WO2015045240A1 - Sulfonic acid ester containing polymers for organic solvent based dual-tone photoresists - Google Patents
Sulfonic acid ester containing polymers for organic solvent based dual-tone photoresists Download PDFInfo
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/26—Processing photosensitive materials; Apparatus therefor
- G03F7/30—Imagewise removal using liquid means
- G03F7/32—Liquid compositions therefor, e.g. developers
- G03F7/325—Non-aqueous compositions
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/004—Photosensitive materials
- G03F7/0045—Photosensitive materials with organic non-macromolecular light-sensitive compounds not otherwise provided for, e.g. dissolution inhibitors
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/004—Photosensitive materials
- G03F7/0046—Photosensitive materials with perfluoro compounds, e.g. for dry lithography
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/004—Photosensitive materials
- G03F7/0048—Photosensitive materials characterised by the solvents or agents facilitating spreading, e.g. tensio-active agents
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/004—Photosensitive materials
- G03F7/038—Macromolecular compounds which are rendered insoluble or differentially wettable
- G03F7/0382—Macromolecular compounds which are rendered insoluble or differentially wettable the macromolecular compound being present in a chemically amplified negative photoresist composition
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/004—Photosensitive materials
- G03F7/039—Macromolecular compounds which are photodegradable, e.g. positive electron resists
- G03F7/0392—Macromolecular compounds which are photodegradable, e.g. positive electron resists the macromolecular compound being present in a chemically amplified positive photoresist composition
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/004—Photosensitive materials
- G03F7/039—Macromolecular compounds which are photodegradable, e.g. positive electron resists
- G03F7/0392—Macromolecular compounds which are photodegradable, e.g. positive electron resists the macromolecular compound being present in a chemically amplified positive photoresist composition
- G03F7/0397—Macromolecular compounds which are photodegradable, e.g. positive electron resists the macromolecular compound being present in a chemically amplified positive photoresist composition the macromolecular compound having an alicyclic moiety in a side chain
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/20—Exposure; Apparatus therefor
- G03F7/2037—Exposure with X-ray radiation or corpuscular radiation, through a mask with a pattern opaque to that radiation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/20—Exposure; Apparatus therefor
- G03F7/2041—Exposure; Apparatus therefor in the presence of a fluid, e.g. immersion; using fluid cooling means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/26—Processing photosensitive materials; Apparatus therefor
- G03F7/40—Treatment after imagewise removal, e.g. baking
Definitions
- the invention described herein is subject to a joint research agreement between International Business Machines Corporation and JSR Corporation.
- the present invention relates generally to photoresist compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to acid-labile sulfonate-ester containing photoresist polymers that upon development in an organic solvent produce positive or negative tone images (dual-tone imaging) depending on the selection of development solvent.
- CA photoresists developed with aqueous base have been the industry standard for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Recently, there has been a switch to negative tone resists developed in organic solvent due to their superior performance in certain lithographic processes. Typically the same CA resists are used for both positive tone aqueous solvent developed resists and negative tone organic solvent developed resists. Because the CA resists have not been optimized for organic solvent development, they can suffer performance limitations when used as negative tone organic solvent developed resists, particularly with respect to unwanted resist thinning and loss of contrast. In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a method to improve the performance of conventional CA resists such that the CA resists are more compatible with organic solvent negative tone development. An additional advantage would be found in the art if the improved organic solvent developable CA resist could be processed as both negative tone and positive tone resists.
- the present invention provides improvements to currently used CA photoresists by maintaining the CA formulations largely unchanged while incorporating performance enhancing acid-labile sulfonate ester moieties (or units) on the polymer main chain of the standard photoresist polymer at low levels.
- the incorporation of low levels of acid-labile sulfonate ester moieties to the standard photoresist polymer improves the performance of the CA resists such that the resists can be processed in organic solvents as both positive and negative tone resists.
- a method comprising preparing a chemically amplified photoresist composition comprising: an organic solvent developable photoresist polymer, the polymer comprising an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety in the range of 1-50 wt %.
- the chemically amplified photoresist may be developed with an organic solvent to produce a positive tone or negative tone image in a photoresist film.
