Patent ID: 6159662
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method for developing a photoresist layer on a wafer comprising the steps of:(a) providing a wafer having a photoresist layer;(b) selectively exposing said photoresist layer to radiation, thereby forming a latent image in said layer;(c) mounting said wafer on a rotatable table of a photoresist processing tool;(d) pre-wetting said photoresist layer by dispensing DI water onto said photoresist layer while said wafer is spun;(e) spin drying said photoresist layer;(f) dispensing a first puddle of developer onto the surface of said photoresist layer;(g) pausing said wafer for a first time period;(h) rotating said wafer at a first spin rate for a second time period;(i) pausing said wafer for a third time period;(j) repeating steps (h) and (i) successively a first number of times;(k) spinning off said first puddle;(l) dispensing a second puddle of developer onto the surface of said photoresist layer;(m) pausing said wafer for a fourth time period;(n) repeating steps (h) and (i) successively a second number of times;(o) washing off said second puddle;(p) spin rinsing said wafer with DI water;(q) spin drying said wafer; and(r) dismounting said wafer.