Patent ID: 6746821
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
A method of structuring a photoresist layer, which comprises:providing a substrate; applying a photoresist layer at least partially to the substrate; the photoresist layer including a film-forming polymer having molecular groups convertible into alkali-soluble groups at a given temperature by acid-catalyzed cleavage reactions, and including a photosensitive acid generator for liberating an acid when exposed to light in a defined wavelength range; partially exposing the photoresist layer to light in the defined wavelength range; contacting the photoresist layer with a base over a specific period; allowing the base to diffuse into the photoresist layer; heating the photoresist layer to the given temperature to cause the cleavage reaction catalyzed by the photolytically produced acid; and developing the photoresist layer.