- a method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a chemically amplified photoresist composition comprising an organic acid developable photoresist polymer comprising an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety in the range of 1-50 wt %, a casting solvent, and optionally a photoacid generator (PAG); (b) applying the resist composition of step (a) to a substrate to form a resist film; (c) optionally, baking the resist film (PAB); (d) exposing the resist film to radiation; (e) optionally, baking the resist film (PEB); (f) developing the resist film with an organic solvent to expose a pattern etched onto the resist film; and (g) optionally rinsing the resist film with water or an organic solvent.
- a photoacid generator PAG
- the photoresist polymer comprises a poly(hydroxystyrene).
- the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety may be present in the poly(hydroxystyrene) photoresist polymer in a range of 5-10 wt%.
- the photoresist polymer comprises a lactone-based polymer.
- the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety is preferably present in the lactone-based photoresist polymer in a range of 5-31 wt%.
- the photoresist polymer is substantially lactone-free.
- the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety is preferably present in the substantially lactone-free photoresist polymer in a range of 5-31 wt%.
- the photoresist polymer is blended with an additional polymer that is free of an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety.
- the blended polymer combination enhances dissolution contrast of the photoresist.
- the casting solvent of step (a) is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA), cyclohexanone (CHYN), and a combination of PGMEA and CHYN.
- PGMEA propylene glycol methyl ether acetate
- CHYN cyclohexanone
- CHYN a combination of PGMEA and CHYN.
- the PAG of step (a) is triphenylsulfonium perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate (TPS-N).
- the radiation of step (d) is selected from the group consisting of deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, electron beam (e-beam) radiation, and ion-beam radiation.
- DUV deep ultraviolet
- EUV extreme ultraviolet
- e-beam electron beam
- the resist film of step (f) is developed with a positive tone development (PTD) organic solvent to produce a positive tone image on the resist film.
- PTD positive tone development
- the PTD organic solvent comprises a polyhydric alcohol-based organic solvent.
- the polyhydric alcohol-based organic solvent is selected from ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol combined with isopropyl alcohol.
- the resist film of step (f) is developed with a negative tone development (NTD) organic solvent to produce a negative tone image on the resist film.
- NTD negative tone development
- the NTD organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of a methyl amyl ketone (MAK), n-butyl acetate (nBA), n-pentylacetate (nPA), ethyl amyl ketone (EAK), and combinations thereof.
- MAK methyl amyl ketone
- nBA n-butyl acetate
- nPA n-pentylacetate
- EAK ethyl amyl ketone
- the resist film of step (f) is a positive tone resist film and is rinsed at step (g) with water.
- the resist film of step (f) is a negative tone resist film and is rinsed at step (g) with an organic solvent.
- the resist polymer composition of step (a) further includes a quencher selected from the group consisting of base quenchers and radiation sensitive quenchers.
- the radiation sensitive quencher is a photodecomposable base (PDB).
- the PDB is triphenylsulfonium heptafluorobutyrate (TPS-HFB).
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of organic solvent based positive and negative tone (dual-tone) imaging.
- FIG. 2 shows chemical structures of the photoresist polymers PHS-EAdMA; NBHFAMA-ECpMA; NM-ECpMA; and NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM, and the same photoresist polymers with acid-labile sulfonate-ester groups: PHS-EAdMA-PStS; NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS; NM-ECpMA-PStS; and NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of organic solvent based positive and negative tone (dual-tone) imaging.
- FIG. 2 shows chemical structures of the photoresist polymers PHS-EAdMA; NBHFAMA-ECpMA; NM-ECpMA; and NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM, and the same photoresist polymers with acid-labile sulfonate-ester
- FIG. 3 is a representation of the chemical structure of the organic developable photoresist polymer PHS-EAdMA-PStS and of the resist additives TPS-N and TPS-HFB.
- FIGS. 4A-4D are scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of imaging results for the PHS-EAdMA-PStS (PHS-EAdMA-PStS /TPSN/TPS HFB) resist of the present invention.
- FIG. 4A shows KrF positive tone imaging results for 190 nm line and space (LS) patterns at 35 mJ/cm 2 ;
- FIG. 4B shows KrF negative tone imaging results for 190 nm LS patterns at 37 mJ/cm 2 ;
- FIGS. 5A-5D are SEM micrographs of KrF imaging results for the NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS (NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS/TPSN/TPS HFB) resist of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A shows KrF positive tone imaging results of 160 nm LS patterns at 35 mJ/cm 2 ;
- FIG. 5B shows KrF positive tone imaging results of 200 nm LS patterns at 35 mJ/cm 2 ;
- FIGS. 6A-6D are SEM micrographs of imaging results for the NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS (NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS/TPSN/TPS HFB) resist of the present invention.
