JP5314996B2 - Positive resist composition, polymer compound, and resist pattern forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide: a positive resist composition which, in resist pattern formation, exhibits excellent lithography characteristics and can diminish defects; a method of forming a resist pattern using the positive resist composition; and a polymeric compound useful as a base component of the positive resist composition. <P>SOLUTION: The positive resist composition contains a base component (A) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) contains a polymeric compound (A1) including: a structural unit (a0) having an oxirane ring in a side chain; a structural unit (a1) not corresponding to the structural unit (a0) and derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group; and a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester having a lactone-containing cyclic group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a positive resist composition, a polymer compound, and a resist pattern forming method.

In lithography technology, for example, a resist film made of a resist material is formed on a substrate, and the resist film is selectively exposed to light such as light or an electron beam through a mask on which a predetermined pattern is formed. And a development process is performed to form a resist pattern having a predetermined shape on the resist film. A resist material in which the exposed portion changes to a property that dissolves in the developer is referred to as a positive type, and a resist material that changes to a property in which the exposed portion does not dissolve in the developer is referred to as a negative type.
In recent years, in the manufacture of semiconductor elements and liquid crystal display elements, pattern miniaturization has been rapidly progressing due to advances in lithography technology.
As a technique for miniaturization, the wavelength of an exposure light source is generally shortened. Specifically, conventionally, ultraviolet rays typified by g-line and i-line have been used, but at present, mass production of semiconductor elements using a KrF excimer laser or an ArF excimer laser has started. In addition, studies have been made on F ₂ excimer lasers, electron beams, EUV (extreme ultraviolet rays), X-rays, and the like having shorter wavelengths than these excimer lasers.

Resist materials are required to have lithography characteristics such as sensitivity to these exposure light sources and resolution capable of reproducing a pattern with fine dimensions. As a resist material that satisfies such requirements, a chemically amplified resist containing a base resin whose solubility in an alkaline developer is changed by the action of an acid and an acid generator that generates an acid upon exposure is used. For example, a positive chemically amplified resist contains, as a base resin, a resin that increases solubility in an alkaline developer by the action of an acid and an acid generator. When the acid is generated, the exposed portion becomes soluble in the alkaline developer.
Up to now, as a base resin for chemically amplified resist, polyhydroxystyrene (PHS) having high transparency with respect to KrF excimer laser (248 nm) and a resin whose hydroxyl group is protected with an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (PHS resin) Has been used. However, since the PHS resin has an aromatic ring such as a benzene ring, the transparency to light having a wavelength shorter than 248 nm, for example, 193 nm, is not sufficient. For this reason, a chemically amplified resist having a PHS resin as a base resin component has drawbacks such as low resolution in a process using 193 nm light, for example.
Therefore, as a resist base resin currently used in ArF excimer laser lithography and the like, since it has excellent transparency near 193 nm, a resin (acrylic resin) having a structural unit derived from (meth) acrylic ester is used. Resin) is mainly used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-241385 A International Publication No. 2007/094473 Pamphlet

In recent years, the miniaturization of resist patterns has been increasingly advanced, and conventional resist compositions can form, for example, a resist pattern having a good shape with a pattern size of 100 nm or less and defects on the surface of the resist pattern. Reduction is even more sought after. In particular, it is important to suppress defects in unexposed areas. Here, the defect is a general defect detected when the developed resist pattern is observed from directly above, for example, by a surface defect observation apparatus (trade name “KLA”) manufactured by KLA Tencor. Examples of such defects include scum, bubbles, dust, bridges (bridge structures between resist patterns), uneven color, and precipitates after development. Improving the defect becomes important as a resist pattern having high resolution is required. In order to remove the defect in the unexposed area, it is conceivable to introduce a hydrophilic group (Patent Document 2). However, simply introducing a hydrophilic group deteriorates the lithography characteristics.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and shows a positive resist composition that exhibits excellent lithography characteristics and can reduce defects in resist pattern formation, and a resist pattern forming method using the positive resist composition And a polymer compound useful as a base material component of the positive resist composition.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration.
That is, the first aspect of the present invention is a positive type containing a base component (A) whose solubility in an alkaline developer is increased by the action of an acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates an acid upon exposure. A resist composition, wherein the base component (A) is a structural unit (a0) represented by the following general formula (a0-1), an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group that does not correspond to the structural unit (a0). A polymer compound (A1) having a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylic ester containing and a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylic ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group It is a positive resist composition.

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基又はハロゲン化低級アルキル基であり；Ｒ^１は炭素数１〜１０の直鎖状アルキレン基、炭素数３〜１０の分岐鎖状アルキレン基、または炭素数３〜１０の環状アルキレン基であり；Ｒ^２は炭素数１〜６の直鎖状アルキル基、炭素数３〜６の分岐鎖状アルキル基、または炭素数３〜６の環状アルキル基である。ｆは０または１であり；ｇは１または２である。］
また、本発明の第二の態様は、前記第一の態様のポジ型レジスト組成物を用いて支持体上にレジスト膜を形成する工程、前記レジスト膜を露光する工程、および前記レジスト膜をアルカリ現像してレジストパターンを形成する工程を含むレジストパターン形成方法である。
さらに、本発明の第三の態様は、下記一般式（ａ０−１）で表される構成単位（ａ０）、前記構成単位（ａ０）に該当しない酸解離性溶解抑制基を含むアクリル酸エステルから誘導される構成単位（ａ１）、およびラクトン含有環式基を含むアクリル酸エステルから誘導される構成単位（ａ２）を有する高分子化合物であって、前記構成単位（ａ２）として、単環のラクトン含有環式基を含むアクリル酸エステルから誘導される構成単位（ａ２−ｉ）および多環のラクトン含有環式基を含むアクリル酸エステルから誘導される構成単位（ａ２−ｉｉ）を有する高分子化合物である。

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹ represents a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or carbon. A cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; R ² is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. . f is 0 or 1; g is 1 or 2. ]
Further, the second aspect of the present invention includes a step of forming a resist film on a support using the positive resist composition of the first aspect, a step of exposing the resist film, and an alkali of the resist film. A resist pattern forming method including a step of forming a resist pattern by development.
Furthermore, the third aspect of the present invention is a structural unit (a0) represented by the following general formula (a0-1), an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group not corresponding to the structural unit (a0). A polymer compound having a structural unit (a1) derived and a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group , wherein the structural unit (a2) is a monocyclic lactone Polymer compound having structural unit (a2-i) derived from acrylate ester containing cyclic group and structural unit (a2-ii) derived from acrylate ester containing polycyclic lactone-containing cyclic group It is.

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基又はハロゲン化低級アルキル基であり；Ｒ^１は炭素数１〜１０の直鎖状アルキレン基、炭素数３〜１０の分岐鎖状アルキレン基、または炭素数３〜１０の環状アルキレン基であり；Ｒ^２は炭素数１〜６の直鎖状アルキル基、炭素数３〜６の分岐鎖状アルキル基、または炭素数３〜６の環状アルキル基である。ｆは０または１であり；ｇは１または２である。］

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹ represents a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or carbon. A cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; R ² is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. . f is 0 or 1; g is 1 or 2. ]

In the present specification and claims, “aliphatic” is a relative concept with respect to aromatics, and is defined to mean groups, compounds, etc. that do not have aromaticity.
The “alkyl group” includes linear, branched and cyclic monovalent saturated hydrocarbon groups unless otherwise specified.
The “lower alkyl group” is an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
Unless otherwise specified, the “alkylene group” includes linear, branched and cyclic divalent saturated hydrocarbon groups. The same applies to the alkyl group in the alkoxy group.
The “halogenated alkyl group” is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are substituted with a halogen atom, and examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom. Hereinafter, the halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms may be referred to as a halogenated lower alkyl group.
“Fluorinated alkyl group” or “fluorinated alkylene group” refers to a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group or alkylene group are substituted with fluorine atoms.
“Structural unit” means a monomer unit (monomer unit) constituting a polymer compound (resin, polymer, copolymer).
“A structural unit derived from an acrylate ester” means a structural unit formed by cleavage of an ethylenic double bond of an acrylate ester.
“Acrylic acid esters” include those in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to the carbon atom at the α-position, and those in which a substituent (atom or group other than a hydrogen atom) is bonded to the carbon atom in the α-position. Include concepts. Examples of the substituent bonded to the α-position carbon atom include an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and a hydroxyalkyl group. In the acrylate ester, as the lower alkyl group as a substituent at the α-position, specifically, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, Examples include lower linear or branched alkyl groups such as isopentyl group and neopentyl group. In the present invention, the α-position of the acrylate ester is preferably a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group, and is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a fluorinated lower alkyl group. In view of industrial availability, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is most preferable.
The α-position carbon atom of the acrylate ester is a carbon atom to which a carbonyl group is bonded unless otherwise specified.
“Exposure” is a concept including general irradiation of radiation.

  According to the present invention, a positive resist composition that exhibits excellent lithography characteristics and can reduce defects in resist pattern formation, a resist pattern forming method using the positive resist composition, and a base material component of the positive resist composition It is possible to provide a polymer compound useful as:

≪Positive resist composition≫
The positive resist composition of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as “resist composition”) is a base component (A) (hereinafter referred to as “component (A)”) whose solubility in an alkaline developer is increased by the action of an acid. And an acid generator component (B) that generates an acid upon exposure (hereinafter referred to as the component (B)).
In the positive resist composition of the present invention, the component (A) is insoluble in an alkali developer before exposure, and when an acid generated from the component (B) by exposure acts, an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group. Dissociates, whereby the solubility of the entire component (A) in the alkali developer increases, and the alkali-insoluble is changed to alkali-soluble. Therefore, when a resist film obtained by using a positive resist composition is selectively exposed in the formation of a resist pattern, the exposed portion turns alkali-soluble, while the unexposed portion remains alkali-insoluble. Therefore, a resist pattern can be formed by alkali development.
Here, the “base material component” is an organic compound having a film forming ability. As the substrate component, an organic compound having a molecular weight of 500 or more is preferably used. When the molecular weight of the organic compound is 500 or more, the film-forming ability is improved and a nano-level resist pattern is easily formed.
“Organic compounds having a molecular weight of 500 or more” used as the base component are roughly classified into non-polymers and polymers.
As the non-polymer, those having a molecular weight of 500 or more and less than 4000 are usually used. Hereinafter, a nonpolymer having a molecular weight of 500 or more and less than 4000 is referred to as a low molecular compound.
As the polymer, those having a molecular weight of 2000 or more are usually used. Hereinafter, a polymer having a molecular weight of 2000 or more is referred to as a polymer compound. In the case of a polymer compound, the “molecular weight” is a polystyrene-reduced mass average molecular weight measured by GPC (gel permeation chromatography). Hereinafter, the polymer compound may be simply referred to as “resin”.

<(A) component>
In the present invention, the component (A) is derived from the structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1) and an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group that does not correspond to the structural unit (a0). And a polymer compound (A1) having a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group (hereinafter referred to as component (A1)).
The structural unit (a2) in the present invention is composed of a structural unit (a2-i) derived from an acrylate ester containing a monocyclic lactone-containing cyclic group and an acrylate ester containing a polycyclic lactone-containing cyclic group. More preferably, the structural unit is derived (a2-ii).
In addition to the structural units (a0), (a1), and (a2), the component (A1) further includes a structural unit (a3) derived from an acrylate ester containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group. It is particularly preferred to have
The component (A1) in the present invention may independently have one or two or more of each of the structural units (a0) to (a3).

  Hereinafter, each structural unit will be described in detail.

<Structural unit (a0)>
The structural unit (a0) contains the structural unit represented by the general formula (a0-1).
In the present invention, since the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a0), the hydrophilicity in the unexposed portion of the resist film containing the component (A1) increases due to the factors described later, thereby reducing defects. Can do.
In formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group.
The lower alkyl group for R is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, or an isobutyl group. Tert-butyl group, pentyl group, isopentyl group, neopentyl group and the like.
The halogenated lower alkyl group for R is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the lower alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly preferable.
R is preferably a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a fluorinated lower alkyl group, and most preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group from the viewpoint of industrial availability.

In formula (a0-1), R ¹ represents a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms.
Specific examples of the linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms of R ¹ include a methylene group, an ethylene group [— (CH ₂ ) ₂ —], a trimethylene group [— (CH ₂ ) ₃ —], tetra And methylene group [— (CH ₂ ) ₄ —], pentamethylene group [— (CH ₂ ) ₅ —] and the like.
Specific examples of the branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms of R ¹ include —C (CH ₃ ) ₂ —, —CH (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) —, —C (CH ₃ ) (CH ₂ ). _{CH 3) -, - C (} CH 3) (CH 2 CH 2 CH 3) -, - C (CH 2 CH 3) 2 - alkyl groups such _{as; -CH (CH 3) CH 2} -, - CH ( _{CH 3) CH (CH 3)} -, - C (CH 3) 2 CH 2 -, - CH (CH 2 CH 3) CH 2 -, - CH 2 CH (CH 2 CH 3) - alkyl groups such as; Alkyl trimethylene groups such as —CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ CH ₂ —, —CH ₂ CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ —, —CH ₂ CH ₂ CH (CH ₃ ) —; —CH (CH ₃ ) CH _{2 CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH} 2 CH (CH 3) CH 2 CH 2 -, - C _{2 CH 2 CH (CH 3)} CH 2 -, - CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH (CH 3) - and the like and alkyl alkylene group such as an alkyl tetramethylene group of.
Specific examples of the cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms of R ¹ include, for example, a group obtained by removing two or more hydrogen atoms from a monocycloalkane; a polycycloalkane, a tricycloalkane, a tetracycloalkane, and the like. And a group obtained by removing two or more hydrogen atoms from cycloalkane. More specifically, a group in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane; two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane or tricyclodecane. Group.

