Patent ID: 7208249
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of reducing a change in critical dimension of features produced in a patterned chemically amplified DUV photoresist during fabrication of a reticle, where said change in critical dimension occurs during a direct writing of a pattern into said photoresist, said method comprising applying a photoresist composition over a surface of a reticle substrate; exposing said photoresist to a direct write radiation source during a time period of 2 hours or more, wherein said photoresist composition exhibits a sufficiently dense structure to sterically hinder a movement of activated photoacid generator groups, and wherein said photoresist composition includes photoacid-generator groups which activate to provide active photoacid at a temperature above about 70° C.; and developing said exposed photoresist to produce a patterned photoresist on said reticle substrate surface, whereby said temperature required to activate said photoacid-generator groups combined with said steric hinderence of movement of activated photoacid generator groups reduces said change in critical dimension of said features during said direct writing of said pattern into said photoresist during said reticle fabrication.