Patent ID: 7674563
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A pattern forming method for processing a coating layer over a substrate into a predetermined pattern by partly removing said coating layer and then forming recesses in said substrate below said coating layer at least a part of where said coating layer is removed, said recesses having width incapable of being resolved upon pattern transfer, said pattern forming method comprising the steps of: processing said coating layer into a coating layer pattern; forming a resist film on said coating layer pattern; forming a resist pattern by performing writing on said resist film based on writing data and developing said resist film; and etching said substrate using said coating layer pattern and said resist pattern as a mask to form said recesses in said substrate, wherein said performing writing step comprises determining an interval of at least two said recesses being smaller than a predetermined amount, and combining pattern data of said at least two recesses, which being adjacent to each other having a remaining portion of said coating layer therebetween, by filling a gap between said at least two recesses so that said pattern data of at least two recesses is continuous.