In formula (a0-1), R ² represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms.
Specific examples of the linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms of R ² include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group. Among these, a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is more preferable.
Specific examples of the branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms of R ² include —CH (CH ₃ ) ₂ , —C (CH ₃ ) ₃ , —CH (CH ₃ ) (CH ₂ CH ₃ ). , —CH (CH ₃ ) (CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), alkylmethyl groups such as —CH (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) ₂ ; —CH ₂ CH (CH ₃ ) ₂ , —CH ₂ CH (CH ₃ ) ( _{CH 2 CH 3), - CH} 2 CH (CH 3) (CH 2 CH 2 CH 3), - CH 2 CH (CH 2 CH 3) alkyl ethyl such as _2.
Specific examples of the cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms of R ² include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclobutane, cyclopentane, and cyclohexane.

In formula (a0-1), f is 0 or 1, and preferably 0.
In formula (a0-1), g is 1 or 2, and 2 is preferable.

To the oxygen atom of the structural unit represented by general formula in the present invention (a0-1) (a0), the terminal side of the carbonyl group of the side chain (-C (O) -O-), wherein ^{R 2} A tertiary carbon atom to which is bonded is bonded. In the ester bond of the tertiary carbon atom, when an acid acts, the bond is broken between the oxygen atom and the tertiary carbon atom.

  Specific examples of the structural unit of the general formula (a0-1) are shown below.

In the component (A1), as the structural unit (a0), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
The structural unit (a0) is selected from structural units represented by chemical formulas (a0-1-4) to (a0-1-6) and chemical formulas (a0-1-10) to (a0-1-12). At least one of these is preferred.
The proportion of the structural unit (a0) in the component (A1) is preferably 5 to 60 mol%, more preferably 9 to 50 mol%, based on the total of all structural units constituting the component (A1). 40 mol% is more preferable. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, the effect of reducing defects when a resist pattern is formed as the resist composition is obtained, and by setting the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.

<Structural unit (a1)>
The structural unit (a1) is a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group that does not correspond to the structural unit (a0).
In the present invention, when the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a1), the solubility ratio of the exposed portion and the unexposed portion of the resist film containing the component (A1) to the alkaline developer is increased. A resist pattern can be easily formed.
The acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group in the structural unit (a1) has an alkali dissolution inhibiting property that makes the entire component (A1) difficult to dissolve in an alkali developer before dissociation, and dissociates with an acid. This increases the solubility of the entire component in an alkaline developer, and those that have been proposed as acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups for base resins for chemically amplified resists can be used. In general, a group that forms a cyclic or chain tertiary alkyl ester with a carboxy group in (meth) acrylic acid or the like; an acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group such as an alkoxyalkyl group is widely known. . The “(meth) acrylic acid ester” means one or both of an acrylic acid ester having a hydrogen atom bonded to the α-position and a methacrylic acid ester having a methyl group bonded to the α-position.

Here, the “tertiary alkyl ester” is an ester formed by replacing a hydrogen atom of a carboxy group with a chain or cyclic alkyl group, and the carbonyloxy group (—C (O)). A structure in which the tertiary carbon atom of the chain or cyclic alkyl group is bonded to the terminal oxygen atom of -O-). In this tertiary alkyl ester, when an acid acts, a bond is cut between an oxygen atom and a tertiary carbon atom.
The chain or cyclic alkyl group may have a substituent.
Hereinafter, a group that is acid dissociable by constituting a carboxy group and a tertiary alkyl ester is referred to as a “tertiary alkyl ester type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group” for convenience.

Examples of the tertiary alkyl ester type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group include an aliphatic branched acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group and an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group containing an aliphatic cyclic group.
Here, “aliphatic branched” means having a branched structure having no aromaticity. The structure of the “aliphatic branched acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group” is not limited to a group consisting of carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbon group), but is preferably a hydrocarbon group. The “hydrocarbon group” may be either saturated or unsaturated, but is usually preferably saturated.
Examples of the aliphatic branched acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group include a group represented by -C (R ⁷¹ ) (R ⁷² ) (R ⁷³ ). ^Wherein, R 71 ^{to R 73} each independently represents a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The group represented by —C (R ⁷¹ ) (R ⁷² ) (R ⁷³ ) preferably has 4 to 8 carbon atoms, specifically a tert-butyl group or a 2-methyl-2-butyl group. , 2-methyl-2-pentyl group, 3-methyl-3-pentyl group and the like. A tert-butyl group is particularly preferable.

The “aliphatic cyclic group” means a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group having no aromaticity.
The “aliphatic cyclic group” in the structural unit (a1) may or may not have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a lower alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, a fluorinated lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom (= O), and the like.
The basic ring structure excluding the substituent of the “aliphatic cyclic group” is not limited to a group consisting of carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbon group), but is preferably a hydrocarbon group. The “hydrocarbon group” may be either saturated or unsaturated, but is usually preferably saturated. The “aliphatic cyclic group” is preferably a polycyclic group.
Examples of the aliphatic cyclic group include monocycloalkanes, bicycloalkanes, tricycloalkanes, tetracycloalkanes which may or may not be substituted with a lower alkyl group, a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group. And groups obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from a polycycloalkane. More specifically, monocycloalkanes such as cyclopentane and cyclohexane, and groups obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from polycycloalkanes such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane, and tetracyclododecane are exemplified. .

  Examples of the acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group containing an aliphatic cyclic group include a group having a tertiary carbon atom on the ring skeleton of a cyclic alkyl group. Specifically, 2-methyl-2 -Adamantyl group, 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl group, etc. are mentioned. Alternatively, in the structural units represented by the following general formulas (a1 ″ -1) to (a1 ″ -6), an adamantyl group such as a group bonded to an oxygen atom of a carbonyloxy group (—C (O) —O—) An aliphatic cyclic group such as a cyclohexyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a norbornyl group, a tricyclodecanyl group, or a tetracyclododecanyl group, and a branched alkylene group having a tertiary carbon atom bonded thereto. Groups.

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し；Ｒ^１５、Ｒ^１６はアルキル基（直鎖状、分岐鎖状のいずれでもよく、好ましくは炭素数１〜５である）を示す。］

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹⁵ and R ^{16 each} represents an alkyl group (which may be linear or branched, and preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Is). ]

  In the general formulas (a1 ″ -1) to (a1 ″ -6), the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group of R is a lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl which may be bonded to the α-position of the acrylate ester. It is the same as the alkyl group.

The “acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group” is generally bonded to an oxygen atom by substituting a hydrogen atom at the terminal of an alkali-soluble group such as a carboxy group or a hydroxyl group. When an acid is generated by exposure, the acid acts to break the bond between the acetal acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group and the oxygen atom to which the acetal acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group is bonded.
Examples of the acetal type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group include a group represented by the following general formula (p1).

［式中、Ｒ^１’，Ｒ^２’はそれぞれ独立して水素原子または低級アルキル基を表し、ｎは０〜３の整数を表し、Ｙは低級アルキル基または脂肪族環式基を表す。］

[Wherein, R ¹ ′ and R ² ′ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, n represents an integer of 0 to 3, and Y represents a lower alkyl group or an aliphatic cyclic group. ]

In the above formula, n is preferably an integer of 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and most preferably 0.
Examples of the lower alkyl group for R ¹ ′ and R ² ′ include the same lower alkyl groups as those described above for R. A methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is most preferable.
In the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of R ¹ ′ and R ² ′ is a hydrogen atom. That is, the acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (p1) is preferably a group represented by the following general formula (p1-1).

［式中、Ｒ^１’、ｎ、Ｙは上記と同様である。］

[Wherein R ¹ ′, n and Y are the same as described above. ]

Examples of the lower alkyl group for Y include the same lower alkyl groups as those described above for R.
The aliphatic cyclic group for Y can be appropriately selected from monocyclic or polycyclic aliphatic cyclic groups that have been proposed in a number of conventional ArF resists. For example, the above “aliphatic ring” Examples thereof are the same as those in the formula group.

  Examples of the acetal type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group also include a group represented by the following general formula (p2).

［式中、Ｒ^１７、Ｒ^１８はそれぞれ独立して直鎖状または分岐鎖状のアルキル基または水素原子であり、Ｒ^１９は直鎖状、分岐鎖状または環状のアルキル基である。または、Ｒ^１７およびＲ^１９がそれぞれ独立に直鎖状または分岐鎖状のアルキレン基であって、Ｒ^１７の末端とＲ^１９の末端とが結合して環を形成していてもよい。］

[Wherein, R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ each independently represent a linear or branched alkyl group or a hydrogen atom, and R ¹⁹ represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group. Alternatively, R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁹ may be each independently a linear or branched alkylene group, and the end of R ^{17 and} the end of R ¹⁹ may be bonded to form a ring. ]

In R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ , the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 15 carbon atoms, may be linear or branched, and is preferably an ethyl group or a methyl group, and most preferably a methyl group. In particular, it is preferable that one of R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ is a hydrogen atom and the other is a methyl group.
R ¹⁹ is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, preferably having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and may be any of linear, branched or cyclic.
When R ¹⁹ is linear or branched, it preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably an ethyl group or a methyl group, and most preferably an ethyl group.
When R ¹⁹ is cyclic, it preferably has 4 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Specifically, one or more polycycloalkanes such as monocycloalkane, bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, and tetracycloalkane, which may or may not be substituted with a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group, are included. Examples include a group excluding a hydrogen atom. Specific examples include monocycloalkanes such as cyclopentane and cyclohexane, and groups obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from polycycloalkanes such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane, and tetracyclododecane. Among them, a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from adamantane is preferable.
In the above formula, R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁹ are each independently a linear or branched alkylene group (preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms), and the end of R ^{19 and} the end of R ¹⁷ And may be combined.
In this case, a cyclic group is formed by R ¹⁷ , R ¹⁹ , the oxygen atom to which R ¹⁹ is bonded, and the carbon atom to which the oxygen atom and R ¹⁷ are bonded. The cyclic group is preferably a 4- to 7-membered ring, and more preferably a 4- to 6-membered ring. Specific examples of the cyclic group include a tetrahydropyranyl group and a tetrahydrofuranyl group.

  As the structural unit (a1), one or more selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by the following general formula (a1-0-1) and structural units represented by the following general formula (a1-0-2): Is preferably used.

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し；Ｘ^１は酸解離性溶解抑制基を示す。］

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; and X ¹ represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group. ]

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し；Ｘ^２は酸解離性溶解抑制基を示し；Ｙ^２は２価の連結基を示す。］

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; X ² represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group; Y ² represents a divalent linking group. ]

In general formula (a1-0-1), the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group for R is the same as the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group that may be bonded to the α-position of the acrylate ester. .
X ¹ is not particularly limited as long as it is an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, and examples thereof include the above-described tertiary alkyl ester type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group and acetal type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group. And tertiary alkyl ester type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups are preferred.

In general formula (a1-0-2), the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group for R is the same as the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group that may be bonded to the α-position of the acrylate ester. .
X ² is the same as X ¹ in formula (a1-0-1).

Examples of the divalent linking group for Y ² include an alkylene group, a divalent aliphatic cyclic group, and a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom.
When Y ² is an alkylene group, the carbon number is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. 3 is most preferred.
When Y ² is a divalent aliphatic cyclic group, the same as described above for the “aliphatic cyclic group” can be used except that a group in which two or more hydrogen atoms are removed is used. , Cyclopentane, cyclohexane, norbornane, isobornane, adamantane, tricyclodecane, and a group obtained by removing two or more hydrogen atoms from tetracyclododecane are particularly preferable.

When Y ² is a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom, examples of the divalent linking group containing a hetero atom include —O—, —C (═O) —O—, —C (═O) —, —O—C (═O) —O—, —C (═O) —NH—, —NH— (H may be substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group or an acyl group), —S—. , —S (═O) ₂ —, —S (═O) ₂ —O—, “—AO (oxygen atom) —B— (wherein A and B each independently have a substituent) A divalent hydrocarbon group that may be present.) ”And the like.

When Y ² is —NH—, the substituent (alkyl group, acyl group, etc.) preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. It is particularly preferred that
When Y ² is “A—O—B”, A and B are each independently a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent.
The hydrocarbon group having “substituent” means that part or all of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon group are substituted with groups or atoms other than hydrogen atoms.

  The hydrocarbon group in A may be an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group. An aliphatic hydrocarbon group means a hydrocarbon group having no aromaticity.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group for A may be saturated or unsaturated, and is usually preferably saturated.
Specific examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group for A include a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure.

The linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8, still more preferably 2 to 5, and most preferably 2.
As the linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a linear alkylene group is preferable. Specifically, a methylene group, an ethylene group [— (CH ₂ ) ₂ —], a trimethylene group [— (CH ₂ ) ₃ -], tetramethylene group _{[- (CH 2) 4 -} ], a pentamethylene group _{[- (CH 2) 5 -} ] , and the like.
As the branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a branched alkylene group is preferred, and specifically, —CH (CH ₃ ) —, —CH (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) —, —C (CH ₃ ). _{2 -, - C (CH 3} ) (CH 2 CH 3) -, - C (CH 3) (CH 2 CH 2 CH 3) -, - C (CH 2 CH 3) 2 - ; alkylethylene groups such as - _{CH (CH 3) CH 2 -} , - CH (CH 3) CH (CH 3) -, - C (CH 3) 2 CH 2 -, - CH (CH 2 CH 3) CH 2 -, - CH (CH 2 Alkylethylene groups such as CH ₃ ) CH ₂ —; alkyltrimethylene groups such as —CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ CH ₂ —, —CH ₂ CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ —; —CH (CH ₃ ) CH _{2 CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH} 2 CH (CH 3) CH 2 CH 2 - , etc. And alkyl alkylene groups such as Le Kill tetramethylene group. The alkyl group in the alkyl alkylene group is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
The chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group may or may not have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a fluorine atom, a fluorinated lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom (═O), and the like.

Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing the ring include a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group (a group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring), and the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having the chain structure described above. Examples thereof include a group bonded to the end of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group or interposed in the middle of the chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group.
The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms.
The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be a polycyclic group or a monocyclic group. As the monocyclic group, a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane having 3 to 6 carbon atoms is preferable, and examples of the monocycloalkane include cyclopentane and cyclohexane.
As the polycyclic group, a group in which two hydrogen atoms are removed from a polycycloalkane having 7 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Specific examples of the polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane, tetra And cyclododecane.
The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group may or may not have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, a fluorinated lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom (= O), and the like.

  A is preferably a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably a linear alkylene group, still more preferably a linear alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably an ethylene group.

Examples of the hydrocarbon group for B include the same divalent hydrocarbon groups as those described above for A.
B is preferably a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, particularly preferably a methylene group or an alkylmethylene group.
The alkyl group in the alkylmethylene group is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group.

  More specifically, examples of the structural unit (a1) include structural units represented by the following general formulas (a1-1) to (a1-4).

［式中、Ｘ’は第３級アルキルエステル型酸解離性溶解抑制基を表し、Ｙは炭素数１〜５の低級アルキル基、または脂肪族環式基を表し；ｎは０〜３の整数を表し；Ｙ^２は２価の連結基を表し；Ｒは前記と同じであり、Ｒ^１’、Ｒ^２’はそれぞれ独立して水素原子または炭素数１〜５の低級アルキル基を表す。］

[Wherein, X ′ represents a tertiary alkyl ester type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, Y represents a lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic cyclic group; n represents an integer of 0 to 3] Y ² represents a divalent linking group; R is the same as defined above; R ¹ ′ and R ² ′ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. ]

In the formula, X 'include the same tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups as those described above for X ^{1.
R 1 ', R 2',} n, as the Y, respectively, ^{R 1} in the general formula listed in the description of "acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group" described above ^{(p1) ', R 2'} , n, Y The same thing is mentioned.
The Y ^2, the same groups as those described above for ^{Y 2} in the general formula (a1-0-2).

  Specific examples of the structural units represented by the general formulas (a1-1) to (a1-4) are shown below.

In the above formula, R ^α represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.

As the structural unit (a1), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
Among these, the structural unit represented by the general formula (a1-1) or (a1-3) is preferable, and more specifically, (a1-1-1) to (a1-1-4), (a1- Use at least one selected from the group consisting of 1-20) to (a1-1-23), (a1-1-26), and (a1-3-25) to (a1-3-30) Is more preferable.
Furthermore, as the structural unit (a1), in particular, the following general formula (a1-) including the structural units of the formula (a1-1-1) to the formula (a1-1-3) and the formula (a1-1-26) 1-01), formulas (a1-1-16) to (a1-1-17), formulas (a1-1-20) to (a1-1-23), and formulas (a1-1-1- 27), and those represented by the following general formula (a1-1-02) including the structural units of formula (a1-1-31), formulas (a1-3-25) to (a1-3-26) Those represented by the following general formula (a1-3-01) including the structural units of formula (a1-3-27) to (a1-3-28): 3-02) or the following general formula (a1-3-03) including the structural units of formulas (a1-3-29) to (a1-3-30) It is is what is also preferred.

（式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し、Ｒ^１１は低級アルキル基を示す。）

(In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group, and R ¹¹ represents a lower alkyl group.)

（式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し、Ｒ^１２は低級アルキル基を示す。ｈは１〜６の整数を表す。）

(In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group, and R ¹² represents a lower alkyl group. H represents an integer of 1 to 6.)

In general formula (a1-1-01), R is the same as defined above. The lower alkyl group for R ^{11 is the same as} the lower alkyl group for R, and is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an isopropyl group.

In general formula (a1-1-02), R is the same as defined above. The lower alkyl group for R ^{12 is the same as} the lower alkyl group for R, preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and most preferably an ethyl group. h is preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 2.

（式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し；Ｒ^１４は低級アルキル基であり、Ｒ^１３は水素原子またはメチル基であり、ａは１〜１０の整数である。）

Wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹⁴ represents a lower alkyl group, R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. .)

（式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し；Ｒ^１４は低級アルキル基であり、Ｒ^１３は水素原子またはメチル基であり、ａは１〜１０の整数であり、ｎ’は１〜６の整数である。）

Wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹⁴ represents a lower alkyl group, R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. , N ′ is an integer of 1 to 6.)

（式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基を示し；Ｒ^１４は低級アルキル基であり、Ｒ^１３は水素原子またはメチル基であり、ａは１〜１０の整数である。）

Wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹⁴ represents a lower alkyl group, R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. .)

In the general formulas (a1-3-01) to (a1-3-03), R is the same as described above.
R ¹³ is preferably a hydrogen atom.
The lower alkyl group for R ^{14 is the same as} the lower alkyl group for R, and is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.
In the general formula (a1-3-01) or (a1-3-02), a is preferably an integer of 1 to 8, particularly preferably an integer of 2 to 5, and most preferably 2.
In the general formula (a1-3-03), a is preferably an integer of 1 to 8, particularly preferably an integer of 1 to 5, and most preferably 1.

  In the component (A1), the proportion of the structural unit (a1) is preferably 5 to 60 mol%, more preferably 10 to 50 mol%, based on all structural units constituting the component (A1). 40 mol% is more preferable. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, a pattern can be easily obtained when the resist composition is used, and by setting it to the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.

In the component (A1), the proportion of the structural unit (a1) is such that the total proportion of the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit (a1) is 10 with respect to all the structural units constituting the component (A1). An amount of ˜99 mol% is preferred, an amount of 20 to 90 mol% is more preferred, and an amount of 25 to 80 mol% is most preferred. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, a resist pattern can be easily obtained when the resist composition is used, and by setting it to the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.
The ratio (molar ratio) between the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit (a1) contained in the component (A1) is in the range of structural unit (a0): structural unit (a1) = 99: 1 to 1:99. The inside is preferable, the inside of the range of 80:20 to 20:80 is more preferable, and the inside of the range of 70:30 to 30:70 is further more preferable. By setting it within the above range, a pattern can be easily obtained when a resist composition is obtained.

In the component (A1), the proportion of the structural unit represented by the general formula (a1-1-01) or the general formula (a1-1-02) is based on the total of all structural units constituting the component (A1). 10-80 mol% is preferable, 15-70 mol% is more preferable, 15-50 mol% is further more preferable. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, a pattern can be easily obtained when the resist composition is used, and by setting it to the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.
In the component (A1), the proportion of the structural units represented by general formulas (a1-3-01) to (a1-3-03) is 5 to 5 with respect to the total of all the structural units constituting the component (A1). 50 mol% is preferable, 5-30 mol% is more preferable, and 5-25 mol% is still more preferable. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, a pattern can be easily obtained when the resist composition is used, and by setting it to the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.

  The monomers for deriving the structural units represented by the general formulas (a1-3-01) to (a1-3-03) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “monomer W”) are produced by, for example, the production method shown below. can do.

Monomer W Production Method:
In the presence of a base, a compound represented by the following general formula (X-1) (hereinafter referred to as “compound (X-1)”) dissolved in a reaction solvent is represented by the following general formula (X-2). And a compound represented by the following general formula (X-3) (hereinafter referred to as “compound (X-3)”) by adding and reacting the compound (hereinafter referred to as “compound (X-2)”). Then, the compound represented by the following general formula (X-4) is added to the solution in which the compound (X-3) is dissolved in the presence of a base and reacted to obtain the monomer W. .
Compound (X-2) can be obtained, for example, by reacting X ¹¹ —B—C (═O) —OH with X ² —H. Further, instead of the compound (X-2), X ¹¹ —B—C (═O) —OH and X ² —H may be used separately.
Examples of the base include inorganic bases such as sodium hydride, K ₂ CO ₃ and Cs ₂ CO ₃ ; organic bases such as triethylamine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and pyridine.
Any reaction solvent may be used as long as it can dissolve the starting compounds (X-1) and (X-2). Specifically, tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide , Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile and the like.

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基であり；ＡおよびＢはそれぞれ独立して置換基を有していてもよい２価の炭化水素基であり、Ｘ^２は酸解離性溶解抑制基であり、Ｘ^１０およびＸ^１２はそれぞれ独立して水酸基またはハロゲン原子であって、Ｘ^１０およびＸ^１２のいずれか一方が水酸基であり、他方がハロゲン原子であり、Ｘ^１１はハロゲン原子である。ｕ”は０又は１である。］

[Wherein, R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; A and B are each independently a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, and X ² is An acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, X ¹⁰ and X ¹² are each independently a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom, and one of X ¹⁰ and X ¹² is a hydroxyl group, the other is a halogen atom, and X ¹¹ Is a halogen atom. u ″ is 0 or 1.]

In the above formula, R, X ² , A, and B are all the same as described above.
Examples of the halogen atom in X ¹⁰ , X ¹¹ and X ¹² include a bromine atom, a chlorine atom, an iodine atom and a fluorine atom.
The halogen atom for X ¹⁰ or X ¹² is preferably a chlorine atom or a bromine atom because of excellent reactivity.
X ¹¹ is preferably a bromine atom or a chlorine atom because of excellent reactivity.
The production method of the monomer W is a production method of each monomer that derives the structural unit represented by the general formula (a1-3-01) or (a1-3-02) when u ″ = 0. In the case of u ″ = 1, the production method of each monomer for deriving the structural unit represented by the general formula (a1-3-03) is shown.

<Structural unit (a2)>
The structural unit (a2) is a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group.
In the present invention, since the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a2), the adhesion of the resist film containing the component (A1) to the substrate is enhanced, and the developer contains the resist film and water. Lithography characteristics can be improved.
Here, the lactone-containing cyclic group refers to a cyclic group containing one ring (lactone ring) containing an —O—C (O) — structure. The lactone ring is counted as the first ring, and when it is only the lactone ring, it is called a monocyclic group, and when it has another ring structure, it is called a polycyclic group regardless of the structure.

As the structural unit (a2), any unit can be used without any particular limitation.
Specifically, examples of the lactone-containing monocyclic group include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from γ-butyrolactone. Examples of the lactone-containing polycyclic group include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, or tetracycloalkane having a lactone ring.

  More specifically, examples of the structural unit (a2) include structural units represented by the following general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) and (a2-2 ′) to (a2-3 ′). Is mentioned.

［式中、Ｒは水素原子、低級アルキル基またはハロゲン化低級アルキル基であり、Ｒ’は水素原子、低級アルキル基、炭素数１〜５のアルコキシ基または−ＣＯＯＲ”であり、前記Ｒ”は水素原子、または炭素数１〜１５の直鎖状、分岐鎖状もしくは環状のアルキル基であり、ｍは０または１の整数であり、Ａ”は酸素原子もしくは硫黄原子を含んでいてもよい炭素数１〜５のアルキレン基、酸素原子または硫黄原子である。］

[Wherein, R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group, R ′ is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or —COOR ″, wherein R ″ is A hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 0 or 1, and A ″ is a carbon which may contain an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. It is an alkylene group of formulas 1 to 5, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.]

In the general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) and (a2-2 ′) to (a2-3 ′), the lower alkyl group or the halogenated lower alkyl group of R is the α-position of the acrylate ester. It is the same as the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group which may be bonded to.
The lower alkyl group for R ′ is the same as the lower alkyl group that may be bonded to the α-position of the acrylate ester.
When R ″ is a linear or branched alkyl group, it preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
When R ″ is a cyclic alkyl group, it preferably has 3 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Specifically, a fluorine atom or fluorine atom A group in which one or more hydrogen atoms are removed from a polycycloalkane such as monocycloalkane, bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, tetracycloalkane, etc., which may or may not be substituted with an alkyl group. Specific examples thereof include monocycloalkanes such as cyclopentane and cyclohexane, groups obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from polycycloalkanes such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane, and tetracyclododecane. Can be mentioned.
In general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) and (a2-2 ′), R ′ is preferably a hydrogen atom in view of industrial availability.
Specific examples of the alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms that may contain an oxygen atom or sulfur atom of A ″ include a methylene group, an ethylene group, an n-propylene group, an isopropylene group, —O—CH ₂ —. _{, -CH 2 -O-CH 2 -} , - S-CH 2 -, - CH 2 -S-CH 2 - , and the like.
Specific examples of the structural units represented by the general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) and (a2-2 ′) to (a2-3 ′) are shown below.

In the above formula, R ^α represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.

In the component (A1), as the structural unit (a2), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
As the structural unit (a2) in the present invention, a structural unit (a2-i) derived from an acrylate ester containing a monocyclic lactone-containing cyclic group and an acrylate ester containing a polycyclic lactone-containing cyclic group. More preferably, the structural unit is derived (a2-ii).
Here, specific examples of the structural unit (a2-i) include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from γ-butyrolactone. More specifically, at least one selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by the general formula (a2-1) is preferable. Especially, at least 1 sort (s) selected from the structural unit represented by chemical formula (a2-1-1)-(a2-1-4) is preferable.
Here, specific examples of the structural unit (a2-ii) include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, or tetracycloalkane having a lactone ring. More specifically, at least one selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by the general formulas (a2-2) to (a2-5) and (a2-2 ′) is preferable. Among them, chemical formulas (a2-2-1) to (a2-2-9), chemical formulas (a2-2′-1) to (a2-2′-9), and chemical formulas (a2-3′-1) to At least one selected from structural units represented by (a2-3′-4) is preferred, and the chemical formula (a2-2-7), the chemical formula (a2-2′-7), and the chemical formula (a2-3′-) are preferred. At least one selected from the structural units represented by 1) is more preferable.

The proportion of structural unit (a2) in component (A1) is preferably from 5 to 70 mol%, more preferably from 10 to 70 mol%, based on the total of all structural units constituting component (A1). 70 mol% is more preferable. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, the effect of improving the lithography properties when a pattern is formed as the resist composition can be sufficiently obtained, and by setting it to the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.
Moreover, when the structural unit (a2) in the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a2-i) and the structural unit (a2-ii), the content ratio (molar ratio) is the structural unit (a2-i). ): Structural unit (a2-ii) = 99: 1 to 1:99 is preferable, 80:20 to 20:80 is more preferable, and 70:30 to 30:70 is more preferable. . By setting it within the above range, the lithography properties when a pattern is formed as a resist composition are improved.

