Patent ID: 6348301
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method of reducing a critical dimension of a patterned photoresist layer, which is suitable for a substrate having a film layer and a patterned photoresist layer sequentially formed thereon, wherein a plurality of first openings are formed in the patterned photoresist layer to expose the underlying film layer, the method comprising:baking the patterned photoresist layer at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is high enough to make the patterned photoresist layer expand laterally; baking the patterned photoresist layer at a second temperature to make the patterned photoresist layer expand laterally at a linear rate, so that widths of the first openings are reduced at the linear rate to a desired dimension; and etching the film layer to form a plurality of second openings while using the photoresist layer as a mask.