Patent ID: 6660455
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G03F,Y10S

Abstract:
A pattern formation method using a pattern formation material for electron beam lithography, said pattern formation material comprising an alkali-soluble resin and a photoacid generator which generates an acid when irradiated with an electron beam, said pattern formation material further comprising first and second dissolution inhibiting groups each of which has a capacity of inhibiting dissolution of said alkali-soluble resin in an alkali solution and loses the capacity upon application of an acid, said first dissolution inhibiting group increasing a sensitivity of said pattern formation material when left to stand in a vacuum after irradiation with an electron beam, and said second dissolution inhibiting group decreasing the sensitivity of said pattern formation material when left to stand in a vacuum after irradiation with an electron beam, comprising:determining a ratio of said first dissolution inhibiting group to said second dissolution inhibiting group such that a size of an alkali-soluble portion, which is a portion made soluble in said alkali solution when said pattern formation material is irradiated with an electron beam, is substantially held constant independently of a standing time in a vacuum; forming a photosensitive film by coating a surface of an object to be processed with said pattern formation material containing said first and second dissolution inhibiting groups at the determined ratio; performing electron beam writing on said photosensitive film in a vacuum; forming a patterned film by developing said photosensitive film subjected to the electron beam writing, and etching the surface of said object to be processed by using said patterned film as an etching mask.