Further, in the component (A1), the proportion of the structural unit (a2) is the total proportion of the structural unit (a0) and the total proportion of the structural unit (a2) and the structural unit (a2). An amount of 20 to 99 mol% is preferable, an amount of 30 to 95 mol% is more preferable, and an amount of 40 to 95 mol% is most preferable with respect to the unit. By setting it to the lower limit value or more, the lithography characteristics when a pattern is formed as the resist composition can be improved, and by setting it to the upper limit value or less, it is possible to balance with other structural units.
The component (A1) contains the structural units (a0), (a1), and (a2), and the ratio (molar ratio) of each structural unit in the component (A1) is the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit ( a1): The structural unit (a2) is preferably in the range of 99: 1 to 1:99, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 20:80, and still more preferably in the range of 70:30 to 30:70. By setting it as the said range, the lithography characteristic at the time of forming a pattern as a resist composition will become favorable.

<Structural unit (a3)>
The structural unit (a3) is a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group.
When the component (A1) has the structural unit (a3), the hydrophilicity of the component (A) is increased, the affinity with the developer is increased, the alkali solubility in the exposed area is improved, and the resolution is improved. Contributes to improvement.
Examples of the polar group include a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a carboxy group, and a hydroxyalkyl group in which a part of hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group is substituted with a fluorine atom.
Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (preferably an alkylene group) and a polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group (polycyclic group). It is done. As the polycyclic group, for example, a resin for a resist composition for ArF excimer laser can be appropriately selected from among many proposed ones. The polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 30 carbon atoms.
Among them, a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing an aliphatic polycyclic group containing a hydroxyalkyl group in which a part of hydrogen atoms of a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a carboxy group, or an alkyl group is substituted with a fluorine atom Is more preferable. Examples of the polycyclic group include groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, tetracycloalkane and the like. Specific examples include groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane, and tetracyclododecane. Among these polycyclic groups, there are groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane, groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from norbornane, and groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from tetracyclododecane. Industrially preferable.

  The structural unit (a3) is derived from a hydroxyethyl ester of acrylic acid when the hydrocarbon group in the polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. When the hydrocarbon group is a polycyclic group, a structural unit represented by the following formula (a3-1), a structural unit represented by (a3-2), (a3-3) ) Is preferable.

［式中、Ｒは前記に同じであり、ｊは１〜３の整数であり、ｋは１〜３の整数であり、ｔ’は１〜３の整数であり、ｌは１〜５の整数であり、ｓは１〜３の整数である。］

[Wherein, R is as defined above, j is an integer of 1 to 3, k is an integer of 1 to 3, t ′ is an integer of 1 to 3, and l is an integer of 1 to 5] And s is an integer of 1 to 3. ]

In formula (a3-1), j is preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 1. When j is 2, it is preferable that the hydroxyl group is bonded to the 3rd and 5th positions of the adamantyl group. When j is 1, it is preferable that the hydroxyl group is bonded to the 3-position of the adamantyl group.
j is preferably 1, and a hydroxyl group bonded to the 3rd position of the adamantyl group is particularly preferred.

  In formula (a3-2), k is preferably 1. The cyano group is preferably bonded to the 5th or 6th position of the norbornyl group.

  In formula (a3-3), t ′ is preferably 1. l is preferably 1. s is preferably 1. These preferably have a 2-norbornyl group or a 3-norbornyl group bonded to the terminal of the carboxy group of acrylic acid. The fluorinated alkyl alcohol is preferably bonded to the 5th or 6th position of the norbornyl group.

As the structural unit (a3), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
In the component (A1), the proportion of the structural unit (a3) is preferably 5 to 50 mol%, more preferably 5 to 40 mol%, based on all structural units constituting the polymer compound (A1). 5 to 25 mol% is more preferable.

<Structural unit (a4)>
The polymer compound (A1) may contain other structural units (a4) other than the structural units (a0) to (a3) as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.
The structural unit (a4) is not particularly limited as long as it is another structural unit that is not classified into the structural units (a0) to (a3) described above. A number of hitherto known materials can be used for resist resins such as lasers.
As the structural unit (a4), for example, a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing a non-acid-dissociable aliphatic polycyclic group is preferable. Examples of the polycyclic group include those exemplified in the case of the structural unit (a1), and for ArF excimer laser and KrF excimer laser (preferably for ArF excimer laser). A number of hitherto known materials can be used as the resin component of the resist composition.
In particular, at least one selected from a tricyclodecanyl group, an adamantyl group, a tetracyclododecanyl group, an isobornyl group, and a norbornyl group is preferable in terms of industrial availability. These polycyclic groups may have a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms as a substituent.
Specific examples of the structural unit (a4) include those represented by the following general formulas (a4-1) to (a4-5).

［式中、Ｒは前記と同じである。］

[Wherein, R is the same as defined above. ]

  When such a structural unit (a4) is contained in the polymer compound (A1), 1 to 30 mol% of the structural unit (a4) is contained with respect to the total of all the structural units constituting the polymer compound (A1). It is preferable to make it contain, and it is more preferable to make it contain 10-20 mol%.

  In the present invention, the polymer compound (A1) particularly preferably includes a combination of structural units represented by the following formula (A1-11).

［式中、Ｒ、Ａ”、Ｒ^２、およびｇは前記と同じであり、複数のＲはそれぞれ同じであっても異なっていてもよい。Ｒ^２０は低級アルキル基である。］

[Wherein, R, A ″, R ² , and g are the same as described above, and a plurality of R may be the same or different. R ²⁰ is a lower alkyl group.]

Wherein (A1-11), ^{R 2} is the same as ^{R 2} in the general formula (a0-1), preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, most preferably a methyl group.
In formula (A1-11), the lower alkyl group for R ^{20 is the same as} the lower alkyl group for R, and is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an isopropyl group, and most preferably an isopropyl group.
In formula (A1-11), A ″ is the same as A ″ in formula (a2-2), and is preferably an oxygen atom, a methylene group, or an ethylene group.
In formula (A1-11), g is 1 or 2, and 2 is preferable.

The polymer compound (A1) is a monomer derived from each structural unit (for example, a compound (I) described later, and a monomer derived from another structural unit as necessary), such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). It can obtain by making it superpose | polymerize by the well-known radical polymerization etc. which used radical polymerization initiators. A commercially available monomer may be used as the monomer for deriving each structural unit, or the monomer may be synthesized using a known method.
Further, in the polymer compound (A1), a chain transfer agent such as HS—CH ₂ —CH ₂ —CH ₂ —C (CF ₃ ) ₂ —OH is used in combination in the above polymerization. it may be introduced -C _{(CF 3)} 2 -OH group at the terminal. As described above, a polymer compound into which a hydroxyalkyl group in which a part of hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group is substituted with a fluorine atom is used to reduce development defects and LER (line edge roughness: uneven unevenness of line side walls). It is effective in reducing

Although the mass mean molecular weight (Mw) (polystyrene conversion reference | standard by gel permeation chromatography) of a high molecular compound (A1) is not specifically limited, 2000-50000 are preferable, 3000-30000 are more preferable, 5000- 20000 is most preferred. When it is smaller than the upper limit of this range, it has sufficient solubility in a resist solvent to be used as a resist. When it is larger than the lower limit of this range, dry etching resistance and resist pattern cross-sectional shape are good.
Further, the dispersity (Mw / Mn) is preferably 1.0 to 5.0, more preferably 1.0 to 3.0, and most preferably 1.2 to 2.5. In addition, Mn shows a number average molecular weight.

In the component (A), as the component (A1), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
The proportion of the component (A1) in the component (A) is preferably 25% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass, further preferably 75% by mass, and most preferably 100% by mass with respect to the total mass of the component (A). preferable.

In the resist composition of the present invention, as the component (A), a base material component (hereinafter referred to as the component (A2)) that does not correspond to the component (A1) and whose solubility in an alkaline developer is increased by the action of an acid. You may contain.
The component (A2) is not particularly limited, and many conventionally known base components for chemically amplified positive resist compositions (for example, for ArF excimer laser, for KrF excimer laser (preferably ArF) A base resin such as for excimer laser) may be arbitrarily selected and used. For example, the base resin for ArF excimer laser includes a resin having the structural unit (a1) as an essential structural unit and optionally further including the structural units (a2) to (a4).
(A2) A component may be used individually by 1 type and may be used in combination of 2 or more type.

  In the resist composition of the present invention, the content of the component (A) may be adjusted according to the resist film thickness to be formed.

<(B) component>
The component (B) is not particularly limited, and those that have been proposed as acid generators for chemically amplified resists can be used. Examples of such acid generators include onium salt acid generators such as iodonium salts and sulfonium salts, oxime sulfonate acid generators, bisalkyl or bisarylsulfonyldiazomethanes, poly (bissulfonyl) diazomethanes, and the like. There are various known diazomethane acid generators, nitrobenzyl sulfonate acid generators, imino sulfonate acid generators, disulfone acid generators, and the like.
As the onium salt acid generator, for example, a compound represented by the following general formula (b-1) or (b-2) can be used.

［式中、Ｒ^１”〜Ｒ^３”，Ｒ^５”〜Ｒ^６”は、それぞれ独立に、アリール基またはアルキル基を表し；式（ｂ−１）におけるＲ^１”〜Ｒ^３”のうち、いずれか２つが相互に結合して式中のイオウ原子と共に環を形成してもよく；Ｒ^４”は、置換基を有していても良いアルキル基、ハロゲン化アルキル基、アリール基、またはアルケニル基を表し；Ｒ^１”〜Ｒ^３”のうち少なくとも１つはアリール基を表し、Ｒ^５”〜Ｒ^６”のうち少なくとも１つはアリール基を表す。］

[Wherein, R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ and R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ each independently represents an aryl group or an alkyl group; among R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ in formula (b-1), Any two may be bonded to each other to form a ring together with the sulfur atom in the formula; R ⁴ ″ may be an optionally substituted alkyl group, halogenated alkyl group, aryl group, or alkenyl group; And at least one of R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ represents an aryl group, and at least one of R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ represents an aryl group.]

In formula (b-1), R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ each independently represents an aryl group or an alkyl group. In addition, any two of R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ in formula (b-1) may be bonded to each other to form a ring together with the sulfur atom in the formula.
Further, at least one of R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ represents an aryl group. Of R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″, two or more are preferably aryl groups, and most preferably all R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ are aryl groups.

The aryl group for R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ is not particularly limited, and is, for example, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms are alkyl groups, alkoxy groups It may or may not be substituted with a group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or the like.
The aryl group is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms because it can be synthesized at a low cost. Specific examples include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group.
The alkyl group that may be substituted for the hydrogen atom of the aryl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and is a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group, or a tert-butyl group. Is most preferred.
As the alkoxy group that may be substituted for the hydrogen atom of the aryl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an iso-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, A tert-butoxy group is preferable, and a methoxy group and an ethoxy group are most preferable.
The halogen atom that may be substituted with the hydrogen atom of the aryl group is preferably a fluorine atom.

The alkyl group for R 1 ^{"~R 3",} is not particularly limited, for example, linear C1-10, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and the like. It is preferable that it is C1-C5 from the point which is excellent in resolution. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, an n-pentyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a hexyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a nonyl group, and a decanyl group. A methyl group is preferable because it is excellent in resolution and can be synthesized at low cost.

When any two of R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ in the formula (b-1) are bonded to each other to form a ring together with the sulfur atom in the formula, a 3 to 10 membered ring including the sulfur atom is formed. It is preferable that a 5- to 7-membered ring is formed.
When any two of R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ in formula (b-1) are bonded to each other to form a ring together with the sulfur atom in the formula, the remaining one may be an aryl group preferable. Examples of the aryl group include the same aryl groups as those described above for R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″.

Preferable examples of the cation moiety of the compound represented by the formula (b-1) include cation moieties represented by the following formulas (I-1-1) to (I-1-10). Among these, those having a triphenylsulfonium skeleton such as a cation moiety represented by formulas (I-1-1) to (I-1-8) are preferable.
In the following formulas (I-1-9) to (I-1-10), R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are each independently a phenyl group, naphthyl group or carbon number 1 to 5 which may have a substituent. An alkyl group, an alkoxy group, and a hydroxyl group.
u is an integer of 1 to 3, and 1 or 2 is most preferable.

R ⁴ ″ represents an alkyl group, a halogenated alkyl group, an aryl group, or an alkenyl group which may have a substituent.
The alkyl group for R ⁴ ″ may be linear, branched or cyclic.
The linear or branched alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
The cyclic alkyl group preferably has 4 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms.
Examples of the halogenated alkyl group for R ⁴ ″ include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms. A fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, etc. are mentioned, A fluorine atom is preferable.
In the halogenated alkyl group, the ratio of the number of halogen atoms to the total number of halogen atoms and hydrogen atoms contained in the halogenated alkyl group (halogenation rate (%)) is preferably 10 to 100%. 50 to 100% is preferable, and 100% is most preferable. The higher the halogenation rate, the better the acid strength.
The aryl group for R ⁴ ″ is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
The alkenyl group in R ⁴ ″ is preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms.
In the above R ⁴ ″, “optionally substituted” means one of hydrogen atoms in the linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, halogenated alkyl group, aryl group, or alkenyl group. It means that part or all may be substituted with a substituent (an atom or group other than a hydrogen atom).
The number of substituents in R ⁴ ″ may be one or two or more.

Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom, a hetero atom, an alkyl group, and a formula: XQ ^1- [wherein Q ¹ is a divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom, and X has a substituent. And a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms. ] Etc. which are represented by these.
Examples of the halogen atom and alkyl group include the same groups as those described above for R ⁴ ″ as the halogen atom and alkyl group in the halogenated alkyl group.
Examples of the hetero atom include an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, and a sulfur atom.

