摘要 |
Disclosed is an exposure apparatus, an exposure method and an exposure mask, for improved optical lithography. Specifically, in accordance with one preferred form of the invention, the exposure apparatus is arranged to be used with an exposure mask having an elastically deformable holding member and a light blocking film provided on the holding member and being formed with an opening pattern, wherein for exposure the exposure mask is flexed to be brought into contact with an object to be exposed. The exposure apparatus includes a distance detecting system for detecting a distance between the exposure mask before being flexed and the object to be exposed, and a distance controlling system for controlling the distance between the exposure mask before being flexed and the object to be exposed, on the basis of a signal from the distance detecting system. |