Y-axis passes through apex OE in the plane of the paper and is perpendicular to the X-axis. The origin of the X-Y coordinate system is apex OE. Accordingly, each reflecting element E comprises an eccentric aspherical reflecting surface ARSE which is a section of reflecting curved aspherical surface ASE.

[0076] Aspherical reflecting surface ASE is described by the expression for an aspherical surface, below, wherein x(y) is the distance along the direction of the X-axis (optical axis AE) from the tangential plane at apex OE to the surface ASE, y is the distance along the direction of the Y-axis from the X-axis (optical axis AE) to reflecting surface ASE, RE is the radius of curvature of reference spherical surface SE, and C2, C4, C6, C8 and C10 are aspherical surface coefficients.

x(y)=(y2/RE)/[1+(1−y2/RE2)0.5]+C2y2+C4y4+C6y6+C8y8+C10y10

[0077] An exemplary aspherical reflecting surface ASE has the following parameter values:

RE=−183.3211

C2=−5.37852×10−4

C4=−4.67282×10−8

C6=−2.11339×10−10

C8=5.71431×10−12

C10=−5.18051×10−14

[0078] Each reflecting element E in reflecting element group 60 has a reflecting cross-sectional shape that interposes heights y1 and y2 from optical axis AE and comprises an arcuate aspherical eccentric mirror. In an exemplary illumination system 50 illustrated in FIG. 11, length LIF between ends IFa and IFb of arcuate illumination field IF at an arc open angle &agr;E of 60° is approximately 5.25 mm (see FIG. 11), height y1 is approximately 5.085 mm, height y is approximately 5.25 mm, and height y2 is approximately 5.415 mm.

[0079] In this case, plurality of light source images I (FIG. 10) formed by reflecting element E are formed at a position axially removed from apex OE by XI=76.56 mm, with height y=5.25 mm from the center diameter arc 130 (FIG. 11). The position of light source images I in a direction perpendicular to optical axis AE is removed by Y1=5.085 mm from the inner diameter IFi of arcuate illumination field IF, and is removed by y2=5.415 mm from the outer diameter IFo.

[0080] Thus, a satisfactory reflecting element group 60 (FIG. 5) can be constituted by arranging, in columns, a plurality of eccentric aspherical reflecting elements E having the above dimensions.

[0081] Next, an exemplary condenser mirror 66 in condenser optical system 64, for the case where reflecting element group 60 comprises a plurality of eccentric aspherical reflecting elements E having the above dimensions, is discussed.

[0082] With reference now to FIG. 12, condenser mirror 66 comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a section ARSC of reflective an aspherical surface ASC, with associated reference spherical surface SC having a common apex OC. Reference spherical surface SC has a center of curvature ORC. The X-axis is the direction perpendicular to a tangential plane P′T at apex OC (optical axis AC is the X-axis). The Y-axis is the direction parallel to tangential plane P′T at apex OC. The origin of the X-Y coordinate system is apex OC.

[0083] Reflecting aspherical surface ASC associated with condenser mirror 66 is described by the expression for an aspherical surface below, wherein x(y) is the distance along the direction of the X-axis (optical axis AC) from tangential plane P′T at apex OC to reflecting aspherical surface ASC, y is the distance along the Y-axis from the X-axis (optical axis AC) to reflecting aspherical surface ASC, RC is the radius of curvature of reference spherical surface SC, and C2, C4, C6, C8 and C10 are aspherical surface coefficients.

x(y)=(y2/RC)/[1+(1−y2/RC2)0.5]+C2y2+C4y4+C6y6+C8y8+C10y10

[0084] Specific numerical values for the present example are as follows:

RC=−3518.74523

C2=−3.64753×10−5

C4=−1.71519×10−11

C6=1.03873×10−15

C8=−3.84891×10−20

C10=5.12369×10−25

[0085] With continuing reference to FIG. 12, light source images I formed by reflecting element group 60 are formed in plane P2 orthogonal to optical axis AC (see FIG. 4). In the present example, plane P2 is at a position removed by approximately xIC=2009.8 mm along optical axis AC from apex OC.

[0086] Arcuate illumination field IF having a uniform illumination intensity distribution and spatial coherence is formed by condenser mirror 66 receiving diverging light beams 110 and forming converging light beams 116. Arcuate illumination field IF is formed by condenser mirror 66 at a position CIF removed by XM=1400 mm from apex OC (or plane P′T) and approximately yMC=96 mm from optical axis AC.

[0087] By the abovementioned configuration, an arcuate illumination field IF having a uniform illumination intensity and spatial coherence can be formed on mask M.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition (2) below, is satisfied:

0.01<|fF/fC|<0.5   (2)

[0089] wherein fF is the focal length of each reflecting element E in reflective element group 60 and fC is the focal length of condenser optical system 64 (e.g., the focal length of condenser mirror 66).

[0090] If |fF/fc| exceeds the upper limit in condition (2), the focal length fC of condenser optical system 64 shortens in the extreme when an appropriate power is given to each reflecting element E. Consequently, it is difficult to form a uniform arcuate illumination field IF on mask M, since strong aberrations are generated by condenser optical system 64. On the other hand, if |fF/fC| falls below the lower limit in condition (2), the focal length fC of condenser optical system 64 increases excessively, with the result that the elements in the condenser optical system (e.g., condenser mirror 66) increase in size excessively. This makes it difficult to maintain a compact illumination system when the appropriate power is given to each reflecting element E.

[0091] By way of example, for the case where each reflecting element E in reflecting element group 60 has radius of curvature RE=−183.3211 mm, the reference focal length fF=91.66055 mm (fF=−RE/2). In addition, for a corresponding condenser mirror 66 with a radius of curvature RC=−3518.74523 mm, reference focal length fC=1759.3726 mm (fC=−RC/2). Accordingly,

|fF/fC|=0.052.

[0092] Thus, condition (2) is satisfied and an illumination system can be compactly constituted while maintaining a satisfactory illumination region.

[0093] The above first mode for carrying out the present invention shows an example wherein optical integrator 56 comprises one reflecting element group 60 (FIG. 4). In a second mode for carrying out the present invention, the optical integrator comprises two reflecting element groups, as described below.

[0094] With reference now to FIG. 13, illumination system 200 comprises essentially the same components as illumination optical system 50 of FIG. 4, except that optical integrator 220, analogous to optical integrator 56 in system 50 of FIG. 4, comprises first and second opposingly arranged reflecting element groups 220a and 220b. First reflecting element group 220a is constituted so that a first plurality of reflecting elements E1 (not shown in FIG. 13) are densely arranged in two dimensions along a predetermined reference plane (first reference plane) Pa parallel to the Y-Z plane. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 14, first reflecting element group 220a includes a plurality of reflecting elements E1, each having an arcuate curved reflecting surface, arranged as described above in connection with elements E of reflecting element group 60.

[0095] With reference now also to FIGS. 16 and 17, each reflecting element E1 in first reflecting element group 220a has an arcuate shape (profile) of one part of a reflecting curved surface S1 of radius of curvature RE1 in a region eccentric from optical axis AE1. Center CE1 of arcuate reflecting element E1 is positioned at height hE from optical axis AE1. Accordingly, the eccentric reflecting surface RSE1 of each reflecting element E1, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, comprises an eccentric spherical mirror having a radius of curvature RE1.

[0096] Consequently, with reference to FIG. 17, a portion of light beam 100 impinging from an oblique direction with respect to optical axis AE1 is condensed to form a light source image I in plane PFO at a position removed from optical axis AE1 in a direction perpendicular to focal point position FE1 of reflecting element E1. Reflecting element E1 has a focal length fE1, which is the distance between apex OE1 and focal point position FE1.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition (3), below, is satisfied:

fE1=−RE1/2   (3)

[0098] With reference again to FIG. 15, second reflecting element group 220b comprises a plurality of second reflecting elements E2 densely arranged in two dimensions along a predetermined reference plane (second reference plane) Pb parallel to the Y-Z plane. Specifically, second reflecting element group 220b includes a plurality of reflecting elements E2 having reflecting curved surfaces which have a rectangular profile (outline). Second reflecting element group 220b has along the Y-direction a plurality of columns 262 (e.g., five, as shown), each comprising a plurality of second reflecting elements E2 arranged in a row along the Z-direction. Furthermore, columns 262 of second reflecting elements are arranged to collectively form a near circular shape (i.e., outline).

[0099] In other words, each of second reflecting elements E2 in second reflecting element group 220b is arranged in a row facing, in one-to-one correspondence, each of first reflecting elements E1 comprising first reflecting element group 220a.

[0100] With reference now to FIGS. 18 and 19, each reflecting element E2 has a reflecting surface RSE2 having a rectangular profile (outline) that is one part of a reflecting curved surface S2 with a radius of curvature RE2 in a region including optical axis AE2. Accordingly, reflecting element E2 has a rectangular perimeter 270 and a center CE2 which coincides with optical axis AE2. Accordingly, reflecting surface RSE2 of each reflecting element E2 comprises a concentric spherical mirror with radius of curvature RE2.