X-Q 1 ^- In the group represented by, Q ¹ represents a divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom.
Q ¹ may contain an atom other than an oxygen atom. Examples of atoms other than oxygen atoms include carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, and nitrogen atoms.
Examples of the divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom include an oxygen atom (ether bond; —O—), an ester bond (—C (═O) —O—), and an amide bond (—C (═O) —NH. -), A carbonyl group (-C (= O)-), a non-hydrocarbon oxygen atom-containing linking group such as a carbonate bond (-O-C (= O) -O-); the non-hydrocarbon oxygen atom Examples include a combination of a containing linking group and an alkylene group.
Examples of the combination include —R ⁹¹ —O—, —R ⁹² —O—C (═O) —, —C (═O) —O—R ⁹³ —O—C (═O) — , R ^{91 to} R ⁹³ are each independently an alkylene group.) And the like.
The alkylene group for R ^{91 to} R ⁹³ is preferably a linear or branched alkylene group, and the alkylene group preferably has 1 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms. preferable.
Specific examples of the alkylene group include a methylene group [—CH ₂ —]; —CH (CH ₃ ) —, —CH (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) —, —C (CH ₃ ) ₂ —, —C ( _{CH 3) (CH 2 CH 3} ) -, - C (CH 3) (CH 2 CH 2 CH 3) -, - C (CH 2 CH 3) 2 - ; alkylethylene groups such as ethylene group _[-CH 2 CH _2— ]; —CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ —, —CH (CH ₃ ) CH (CH ₃ ) —, —C (CH ₃ ) ₂ CH ₂ —, —CH (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) CH ₂ —, Alkylethylene groups such as —CH (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) CH ₂ —; trimethylene group (n-propylene group) [—CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ —]; —CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ CH ₂ —, —CH _{2 CH (CH 3) CH 2} - alkyl trimethylene group and the like; Toramechiren group _{[-CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH} 2 -]; - CH (CH 3) CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH 2 CH (CH 3) CH 2 CH 2 - alkyl tetramethylene group and the like; penta And methylene group [—CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ —] and the like.
Q ¹ is preferably a divalent linking group containing an ester bond or an ether bond, and in particular, —R ⁹¹ —O—, —R ⁹² —O—C (═O) — or —C (═O) — O—R ⁹³ —O—C (═O) — is preferred.

In the group represented by XQ ^1- , the hydrocarbon group of X may be an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group.
The aromatic hydrocarbon group is a hydrocarbon group having an aromatic ring. The aromatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 30, more preferably 5 to 20, still more preferably 6 to 15, and most preferably 6 to 12. However, the carbon number does not include the carbon number in the substituent.
Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include a hydrogen atom from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring such as a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a fluorenyl group, a naphthyl group, an anthryl group, and a phenanthryl group. Aryl groups such as aryl group, benzyl group, phenethyl group, 1-naphthylmethyl group, 2-naphthylmethyl group, 1-naphthylethyl group, 2-naphthylethyl group, etc., from which one is removed. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain in the arylalkyl group is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 1 to 2, and particularly preferably 1.
The aromatic hydrocarbon group may have a substituent. For example, a part of carbon atoms constituting the aromatic ring of the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a hetero atom, and the hydrogen atom bonded to the aromatic ring of the aromatic hydrocarbon group is substituted with the substituent. May be.
Examples of the former include heteroaryl groups in which some of the carbon atoms constituting the ring of the aryl group are substituted with heteroatoms such as oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, nitrogen atoms, and aromatic hydrocarbons in the arylalkyl groups. Examples include heteroarylalkyl groups in which some of the carbon atoms constituting the ring are substituted with the above heteroatoms.
Examples of the substituent of the aromatic hydrocarbon group in the latter example include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, and an oxygen atom (═O).
The alkyl group as a substituent of the aromatic hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group, or a tert-butyl group. preferable.
The alkoxy group as a substituent of the aromatic hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and is a methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group, tert- A butoxy group is preferable, and a methoxy group and an ethoxy group are most preferable.
Examples of the halogen atom as a substituent for the aromatic hydrocarbon group include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferable.
Examples of the halogenated alkyl group as the substituent of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group have been substituted with the halogen atoms.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group for X may be a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched or cyclic.
In X, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may have a part of the carbon atoms constituting the aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted by a substituent containing a hetero atom, and the hydrogen atom constituting the aliphatic hydrocarbon group May be substituted with a substituent containing a hetero atom.
The “heteroatom” in X is not particularly limited as long as it is an atom other than a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom, and examples thereof include a halogen atom, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and a nitrogen atom. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, an iodine atom, and a bromine atom.
The substituent containing a hetero atom may be composed of only the hetero atom, or may be a group containing a group or atom other than the hetero atom.
Specific examples of the substituent for substituting a part of the carbon atom include —O—, —C (═O) —O—, —C (═O) —, —O—C (═O) —O. —, —C (═O) —NH—, —NH— (H may be substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group, an acyl group, etc.), —S—, —S (═O) ₂ —, — S (= O) ₂ —O— and the like can be mentioned. When the aliphatic hydrocarbon group is cyclic, these substituents may be included in the ring structure.
Specific examples of the substituent for substituting part or all of the hydrogen atoms include an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, an oxygen atom (═O), and a cyano group.
The alkoxy group is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an iso-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group or a tert-butoxy group, and a methoxy group or an ethoxy group. Is most preferred.
As said halogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, etc. are mentioned, A fluorine atom is preferable.
As the halogenated alkyl group, a part or all of hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, etc. And a group substituted with a halogen atom.

Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include a linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon group, a linear or branched monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon group, or a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group (aliphatic ring). Formula group) is preferred.
The linear saturated hydrocarbon group (alkyl group) preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Specifically, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, nonyl group, decanyl group, undecyl group, dodecyl group, tridecyl group, isotridecyl group, tetradecyl group Group, pentadecyl group, hexadecyl group, isohexadecyl group, heptadecyl group, octadecyl group, nonadecyl group, icosyl group, heicosyl group, docosyl group and the like.
The branched saturated hydrocarbon group (alkyl group) preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Specifically, for example, 1-methylethyl group, 1-methylpropyl group, 2-methylpropyl group, 1-methylbutyl group, 2-methylbutyl group, 3-methylbutyl group, 1-ethylbutyl group, 2-ethylbutyl group, Examples include 1-methylpentyl group, 2-methylpentyl group, 3-methylpentyl group, 4-methylpentyl group and the like.

As an unsaturated hydrocarbon group, it is preferable that carbon number is 2-10, 2-5 are preferable, 2-4 are preferable, and 3 is especially preferable. Examples of the linear monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon group include a vinyl group, a propenyl group (allyl group), and a butynyl group. Examples of the branched monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon group include a 1-methylpropenyl group and a 2-methylpropenyl group.
Among the above, the unsaturated hydrocarbon group is particularly preferably a propenyl group.

The aliphatic cyclic group may be a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group. The carbon number is preferably 3 to 30, more preferably 5 to 30, further preferably 5 to 20, particularly preferably 6 to 15, and most preferably 6 to 12.
Specifically, for example, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane; a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, tetracycloalkane, etc. Can be mentioned. More specifically, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane; one or more polycycloalkanes such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane, or tetracyclododecane. Examples include a group excluding a hydrogen atom.
When the aliphatic cyclic group does not contain a substituent containing a hetero atom in the ring structure, the aliphatic cyclic group is preferably a polycyclic group, and one or more hydrogen atoms from the polycycloalkane are substituted. Excluded groups are preferred, and most preferred are groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane.
When the aliphatic cyclic group includes a substituent containing a hetero atom in the ring structure, examples of the substituent containing a hetero atom include —O—, —C (═O) —O—, —S—. , —S (═O) ₂ — and —S (═O) ₂ —O— are preferable. Specific examples of the aliphatic cyclic group include the following formulas (L1) to (L5), (S1) to (S4), and the like.

［式中、Ｑ”は炭素数１〜５のアルキレン基、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−Ｏ−Ｒ^９４−または−Ｓ−Ｒ^９５−であり、Ｒ^９４およびＲ^９５はそれぞれ独立に炭素数１〜５のアルキレン基であり、ｍは０または１の整数である。］

[Wherein, Q ″ is an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, —O—, —S—, —O—R ⁹⁴ — or —S—R ⁹⁵ —, wherein R ⁹⁴ and R ⁹⁵ are each independently carbon. An alkylene group of 1 to 5, and m is an integer of 0 or 1.]

In the formula, examples of the alkylene group for Q ″, R ⁹⁴ and R ⁹⁵ include the same alkylene groups as those described above for R ^{91 to} R ⁹³ .
In these aliphatic cyclic groups, a part of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms constituting the ring structure may be substituted with a substituent. Examples of the substituent include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, and an oxygen atom (═O).
As said alkyl group, a C1-C5 alkyl group is preferable, and it is especially preferable that they are a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, n-butyl group, and a tert- butyl group.
Examples of the alkoxy group and the halogen atom are the same as those exemplified as the substituent for substituting part or all of the hydrogen atoms.

In the present invention, X is preferably a cyclic group which may have a substituent. The cyclic group may be an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, an aliphatic cyclic group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. It is preferably an aliphatic cyclic group that may be used.
The aromatic hydrocarbon group is preferably a naphthyl group which may have a substituent or a phenyl group which may have a substituent.
As the aliphatic cyclic group which may have a substituent, a polycyclic aliphatic cyclic group which may have a substituent is preferable. The polycyclic aliphatic cyclic group is preferably a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from the polycycloalkane, the above (L2) to (L5), (S3) to (S4), and the like.

In the present invention, ^{R 4} ", ^{X-Q 1} - as a substituent preferably has the case, ^{R 4."} The, ^{X-Q 1} -Y 1 - in the Formula, ^{Q 1} and X are the Y ¹ is an optionally substituted alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted fluorinated alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. ] Is preferable.
In the group represented by XQ ¹ -Y ^1- , the alkylene group for Y ¹ includes the same alkylene groups as those described above for Q ¹ having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
Examples of the fluorinated alkylene group include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkylene group have been substituted with fluorine atoms.
As Y ^1, _{specifically, -CF 2 -, - CF 2} CF 2 -, - CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 -, - CF (CF 3) CF 2 -, - CF (CF 2 CF 3) -, _{-C (CF 3) 2 -,} - CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 -, - CF (CF 3) CF 2 CF 2 -, - CF 2 CF (CF 3) CF 2 -, - CF (CF 3) CF (CF ₃ ) —, —C (CF ₃ ) ₂ CF ₂ —, —CF (CF ₂ CF ₃ ) CF ₂ —, —CF (CF ₂ CF ₂ CF ₃ ) —, —C (CF ₃ ) (CF _{2 CF 3) -; - CHF} -, - CH 2 CF 2 -, - CH 2 CH 2 CF 2 -, - CH 2 CF 2 CF 2 -, - CH (CF 3) CH 2 -, - CH (CF 2 _{CF 3) -, - C (} CH 3) (CF 3) -, - CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CF 2 -, - C H ₂ CH ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ —, —CH (CF ₃ ) CH ₂ CH ₂ —, —CH ₂ CH (CF ₃ ) CH ₂ —, —CH (CF ₃ ) CH (CF ₃ ) —, —C ( _{CF 3) 2 CH 2 -;} - CH 2 -, - CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH (CH 3) CH 2 -, - CH (CH 2 CH 3) -, - _{C (CH 3) 2 -,} - CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH (CH 3) CH 2 CH 2 -, - CH 2 CH (CH 3) CH 2 -, - CH (CH 3) CH _{(CH 3) -, - C} (CH 3) 2 CH 2 -, - CH (CH 2 CH 3) CH 2 -, - CH (CH 2 CH 2 CH 3) -, - C (CH 3) (CH 2 CH ₃ ) — and the like.

Y ¹ is preferably a fluorinated alkylene group, and particularly preferably a fluorinated alkylene group in which the carbon atom bonded to the adjacent sulfur atom is fluorinated. Examples of such fluorinated alkylene _{group, -CF 2 -, - CF 2} CF 2 -, - CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 -, - CF (CF 3) CF 2 -, - CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 _{-, - CF (CF 3)} CF 2 CF 2 -, - CF 2 CF (CF 3) CF 2 -, - CF (CF 3) CF (CF 3) -, - C (CF 3) 2 CF 2 -, _{-CF (CF 2 CF 3) CF} 2 -; - CH 2 CF 2 -, - CH 2 CH 2 CF 2 -, - CH 2 CF 2 CF 2 -; - CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CF 2 -, - CH ₂ CH ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ —, —CH ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ — and the like can be mentioned.
Of _{these, -CF 2 -, - CF 2} CF 2 -, - CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 -, or _-CH 2 CF ₂ - is _{preferable, -CF 2 -, - CF 2} CF 2 -, or -CH ₂ CF ₂ - is more preferable, _{-CH 2} CF 2 - is particularly preferred.

The alkylene group or fluorinated alkylene group may have a substituent. An alkylene group or a fluorinated alkylene group has a “substituent” means that part or all of the hydrogen atom or fluorine atom in the alkylene group or fluorinated alkylene group is substituted with an atom or group other than a hydrogen atom and a fluorine atom. Means that
Examples of the substituent that the alkylene group or fluorinated alkylene group may have include an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a hydroxyl group.

In formula (b-2), R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ each independently represents an aryl group or an alkyl group. At least one of R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ represents an aryl group. It is preferable that all of R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ are aryl groups.
As the aryl group for R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″, the same as the aryl groups for R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″ can be used.
Examples of the alkyl group for R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ include the same as the alkyl group for R ¹ ″ to R ³ ″.
Among these, it is most preferable that all of R ⁵ ″ to R ⁶ ″ are phenyl groups.
"As ^{R 4} in the formula (b-1)" ^{R 4} in the In the formula (b-2) include the same as.

