Patent ID: 6818380
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
In a method for the preparation of a semiconductor device by forming a patterned resist layer on the surface of a substrate by pattern-wise light-exposure of a photoresist layer of a chemical-amplification positive-working photoresist composition comprising (A) a compound capable of generating an acid by irradiation with actinic rays and (B) a resinous compound capable of being imparted with increased solubility in an aqueous alkaline solution in the presence of an acid, the improvement which comprises decreasing the number of defects in the patterned resist layer by using a photoresist composition of which a layer before the pattern-wise light-exposure exhibits reduction of thickness at 23Â° C. in a 2.38% by weight aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide at a rate in the range from 0.15 to 0.20 nm/second.