Patent ID: 6153018
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
A method for processing a substrate having a base layer and a metal layer the metal layer at least partially covering the base layer, and the metal layer being susceptible to microcorrosion by an alkaline species, the method comprising the steps of:patterning said substrate with a photoresist layer;applying a photoresist stripper to said photoresist layer, wherein said photoresist stripper is capable of reacting with an alkaline species precursor to produce an alkaline species;stripping the photoresist layer from the substrate;rinsing said substrate with a rinsing solution, the rinsing solution comprising an alkaline species precursor and a strong inorganic acid, the acid being present in an amount sufficient to neutralize the alkaline species produced by reaction of the photoresist stripper and the alkaline species precursor, the rinsing solution thereby reducing microcorrosion of the metal layer.