- FIG. 6A shows KrF positive tone imaging results of 160 nm LS patterns at 32 mJ/cm 2 ;
- FIG. 6B shows KrF positive tone imaging results of 200 nm LS patterns at 32 mJ/cm 2 ;
- FIG. 6C shows KrF negative tone imaging results of 160 nm LS patterns at 37 mJ/cm 2 ; and FIG. 6D shows KrF negative tone imaging results of 200 nm LS patterns at 37 mJ/cm 2 .
- FIG. 7A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist PHS-EAdMA and FIG. 7B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, PHSEAdMA-PStS.
- FIG. 7A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist PHS-EAdMA and FIG.
- FIG. 7B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, PHSEAdMA-PStS.
- FIG. 8A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-ECpMA and FIG. 8B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-ECpMA-PStS.
- FIG. 8A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-ECpMA and FIG.
- FIG. 8B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-ECpMA-PStS.
- FIG. 9A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM and
- FIG. 9B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS.
- FIG. 9A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM and FIG.
- FIG. 9B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS.
- FIG. 10A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NBHFAMA-ECpMA; and
- FIG. 10B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS.
- FIG. 10A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NBHFAMA-ECpMA; and FIG.
- FIG. 10B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS.
- FIG. 11 is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresists PHS-EAdMA; PHS-EAdMA-PStS; and PHS-EAdMA/PHS-EAdMA-PStS (50:50) blend.
- FIG. 12A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA (25:75); and FIG.
- FIG. 12B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS (25:75) blend.
- FIG. 12A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA (25:75); and
- FIG. 12B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS (25:75) blend.
- FIG. 12A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA (25:75) blend.
- FIG. 12B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-ECpMA
- FIG. 13A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-Hd-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA (25:75); and FIG. 13B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-Hd-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS (25:75).
- FIG. 13A is a KrF contrast curve graph for the photoresist NM-Hd-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA (25:75); and
- FIG. 13B is a KrF contrast curve graph for the same photoresist with an acid-labile sulfonate-ester group, NM-Hd-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS (25:75).
- resist and “photoresist” are meant to refer to the same composition and thus, the terms are used interchangeably herein.
- chemically amplified resist is used in its traditional sense to refer to a photoresist that is based on acid-catalyzed deprotection and is comprised of a polymer, catalyst, additive, and casting solvent. Chemically amplified resists are designed for DUV and shorter wavelengths and have increased sensitivity to exposure energy as a consequence of the chemical amplification.
- negative tone resist refers to a photoresist that upon development produces a negative tone image (where unexposed regions are removed during the development process).
- positive tone resist refers to a photoresist that upon development produces a positive tone image (where exposed regions are removed during the development process).
- PStS acid-labile pinanyl styrene sulfonate-ester moiety, which is typically incorporated into the main chain of a polymer.
- acid-labile is used in its traditional sense to refer to moieties that react with acid and are converted into functionality with different chemical properties.
- resist polymers and/or resists that do not contain acid-labile sulfonate-esters are referred to herein interchangeably as "standard,” “traditional,” or “conventional” resist polymers and/or resists.
- positive tone development and "PTD,” which are used interchangeably throughout, refer to a method by which exposure of a photoresist with a light source, typically followed by post exposure bake, changes the composition of the resist such that the exposed portions of the resist become more soluble in the positive tone developing solvent. When the resist is developed with this solvent, the exposed portions of the resist are washed away leaving a positive tone relief pattern in the resist film.
- the PTD solvent is an organic solvent.
- FIG. 1 provides a schematic of positive tone development.
- negative tone development and "NTD,” which are used interchangeably throughout, refer to a lithography method by which exposure of the resist with a light source, typically followed by post-exposure bake, changes the composition of the resist making it more difficult to dissolve in the NTD solvent.
- the NTD solvent is an organic solvent.
- FIG. 1 provides a schematic of negative tone development.
- dual-tone resist refers to a photoresist which can be used to produce either positive tone or negative tone relief patterns depending on the choice of development solvent used.
- a single development step is used to produce a negative tone or positive tone film from a dual tone resist; this single step process is the standard lithographic procedure used in semiconductor manufacturing.