[0101] With reference again to FIG. 13, wavefronts 105 in beam 100 are incident first reflecting element group 220a obliquely from a predetermined direction and are split by the first reflecting element group into arcuately shaped segments by the reflecting action of plurality of reflecting elements E1. The latter form a plurality of light source images I (not shown) at plane (second reference plane) Pb, parallel to the Y-Z plane and displaced from incident light beam 100. The number of light source images I corresponds to the number of reflecting elements E1. Second reflecting element group 220b is arranged in plane Pb.

[0102] Light beam 100 from light source 54, in addition to having a parallel component, also includes a dispersion angle of a certain range. Consequently, each light source image I having a certain size is formed in plane Pb by first reflecting element group 220a. Accordingly, second reflecting element group 220b functions as a field mirror group to effectively utilize light supplied from light source 54. In other words, each of the plurality of second reflecting elements E2 in second reflecting element group 220b functions as a field mirror.

[0103] With continuing reference to FIG. 13, plurality of light source images I reflected by second reflecting element group 220b forms a plurality of light beams 310 which are incident condenser mirror 66 with a radius curvature Rc. The focal point position (not shown) of condenser mirror 66 coincides with secondary light source plane Pb. Center of curvature OC of condenser mirror 66 exists at the center position of plurality of light source images I formed on second reflecting element group 220b (i.e., the position wherein optical axis AC and plane Pb intersect, or the center of reflective element group 220b).

[0104] Optical axis AC is parallel to each optical axis AE1 associated with each reflecting element E1 in first reflective element group 220a, but is not parallel to each optical axis AE2 associated with each reflecting optical element E2 in second reflective element group 220b. More particularly, each optical axis AE2 associated with reflecting optical elements E2 is preferably inclined at half the angle of incidence of the obliquely impinging light beam.

[0105] With continuing reference to FIG. 13, light beams 310 from plurality of light source images I are each reflected and condensed by condenser mirror 66 thereby forming light beams 316. Light beams 316 are thus made to arcuately illuminate, in a superimposed manner, front side MF of mask M. Plane mirror 68, as discussed above in connection with apparatus 50 of FIG. 4, may be used as a deflecting mirror to fold the optical path. With reference again also to FIG. 8, arcuate illumination field IF is formed on mask M when viewed from the back side MB of mask M. Center of curvature OIF of arcuate illumination field IF exists on optical axis AP (FIG. 13). If plane mirror 68 in system 200 of FIG. 13 is temporarily eliminated, arcuate illumination field IF is formed at plane IP, and center of curvature OIF of arcuate illumination field IF exists on optical axis AC.

[0106] With continuing reference to FIG. 13, optical axis AC of condenser optical system 64 is not deflected 90°. However, if optical axis AC were deflected 90° by hypothetical reflecting surface 68a, optical axis AC and optical axis AP would be coaxial on mask M. Consequently, it can be said that optical axes AC and AP are optically coaxial. Accordingly, as with exposure apparatus 50 of FIG. 4, condenser optical system 64 and projection optical system 76 of exposure apparatus 200 are arranged such that optical axes AC and AP optically pass through center of curvature OIF of arcuate illumination field IF.

[0107] Light beam 118 reflected by front side MF of mask M passes through projection optical system 76, as described above, thereby forming an image of the mask pattern on surface WS of wafer W over an arcuate image field IF′ (not shown: see FIG. 4). Wafer surface WS is coated with photoresist and thus serves as a photosensitive substrate onto which the mask pattern, via the arcuately shaped image of mask M, is projected and transferred.

[0108] As discussed above in connection with exposure apparatus 50 of FIG. 4, mask stage MS and substrate stage WS move synchronously in opposite directions (as indicated by arrows) via mask stage drive system 72 and wafer stage drive system 92. Drive systems 72 and 92 are controlled by control system 74 in a manner that allows the entire mask pattern on mask M to be scanned and exposed onto wafer surface WS through projection optical system 76. Consequently, satisfactory semiconductor devices can be manufactured, since satisfactory circuit patterns are transferred onto wafer W by a photolithography process that manufactures semiconductor devices.

[0109] With reference now to FIG. 20, the operation of first and second reflecting element groups 220a and 220b are described in more detail. For ease of explanation, FIG. 20 omits plane mirror 68. Further, first reflecting element group 220a comprises only two reflecting elements Ea1, and Eb1, and second reflecting element group 220b comprises only two reflecting elements Ea2 and Eb2.

[0110] Reflecting elements Ea1, and Eb1 are arranged along first reference plane Pa at a position substantially optically conjugate to mask M (an object plane of projection optical system 76) or photosensitive substrate W (an imaging plane of projection optical system 76). Reflecting elements Ea2 and Eb2 are arranged along a second reference plane Pb at a position substantially optically conjugate to the pupil of projection optical system 76. Light beam 100, which may be, for example, an X-ray beam, comprises light beams 100a and 100b (represented by the solid lines and dotted lines, respectively) each including wavefronts 105a and 105b, respectively, which impinge from respective directions onto reflecting element Ea1. Light beams 100a and 100b are then split into arcuate light beams 108a and 108b, respectively, corresponding to the profile shape of reflecting surface RSE1 of reflecting element Ea1, Arcuate light beams 108a and 108b form light source images I1 and I2, respectively, at respective ends of reflecting element Ea2 in second reflecting element group 220b by the condensing action of reflecting surface RSEA1 of reflecting element Ea1.

[0111] If the radiant light in light beam 100 spans the angular range between light beams 100a and 100b and is incident reflecting element Ea1, a light source image is formed whose size spans light source image I1 and light source image I2 on reflecting element Ea2 in second reflecting element group 220b. Subsequently, light beams 108a and 108b are condensed by the reflecting and condensing action of reflecting element Ea2 in second reflecting element group 220b, thereby forming light beams 310a and 310b which are directed toward condenser mirror 66. Light beams 310a and 310b are then further condensed by the reflecting and condensing action of condenser mirror 66, thereby forming light beams 316a (solid lines) and 316b (dotted lines). These beams arcuately illuminate mask M from two directions such that they superimpose at front side MF of mask M. The optical action due to reflecting element Eb1 and Eb2 in reflecting element groups 220a and 220b is the same as described above for reflecting elements Ea1 and Ea2.

[0112] Thus, the light from plurality of light source images I (i.e., I1, I2, etc.) arcuately illuminate mask M in a superimposed manner, as described above. This allows for efficient and uniform illumination. Moreover, since light beams 108a and 108b are efficiently condensed due to the action of each reflecting element Ea2, Eb2, etc., in second reflecting element group 220b (i.e., by the action of these elements as field mirrors), condenser optical system 64 can be made compact.

[0113] Since light source images I1, I2, etc., formed on the surface of each reflecting element Ea2, Eb2, etc., in second reflecting element group 220b are re-imaged at pupil position P (i.e., the entrance pupil) of projection optical system 76, Köhler illumination is achieved.

[0114] As described above in connection with the second mode for carrying out the present invention, light having a certain dispersion angle and a particular wavelength, such as X-rays with a wavelength &lgr;<100 nm, is preferably employed. The mask pattern is then exposed onto wafer surface WS as a photosensitive substrate with an arcuate image field IF′, as discussed above. The latter is efficiently formed with uniform illumination intensity while substantially maintaining the conditions of Köhler illumination, even if the illumination apparatus (elements 54-68 of exposure apparatus 200 of FIG. 13) and projection optical system 76 include only catoptric members.

[0115] In the second mode for carrying out the present invention, as described above, reflecting elements E1 and E2 and condenser mirror 66 are eccentric spherical surfaces. However, these surfaces can be made aspherical surfaces, in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the first mode for carrying out the present invention.

[0116] In the second mode for carrying out the present invention, as described above, condenser 10 optical system 64 and projection optical system 76 are arranged so that optical axes AC and AP are orthogonal. However, with reference to FIG. 21 and exposure apparatus 350, condenser optical system 64, deflecting (plane) mirror 68 and projection optical system 76 may be arranged such that optical axes AC and AP are coaxial.

[0117] Next, a preferred embodiment of the second mode for carrying out the present invention is explained with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. In the present preferred embodiment, the illumination efficiency of first and second reflecting element groups 360a and 360b, as described below, is even greater than first and second reflecting element groups 220a and 220b (FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0118] With reference to FIG. 22, first reflecting element group 360a has, along the Y-direction, three columns GE11-GE13 of first reflecting elements E1 having a arcuate profile (outline) and arranged in a row (i.e., stacked) along the Z-direction.

[0119] Reflecting element columns GE11-GE13 each comprise a plurality of reflecting elements E11a-E11v, E12a-E12y, and E13a-E13v, respectively. Each reflecting element columns GE11-GE13 are arranged such that certain reflecting elements therein are each rotated by just a prescribed amount about respective axes A1-A3 oriented parallel to the Z-axis and traversing the center of their respective columns.

