Patent ID: 10056256

Abstract:
A photoresist layer is formed over a patternable layer. The photoresist layer containing a negative tone photoresist material. An exposure process is performed to the photoresist layer. A post-exposure bake (PEB) process is performed to the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is rinsed to develop a photoresist pattern. A primer material is applied to the photoresist pattern. The primer material is configured to: straighten a profile of the photoresist pattern, or to increase a number of deprotected acid labile group (ALG) units of the photoresist material, or to bond with the deprotected ALG units of the photoresist material. After the primer material is applied, the photoresist pattern is enlarged by coating a shrink material over the photoresist pattern, baking the shrink material, and removing portions of the shrink material. The patternable layer is patterned using the enlarged photoresist pattern as a mask.