A lock mechanism for a stage apparatus, includes a movable stage provided
on a stationary member which is movable in a reference plane; a pair of
engaging members which are provided on the movable stage; a pair of lock
members which are positioned between the engaging members and are movable
so as to move toward and away from corresponding the engaging members; a
lock driving device which moves the lock members to an engaged position
wherein the lock members mutually move away from each other and engage
with the corresponding engaging members; and an unlock driving device
which moves the lock members to a disengaged position wherein the lock
members mutually move toward each other so as to disengage with the
corresponding engaging members.