Patent ID: 6803176
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method for forming a fine pattern in a semiconductor substrate, comprising the steps of:(a) coating a target layer to be etched on a semiconductor substrate with a resist composition, the resist composition comprising at least one compound capable of forming a photoresist pattern by a photolithography process and a thermal crosslinking agent capable of causing a partial crosslinking reaction in the resist composition in response to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature or the softening temperature of the at least one compound and in the absence of UltraViolet (UV) radiation, wherein said coating step results in forming a resist compound layer comprising the resist composition; (b) performing a lithography process on the resist compound layer to form a photoresist pattern of at least one opening having a first width, where the target layer is exposed through the first width; and (c) heating the resist compound layer having the photoresist pattern formed therein to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature or the softening temperature of the at least one compound, to thereby cause a partial cross-linking reaction in the resist composition resulting in a modified photoresist pattern having at least one opening having a second width which exposes the target layer, wherein said second width is smaller than the first width.