[0120] With reference now to FIG. 23, second reflecting element group 360b includes, along the Y-direction, nine columns C1-C9 each comprising a plurality of second reflecting elements E2 having a nearly rectangular profile (outline) and arranged in a row (i.e., stacked) along the Z-direction. Second reflecting element group 360b includes a first subgroup GE21 comprising columns C1-C3, a second subgroup GE22 comprising columns C4-C6, and a third subgroup GE23 comprising columns C7-C9.

[0121] First and second reflecting element groups 360a and 360b are opposingly arranged, as described above in connection with apparatus 200 and first and second reflecting element groups 220a and 220b (see, e.g., FIG. 20). Reflecting elements E11a-E11v of first reflecting element column GE11 in first reflecting element group 360a condense light and form light source images I in the manner described above in connection with first reflecting element group 220a (see FIG. 20). In other words, light source images I formed by reflecting elements E11a-E11v are formed on the surfaces of reflecting elements E2 in first subgroup GE21. Likewise, additional light source images I are condensed by each reflecting element E12a-E12y of second reflecting element column GE12 in first reflecting element group 360b on the surfaces of reflecting elements E2 in second subgroup GE22. Further, additional light source images I are condensed by each reflecting element E13a-E13v of third reflecting element column GE13 in first reflecting element group on the surfaces of reflecting elements E2 in third subgroup GE23.

[0122] With reference now also to FIG. 24, reflecting elements E11a-E11k in first reflecting element column GE11 are arranged such that arbitrary reflecting elements therein are rotated by just a prescribed amount about axis A1 oriented parallel to the Z-direction and traversing the center of the first reflecting element column (centers C1a-C1k of reflecting elements E11a-E11k).

[0123] For example, reflecting element E11a is provided and fixed in a state wherein it is rotated by a prescribed amount counterclockwise about axis A1. This amount of rotation is preferably very small. Reflecting element E11a forms a circular-shaped light source image Ia having a certain size, on the uppermost reflecting element E2 of column C3 of first subgroup GE21.

[0124] Likewise, reflecting element E11f is provided and fixed in a state wherein it is rotated by just a prescribed amount clockwise about axis A1. Reflecting element E11f forms a circular-shaped light source image If having a certain size, on the second reflecting element E2 from the top of first column C1 of first subgroup GE21.

[0125] In addition, reflecting element E11k is provided and fixed without being rotated about axis A1. Reflecting element E11k forms a circular-shaped light source image Ik having a certain size, on the fourth reflecting element E2 from the top of second column C2 of first subgroup GE21. The optical axis (not shown) of reflecting element E11k and the optical axis (not shown) of each reflecting element in first subgroup GE21 are parallel to one another.

[0126] The arrangement as described above with reference to first reflecting element column GE11 and first subgroup GE21 applies to that between second reflecting element column GE12 and second subgroup GE22, and that between third reflecting element column GE13 and third subgroup GE23, in first reflecting element group 360a.

[0127] As described above, illumination efficiency can be improved if the configuration of the first and second reflecting element groups 360a and 360b (FIGS. 23 and 24) is adopted. This configuration has the advantage that light source images Ia, If, Ik, etc., are not easily obscured by the profile (outline) of the second reflecting elements, as compared to the configuration of the first and second reflecting elements in reflecting element groups 220a and 220b.

[0128] In the above first and second modes for carrying out the present invention, reflecting elements E of reflecting element group 60, and reflecting elements E1 of reflecting element group 220a have an arcuate profile (outline) and having reflective surfaces RSE and RSE1 respectively, eccentric with respect to the optical axes AE, and AE1, respectively. Consequently, constraints from the standpoint of optical design are significantly relaxed as compared to non-eccentric reflecting elements. This is because aberrations need only be corrected in the arcuate region at a certain image height (i.e., a certain distance from the optical axis). Accordingly, aberrations generated by the reflecting elements in the first reflecting element group can be sufficiently controlled, resulting in very uniform arcuate illumination.

[0129] Aberrations generated by condenser optical system 64 (FIGS. 4 and 13) can also be sufficiently controlled by configuring the condenser optical system as an eccentric mirror system. This allows the above advantages to be obtained synergistically. Furthermore, condenser optical system 64 can comprise one eccentric mirror (e.g., condenser mirror 66), or a plurality of such mirrors.

[0130] First and second reflecting element groups in the present invention may be moved by a small amount independently or as a unit in a prescribed direction (e.g., axially or orthogonal thereto). Alternatively, first and second reflecting groups may be constituted such that at least one of the first reflecting element group and second reflecting element group is capable of being inclined by a small amount. This allows for the illumination intensity distribution in the arcuate illumination field IF formed on front side MF or wafer W (photosensitive substrate) to be adjusted. In addition, it is preferable that at least one eccentric mirror in condenser optical system 64 be capable of being moved or inclined by a minute amount in a prescribed direction (i.e., along optical axis AC or orthogonal thereto).

[0131] In the present invention, it is advantageous to compactly configure the exposure apparatus while simultaneously maintaining a satisfactory arcuate illumination field IF. To this end, it is preferable in the present invention that the first reflecting element group (220a of FIG. 14 or 360a of FIG. 22) and condenser optical system 64 satisfy condition (2), discussed above.

[0132] In addition, the above modes for carrying out the present invention included optical integrators 56, 220, and 360 comprising optical elements having reflective surfaces. However, the optical integrators of the present invention may also comprise refractive lens elements. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of such refractive lens elements constituting a first “refractive” element group are preferably arcuate.

[0133] Furthermore, in the present invention, first and second reflecting element groups 220a and 220b and first and second reflective element groups 360a and 360b are depicted as having plurality of reflecting elements E1 and E2 which are densely in an array arranged with essentially no gaps between the individual elements. However, in the second reflective element groups 220b and 360b (FIGS. 15 and FIG. 23), plurality of reflecting elements E2 need not be so densely arranged. This is because numerous light source images corresponding respectively to the reflecting elements E2 are formed on second reflective element group 220b and 360b, or in the vicinity thereof. Light loss does not occur to the extent that the light source images fit within the effective reflecting region of each reflecting element E2. Accordingly, if the numerous light source images are formed discretely, the numerous reflecting elements E2 in the second reflective element group can be arranged discretely with gaps. The same holds true for second reflective element group 360b.

[0134] With reference now to FIG. 25, exposure apparatus 400 performs the exposure operation by a step-and-scan method according to the first mode for carrying out the present invention in a manner similar to that described in connection with exposure apparatus 50 of FIG. 4. The elements in exposure apparatus 400 having the same function as those in exposure apparatus 50 of FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference symbol. Exposure apparatus 400 uses, in a preferred embodiment, light in the soft X-ray region on the order of &lgr;=5-20 nm EUV (Extreme Ultra Violet) light. In FIG. 25, the Z-direction is the direction of optical axis AP of projection optical system 76 that forms a reduced image of reflective mask M onto wafer W. The Y-direction is the direction within the paper surface and orthogonal to the Z-direction. The X-direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface and orthogonal to the Y-Z plane.

[0135] Exposure apparatus 400 projects onto wafer W the image of one part of the circuit pattern (not shown) drawn on front side MF of mask M through projection optical system 76. The entire circuit pattern of mask M is transferred onto each of a plurality of exposure regions on wafer W by scanning mask M and wafer W in a one-dimensional direction (Y direction) relative to projection optical system 76.

[0136] Since soft X-rays (EUV light) have a low transmittance through the atmosphere, the optical path through which this light passes is enclosed in vacuum chamber 410 and isolated from the outside air.

[0137] With continuing reference to FIG. 25, light source 54 supplies light beam 100 having a high illumination intensity and a wavelength from the infrared region to the visible region. Light source 54 may be, for example, a YAG laser, an excimer laser or a semiconductor laser. Light beam 100 from light source 54 is condensed by condenser optical member 412 to a position 414. Nozzle 416 provides a jet of gaseous matter toward position 414, where it receives laser light beam 100 of a high illumination intensity. At this time, the jetted matter reaches a high temperature due to the energy of laser light beam 100, is excited into a plasma state, and discharges EUV light 419 when the gaseous matter transitions to a low-energy state.

[0138] An elliptical mirror 418 is arranged at the periphery of position 414 such that its first focal point (not shown) nearly coincides with convergent position 414. A multilayer film is provided on the inner surface 418S of elliptical mirror 418 to reflect EUV light 419. The reflected EUV light 419 is condensed at a second focal point 420 of elliptical mirror 418 and then proceeds to a collimating mirror 422, which is preferably concave and may be paraboloidal. Collimating mirror 422 is positioned such that the focal point (not shown) thereof nearly coincides with second focal point 420 of elliptical mirror 418. A multilayer film is provided on the inner surface 422S of collimating mirror 422 to reflect EUV light 419. Condenser optical member 412, elliptical mirror 418 and collimating mirror 422 constitute a condenser optical system. Light source 54, and the condenser optical system constitute a light source unit LSU with optical axes AL1 and AL2. EUV light 419 reflected by collimating mirror 422 proceeds to optical integrator (e.g. reflecting type fly's eye system) 220 in a nearly collimated state. A multilayer film is provided onto the plurality of reflecting surfaces constituting first and second reflecting element groups 220a and 220b to enhance reflection of EUV light 419.

