Patent ID: 6190841
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A pattern forming process comprising the steps of:(1) preparing a photosensitive material by coating, onto the surface of a substrate, a photosensitive composition comprising the following components:(a) an acid generator which generates an acid when irradiated with actinic radiation, and(b) a compound containing carboxyl group, which can decompose upon decarboxylation,(2) subjecting the photosensitive material to pattern-wise exposure to actinic radiation, thereby allowing the acid generator (a) to generate an acid in the exposed area,(3) neutralizing the acid generated in the exposed area with a basic compound (c),(4) allowing the carboxyl group in the carboxyl-group-containing compound (b) in the unexposed area to decarboxylate by applying conditions under which the decarboxylation proceeds by being catalyzed by the basic compound (c), and(5) developing the photosensitive material.