Patent ID: 6037107
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A process for formation of an image in a photoresist film, said process comprising:(a) providing a positive working photoresist composition comprising an alkali soluble resin substituted with an acid labile blocking group that requires an activation energy of at least 20 Kcal/mol for deblocking, and a photoacid generating compound that undergoes photolysis when exposed to a pattern of activating radiation at a wavelength of 350 nm or less to yield a sulfonic acid having a strong electron withdrawing group, and wherein the alkali soluble resin conforms to the formula: ##STR15## where x' is greater than zero and represents the mole fraction of the hydroxystyrene units and y' is greater than zero and represents the mole fraction of the acrylate units, the hydroxyl group on the hydroxystyrene may be present at either the ortho, meta or para positions throughout the copolymer, R.sup.7 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, R' and R"" are independently halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl having from 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkylthio having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, cyano or nitro; and m and p are independent 0 to 5;(b) exposing said photoresist to deep ultraviolet radiation to deblock the acid labile group, baking said exposed photoresist film at a temperature in excess of 120.degree. C.,(c) developing said photoresist with an aqueous alkaline solution.