Patent ID: 6352818
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method for forming within a photosensitive layer formed upon a substrate employed within microelectronics fabrication a pattern comprising:providing a substrate employed within a microelectronics fabrication selected from the group consisting of integrated circuit microelectronics fabrications, charge coupled device microelectronics fabrications, solar cell microelectronics fabrications, ceramic substrate microelectronics fabrications, optoelectronics device microelectronics fabrications and flat panel display microelectronics fabrications; forming upon the substrate a photosensitive layer sensitive to exposure to deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation; exposing the photosensitive layer selectively to radiation employing an excimer laser to form a latent image; developing the latent image into a pattern by treatment in a first developing step with an aqueous solution of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) at a concentration of about 2.38% by weight; rinsing the developed pattern with a de-ionized water solvent; further developing the developed pattern in a second developing step employing a diluted aqueous solution of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 0.02% by weight; and rinsing the developed pattern with a de-ionized water solvent to attenuate residues within the developed pattern wherein the photoresist layer is not treated with any acid treatment before, during or after the developer and solvent treatments.