- a dual-tone resist can also be used in alternative "dual-tone development" processes in a sidewall based double patterning procedure.
- the first development step uses PTD to remove high exposure dose areas and the subsequent development step uses NTD to remove the unexposed or lowest exposure dose areas. Dual-tone development of the resist film leaves the intermediate dose areas defining the two features edges intact.
- dual-tone development will be carried out with two different organic solvents, a PTD organic solvent and a NTD organic solvent.
- polyhydric alcohol is used in its traditional sense to refer to an alcohol molecule that has more than one hydroxyl group.
- DUV deep ultraviolet
- typical DUV exposure wavelengths for lithography techniques being 248 nm (5 eV) with krypton fluoride (KrF) excimer lasers and 193 nm (6.4 eV) with argon fluoride (ArF) excimer lasers.
- EUV extreme ultraviolet
- Typical EUV exposure currently occurs at 10 to 13 nm with 13.5 nm being the most commonly used EUV wavelength.
- the present invention provides a method for improving the performance of organic solvent developable CA resists by covalently attaching acid-labile sulfonic acid esters, to conventional photoresist polymers. Upon image-wise exposure and post exposure bake, the moieties generate highly polar polymer bound sulfonic acids that improve the dissolution contrast of the resist thereby improving performance of the CA resists in organic solvent developers.
- the CA resists of the present invention are based on polymers that incorporate between 1 and 50 wt % acid-labile sulfonate-esters.
- the resists are designed for optimum performance when developed in organic solvents (i.e., non-aqueous solvents) and can be used in KrF, ArF, EUV and e-beam high resolution lithographic processes. Inclusion of only a few wt % of acid-labile sulfonate to the CA resists can result in dramatic improvements in the contrast and resolution of the resists over traditional CA resists that are developed in organic solvents. In this way, the present invention provides a simple and cost-effective way to improve the performance of existing resist systems and is compatible with a number of different resist chemistries.
- resists based on the method described herein can be used in either positive or negative tone solvent development, an advantage over most current state of the art CA resists.
- FIG. 1 The general process of positive tone and negative tone (i.e., dual tone) organic solvent development of CA resists is illustrated in FIG. 1.
- organic solvent development of conventional positive tone CA resists dissolution contrast is due to polarity differences between the exposed and unexposed regions of the resist film. This is true for both positive tone and negative tone solvent development.
- the dissolution contract is due to differences in the acidity of the exposed regions and unexposed regions of the resist film.
- the properties of the solvent determine the tone of the resist.
- the organic solvent NTD development method shown therein is distinct from the dissolution contrast that derives from changes in polymer molecular weight in other negative tone resist processes based on chemically amplified crosslinking reactions.
- dissolution contrast the methods described herein apply to CA resist polymers containing acid-labile sulfonate-esters, which improve the dissolution contrast of the resists over that seen with traditional CA resists that are developed in organic solvents.
- the exposed and baked regions of the resist film have enhanced polarity as a result of the presence of the newly generated sulfonic acid moiety, whereas the unexposed regions of the film remain relatively non-polar and may have a degree of dissolution inhibition due to the presence of the sulfonate-ester moiety.
- the attributes of enhanced polarity of exposed regions and dissolution inhibition of unexposed regions are what give the sulfonate-ester based resists described herein their improved performance.
- FIG. 2 shows structural information for several CA resist polymers that are used in KrF, ArF, EUV, and e-beam lithography, both with and without the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moieties described herein.
- the polymers of FIG. 2 were formulated into resists according to the formulation details provided in Table 1 and according to the general resist polymer preparation procedure of Example 2.
- FIG. 3 shows the exemplary sulfonate-ester containing CA PHS (poly(hydroxystyrene)) resist polymer, PHS-EAdMA-PStS, which is produced by the incorporation of 5 wt % acid-labile sulfonate-ester into the standard PHS-EAdMA polymer.
- FIG. 3 also shows the structures of the TPS-N (PAG) and TPS-HFB (quencher) of Table 1, which are used to prepare the sulfonate-ester containing CA resists of the present invention.
