Patent ID: 6295123
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A process for improving resolution during photolithography, comprising:providing a light source having a first wavelength;providing a photoreduction system having a focal plane and a reticle bearing a pattern whose image in said focal plane has a first CD;providing a layer of photoresist that is insensitive to light of said first wavelength and sensitive to light of a second wavelength that is one half said first wavelength;disposing the layer of photoresist so that the focal plane is parallel to, and wholly within, the layer;causing the light source to emit a series of pulses and then illuminating the reticle by scanning it with said light pulses whereby two-photon effects at the focal plane cause the photoresist to be exposed to light of the second wavelength; anddeveloping the photoresist layer thereby forming a photoresist image of the pattern having a second CD that is between about 1/2 and 2/3 times said first CD.