Process for operating an exposure apparatus and exposure apparatus for conducting this process.

摘要

A process for obtaining uniform light distribution in an exposure apparatus having at least one fluorescent light tube comprising heating the light tube along most of its length to a temperature above ambient temperature prior to activating the exposure apparatus. This invention also relates to an exposure apparatus designed for performing the process of the instant invention which comprises (a) a housing; (b) at least one fluorescent light tube contained within the housing; (c) a means for producing heat located within the housing; and (d) a means, located within the housing, for circulating the heat produced by the heating means.