[0139] Exposure apparatus 400 further includes a first variable aperture stop AS1 provided at the position of the reflecting surface of second reflecting element group 220b or in the vicinity thereof. Variable aperture stop AS1 is capable of varying the numerical aperture NA of the light illuminating mask M (i.e., the illumination numerical aperture). First variable aperture stop AS1 has a nearly circular variable aperture, the size of which is varied by a first drive system DR1 operatively connected thereto.

[0140] A collimated EUV light beam 428 from collimating mirror 422 includes a wavefront 430 that is split by first reflecting element group 220a and is condensed to form a plurality of light source images (not shown), as discussed above. The plurality of reflecting elements E2 of second reflecting element group 220b are positioned in the vicinity of the location of the plurality of light source images. The plurality of reflecting elements E2 of second reflecting element group 220b substantially acts as field mirrors. In this manner, optical integrator 220 forms a plurality of light source images as secondary light sources from approximately parallel light beam 428. The EUV lightbeam 432 (comprising a plurality of light beams) from the secondary light sources formed by optical integrator 220 proceeds to condenser mirror 66 positioned such that the secondary light source images are formed at or near the focal point of the condenser mirror. Light beam 432 is reflected and condensed by condenser mirror 66, and is deflected to mask M by fold mirror 68. A multilayer film that reflects EUV light is provided on surface 66S of condenser mirror 66 and surface 68S of fold mirror 68. Condenser mirror 66 condenses EUV light in light beam 432 in a superimposed manner, forming an arcuate illumination field on front side MF of mask M.

[0141] A multilayer film that reflects EUV light is provided on front side MF of mask M. Thus, EUV light incident thereon is reflected from mask M as light beam 434. The latter passes to projection system 76, which images mask M onto wafer W as the photosensitive substrate.

[0142] In the present mode for carrying out the present invention, it is preferable to spatially separate the optical paths of light beam 432 that proceeds to mask M and light beam 434 reflected by the mask that proceeds to projection optical system 76. In this case, the illumination system is nontelecentric, and projection optical system 76 is also nontelecentric on the mask M side. Projection optical system 76 also includes multilayer films that reflects EUV light provided on the reflecting surfaces of the four mirrors 78a-78d for enhancing EUV light reflectivity.

[0143] Mirror 78c in projection optical system 76 is arranged at the pupil position or in the vicinity thereof. A second variable aperture stop AS2 capable of varying the numerical aperture of projection optical system 76 is provided at the reflecting surface of mirror 78C or in the vicinity thereof. Second variable aperture stop AS2 has a nearly circular variable aperture, the diameter of which is capable of being varied by second drive system DR2 operatively connected thereto.

[0144] The ratio of the numerical aperture of the illumination system NA1 to the numerical aperture NAP of projection optical system 76 is called the coherence factor, or &sgr; value (i.e., &sgr;=NAI/NAp).

[0145] Due to the degree of fineness of the pattern on mask M to be transferred to wafer W and the process of transferring this pattern to wafer W, it is often necessary to adjust the resolving power and depth of focus and the like of projection optical system 76 by varying the &sgr; value. Consequently, exposure information related to the exposure conditions of each wafer W sequentially mounted on wafer stage WS by a transport apparatus (not shown) (wafer transport map and the like that includes exposure information), and the mounting information of each type of mask M sequentially mounted on mask stage MS is input to a control apparatus MCU through input apparatus IU, such as a console electrically connected thereto. Control apparatus MCU is electrically connected to first and second drive systems DR1 and DR2. Based on the input information from input apparatus IU, each time a wafer W is mounted on substrate stage WS, control apparatus MCU determines whether to change the &sgr; value. If control apparatus MCU determines that it is necessary to change the &sgr; value, a signal is sent therefrom to at least one of two drive systems DR1 and DR2, to vary at least one aperture diameter among first variable aperture stop AS1 and second variable aperture stop AS2. Consequently, the appropriate exposure can be achieved under various exposure conditions. The light intensity distribution at a pupil position of projection optical system 76 is changed by using the illumination condition changing system including first variable aperture stop AS1, second variable aperture stop AS2 and drive systems DR1 and DR2.

[0146] With continuing reference to FIG. 25, it is preferable in the present embodiment to replace collimating mirror 422 with a collimating mirror having a different focal length, in response to varying the aperture diameter of first variable aperture stop AS1. As a result, the diameter of EUV light beam 428 incident optical integrator 220 can be changed in accordance with the size of the opening of first variable aperture stop AS1. In this manner, illumination at an appropriate &sgr; value is enabled while maintaining a high illumination efficiency.

[0147] The light illumination intensity distribution on mask M or wafer W of exposure apparatus 400 may be nonuniform, in the sense that it is biased. In this case, this bias can be corrected by making light beam 428 eccentric prior to traversing reflecting element group 220a. For example, by making collimating mirror 422 slightly eccentric, the bias of the light illumination intensity distribution can be corrected. In other words, if the bias of the intensity distribution occurs in the lateral X-direction of the arcuate illumination field IF (or in arcuate image field IF′ on surface WS of wafer W), the bias can be corrected by moving collimating mirror 422 in the X-direction. If the illumination intensity in arcuate illumination field IF at the center part and peripheral part differs in the width direction, respectively, the bias of the light illumination intensity distribution can be corrected by moving collimating mirror 422 in the same direction.

[0148] When varying at least one aperture diameter among first variable aperture stop AS1 and second variable aperture stop AS2, there are cases wherein the illumination deteriorates. For example, illumination non-uniformity occurs over the arcuate illumination field IF. In this case, it is preferable to correct illumination non-uniformity and the like over the arcuate illumination field IF by slightly moving at least one of collimating mirror 422, optical integrator 220 and condenser mirror 66.

[0149] With reference now to FIG. 26, exposure apparatus 450, which is an alternate embodiment of exposure apparatus 400, is now described by highlighting the difference between these two apparatus.

[0150] The first difference between exposure apparatus 400 and exposure apparatus 450 is that exposure apparatus includes a turret plate 452 instead of first variable aperture stop AS1. Turret plate 452 is connected to a drive shaft 454, connected to first drive system DR1. Turret plate 452 is thus rotatable about a rotational axis AR by first drive system DR1. With reference to FIG. 27, turret plate 452 comprises a plurality of aperture stops 456a-456f having different shapes and sizes. Turret plate 452 is discussed in more detail, below.

[0151] With reference again to FIG. 26, exposure apparatus 450 further includes an adjustable annular light beam converting unit 460. The latter converts EUV light beam 428 having a circular cross-section to a light beam 428′ having an annular (ring-shaped) light beam cross section. Unit 460 is movably provided in the optical path (e.g., light beam 428) between collimating mirror 422 and first reflecting element group 220a of optical integrator 220.

[0152] Annular light beam converting unit 460 has a first reflecting member 460a with a ring-shaped reflecting surface and second reflecting member 460b having a conical reflecting surface. To vary the ratio of the inner diameter of the ring to the outer diameter of (the so-called “annular ratio”) of light beam 428′, first reflecting member 460a and second reflecting member 460b are moved relative to one another.

[0153] The insertion and removal of annular light beam converting unit 460 in and out of light beam 428 and the relative movement of first reflecting member 460a and second reflecting member 460b is performed by a third drive system DR3 in operable communication with annular light beam converting unit 460 and electrically connected to control apparatus MCU.

[0154] With reference now again to FIG. 27, further details concerning turret plate 452 and annular light beam converting unit 460 are explained. Turret plate 452, as discussed briefly above, includes a plurality of different aperture stops 456a-456f and is rotatable about axis AR. Aperture stop 456a has an annular (donut-shaped) aperture, and aperture stops 456b and 456e have circular openings with different aperture diameters. Aperture stop 456c has four fan-shaped openings, and aperture stop 456d has four circular openings. Aperture stop 456f has an annular ratio (ratio of outer diameter rfo to inner diameter rfi of opening 456fo of the annular shape) different from that of aperture stop 456a (with outer diameter rao and inner diameter rai).

[0155] In exposure apparatus 450, input apparatus IU is for inputting information necessary for selecting the method of illuminating mask M and exposing wafer W. For example, input apparatus IU inputs exposure information related to the exposure conditions of each wafer W sequentially mounted by an unillustrated transport apparatus (wafer transfer map and the like that includes the exposure information), and mounting information of each type of mask M sequentially mounted on mask stage MS. This information is based on the degree of fineness of the mask pattern to be transferred to wafer W and the process associated with transferring the pattern to wafer W.

[0156] For example, control apparatus MCU can select illumination states such as “first annular illumination,” “second annular illumination,” “first normal illumination,” “second normal illumination,” “first special oblique illumination,” and “second special oblique illumination,” based on the information input into apparatus IU.