- PHS-EAdMA-PStS poly(hydroxystyrene) resist polymer
- FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show high resolution positive tone and negative tone images for resists prepared from the following sulfonate-ester containing organic solvent developable resist polymers of the present invention: the PHS-based PHS-EAdMA-PStS resists (FIGS. 4A-4D); the lactone-based NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS resists (FIGS. 5A-5D; and lactone-free-based NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS resists (FIGS. 6A-6D).
- FIG. 4A shows an image of a KrF-exposed sulfonate-ester containing PHS-EAdMA-PStS positive tone resist
- FIG. 4B shows an image of a KrF-exposed sulfonate-ester containing PHS-EAdMA-PStS negative tone resist
- FIG. 4C shows an image of a EUV-exposed PHS-EAdMA-PStS positive tone resist
- FIG. 4D shows an image of an EUV-exposed PHS-EAdMA-PStS negative tone resist.
- the positive tone resists were baked and developed with an ethylene glycol solvent and the negative tone resists were baked and developed with n-butyl acetate.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B show images of KrF-exposed lactone-based sulfonate-ester containing NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS positive tone resists and FIGS. 5C and 5D show images of KrF-exposed lactone-based sulfonate-ester containing NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS negative tone resists.
- the positive tone NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS resists were baked and developed with ethylene glycol/isopropyl alcohol EG/IPA (50:50 v/v) and the negative tone NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS resists were baked and developed with ethyl amyl ketone (EAK).
- EAK ethyl amyl ketone
- FIGS. 6A and 6B show images of KrF-exposed lactone-free sulfonate-ester containing NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS positive tone resists and FIGS. 6C and 6D show images of KrF-exposed lactone-free sulfonate-ester containing NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS negative tone resists.
- the positive tone NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS resists were baked and developed with EG/IPA (50:50 v/v) and the negative tone NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS resists were baked and developed with EAK.
- FIGS. 7-13 are KrF contrast curve graphs for resist resists containing the sulfonate-ester containing polymers described herein or standard photoresist polymers.
- the resists that were used in the experiments associated with FIGS. 7-13 were KrF exposed and developed using positive tone or negative tone developer solvent.
- Table 2 shows the polymer composition and characterization data for the polymers of FIGS. 7-13 and Example 2 provides the general procedure by which the resists were prepared.
- ethylene glycol i.e., a polyhydric alcohol
- EG/IPA 50:50 v/v isopropyl alcohol
- nBA n-butyl acetate
- nPA n-pentylacetate
- EAK ethyl amyl ketone
- the developer nBA is the standard industry developer at present for ArF immersion lithography.
- the standard PHS-EAdMA resist produced high contrast KrF positive tone development with the PTD solvent ethylene glycol, but had very poor contrast for all KrF negative tone development with all of the NTD solvents used (i.e., anisole, MAK, nBA, nPA, and EAK).
- the sulfonate-ester containing PHS-EAdMA-PStS resist of the present invention produced very high contrast KrF PTD with ethylene glycol and very high contrast KrF NTD with nPA.
- the KrF contrast curve data of FIG. 7B demonstrate the potential of PHS-EAdMA-PStS photoresists for organic solvent based dual-tone imaging.
- FIGS. 8-10 show PTD and NTD contrast data for single polymer compositions
- FIGS. 12 and 13 show PTD and NTD contrast data for combination (or blend) polymer compositions
- FIG. 11 provides a comparison of NTD contrast curve results with nBA for single and combination polymer compositions.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B show that the sulfonate-ester containing lactone-based resist NM-ECpMA-PStS (FIG. 8B) has improved NTD with MAK over the traditional resist NM-ECpMA (FIG. 8A).
- FIGS. 9A and 9B show that the sulfonate-ester containing lactone-based resist NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS (FIG. 9B) has enhanced PTD with EG/IPA (50:50 v/v) and enhanced NTD with nBA over the traditional NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM resist.
- the NBHFAMA-ECpMA-NM-PStS resist is an effective organic solvent developable dual-tone resist.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B show that the sulfonate-ester containing lactone-free resist NBHFAMAM-ECpMA-PStS (FIG. 10B) has enhanced PTD with EG/IPA (50:50 v/v) and enhanced NTD with nBA and EAK over the traditional NBHFAMA-ECpMA resist. (FIG. 10A)
- FIG. 11 compares KrF contrast curves for three resists each developed with the NTD solvent nBA.