Specific examples of the onium salt acid generators represented by the formulas (b-1) and (b-2) include diphenyliodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate, bis (4-tert-butylphenyl) iodonium. Trifluoromethane sulfonate or nonafluorobutane sulfonate, triphenylsulfonium trifluoromethane sulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate, tri (4-methylphenyl) sulfonium trifluoromethane sulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its Nonafluorobutanesulfonate, dimethyl (4-hydroxynaphthyl) sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptaful Lopropanesulfonate or its nonafluorobutanesulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate of monophenyldimethylsulfonium, its heptafluoropropanesulfonate or its nonafluorobutanesulfonate; trifluoromethanesulfonate of diphenylmonomethylsulfonium, its heptafluoropropanesulfonate or its nonafluorobutanesulfonate (4-methylphenyl) diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate, (4-methoxyphenyl) diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate , Trifluoromethanesulfonate of tri (4-tert-butyl) phenylsulfonium, its heptafluoropropanesulfonate or its nonafluorobutanesulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate of diphenyl (1- (4-methoxy) naphthyl) sulfonium, its heptafluoropropane Sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate, di (1-naphthyl) phenyl sulphonium trifluoromethane sulphonate, its heptafluoropropane sulphonate or its nonafluorobutane sulphonate; 1-phenyltetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethane sulphonate, its heptafluoropropane sulphonate Or nonafluorobutanesulfonate thereof; 1- (4-methylphenyl) ) Tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate; 1- (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate 1- (4-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl) tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropanesulfonate or its nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1- (4-ethoxynaphthalene-1- Yl) tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropanesulfonate or its nonaflu 1- (4-n-butoxynaphthalen-1-yl) tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropanesulfonate or its nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-phenyltetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethanesulfonate , Its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate; 1- (4-hydroxyphenyl) tetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethane sulfonate, its heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate; 1- (3,5-dimethyl -4-Hydroxyphenyl) tetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethanesulfonate, its heptafluoropropanes Honeto or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1- (4-methylphenyl) trifluoromethanesulfonate tetrahydrothiophenium Pila chloride, heptafluoropropane sulfonate or its nonafluorobutane sulfonate, and the like.
Moreover, the onium salt which replaced the anion part of these onium salts with alkyl sulfonates, such as methanesulfonate, n-propanesulfonate, n-butanesulfonate, n-octanesulfonate, can also be used.
Moreover, the onium salt which replaced the anion part of these onium salts by the anion part represented by either of following formula (b1)-(b8) can also be used.

［式中、ｐはそれぞれ独立に１〜３の整数であり、ｑ１〜ｑ３はそれぞれ独立に１〜５の整数であり、ｒ１は０〜３の整数であり、ｇは１〜２０の整数であり、Ｒ^７は置換基であり、ｎ１〜ｎ５はそれぞれ独立に０または１であり、ｖ１〜ｖ５はそれぞれ独立に０〜３の整数であり、ｗ１〜ｗ６はそれぞれ独立に０〜３の整数であり、Ｑ”は前記と同じである。］

[Wherein, p is each independently an integer of 1 to 3, q1 to q3 are each independently an integer of 1 to 5, r1 is an integer of 0 to 3, and g is an integer of 1 to 20] Yes, R ⁷ is a substituent, n1 to n5 are each independently 0 or 1, v1 to v5 are each independently an integer of 0 to 3, and w1 to w6 are each independently an integer of 0 to 3. And Q ″ is the same as above.]

Examples of the substituent for R ⁷ are the same as those described above as the substituent that the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may have and the substituent that the aromatic hydrocarbon group may have in X. Can be mentioned.
Code (r1, w1 to w5) attached to R ⁷ when is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of the R ⁷ groups may be the same, respectively, it may be different.

  Moreover, as an onium salt type | system | group acid generator, in the said general formula (b-1) or (b-2), an anion part is represented by the following general formula (b-3) or (b-4). An onium salt-based acid generator replaced with can also be used (the cation moiety is the same as (b-1) or (b-2)).

［式中、Ｘ”は、少なくとも１つの水素原子がフッ素原子で置換された炭素数２〜６のアルキレン基を表し；Ｙ”、Ｚ”は、それぞれ独立に、少なくとも１つの水素原子がフッ素原子で置換された炭素数１〜１０のアルキル基を表す。］

[Wherein X ″ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom; Y ″ and Z ″ each independently represent at least one hydrogen atom as a fluorine atom; Represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and substituted with

X ″ is a linear or branched alkylene group in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom, and the alkylene group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 5 carbon atoms, Most preferably, it has 3 carbon atoms.
Y ″ and Z ″ are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom, and the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably Has 1 to 7 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms.
The carbon number of the alkylene group of X ″ or the carbon number of the alkyl group of Y ″ and Z ″ is preferably as small as possible because the solubility in the resist solvent is good within the above carbon number range.
In addition, in the alkylene group of X ″ or the alkyl group of Y ″ and Z ″, as the number of hydrogen atoms substituted with fluorine atoms increases, the strength of the acid increases, and high-energy light or electron beam of 200 nm or less The ratio of fluorine atoms in the alkylene group or alkyl group, that is, the fluorination rate is preferably 70 to 100%, more preferably 90 to 100%, and most preferably all. Are a perfluoroalkylene group or a perfluoroalkyl group in which a hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom.

  Moreover, the sulfonium salt which has a cation part represented by the following general formula (b-5) or (b-6) can also be used as an onium salt type | system | group acid generator.

［式中、Ｒ^４１〜Ｒ^４６はそれぞれ独立してアルキル基、アセチル基、アルコキシ基、カルボキシ基、水酸基またはヒドロキシアルキル基であり；ｎ_１〜ｎ_５はそれぞれ独立して０〜３の整数であり、ｎ_６は０〜２の整数である。］

[Wherein R ^{41 to} R ⁴⁶ are each independently an alkyl group, acetyl group, alkoxy group, carboxy group, hydroxyl group or hydroxyalkyl group; n _{1 to} n ₅ are each independently an integer of 0 to 3; There, _{n 6} is an integer of 0-2. ]

In R ^{41 to} R ⁴⁶ , the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, n A butyl group or a tert-butyl group is particularly preferable.
The alkoxy group is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkoxy group, and particularly preferably a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.
The hydroxyalkyl group is preferably a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are substituted with a hydroxy group, and examples thereof include a hydroxymethyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, and a hydroxypropyl group.
When the symbols n _{1 to} n ₆ attached to R ^{41 to} R ⁴⁶ are integers of 2 or more, the plurality of R ^{41 to} R ⁴⁶ may be the same or different.
n ₁ is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.
n ₂ and n ₃ are preferably each independently 0 or 1, more preferably 0.
n ₄ is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1.
n ₅ is preferably 0 or 1, more preferably 0.
n ₆ is preferably 0 or 1, more preferably 1.

The anion part of the sulfonium salt having a cation part represented by the formula (b-5) or (b-6) is not particularly limited, and is the same as the anion part of the onium salt acid generators proposed so far. It may be a thing. Examples of the anion moiety include fluorinated alkyl sulfonate ions such as the anion moiety (R ^{4 ″} SO ₃ ⁻ ) of the onium salt acid generator represented by the general formula (b-1) or (b-2). The anion part represented by the general formula (b-3) or (b-4) and the like.

  In this specification, the oxime sulfonate acid generator is a compound having at least one group represented by the following general formula (B-1), and has a property of generating an acid upon irradiation with radiation. is there. Such oxime sulfonate-based acid generators are frequently used for chemically amplified resist compositions, and can be arbitrarily selected and used.

（式（Ｂ−１）中、Ｒ^３１、Ｒ^３２はそれぞれ独立に有機基を表す。）

(In formula (B-1), R ³¹ and R ³² each independently represents an organic group.)

The organic groups of R ³¹ and R ³² are groups containing carbon atoms, and atoms other than carbon atoms (for example, hydrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, halogen atoms (fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, etc.), etc.) You may have.
As the organic group for R ^31, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group or aryl group is preferable. These alkyl groups and aryl groups may have a substituent. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as this substituent, For example, a fluorine atom, a C1-C6 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group etc. are mentioned. Here, “having a substituent” means that part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group or aryl group are substituted with a substituent.
As an alkyl group, C1-C20 is preferable, C1-C10 is more preferable, C1-C8 is more preferable, C1-C6 is especially preferable, and C1-C4 is the most preferable. As the alkyl group, a partially or completely halogenated alkyl group (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a halogenated alkyl group) is particularly preferable. The partially halogenated alkyl group means an alkyl group in which a part of hydrogen atoms is substituted with a halogen atom, and the fully halogenated alkyl group means that all of the hydrogen atoms are halogen atoms. Means an alkyl group substituted with Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly preferable. That is, the halogenated alkyl group is preferably a fluorinated alkyl group.
The aryl group preferably has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms. As the aryl group, a partially or completely halogenated aryl group is particularly preferable. The partially halogenated aryl group means an aryl group in which a part of hydrogen atoms is substituted with a halogen atom, and the fully halogenated aryl group means that all of the hydrogen atoms are halogen atoms. Means an aryl group substituted with.
R ³¹ is particularly preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms having no substituent or a fluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
As the organic group for R ^32, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group, aryl group, or cyano group is preferable. As the alkyl group and aryl group for R ^32, the same alkyl groups and aryl groups as those described above for R ³¹ can be used.
R ³² is particularly preferably a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms having no substituent, or a fluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

  More preferable examples of the oxime sulfonate-based acid generator include compounds represented by the following general formula (B-2) or (B-3).

［式（Ｂ−２）中、Ｒ^３３は、シアノ基、置換基を有さないアルキル基またはハロゲン化アルキル基である。Ｒ^３４はアリール基である。Ｒ^３５は置換基を有さないアルキル基またはハロゲン化アルキル基である。］

[In Formula (B-2), R ³³ represents a cyano group, an alkyl group having no substituent, or a halogenated alkyl group. R ³⁴ is an aryl group. R ³⁵ represents an alkyl group having no substituent or a halogenated alkyl group. ]

［式（Ｂ−３）中、Ｒ^３６はシアノ基、置換基を有さないアルキル基またはハロゲン化アルキル基である。Ｒ^３７は２または３価の芳香族炭化水素基である。Ｒ^３８は置換基を有さないアルキル基またはハロゲン化アルキル基である。ｐ”は２または３である。］

[In Formula (B-3), R ³⁶ represents a cyano group, an alkyl group having no substituent, or a halogenated alkyl group. R ³⁷ is a divalent or trivalent aromatic hydrocarbon group. ^R38 is an alkyl group having no substituent or a halogenated alkyl group. p ″ is 2 or 3.]

In the general formula (B-2), the alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having no substituent of R ³³ preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and carbon atoms. Numbers 1 to 6 are most preferable.
R ³³ is preferably a halogenated alkyl group, more preferably a fluorinated alkyl group.
The fluorinated alkyl group for R ³³ is preferably such that the hydrogen atom of the alkyl group is 50% or more fluorinated, more preferably 70% or more fluorinated, and 90% or more fluorinated. Particularly preferred.
As the aryl group of R ³⁴ , one hydrogen atom is removed from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring such as a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a fluorenyl group, a naphthyl group, an anthryl group, or a phenanthryl group. And a heteroaryl group in which a part of carbon atoms constituting the ring of these groups is substituted with a heteroatom such as an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a nitrogen atom. Among these, a fluorenyl group is preferable.
The aryl group of R ³⁴ may have a substituent such as an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group, or an alkoxy group. The alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group in the substituent preferably has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The halogenated alkyl group is preferably a fluorinated alkyl group.
The alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having no substituent of R ³⁵ preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
R ³⁵ is preferably a halogenated alkyl group, more preferably a fluorinated alkyl group.
The fluorinated alkyl group for R ³⁵ is preferably such that the hydrogen atom of the alkyl group is 50% or more fluorinated, more preferably 70% or more fluorinated, and 90% or more fluorinated. Particularly preferred is the strength of the acid generated. Most preferably, it is a fully fluorinated alkyl group in which a hydrogen atom is 100% fluorine-substituted.

In the general formula (B-3), the alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having no substituent for R ³⁶ is the same as the alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having no substituent for R ^33. Is mentioned.
Examples of the divalent or trivalent aromatic hydrocarbon group for R ³⁷ include groups obtained by further removing one or two hydrogen atoms from the aryl group for R ³⁴ .
Examples of the alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having no substituent of R ³⁸ include the same alkyl groups or halogenated alkyl groups as those having no substituent of R ³⁵ .
p ″ is preferably 2.