[0157] “Annular illumination” aims to improve the resolving power and depth of focus of projection optical system 76. It does so by illuminating EUV light onto mask M and wafer W from an oblique direction by setting the shape of the secondary light sources formed by optical integrator 220 to an annular shape. “Special oblique illumination” aims to further improve the resolving power and depth of focus of projection optical system 76. It does so by illuminating EUV light onto catoptric mask M and wafer W by making the secondary light sources formed by optical integrator 220 a discrete plurality of eccentric light sources. These light sources are made eccentric by just a predetermined distance from the center thereof. “Normal illumination” is one that aims to illuminate mask M and wafer W based on an optimal &sgr; value by making the shape of the secondary light sources formed by optical integrator 220 nearly circular.

[0158] Based on the input information from input apparatus IU, control apparatus MCU controls first drive system DR1 to rotate turret plate 452, second drive system DR2 to change the aperture diameter of aperture stop AS2 of projection optical system 76, and third drive system DR3 to insert and remove annular light beam converting unit 460 in and out light beam 428. Control apparatus MCU changes the relative spacing between the two reflecting members 460a and 460b in annular light beam converting unit 460.

[0159] If the illumination state on mask M is set to normal illumination, control apparatus MCU selects “first normal illumination” or “second normal illumination,” based on the input information from input apparatus IU. “First normal illumination” and “second normal illumination” have different &sgr; values.

[0160] For example, if control apparatus MCU selects “first normal illumination,” control apparatus MCU rotates turret plate 452 by driving first drive system DR1 so that aperture stop 456e is positioned at the secondary light sources formed on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b. Simultaneously, control apparatus MCU changes, as needed, the aperture diameter of second aperture stop AS2 via second drive system DR2. At this point, if annular light beam converting unit 460 is set in light beam 428, control apparatus MCU withdraws this unit from the illumination optical path via third drive system DR3.

[0161] If EUV light illuminates the mask pattern of mask M based on the set condition of the illumination system mentioned above, the pattern can be exposed onto wafer W through projection optical system 76 based on the appropriate “first normal illumination” condition (i.e., an appropriate &sgr; value).

[0162] If control apparatus MCU selects “second normal illumination,” control apparatus MCU rotates turret plate 452 by driving first drive system DR1 so that aperture stop 456b is positioned at the secondary light sources formed on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b. Simultaneously, control apparatus MCU changes, as needed, the aperture diameter of the second aperture stop AS2 via second drive system DR2. At this point, if annular light beam converting unit 460 is set in light beam 428, control apparatus MCU withdraws this unit from the illumination optical path via third drive system DR3.

[0163] If EUV light illuminates the mask pattern of mask M based on the set condition of the illumination system mentioned above, the pattern can be exposed onto wafer W through projection optical system 76 based on the appropriate “second normal illumination” condition (i.e., &sgr; value larger than that of first normal illumination).

[0164] As mentioned in connection with exposure apparatus 400 (FIG. 25), it is preferable in exposure apparatus 450 (FIG. 26) to replace reflecting mirror 422 with a reflecting mirror having a focal length different therefrom in response to the varying of the aperture diameter of first variable aperture stop AS1. As a result, the beam diameter of light beam 428 can be changed in response to the size of the opening of first variable aperture stop AS1. Thus, illumination is enabled with an appropriate &sgr; value while maintaining a high illumination efficiency.

[0165] If the illumination with respect to mask M is set to oblique illumination, control apparatus MCU selects, based on the input information from input apparatus IU, one among “first annular illumination,” “second annular illumination,” “first special oblique illumination” and “second special oblique illumination.” “First annular illumination” and “second annular illumination” differ in that the annular ratios of the secondary light sources formed annularly are different. “First special oblique illumination” and “second special oblique illumination” differ in their secondary light source distributions. In other words, the secondary light source in “first special oblique illumination” is distributed in four fan-shaped regions (aperture stop 456c), and the secondary light sources in “second special oblique illumination” are distributed in four circular regions (aperture stop 456d).

[0166] If “first annular illumination” is selected, control apparatus MCU rotates turret plate 452 by driving drive system DR1 so that aperture stop 456a is positioned at the position of the secondary light sources formed on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b. If “second annular illumination” is selected, control apparatus MCU rotates turret plate 452 by driving drive system DR1 so that aperture stop 456f is positioned at the position of the secondary light sources formed on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b. If “first special oblique illumination” is selected, control apparatus MCU rotates turret plate 452 by driving drive system DR1 so that aperture stop 456c is positioned at the position of the secondary light sources formed on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b. If “second special oblique illumination” is selected, control apparatus MCU rotates turret plate 452 by driving drive system DR1 so that aperture stop 456d is positioned at the position of the secondary light sources formed on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b.

[0167] If one among the above four aperture stops 456a, 456c, 456d, and 456f is set in light beam 428, control apparatus MCU simultaneously changes, as needed, the aperture diameter of second aperture stop AS2 in projection optical system 76 via second drive system DR2.

[0168] Next, control apparatus MCU sets annular light beam converting unit 460 in light beam 428 via third drive system DR3 and adjusts the unit. The operation of setting and adjusting annular light beam converting unit 460 is performed as described below.

[0169] First, if annular light beam converting unit 460 is not set in light beam 428, control apparatus MCU sets the unit in the light beam via third drive system DR3.

[0170] Next, control apparatus MCU changes the relative spacing of the two reflecting members 460a and 460b in annular light beam converting unit 460 via third drive system DR3 so that the annular light beam (now light beam 428′) is efficiently guided to the opening of one aperture stop among the four aperture stops 456a, 456c, 456d, and 456f set on exit side 220be of second reflective element group 220b. As a result, annular light beam converting unit 460 can convert light beam 428 incident thereon to annular light beam 428′ having an appropriate annular ratio.

[0171] Secondary light sources (not shown) formed by optical integrator 220 can, by the setting and adjustment of the above annular light beam converting unit 460, be rendered annular secondary light sources having an appropriate annular ratio corresponding to the opening of each of the four aperture stops 456a, 456c, 456d, and 456f. Thus, oblique illumination of mask M and wafer W can be performed with a high illumination efficiency. The light intensity distribution at a pupil position of projection system 76 is changed by using the illumination condition changing system including turret plate 452 having plurality of aperture stops 456a-456f, second variable aperture stop AS2, annular light beam converting unit 460 and three drive systems DR1, DR2 and DR3.

[0172] Thus, one of a plurality of aperture stops 456a-456f having mutually differing shapes and sizes can be set in the illumination optical path by rotating turret plate 452. Thus, the illumination state, such as illumination unevenness, of the arcuate illumination field IF or the arcuate image field IF′ may change. It is preferable to correct this illumination unevenness by slightly moving at least one of collimating mirror 422, optical integrator 220 and condenser mirror 66.

[0173] With continuing reference to FIG. 26 and exposure apparatus 450, information like the illumination condition is input to control apparatus MCU via input apparatus IU. However, a detector (not shown) that reads the information on mask M may also be provided. Information related to the illumination method is recorded by, for example, a barcode and the like at a position outside the region of the mask pattern of mask M. The detector reads the information related to this illumination condition and transmits it to control apparatus MCU. The latter, based on the information related to the illumination condition, controls the three drive apparatus DR1-DR3, as described above, to set the illumination.

[0174] In exposure apparatus 450, one of aperture stops 456a-456f is provided at exit side 220be of optical element group 220b (i.e., the position of the secondary light sources). However, illumination by aperture stops 456c and 456d having four eccentric openings need not be provided. Also, aperture stops 456a-456f formed on turret plate 452 are not essential to the present invention in the case of performing “annular illumination” or “normal illumination,” as will be understood by one skilled in the art from the theory of the present invention.

[0175] Four eccentric light beams can be formed by constituting first reflecting member 460a, in annular light beam converting unit 460, by two pairs of plane mirror elements (not shown) arranged opposite one another and mutually inclined, and by constituting the reflecting surface of reflecting member 460a in a square column shape. As a result, the secondary light sources formed by optical integrator 220 can be rendered quadrupole secondary light sources eccentric to the center thereof. Accordingly, EUV light corresponding to the openings of aperture stops 456c and 456d having four eccentric openings can be formed.

[0176] With reference now to FIG. 28, exposure apparatus 500, which is another modified version of exposure apparatus 400, is now described. In exposure apparatus 500, as well as in exposure apparatus 550 and 600 discussed below (FIGS. 29 and 30), elements AS1, 452, AS2, DR1, DR2, IU and MCU are included, as discussed above. However, these elements are not shown in FIGS. 28-36 for the sake of illustration.

