Patent ID: 6740473
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method for shrinking critical dimension of a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of:forming a first pattern of a photoresist layer on a semiconductor device layer, wherein the photoresist layer has been developed and exposes portions of the underlying semiconductor device layer; performing a blanket exposing process to expose the photoresist layer and the exposed semiconductor device layer thereof to light having a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the photoresist layer to provide the photoresist layer with a predetermined energy per unit area, thereby producing photo generated acids therein; executing a first thermal process to diffuse the photo generated acids formed within the photoresist layer and to equalize glass transition temperature (Tg) of the photoresist layer; and executing a second thermal process, wherein the first thermal process is carried out under a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the photoresist layer.