Specific examples of the oxime sulfonate acid generator include α- (p-toluenesulfonyloxyimino) -benzyl cyanide, α- (p-chlorobenzenesulfonyloxyimino) -benzyl cyanide, α- (4-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy). Imino) -benzylcyanide, α- (4-nitro-2-trifluoromethylbenzenesulfonyloxyimino) -benzylcyanide, α- (benzenesulfonyloxyimino) -4-chlorobenzylcyanide, α- (benzenesulfonyl) Oxyimino) -2,4-dichlorobenzyl cyanide, α- (benzenesulfonyloxyimino) -2,6-dichlorobenzyl cyanide, α- (benzenesulfonyloxyimino) -4-methoxybenzyl cyanide, α- ( 2-Chlorobenzenesulfonyloxyimino) 4-methoxybenzylcyanide, α- (benzenesulfonyloxyimino) -thien-2-ylacetonitrile, α- (4-dodecylbenzenesulfonyloxyimino) -benzylcyanide, α-[(p-toluenesulfonyloxyimino) -4-methoxyphenyl] acetonitrile, α-[(dodecylbenzenesulfonyloxyimino) -4-methoxyphenyl] acetonitrile, α- (tosyloxyimino) -4-thienyl cyanide, α- (methylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclo Pentenyl acetonitrile, α- (methylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclohexenylacetonitrile, α- (methylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cycloheptenylacetonitrile, α- (methylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclooctene Acetonitrile, α- (trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclopentenylacetonitrile, α- (trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino) -cyclohexylacetonitrile, α- (ethylsulfonyloxyimino) -ethylacetonitrile, α- (propyl Sulfonyloxyimino) -propylacetonitrile, α- (cyclohexylsulfonyloxyimino) -cyclopentylacetonitrile, α- (cyclohexylsulfonyloxyimino) -cyclohexylacetonitrile, α- (cyclohexylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclopentenylacetonitrile, α- ( Ethylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclopentenylacetonitrile, α- (isopropylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclope N-tenyl acetonitrile, α- (n-butylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclopentenylacetonitrile, α- (ethylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclohexenylacetonitrile, α- (isopropylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclohexenylacetonitrile , Α- (n-butylsulfonyloxyimino) -1-cyclohexenylacetonitrile, α- (methylsulfonyloxyimino) -phenylacetonitrile, α- (methylsulfonyloxyimino) -p-methoxyphenylacetonitrile, α- (trifluoro Methylsulfonyloxyimino) -phenylacetonitrile, α- (trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino) -p-methoxyphenylacetonitrile, α- (ethylsulfonyloxyimino) -p- Butoxy phenylacetonitrile, alpha-(propylsulfonyl oxyimino)-p-methylphenyl acetonitrile, alpha-like (methylsulfonyloxyimino)-p-bromophenyl acetonitrile.
Further, an oxime sulfonate-based acid generator disclosed in JP-A-9-208554 (paragraphs [0012] to [0014] [chemical formula 18] to [chemical formula 19]), WO2004 / 074242A2 (pages 65 to 85). The oxime sulfonate acid generators disclosed in Examples 1 to 40) of No. 1 can also be suitably used.
Moreover, the following can be illustrated as a suitable thing.

Among diazomethane acid generators, specific examples of bisalkyl or bisarylsulfonyldiazomethanes include bis (isopropylsulfonyl) diazomethane, bis (p-toluenesulfonyl) diazomethane, bis (1,1-dimethylethylsulfonyl) diazomethane, Examples include bis (cyclohexylsulfonyl) diazomethane, bis (2,4-dimethylphenylsulfonyl) diazomethane, and the like.
Further, diazomethane acid generators disclosed in JP-A-11-035551, JP-A-11-035552, and JP-A-11-035573 can also be suitably used.
Examples of poly (bissulfonyl) diazomethanes include 1,3-bis (phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) propane and 1,4-bis (phenylsulfonyldiazo) disclosed in JP-A-11-322707. Methylsulfonyl) butane, 1,6-bis (phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) hexane, 1,10-bis (phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) decane, 1,2-bis (cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) ethane, 1,3 -Bis (cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) propane, 1,6-bis (cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) hexane, 1,10-bis (cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl) decane, etc. Door can be.

(B) As a component, these acid generators may be used individually by 1 type, and may be used in combination of 2 or more type.
In the present invention, it is preferable to use an onium salt acid generator having a fluorinated alkyl sulfonate ion as an anion as the component (B).
The content of the component (B) in the positive resist composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5 to 50 parts by mass and more preferably 1 to 40 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the component (A). By setting it within the above range, pattern formation is sufficiently performed. Moreover, since a uniform solution is obtained and storage stability becomes favorable, it is preferable.

<Optional component>
The positive resist composition of the present invention may further contain a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D) (hereinafter referred to as “component (D)”) as an optional component.
The component (D) is not particularly limited as long as it acts as an acid diffusion controller, that is, a quencher that traps the acid generated from the component (B) by exposure, and a wide variety of components have already been proposed. Therefore, any known one may be used, and aliphatic amines, particularly secondary aliphatic amines and tertiary aliphatic amines are particularly preferable. Here, the aliphatic amine is an amine having one or more aliphatic groups, and the aliphatic groups preferably have 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
Examples of the aliphatic amine include an amine (alkylamine or alkyl alcohol amine) or a cyclic amine in which at least one hydrogen atom of ammonia NH ₃ is substituted with an alkyl group or hydroxyalkyl group having 20 or less carbon atoms. .
Specific examples of alkylamines and alkyl alcohol amines include monoalkylamines such as n-hexylamine, n-heptylamine, n-octylamine, n-nonylamine, n-decylamine; diethylamine, di-n-propylamine, di- -Dialkylamines such as n-heptylamine, di-n-octylamine, dicyclohexylamine; trimethylamine, triethylamine, tri-n-propylamine, tri-n-butylamine, tri-n-hexylamine, tri-n-pentylamine , Tri-n-heptylamine, tri-n-octylamine, tri-n-nonylamine, tri-n-decanylamine, tri-n-dodecylamine, etc .; diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diisopropanolamine Triisopropanolamine, di -n- octanol amine, tri -n- octanol amine, stearyl diethanolamine, alkyl alcohol amines such as lauryl diethanolamine. Among these, trialkylamine and / or alkyl alcohol amine are preferable.
Examples of the cyclic amine include heterocyclic compounds containing a nitrogen atom as a hetero atom. The heterocyclic compound may be monocyclic (aliphatic monocyclic amine) or polycyclic (aliphatic polycyclic amine).
Specific examples of the aliphatic monocyclic amine include piperidine and piperazine.
As the aliphatic polycyclic amine, those having 6 to 10 carbon atoms are preferable. Specifically, 1,5-diazabicyclo [4.3.0] -5-nonene, 1,8-diazabicyclo [5. 4.0] -7-undecene, hexamethylenetetramine, 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane, and the like.
Examples of the aromatic amine include aniline, pyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, pyrrole, indole, pyrazole, imidazole or derivatives thereof, diphenylamine, triphenylamine, and tribenzylamine.
Other aliphatic amines include tris (2-methoxymethoxyethyl) amine, tris {2- (2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl} amine, tris {2- (2-methoxyethoxymethoxy) ethyl} amine, tris {2 -(1-methoxyethoxy) ethyl} amine, tris {2- (1-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl} amine, tris {2- (1-ethoxypropoxy) ethyl} amine, tris [2- {2- (2-hydroxy Ethoxy) ethoxy} ethylamine and the like.
These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
(D) component is normally used in 0.01-5.0 mass parts with respect to 100 mass parts of (A) component. By setting the content in the above range, the resist pattern shape, the stability over time, and the like are improved.

The positive resist composition of the present invention includes, as optional components, organic carboxylic acids, phosphorus oxoacids and derivatives thereof for the purpose of preventing sensitivity deterioration, improving the resist pattern shape, retention stability over time, etc. At least one compound (E) selected from the group consisting of (hereinafter referred to as component (E)) can be contained.
As the organic carboxylic acid, for example, acetic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid and the like are suitable.
Examples of phosphorus oxo acids and derivatives thereof include phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid and the like, and among these, phosphonic acid is particularly preferable.
Examples of the oxo acid derivative of phosphorus include esters in which the hydrogen atom of the oxo acid is substituted with a hydrocarbon group, and the hydrocarbon group includes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and 6 to 6 carbon atoms. 15 aryl groups and the like.
Examples of phosphoric acid derivatives include phosphoric acid esters such as di-n-butyl phosphate and diphenyl phosphate.
Examples of phosphonic acid derivatives include phosphonic acid esters such as phosphonic acid dimethyl ester, phosphonic acid-di-n-butyl ester, phenylphosphonic acid, phosphonic acid diphenyl ester, and phosphonic acid dibenzyl ester.
Examples of the phosphinic acid derivatives include phosphinic acid esters such as phenylphosphinic acid.
(E) A component may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
(E) A component is normally used in 0.01-5.0 mass parts with respect to 100 mass parts of (A) component.

  The positive resist composition of the present invention further contains miscible additives as desired, for example, additional resins for improving the performance of the resist film, surfactants for improving coating properties, dissolution inhibitors, Plasticizers, stabilizers, colorants, antihalation agents, dyes, and the like can be added and contained as appropriate.

The positive resist composition of the present invention can be produced by dissolving the material in an organic solvent (hereinafter sometimes referred to as (S) component).
As the component (S), any component can be used as long as it can dissolve each component to be used to form a uniform solution. Conventionally, any one of known solvents for chemically amplified resists can be used. Two or more types can be appropriately selected and used.
For example, lactones such as γ-butyrolactone;
Ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl-n-pentyl ketone, methyl isopentyl ketone, 2-heptanone;
Polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol;
Compounds having an ester bond such as ethylene glycol monoacetate, diethylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monoacetate, dipropylene glycol monoacetate, monomethyl ether, monoethyl ether, monopropyl of the polyhydric alcohols or the compound having an ester bond Derivatives of polyhydric alcohols such as ethers, monoalkyl ethers such as monobutyl ether or compounds having an ether bond such as monophenyl ether [in these, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) Is preferred];
Cyclic ethers such as dioxane and esters such as methyl lactate, ethyl lactate (EL), methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, methyl methoxypropionate, ethyl ethoxypropionate;
Aromatic organic solvents such as anisole, ethyl benzyl ether, cresyl methyl ether, diphenyl ether, dibenzyl ether, phenetol, butyl phenyl ether, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, pentylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, toluene, xylene, cymene, mesitylene, etc. be able to.
These organic solvents may be used independently and may be used as 2 or more types of mixed solvents.
Among these, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), and EL are preferable.
Moreover, the mixed solvent which mixed PGMEA and the polar solvent is also preferable. The blending ratio (mass ratio) may be appropriately determined in consideration of the compatibility between PGMEA and the polar solvent, preferably 1: 9 to 9: 1, more preferably 2: 8 to 8: 2. It is preferable to be within the range.
More specifically, when EL is blended as a polar solvent, the mass ratio of PGMEA: EL is preferably 1: 9 to 9: 1, more preferably 2: 8 to 8: 2. Moreover, when mix | blending PGME as a polar solvent, the mass ratio of PGMEA: PGME becomes like this. Preferably it is 1: 9-9: 1, More preferably, it is 2: 8-8: 2, More preferably, it is 3: 7-7: 3.
In addition, as the component (S), a mixed solvent of at least one selected from PGMEA and EL and γ-butyrolactone is also preferable. In this case, the mixing ratio of the former and the latter is preferably 70:30 to 95: 5.
The amount of component (S) used is not particularly limited, but is a concentration that can be applied to a substrate or the like, and is appropriately set according to the coating film thickness. -20% by mass, preferably 2-15% by mass.

The positive resist composition of the present invention and the component (A1) blended in the positive resist composition are novel ones not conventionally known.
In addition, according to the positive resist composition of the present invention, lithography characteristics can be improved and defects can be reduced in resist pattern formation. For example, in forming a resist pattern for a hole pattern, a resist pattern having a good hole shape can be formed at a narrow pitch, and defects can be reduced.
The reason why such an effect is obtained is not clear, but as a factor thereof, a comparatively bulky aliphatic acid-dissociable group is present at the end of the side chain of the structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1). When the monocyclic group contains a polar ether bond (—O—), the hydrophobicity is relaxed as compared with the conventional acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group. Therefore, it is considered that the hydrophilicity in the unexposed portion of the resist film is higher than that in the prior art, and defects that can be caused by the remaining alkali developer on the resist pattern surface can be reduced. On the other hand, in the exposed area, the aliphatic monocyclic group is dissociated by the action of the acid generated by the component (B), and a carboxy group that is an alkali-soluble group appears at the end of the side chain of the structural unit (a0). Therefore, it is considered that the ratio of the solubility of the exposed portion of the resist film to the unexposed portion with respect to the alkaline developer is increased, and a resist pattern having a favorable shape can be formed. In addition to the structural unit (a0), the component (A) has a structural unit (a1) containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group that does not correspond to the structural unit (a0). It is considered that the solubility ratio of the exposed portion to the alkaline developer is increased, and a resist pattern can be easily formed. Furthermore, it is considered that the affinity of the resist film to the substrate is increased and the lithography properties can be improved when the component (A) has the structural unit (a2) containing a lactone-containing cyclic group. In particular, when the structural unit (a2) has a structural unit (a2-i) containing a monocyclic lactone-containing cyclic group and a structural unit (a2-ii) containing a polycyclic lactone-containing cyclic group. The distribution of the component (a2) in the resist film becomes more uniform, so that the affinity is further improved and more preferable lithography characteristics can be exhibited.

≪Resist pattern formation method≫
The resist pattern forming method of the present invention comprises a step of forming a resist film on a support using the positive resist composition of the present invention, a step of exposing the resist film, and developing the resist film to form a resist. Forming a pattern.
The resist pattern forming method of the present invention can be performed, for example, as follows.
That is, first, the positive resist composition of the present invention is applied onto a support with a spinner or the like, and pre-baked (post-apply bake (PAB)) for 40 to 120 seconds under a temperature condition of 80 to 150 ° C., preferably For 60 to 90 seconds, using an exposure apparatus such as an ArF exposure apparatus, an electron beam drawing apparatus, or an EUV exposure apparatus, exposure through a mask pattern, or drawing by direct irradiation of an electron beam without using a mask pattern, etc. Then, PEB (post-exposure heating) is applied for 40 to 120 seconds, preferably 60 to 90 seconds, at a temperature of 80 to 150 ° C. Subsequently, this is developed using an alkali developer, for example, an aqueous solution of 0.1 to 10% by mass of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), preferably rinsed with pure water and dried. In some cases, a baking process (post-bake) may be performed after the development process. In this way, a resist pattern faithful to the mask pattern can be obtained.

The support is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known one can be used, and examples thereof include a substrate for electronic components and a substrate on which a predetermined wiring pattern is formed. More specifically, a silicon substrate, a metal substrate such as copper, chromium, iron, and aluminum, a glass substrate, and the like can be given. As a material for the wiring pattern, for example, copper, aluminum, nickel, gold or the like can be used.
Further, the support may be a substrate in which an inorganic and / or organic film is provided on the above-described substrate. An inorganic antireflection film (inorganic BARC) is an example of the inorganic film. Examples of the organic film include an organic antireflection film (organic BARC).
The wavelength used for the exposure is not particularly limited, and ArF excimer laser, KrF excimer laser, F ₂ excimer laser, EUV (extreme ultraviolet), VUV (vacuum ultraviolet), EB (electron beam), X-ray, soft X-ray, etc. Can be done using radiation. The resist composition is effective for KrF excimer laser, ArF excimer laser, EB or EUV, particularly ArF excimer laser.