[0177] The difference between exposure apparatus 400 shown and exposure apparatus 500 of FIG. 28 is that the latter includes an auxiliary optical integrator 510. With reference also to FIGS. 29 and 30, auxiliary optical integrator 510 includes a first auxiliary reflecting element group 510a and a second auxiliary reflecting element group 510b. Exposure apparatus 500 further includes a relay mirror 514 as a relay optical system. Optical integrator 510 and mirror 5.14 are respectively arranged in the optical path between reflecting mirror 422 and optical integrator 220. Auxiliary optical integrator 510 is preferably a catoptric fly's eye system. If viewed in order from light source 54, auxiliary optical integrator 510 can be seen as a first optical integrator (i.e., first multiple light source forming optical system), and in combination with a second or main optical integrator 220.

[0178] First auxiliary reflecting element group 510a comprises a plurality of reflecting elements E510a (FIG. 29) arranged on the entrance side 510ae of auxiliary optical integrator 120. Elements E510a are preferably formed in a shape similar to the overall shape (outline) of first reflecting element group 220a arranged on the entrance side of optical integrator 220 (see FIGS. 14 and 22). However, if reflecting elements E510a are constituted in a shape as shown in FIGS. 14 and 22, it is difficult to densely arrange the reflecting elements without gaps in between. Consequently, with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, each of the reflecting elements E510a in first auxiliary reflecting element group 510a is nearly square in shape. Now, the cross section of light beam 428 incident first auxiliary reflecting element group 510a is nearly circular, and reflecting elements E510a are arranged in a row so that the overall shape (outline) of this group is nearly circular. As a result, first auxiliary reflecting element group 510a can form numerous light source images (secondary light sources) with high illumination efficiency at the position of second auxiliary reflecting element group 510b, or in the vicinity thereof.

[0179] The overall shape (outline) of second auxiliary reflecting element group 510b arranged on the exit side of auxiliary optical integrator 510 is preferably formed in a similar shape to that of reflecting elements E2 comprising second reflecting element group 220b arranged on the exit side of optical integrator 220, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 23. Each reflecting element E510b in second auxiliary reflecting element group 510b is preferably shaped similar to the shape of the light source images formed by reflecting elements E510a in first auxiliary reflecting element group 510a so that it receives all the light source images.

[0180] In exposure apparatus 500, main optical integrator 220 preferably comprises first and second reflecting element groups 360a and 360b (FIGS. 22 and 23) in place of reflecting element groups 220a and 220b (both reference numbers being used hereinafter to indicate either can be used for the first and second reflecting element groups of main optical integrator 220). Consequently, plurality of reflecting elements E2 in second reflecting element group 360b (220b) arranged on the exit side of optical integrator 220 have a shape that is nearly square, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0181] With continuing reference to FIG. 28, the light source images (not shown) formed by each of the plurality of reflecting elements E510a comprising first auxiliary reflecting element group 510a in auxiliary optical integrator 510 are nearly circular. Thus, the shape of each reflecting element E510b of second auxiliary reflecting element group 510b is nearly square, as shown in FIG. 30. In addition, since the shape of each reflecting element E2 that comprises second reflecting element group 360b (220b) arranged on the exit side of main optical integrator 220 is nearly square, the reflecting elements therein are arranged in rows so that the overall shape (outline) of second auxiliary reflecting element group 510b is nearly square, as shown in FIG. 30.

[0182] In this manner, in exposure apparatus 500 of FIG. 28, first and second auxiliary reflecting element groups 510a and 510b are preferably constituted by the same type of reflecting element group. This allows manufacturing costs to be controlled.

[0183] It is also preferable that second reflecting element group 220b and condenser mirror 66 satisfy the relation in condition (2), discussed above.

[0184] With continuing reference to FIG. 28, the action of optical integrators 220 and 510 are now explained in more detail. By the arrangement of optical integrators 220 and 510, a plurality of light source images (not shown) are formed. The number of light source images corresponds to the product of the number (N) of reflecting elements in one of the reflecting element groups in optical integrator 510 and the number (M) of reflecting elements in one of the reflecting element groups in main optical integrator 220. The plurality of light source images are formed on the surface of one of the second reflecting element groups 360b (220b) in main optical integrator 220, or in the vicinity thereof. Accordingly, many more light source images (tertiary light sources, not shown) than the light source images (secondary light sources) formed by auxiliary optical integrator 510 are formed on the surface of main reflecting element group 360b (220b), or in the vicinity thereof. Light from the tertiary light sources from main optical integrator 220 arcuately illuminate mask M in a superimposed manner. Thus, the illumination distribution in arcuate illumination field IF formed on mask M and arcuate image field IF′ formed on wafer W can be rendered more uniform, allowing for a much more stable exposure.

[0185] Relay mirror 514 arranged between optical integrators 510 and 220 condenses light beam 520 from the numerous light source images (secondary light sources) from optical integrator 510, thereby forming a light beam 522 directed to optical integrator 220. Relay mirror 514 serves the function of making the near surface (i.e., entrance side 510ae) of reflecting element group 510a and the near surface (i.e., entrance side 220ae) of the reflecting element group 220a (360a) optically conjugate. Relay mirror 514 also serves the function of making the near surface (i.e., exit side 510be) of reflecting element group 510b and the near surface (i.e., exit side 220be) of the reflecting element group 360b (220b) optically conjugate. Surface 510ae and surface 220ae are optically conjugate mask M and wafer W. Also, surface 220be and surface 510be are optically conjugate the pupil of projection optical system 76 and the position of aperture stop AS2.

[0186] With continuing reference to FIG. 28 and exposure apparatus 500, if the illumination intensity distribution in arcuate illumination field IF is biased, it is preferable to move auxiliary optical integrator 510 (i.e., move reflecting element groups 510a and 510b as a unit). If reflecting element groups 360a (220a) and 360b (220b) in main optical integrator 220 are made eccentric in the X-direction or Z-direction, the biased component of the illumination intensity distribution can be corrected and a uniform illumination intensity distribution can be obtained by the action of coma generated by main optical integrator 220.

[0187] For example, if bias occurs in the illumination intensity distribution in the lateral direction (X-direction) of arcuate illumination field IF or in arcuate image field IF′, respectively, the bias can be corrected by moving optical integrator 510 in the X-direction. In addition, if the illumination intensity differs between the center part and peripheral part in the width direction of the arcuate illumination field IF or arcuate image field IF′, the bias in the illumination intensity distribution can be corrected by moving auxiliary optical integrator 510 in the same direction.

[0188] For exposure apparatus 500 to properly form an image of mask M on wafer W, it is preferable to form a well-corrected image of the exit pupil of the illumination system at the center of the entrance pupil of projection optical system 76 (i.e., an image of tertiary light sources formed by optical integrator 220). If this condition is not satisfied, it is preferable to move the position of the exit pupil of the illumination system, to adjust the telecentricity of the illumination system, and to coordinate with the position of the entrance pupil of projection optical system 76. For example, by moving main optical integrator 220 (i.e., two reflecting element groups 360a (220a) and 360b (220b)) and first aperture stop AS1 as a unit, the telecentricity of the illumination system is adjusted, and the center of the exit pupil image of the illumination system is made to coincide with the center of the entrance pupil of projection optical system 76. However, if it is not necessary to provide aperture stop AS1 at the position of the tertiary light sources, then reflecting element groups 360a (220a) and 360b (220b) in main optical integrator 220 are preferably moved as a unit.

[0189] In exposure apparatus 400 (FIG. 25) and exposure apparatus 450 (FIG. 26), discussed above, to match the image of the exit pupil of the illumination system to the center of the entrance pupil of projection optical system 76, the center of the exit pupil image of the illumination system can be made to coincide with the center of the entrance pupil of projection optical system 76 by moving optical integrator 220 and first aperture stop AS1 as a unit. If it is not necessary to provide aperture stop AS1 at the position of the secondary light sources, then reflecting element groups 360a (220a) and 360b (220b) are preferably moved as a unit.

[0190] In exposure apparatus 400 (FIG. 25), 450 (FIG. 26) and 500 (FIG. 28), discussed above, light source unit LSU in practice generally occupies a considerable volume. It is a possibility that this volume can become equal to or larger than the exposure apparatus body unit (optical system and control system from optical integrator 220 to wafer stage WS). Consequently, it may be preferred to separate light source unit LSU and the exposure apparatus body unit, with light source unit LSU and the exposure apparatus body unit installed independently on a base. In this case, strain in the floor may occur due to, for example, vibration of the floor caused by people near the apparatus, or due to the weight of the light source unit and the exposure apparatus body unit themselves. Thus, there is a risk that the light source unit optical axes (AL1 and AL2) and the optical system axis (e.g., axis AP or AC) in the exposure apparatus body unit will become displaced, upsetting the adjustment state of the exposure apparatus.

[0191] Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 28, it is preferable to arrange a photoelectric detector 528 in the optical path of the exposure apparatus body unit (i.e., in the optical path from optical integrator 220 to wafer stage WS). Photodetector 528 photoelectrically detects a relative displacement of light source unit optical axis AL1 and/or AL2, and provides a control signal to a detector control unit 530 that is operably connected to and controls the inclination of collimating mirror 422. Consequently, even if vibration of the floor due to walking and the like of operators or strain in the floor occurs, at least one of light source unit optical axes AL1 and AL2 and an optical axis (e.g., optical axis Ap or Ac) of the optical system inside the exposure apparatus body unit can be aligned automatically.

