The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for removing an
edge region of a layer applied to a substrate and for
coating a substrate, in particular, with a
photoresist layer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a substrate, onto which a layer, in particular, a
photoresist layer for use in a microlithographic process, is applied, wherein an
edge region of the layer is removed according to the invention. In the method, a
laser beam is imaged onto the
edge region, and the edge region is removed by the
laser beam. In this manner, the edge region can be removed reliably and precisely, without damage to or
contamination of regions of the layer which are not to be removed.