- the resists tested were a resist prepared from the polymer PHS-EAdMA; a resist prepared from the sulfonate-ester containing resist polymer PHS-EAdMA-PStS; and a resist prepared with a 50:50 blend of the two foregoing resists polymers (PHS-EAdMA/PHS-EAdMA-PStS).
- the inclusion of the sulfonate-ester containing resist polymer increased the NTD of the resulting resist.
- the resist prepared from the sulfonate-ester containing resist polymer showed a marked improvement in contrast for both PTD and NTD imaging (FIG. 11) over its traditional counterpart.
- the resist prepared from the blended polymers also showed improved NTD (FIG. 11) over its traditional counterpart.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B show a comparison of PTD and NTD contrast curves for a resist comprised of polymer blends with and without sulfonate-ester moieties.
- FIG. 12A shows the contrast curve results for a resist prepared from a traditional lactone-based resist polymer blended with a traditional lactone-free resist polymer, NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA (25:75).
- FIG. 12B shows the contrast curve results for a resist prepared from a traditional lactone-based resist polymer blended with a sulfonate-ester containing lactone-based resist polymer, NM-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS (25:75). As shown in FIG.
- resists prepared from the traditional polymer blend showed good contrast for PTD imaging (development with the PTD solvent EG/IPA (50:50 v/v)), but very low contrast for NTD imaging (development with the NTD solvents nBA and MAK).
- resists prepared from traditional/sulfonate-ester polymer blend showed dramatic contrast curves with both PTD and NTD imaging (FIG. 12B).
- FIGS. 13A and 13B show results comparable to those described for FIGS. 12A and 12B.
- FIG. 13A shows PTD and NTD contrast curves for a resist comprised of a traditional NM-Hd-ECpMA resist polymer blended with a traditional lactone-free resist polymer (NM-Hd-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA).
- FIG. 13B shows PTD and NTD contrast curves for a traditional NM-Hd-ECpMA resist polymer blended with a sulfonate-ester containing lactone-free resist polymer (NM-Hd-ECpMA/NBHFAMA-ECpMA-PStS). As shown in FIGS.
- resists prepared with the traditional polymer and the sulfonate-ester containing polymer had significantly higher contrast with both PTD and NTD imagining over the polymer blends that did not include a sulfonate-ester containing moiety.
- the dual-tone resist was developed with the PTD solvent, EG/IPA (50:50 v/v), to produce the positive tone image, and the dual tone resist was developed with the NTD solvents, nBA and MAK, to produce the negative tone images.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 demonstrate that optimization of resist polymer composition with different groups and/or blends of traditional and sulfonate-ester containing resist polymers can enhance the contrast for PTD and NTD imaging.
- the organic solvent developable photoresists described herein is used in a lithographic process comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a resist composition comprising a photoresist polymer comprising an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety, a casting solvent, and optionally a photoacid generator (PAG); (b) applying the resist composition of step (a) to a substrate to form a resist film; (c) optionally, baking the resist film (post-application bake, PAB); (d) exposing the resist film to radiation; (e) optionally, baking the resist film (post-exposure bake, PEB); (f) developing the resist film with an organic solvent to expose a pattern etched into the film; and (g) optionally, rinsing the resist film with water or organic solvent.
- a photoacid generator PAG
- the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety may be present in the photoresist polymer in a range of 1-50 wt%.
- the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety may be present in the poly(hydroxystyrene) photoresist polymer in a range of 5-10 wt%.
- the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety may be present in the lactone or lactone free photoresist polymer in a range of 5-31 wt% .
- the substrate for the lithographic process may be selected from the group consisting of silicon, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, sapphire, germanium, gallium arsenide, an alloy of silicon and germanium, and indium phosphide.
- the substrate is silicon.
- the casting solvent used to dissolve the resist polymer may be selected from propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA), cyclohexanone (CHYN), or a combination of PGMEA and CHYN.
- PGMEA propylene glycol methyl ether acetate
- CHYN cyclohexanone
- CHYN a combination of PGMEA and CHYN.
- the PAG present in the composition is typically in the range of about 1-15 mol % and may or may not be bound to the photoresist polymer.
- PAGs incorporated into the resists should have high thermal stability, i.e., be stable to at least 140 degrees C, so they are not degraded during pre-exposure processing.