[0192] Because it is difficult to obtain high reflectance for soft X-ray mirrors, it is desirable to reduce the number of mirrors in the optical system of a soft X-ray exposure apparatus. One technique to reduce the number of mirrors in the present invention involves eliminating condenser mirror 66. This is achieved by bending the entirety of one of second reflecting element group 360b (220b) in optical integrator 220 (FIG. 15 and FIG. 23). In other words, by constituting second reflecting element group 360b (220b) by arranging in a row numerous reflecting elements E2 within a reference spherical surface (reference curved surface) having a predetermined curvature, the function of condenser mirror 66 can be incorporated into second reflecting element group 360b (220b). Thus, with reference now to FIG. 31, and exposure apparatus 550 and also to FIG. 21, a second reflective element group 220c combines the function of condenser mirror 66 in one of second reflecting element group 360b (220b) in optical integrator 220. By modifying the configuration of second reflecting element group 360b (220b) of main optical integrator 220 of exposure apparatus 500 (FIG. 28), the function of condenser mirror 66 can be combined therein as well. Projection optical system 76 in FIG. 31 comprises six mirrors 78a-78f to still further improve imaging performance.

[0193] Exposure apparatus 400 to 550 of the present invention preferably use a laser plasma light source. However, such a light source has the disadvantage of generating a spray of microscopic matter. If optical parts are contaminated by this fine spray, the performance of the optical system, which is based in part on mirror reflectance and reflection uniformity, deteriorates. Thus, with reference to FIG. 32 and exposure apparatus 600, it is preferable to arrange, with vacuum chamber 410, a sub-chamber 602 which houses a portion of nozzle 416, and elliptical mirror 418. Chamber 602 includes a filter window 604 capable of transmitting only soft X-rays while blocking transmission of the dispersed microscopic particles. A thin film of a light element (i.e., a membrane) may be used as filter 604. In the present arrangement, vacuum chamber 410 also includes a second window 606 capable of passing light from light source 54 into chamber 602. This arrangement may be used with any of exposure apparatus 400-550 of the present invention as well.

[0194] If filter 604 is provided between elliptical mirror 418 and collimator collimating mirror 422, operating costs can be kept low by replacing elliptical mirror 418 and filter 604 when contamination occurs.

[0195] Exposure apparatus 400-600 are enclosed in vacuum chamber 410, since the transmittance of soft X-rays through the atmosphere is relatively low. Nevertheless, it is difficult for the heat remaining in the optical parts to escape. As a result, the mirror surfaces tend to warp. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide a cooling mechanism (not shown) for each of the optical parts inside vacuum chamber 410. More preferably, if a plurality of cooling mechanisms is attached to each mirror and the temperature distribution inside the mirror controlled, then warping of the mirrors during the exposure operation can be further controlled.

[0196] In addition, a multilayer film is provided on the reflecting surfaces in exposure apparatus 400-600. It is preferable that this multilayer film be formed by layering a plurality of materials from among molybdenum, lithium, rhodium, silicon and silicon oxide.

[0197] As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has many advantages. A first advantage of the present invention is that a surface of an object, such as a mask surface, can be illuminated uniformly and efficiently over an arcuately shaped illumination field while maintaining a nearly fixed numerical aperture of the illumination light. A second advantage is that the illumination coherence can be varied to suit the particular pattern on the mask to be imaged onto the wafer by varying the size of the aperture stops in the illuminator and in the projection optical system. A third advantage is that the illumination beam can be altered through the use of an adjustable annular light beam converting unit. A fourth advantage is that one of a plurality of aperture stops can be inserted into the illumination system to alter the illumination coherence. A fifth advantage is that a bias in the illumination uniformity can be compensated by measuring the light beam uniformity and adjusting the collimating mirror in the illuminator based on the uniformity measurement.

[0198] While the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not so limited. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An illumination system for illuminating a surface over an arcuate illumination field, comprising:

a) a light source for providing a light beam;

b) optical integrator system capable of forming from said light beam a plurality of arcuate light beams capable of forming a plurality of light source images.

2. An illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a condenser optical system designed so as to condense said plurality of arcuate light beams to illuminate the surface over the arcuate illumination field in an overlapping manner.

3. An illumination system according to claim 2, wherein said condenser optical system comprises a condenser mirror with a focal point, said condenser mirror arranged such that said focal point substantially coincides with the surface.

4. An illumination system according to claim 2, wherein said condenser optical system comprises a condenser mirror having an aspherical surface.

5. An illumination system according to claim 2, wherein said optical integrator system comprises a plurality of reflecting elements each having a focal length fF, said condenser optical system has a focal length fC, and wherein the condition

0.01<|fF/fC|<0.5

is satisfied.

6. An optical integrator for an illumination system for illuminating an illumination field having an arcuate shape, the optical integrator comprising a first reflective element group having an array of first optical elements each having an arcuate profile corresponding to the arcuate shape of the illumination field, and each having a reflecting surface.

7. An optical integrator according to claim 6, wherein said array of first optical elements has a roughly circular outline.

8. An optical integrator according to claim 6, wherein said reflecting surface comprises an off-axis section of a spherical reflecting surface.

9. An optical integrator according to claim 6, wherein said reflecting surface comprises an off-axis section of an aspherical reflecting surface.

10. An optical integrator according to claim 6, further comprising a second reflective element group having a plurality of second optical elements, each second optical element having a rectangular shape and a predetermined second reflecting curved surface, said first and second reflecting element groups being opposingly arranged such that said first reflecting group is capable of forming, from a light beam incident thereon, a plurality of light source images at said plurality of second optical elements.

11. An optical integrator according to claim 10, wherein each second reflecting curved surface comprises an on-axis section of a spherical reflecting surface.

12. An optical integrator according to claim 10, wherein said first optical elements are arranged in a plurality of columns each with a corresponding axis passing therethrough, and wherein at least one of said plurality of first optical elements is rotatable about said corresponding axis so as to be capable of forming, from a light beam incident thereon, a plurality of light source images at one of said second optical elements.

13. An illumination system for illuminating a surface over an arcuate illumination field having an arcuate shape, comprising:

a) a light source for providing a light beam;

b) a first optical integrator comprising a first reflective element group having an array of first optical elements each having an arcuate profile corresponding to the arcuate shape of the illumination field and a reflecting surface, said array of first optical elements designed so as to form a plurality of arcuate light beams capable of forming a plurality of light source images.

14. An illumination system according to claim 13, further comprising a condenser optical system designed so as to condense said plurality of arcuate light beams to illuminate the surface over the arcuate illumination field in an overlapping manner.

15. An illumination optical system according to claim 13, wherein said array of first optical elements has a roughly circular outline.

16. An illumination optical system according to claim 13, wherein said reflecting surface comprises an off-axis section of a spherical reflecting surface.

17. An illumination optical system according to claim 13, wherein said reflecting surface comprises an off-axis section of an aspherical reflecting surface.

18. An illumination system according to claim 13, further including a light beam converting unit removably arranged in said light beam between said light source and said first optical integrator.

19. An illumination system according to claim 14, wherein said condenser optical system comprises a condenser mirror with a focal point, said condenser mirror arranged such that said focal point substantially coincides with the surface.

20. An illumination system according to claim 14, wherein said first optical elements each have a focal length fF, said condenser optical system has a focal length fC, and wherein the condition

0.01<|fF/fC|<0.5

is satisfied.

21. An illumination optical system according to claim 13, further comprising a second reflective element group having a plurality of second optical elements, each second optical element having a rectangular shape and a predetermined second reflecting curved surface, said first and second reflecting element groups being opposingly arranged such that said plurality of light source images are formed at said plurality of second optical elements.

22. An optical integrator according to claim 21, wherein each second reflecting curved surface comprises an on-axis section of a spherical reflecting surface.

23. An illumination optical system according to claim 13 further including an auxiliary optical integrator arranged between said light source and said first optical integrator, said auxiliary optical integrator having a first auxiliary reflective element group comprising a first plurality of auxiliary optical elements, and an opposing second auxiliary reflective element group comprising a second plurality of auxiliary optical elements

24. An illumination optical system according to claim 23, wherein said first plurality of first auxiliary optical elements and said second plurality of second auxiliary optical elements are identical.

25. An illumination optical system according to claim 24, wherein each of said first and second auxiliary reflecting optical elements in said first and second plurality of first and second auxiliary reflecting optical elements are square.

26. An illumination optical system according to claim 23, further including a relay reflecting system arranged between said auxiliary optical integrator and said first optical integrator.

27. An illumination system according to claim 14, further including an illumination numerical aperture value capable of being varied by a variable aperture stop having a variable diameter, said variable aperture stop arranged between said light source and said condenser optical system.

28. An illumination system according to claim 27, further comprising a first drive system operatively connected with said variable aperture stop and capable of changing said variable diameter.

