Patent ID: 6746827
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: G03F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for structuring a photoresist layer, which comprises:a) providing a substrate on which a photoresist layer has been applied at least in some areas, the photoresist layer including: a film-forming polymer containing molecular groups convertible into alkali-soluble groups by acid-catalyzed elimination reactions; a photoacid generator releasing an acid on exposure to light in a defined wavelength range; and a thermobase generator releasing a base when the thermobase generator is raised above a given temperature; b) exposing areas of the photoresist layer to light in the defined wavelength range; c) heating the photoresist layer above the given temperature: to release the base from the thermobase generator; and to effect the elimination reaction catalyzed by the photolytically generated acid; and d) developing the photoresist layer by using an alkaline solution.