The exposure method of the resist film may be normal exposure (dry exposure) performed in an inert gas such as air or nitrogen, or may be immersion exposure (Liquid Immersion Lithography).
In immersion exposure, the space between the resist film and the lens at the lowest position of the exposure apparatus is previously filled with a solvent (immersion medium) having a refractive index larger than that of air, and exposure (immersion exposure) is performed in that state. It is an exposure method.
As the immersion medium, a solvent having a refractive index larger than the refractive index of air and smaller than the refractive index of the resist film to be exposed is preferable. The refractive index of such a solvent is not particularly limited as long as it is within the above range.
Examples of the solvent having a refractive index larger than the refractive index of air and smaller than the refractive index of the resist film include water, a fluorine-based inert liquid, a silicon-based solvent, and a hydrocarbon-based solvent.
Specific examples of the fluorine-based inert liquid include a fluorine-based compound such as C ₃ HCl ₂ F ₅ , C ₄ F ₉ OCH ₃ , C ₄ F ₉ OC ₂ H ₅ , and C ₅ H ₃ F ₇ as a main component. Examples thereof include liquids, and those having a boiling point of 70 to 180 ° C are preferable, and those having a boiling point of 80 to 160 ° C are more preferable. It is preferable that the fluorine-based inert liquid has a boiling point in the above range since the medium used for immersion can be removed by a simple method after the exposure is completed.
As the fluorine-based inert liquid, a perfluoroalkyl compound in which all hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are substituted with fluorine atoms is particularly preferable. Specific examples of the perfluoroalkyl compound include a perfluoroalkyl ether compound and a perfluoroalkylamine compound.
More specifically, examples of the perfluoroalkyl ether compound include perfluoro (2-butyl-tetrahydrofuran) (boiling point: 102 ° C.). Examples of the perfluoroalkylamine compound include perfluorotributylamine ( Boiling point of 174 ° C.).
As the immersion medium, water is preferably used from the viewpoints of cost, safety, environmental problems, versatility, and the like.

≪Polymer compound≫
The polymer compound of the present invention is derived from an acrylic ester containing a structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1) and an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group not corresponding to the structural unit (a0). This is a polymer compound having a structural unit (a1) and a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group.
The description of the polymer compound is the same as the description of the component (A1) of the positive resist composition of the present invention.
As described above, the polymer compound is a monomer that induces a target structural unit, such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), dimethyl-2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionate), or the like. It can be obtained by polymerization by known radical polymerization using a radical polymerization initiator.

  As the monomer for deriving the structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1) in the polymer compound of the present invention, a compound represented by the following general formula (I) (hereinafter referred to as compound (I)) Said).

［式（Ｉ）中、Ｒ、Ｒ^１、Ｒ^２、ｆ、およびｇは前記と同じである。］

[In the formula (I), R, R ¹ , R ² , f and g are the same as described above. ]

  The method for producing such compound (I) is not particularly limited, and can be produced using a known method. For example, it can be synthesized by the method disclosed in paragraphs [0015] to [0036] of International Publication No. WO2007 / 094473.

EXAMPLES Next, although an Example demonstrates this invention further in detail, this invention is not limited by these examples.
In this example, the unit represented by the following chemical formula (1) is referred to as “compound (1)”, and the same applies to compounds represented by other formulas.

<Polymer synthesis example 1>
In a three-necked flask connected with a thermometer and a reflux tube, 28.55 g (167.94 mmol) of compound (1), 32.75 g (139.95 mmol) of compound (2), 9.44 g (51.32 mmol) Of compound (3), 22.02 g (93.30 mmol) of compound (4), and 139.14 g of PGMEA were dissolved. To this solution, 18.10 mmol of dimethyl azobisisobutyrate (V-601) was added and dissolved as a polymerization initiator.
The resultant was dropwise added to 77.30 g of PGMEA heated to 80 ° C. in a nitrogen atmosphere over 6 hours. After completion of dropping, the reaction solution was heated and stirred for 1 hour, and then the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature.
The obtained reaction polymerization liquid was dropped into a large amount of a methanol / water mixed solvent, and an operation for precipitating the polymer was performed. The precipitated white powder was filtered, washed with a heptane / isopropyl alcohol mixed solvent, dried, 58.23 g of the target polymer compound 1 was obtained.
The mass average molecular weight (Mw) in terms of standard polystyrene determined by GPC measurement for this polymer compound was 10900, and the molecular weight dispersity (Mw / Mn) was 1.50. The copolymer composition ratio (ratio of each structural unit in the structural formula (molar ratio)) determined by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (600 MHz — ¹³ C-NMR) is 1 / m / n / o = 39. It was 2 / 30.5 / 10.2 / 20.1.

<Polymer synthesis examples 2 to 19>
Polymer compounds 2 to 19 were synthesized in the same manner as in Synthesis Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1-5.

<Reference Example 1; Synthesis of Compound A>
Compound A was obtained by the following [Synthesis Example 1] to [Synthesis Example 2].

[Synthesis Example 1] (Synthesis of 2- (2- (2-methyl-2-adamantyloxy) -2-oxoethoxy) -2-oxoethanol)
A 2 L three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer was charged with 37.6 g (494 mmol) of glycolic acid, 700 mL of DMF, 86.5 g (626 mmol) of potassium carbonate, and 28.3 g (170 mmol) of potassium iodide at room temperature. For 30 minutes. Then, 300 mL of dimethylformamide in 100 g (412 mmol) of 2-methyl-2-adamantyl chloroacetate was slowly added. The temperature was raised to 40 ° C. and stirred for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, 2000 mL of diethyl ether was added and filtered, and the resulting solution was washed 3 times with 500 mL of distilled water. Crystallization was performed using a mixed solution of toluene (300 mL) and heptane (200 mL) to obtain 78 g (yield 67%, GC purity 99%) of the target product as a colorless solid.
[Synthesis Example 2] (Synthesis of 2- (2- (2-methyl-2-adamantyloxy) -2-oxoethoxy) -2-oxoethyl methacrylate (Compound A))
To a 2 L three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer was added 165 g (584 mmol) of 2- (2- (2-methyl-2-adamantyloxy) -2-oxoethoxy) -2-oxoethanol, 2000 mL of THF, Triethylamine 105 mL (754 mmol) and p-methoxyphenol 0.165 g (1000 ppm) were added and dissolved. After dissolution, 62.7 mL (648 mmol) of methacryloyl chloride was slowly added in an ice bath, warmed to room temperature, and stirred for 3 hours. After completion of the reaction, 1000 mL of diethyl ether was added and washed 5 times with 200 mL of distilled water. The extract was concentrated to obtain 198 g (yield 97%, GC purity 99%) of the objective compound (compound A) as a colorless liquid.

<Synthesis Example of Compound (B-1)>
5.87 g of the following compound (B-1-a), 41.85 g of dichloromethane, and 20.93 g of pure water were added to a beaker, and 4.16 g of the following compound (B-1-b) was added thereto, and 1 at room temperature. Stir for hours. Thereafter, the reaction solution was separated, and the organic phase was further washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and water. The obtained organic phase was added dropwise to 249.0 g of n-hexane to obtain 6.70 g of the target compound (B-1) as a white powder.

This compound (B-1) was analyzed by NMR.
¹ H-NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz):
δ (ppm) = 1.7-1-1.97 (m, 30H, Ad + CH ₃ ), 2.21 (s, 2H, Ad), 2.31 (s, 6H, Ar—CH ₃ ), 4.54 ( _{s, 2H, OCH 2),} 4.59 (s, 2H, CF 2 CH 2), 7.61 (s, 2H, Ar), 7.72-7.83 (m, 10H, Ar).
¹⁹ F-NMR (DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ (ppm) = − 111.3.
From the results of the above analysis, it was confirmed that the compound (B-1) had a structure represented by the chemical formula (B-1).

[Examples 1-17, Comparative Examples 1-2]
Each component shown in Table 6 was mixed and dissolved to prepare a positive resist composition.

In the table, the numerical value in [] indicates the amount (parts by mass). Moreover, the symbol in Table 1 shows the following, respectively.
(A) -1: The polymer compound 1.
(A) -2: The polymer compound 2.
(A) -3: The polymer compound 3.
(A) -4: The polymer compound 4.
(A) -5: The polymer compound 5.
(A) -6: The polymer compound 6.
(A) -7: The polymer compound 7.
(A) -8: The polymer compound 8.
(A) -9: The polymer compound 9.
(A) -10: The polymer compound 10.
(A) -11: The polymer compound 11.
(A) -12: The polymer compound 12.
(A) -13: the polymer compound 13.
(A) -14: the polymer compound 14.
(A) -15: the polymer compound 15.
(A) -16: the polymer compound 16.
(A) -17: the polymer compound 17.
(A) -18: The polymer compound 18.
(A) -19: the polymer compound 19.
(B) -1: Compound represented by the chemical formula (B-1).
(D) -1: tri-n-pentylamine.
(S) -1: PGMEA / PGME = 6/4 (mass ratio) mixed solvent.
(S) -2: γ-butyrolactone.

The following evaluation was performed using the obtained resist composition.
An organic antireflection film composition “ARC29A” (trade name, manufactured by Brewer Science Co., Ltd.) is applied onto a 12-inch silicon wafer using a spinner and baked on a hot plate at 205 ° C. for 60 seconds to be dried. Thereby, an organic antireflection film having a film thickness of 89 nm was formed.
Then, each of the positive resist compositions obtained above is applied onto the antireflection film using a spinner, and prebaked (PAB) treatment is performed on the hot plate under the conditions shown in Table 6 for 60 seconds. And dried to form a resist film having a thickness of 100 nm.
Next, a protective film forming coating solution “TILC-057” (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) is applied onto the resist film using a spinner and heated at 90 ° C. for 60 seconds. A top coat having a thickness of 90 nm was formed.
Next, an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) is passed through the hole pattern mask pattern using an ArF immersion exposure apparatus NSR-S609B (Nikon Corporation; NA (numerical aperture) = 1.07, σ = 0.97). The resist film on which the coat was formed was selectively irradiated.
Then, a post-exposure heating (PEB) treatment for 60 seconds was performed at the temperature shown in Table 6, and a 2.38 mass% TMAH aqueous solution “NMD-3” (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) at 23 ° C. For 30 seconds, and then rinsed with pure water for 30 seconds and shaken and dried.
As a result, in any of the examples, a contact hole pattern (hereinafter referred to as “CH pattern”) in which holes having a hole diameter of 90 nm were arranged at equal intervals (pitch 140 nm) could be formed in the resist film.

[Measurement of contact angle between exposed and unexposed areas]
The resist compositions of Examples 1 to 17 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were each applied onto an 8-inch silicon wafer subjected to hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) treatment using a spinner, and 110 ° C. on a hot plate. The resist film having a film thickness of 120 nm was formed by pre-baking for 60 seconds and drying.
Water (2 μL) was dropped onto the surface of the resist film (resist film before exposure), and the static contact angle was measured using DROP MASTER-700 (product name, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.). Each measured value was defined as “contact angle (after application)” of the unexposed portion. The results are also shown in Table 6.

[Shape evaluation]
A CH pattern in which holes with a diameter of 90 nm are arranged at equal intervals (pitch 140 nm) was observed from above using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the roundness of each hole pattern was evaluated according to the following criteria. . The results are also shown in Table 6.
○: The hole pattern observed in the sky had few irregularities on the circumference, and the hole pattern as a whole had a high roundness and a good shape.
X: Concavities and convexities were observed in part of the circumference of the hole pattern.

    From the above results, as shown in Table 6, it was confirmed that Examples 1 to 17 according to the present invention were excellent in the roundness in the resist pattern shape, particularly in the hole pattern. In addition, since the hydrophilicity of the unexposed area is high, defects such as reprecipitation defects in the unexposed area can be reduced.

Claims (7)

A positive resist composition comprising a base component (A) whose solubility in an alkaline developer is increased by the action of an acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates an acid upon exposure,
The base component (A) is derived from an acrylic ester containing a structural unit (a0) represented by the following general formula (a0-1) and an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group that does not correspond to the structural unit (a0). And a polymer compound (A1) having a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a structural unit (a1) and a lactone-containing cyclic group.

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹ represents a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or carbon. A cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; R ² is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. . f is 0 or 1; g is 1 or 2. ]   The polymer compound (A1) is a structural unit (a2-i) derived from an acrylate ester containing a monocyclic lactone-containing cyclic group and a polycyclic lactone-containing cyclic group as the structural unit (a2). The positive resist composition according to claim 1, which has a structural unit (a2-ii) derived from an acrylic ester containing.   The positive resist composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer compound (A1) further comprises a structural unit (a3) derived from an acrylate ester containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group.   The positive resist composition as described in any one of Claims 1-3 containing a nitrogen-containing organic compound component (D).   A step of forming a resist film on the support using the positive resist composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a step of exposing the resist film, and an alkali development of the resist film A resist pattern forming method including a step of forming a resist pattern. A structural unit (a0) represented by the following general formula (a0-1), a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group not corresponding to the structural unit (a0), and a lactone A polymer compound having a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a cyclic group ,
The structural unit (a2) is derived from a structural unit (a2-i) derived from an acrylate ester containing a monocyclic lactone-containing cyclic group and an acrylate ester containing a polycyclic lactone-containing cyclic group. A polymer compound having the structural unit (a2-ii) .

[Wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R ¹ represents a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or carbon. A cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; R ² is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. . f is 0 or 1; g is 1 or 2. ] Furthermore, the high molecular compound of Claim 6 which has a structural unit (a3) induced | guided | derived from the acrylate ester containing a polar group containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group.