29. An illumination system according to claim 13, further including a rotatable turret plate having a plurality of apertures capable of being inserted into said light beam.

30. An illumination system according to claim 29, further including a first drive system operatively connected to said turret plate and a control apparatus electrically connected to said drive system, said control apparatus being capable of controlling the rotation of said turret plate so as to insert one aperture of said plurality of apertures into said light beam.

31. An exposure apparatus for exposing the image of a mask having a predetermined pattern onto a photosensitive substrate comprising:

a) the illumination system according to claim 13;

b) a mask stage capable of supporting the mask;

c) a substrate stage capable of supporting the photosensitive substrate; and

d) a projection optical system, arranged between said mask stage and said substrate stage, designed so as to project the predetermined pattern of the mask onto the photosensitive substrate over an arcuate image field corresponding to said arcuate illumination field.

32. An exposure apparatus according to claim 31, further including a first drive system operatively connected to said mask stage, a second drive system operatively connected to said wafer stage, and a control system electrically connected to said first and second drive systems for controlling the synchronous driving of said mask stage and wafer stage relative to said projection optical system.

33. An exposure apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said illumination system includes a first variable aperture stop having a first variable diameter.

34. An exposure apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said projection optical system further includes a second variable aperture stop having a second variable diameter.

35. An exposure apparatus according to claim 34, further including first and second drive systems operatively connected to said first and second variable aperture stops, and a control apparatus electrically connected to said first and second drive units so as to control the coherence factor by varying said first and second variable aperture diameters.

36. An exposure apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising an adjustable light beam converting unit removably arranged in said light beam between said light source and said optical integrator.

37. An exposure apparatus according to claim 35, further including a third drive system operatively connected to said light beam converting unit and electrically connected to said control apparatus so as to cooperatively adjust in concert with said first and second drive systems, said light beam converting unit, said first variable aperture and said second variable aperture.

38. A method exposing a pattern of a mask onto a photosensitive substrate with an arcuately shaped illumination field, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an illumination light beam;

b) reflectively dividing said illumination light beam into a plurality of arcuate light beams corresponding to the arcuately shaped exposure field; and

c) condensing said arcuate light beams onto the object over the arcuately shaped exposure field.

39. A method according to claim 38, further including the steps, in said step b), of:

i) reflecting said light beam from a first array of reflecting elements each having an arcuate shape and a reflecting surface having an eccentric curvature, and forming a plurality of light source images.

40. A method according to claim 39, further including the step, after said step i), of:

ii) reflecting light from said plurality of light source images with a second array of reflecting elements opposingly arranged relative to said first array of reflecting elements.

41. A method of patterning the surface of a photosensitive substrate with a pattern on a mask in the manufacturing of a semiconductor device, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an illumination light beam;

b) reflectively dividing said illumination light beam into a plurality of arcuate light beams corresponding to an arcuately shaped illumination field;

c) condensing said arcuate light beams onto the mask over the arcuately illumination field; and

d) projecting light from the mask onto the photosensitive substrate.

42. A method according to claim 41, wherein said step b) includes the steps of:

i) reflecting said light beam from a first array of reflecting elements each having an arcuate shape and a reflecting surface having an eccentric curvature, and forming a plurality of light source images; and

ii) reflecting light from said plurality of light source images with a second array of reflecting elements opposingly arranged relative to said first array of reflecting elements.

43. An exposure apparatus for exposing a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern comprising:

a) an illumination system for illuminating the mask with an arcuate illumination field, said illumination system comprising:

i) a light source capable of supplying a light beam with a wavelength &lgr;<200 nm;

ii) an optical integrator for splitting said light beam into a plurality of light beams and comprising a plurality of reflecting elements; and

iii) a condenser optical system capable of condensing said plurality of light beams so as to form said arcuate illumination field, said condenser optical system having a reflecting element with a second optical axis intersecting a first optical axis; and

b) a projection optical system disposed in an optical path between the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to form an image of the mask pattern on the photosensitive substrate, said projection optical system comprising said first optical axis and a plurality of reflecting elements arranged relative thereto.

44. An exposure apparatus according to claim 43, wherein said projection optical system includes a pupil with a light intensity distribution thereat, the exposure apparatus further comprising an illumination changing system capable of changing said light intensity distribution at said pupil.

45. A method of exposing a photosensitive substrate, comprising the steps of:

a) providing the exposure apparatus according to claim 43;

b) illuminating the mask with said arcuate illumination field using said illumination system; and

c) projecting an image of the mask pattern onto the photosensitive substrate using said projection optical system.

46. A method of exposing a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern, comprising the steps of:

a) providing the exposure apparatus according to claim 44;

b) changing said light intensity distribution at said pupil using said illumination changing system;

c) illuminating the mask with said arcuate illumination field using said illumination system; and

d) projecting an image of the mask pattern onto the photosensitive substrate using said projection optical system.

47. An exposure apparatus for exposing a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern comprising:

a) an illumination system for illuminating the mask with an arcuate illumination field, said illumination system comprising i) a light source capable of supplying a light beam of wavelength &lgr;<200 nm, and ii) a plurality of reflecting members designed so as to direct said light beam to form said arcuate illumination field on the mask;

b) a projection optical system disposed in an optical path between the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to form an image of said predetermined pattern on the photosensitive substrate, said projection system comprising a plurality of reflecting members and having a pupil with a light intensity distribution thereat; and

c) an illumination changing system for changing said light intensity distribution at said pupil.

48. An exposure apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said illumination system further includes an optical integrator having a plurality of reflecting elements.

49. A method of exposing a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern comprising the steps of:

a) providing an exposure apparatus comprising:

i) an illumination system for illuminating the mask with an arcuate illumination field, said illumination system comprising a light source capable of supplying a light beam of wavelength &lgr;<200 nm, and a plurality of reflecting members designed so as to direct said light beam to said arcuate illumination field on the mask;

ii) a projection optical system disposed in an optical path between the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to form an image of the pattern on the photosensitive substrate, said projection system comprising a plurality of reflecting members and having a pupil with a light intensity distribution thereat; and

iii) an illumination changing system capable of changing said light intensity distribution at said pupil;

b) changing said light intensity distribution at a pupil of said projection system using said illumination changing system;

c) illuminating the mask with said arcuate illumination field using said illumination system; and

d) projecting an image of the mask pattern onto the photosensitive substrate using said projection optical system.

50. A method according to claim 49, wherein one of said plurality of reflecting members is an optical integrator having a plurality of reflecting elements.

51. An exposure apparatus for exposing with a light intensity distribution a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern, comprising:

a) an illumination system for illuminating the mask with an arcuate illumination field, said illumination system comprising i) a light source capable of supplying a light beam of wavelength &lgr;<200 nm, and ii) a plurality of reflecting members designed so as to direct said light beam to said arcuate illumination field on the mask; and

b) a projection optical system disposed in an optical path between the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to form an image of the pattern on the photosensitive substrate, said projection system comprising a plurality of reflecting members; and

c) wherein at least one reflecting member in said plurality of reflecting members is adjustable so as to adjust the light intensity distribution at the photosensitive substrate.

52. An exposure apparatus according to claim 5 1, wherein one of said plurality of reflecting members is an optical integrator having a plurality of reflecting elements.

53. A method of exposing with a light intensity distribution a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an exposure apparatus comprising:

i) an illumination system for illuminating the mask with an arcuate illumination field, said illumination system comprising a light source capable of supplying a light beam of wavelength &lgr;<200 nm, and a plurality of reflecting members designed so as to direct said light beam to said arcuate illumination field on the mask, at least one of said plurality of reflecting members being adjustable so as to adjust said light intensity distribution at the photosensitive substrate;

ii) a projection optical system disposed in an optical path between the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to form an image of the predetermined pattern on the photosensitive substrate, said projection system comprising a plurality of reflecting members;

b) adjusting the light intensity distribution at the photosensitive substrate using said at least one of said plurality of reflecting members;

c) illuminating the mask with said arcuate illumination field using said illumination system; and

d) projecting an image of the pattern onto the photosensitive substrate using said projection system.

54. A method according to claim 51, wherein one of said plurality of reflecting members is an optical integrator having a plurality of reflecting elements.

55. A method of exposing with a light intensity distribution a photosensitive substrate with a mask having a pattern, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an exposure apparatus comprising:

i) an illumination system for illuminating the mask with an arcuate illumination field, said illumination system comprising a light source system capable of supplying a light beam of wavelength &lgr;<200 nm, and a plurality of reflecting members designed so as to direct said light beam to said arcuate illumination field on the mask;

ii) a projection system having a pupil and disposed in an optical path between the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to form an image of the pattern on the photosensitive substrate, said projection system comprising a plurality of reflecting members;

b) changing the light intensity distribution at said pupil;

c) adjusting the light intensity distribution at the photosensitive substrate;

d) illuminating the mask with said arcuate illumination field using said illumination system; and

e) projecting an image of the mask pattern onto the photosensitive substrate using said projection system.