Patent ID: 6284439
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: G03F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for forming a resist pattern on a substrate comprising the steps of:selecting an enhanced positive photoresist composition having;one or more positive tone photoresist materials partially protected with acid labile moieties as protective groups, wherein the degree of protection is sufficient to render the composition initially insoluble in aqueous base and may be de-blocked to increase solubility;wherein the acid labile moieties comprise acetals, ketals, or acrvlates;a cross-linker, having negative tone chemistry;wherein the composition is initially insoluble in aqueous base;wherein the amount of cross-linker compared to the degree of protection is less than the amount required to keep the composition insoluble in aqueous base after the single excitation event; andwherein the composition is rendered aqueous base soluble after the single excitation event even though the solubility of the exposed composition is reduced by the cross-linker response;depositing a layer of the selected positive photoresist material onto the substrate;exposing selected portions of the positive photoresist layer to light, wherein the exposed portions are soluble in aqueous base; anddeveloping the exposed portions, wherein the exposed portions are removed.