- Examples of PAGs that may be used with the resists of the present invention include, without limitation, sulfonates, onium salts, aromatic diazonium salts, sulfonium salts, diaryliodonium salts and sulfonic acid esters of N-hydroxyamides or N-hydroxyimides. Specific examples of typical PAGs may be selected from the following list of PAGs:
- sulfonium salts such as triphenylsulfonium perfluoromethanesulfonate (triphenylsulfonium triflate), triphenylsulfonium perfluorobutanesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium perfluoropentanesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate, triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroarsenate, triphenylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate, triphenylsulfonium bromide, triphenylsulfonium chloride, triphenylsulfonium iodide, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyldiphenylsulfonium perfluorobutanesulfonate, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyldiphenylsulfonium benzenesulfonate, diphenylethylsulf
- halonium salts particularly iodonium salts, including diphenyliodonium perfluoromethanesulfonate (diphenyliodonium triflate), diphenyliodonium perfluorobutanesulfonate, diphenyliodonium perfluoropentanesulfonate, diphenyliodonium hexafluoroantimonate, diphenyliodonium hexafluoroarsenate, bis-(t-butylphenyl)iodonium triflate, and bis-(t-butylphenyl)-iodonium camphanylsulfonate;
- diphenyliodonium perfluoromethanesulfonate diphenyliodonium triflate
- diphenyliodonium perfluorobutanesulfonate diphenyliodonium perfluoropentanesulfonate
- (alpha), (alpha)'-bis-sulfonyl-diazomethanes such as bis(p-toluenesulfonyl)diazomethane, methylsulfonyl p-toluenesulfonyldiazomethane, 1-cyclohexylsulfonyl-1-(1,1-dimethylethylsulfonyl) diazomethane, and bis(cyclohexylsulfonyl)diazomethane;
- trifluoromethanesulfonate esters of imides and hydroxyimides e.g., (alpha)-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (MDT);
- nitrobenzyl sulfonate esters such as 2-nitrobenzyl p-toluenesulfonate, 2,6-dinitrobenzyl p-toluenesulfonate, and 2,4-dinitrobenzyl p-trifluoromethylbenzene sulfonate;
- sulfonyloxynaphthalimides such as N-camphorsulfonyloxynaphthalimide and N-pentafluorophenylsulfonyloxynaphthalimide;
- pyrogallol derivatives e.g., trimesylate of pyrogallol
- miscellaneous sulfonic acid generators including t-butylphenyl-(alpha)-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-acetate, t-butyl-(alpha)-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)acetate, and N-hydroxy-naphthalimide dodecane sulfonate (DDSN), and benzoin tosylate.
- PAB and PEB of the method of the present invention will vary with the materials and radiation that are used to carry out the method.
- typical PAB and PEB temperatures and bake times range from 50 degrees C to 150 degrees C for 30 to 200 seconds, with preferred temperatures and bake times ranging from 100 to 130 degrees C for 60 to 120 seconds.
- PAB temperatures may sometimes, but not necessarily, be higher than PEB temperatures and PEB bake times may sometimes, but not necessarily, be longer than PAB bake times.
- Exposure of the photoresist may occur by any suitable method including without limitation, DUV optical radiation, ion-beam projection, x-ray radiation, e-beam radiation, focused beam radiation, and EUV radiation.
- the sulfonate-ester containing photoresists of the present invention may also be used for mixed lithography processes wherein more than one exposure method is used, such as for example, e-beam and EUV radiation.
- the photoresist is exposed with radiation selected from the group consisting of deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation (248 nm and 193 nm), extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation (13.5 nm), electron beam (e-beam) radiation, and ion beam radiation.
- DUV deep ultraviolet
- EUV extreme ultraviolet
- the choice of organic solvent will dictate whether the final resist will be a positive tone or negative tone resist.
- a dual-tone resist developed with a polyhydric alcohol-based solvent will produce a positive tone image and a dual-tone resist developed with a ketone and/or acetate-based solvent will produce a negative tone image.
- polyhydric alcohol-based PTD solvents that may be used to develop positive tone resists include, without limitation, ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, maltotetraitol, polyglycitol.
- the polyhydric alcohol may be used alone (i.e., neat) to develop the positive tone resist or it be used in combination with water or with other solvents, such as for example, aliphatic alcohols, diols, and/or triols.
- solvents such as for example, aliphatic alcohols, diols, and/or triols.
- organic solvents that may be used to develop positive tone resists include, without limitation, propanediols, propanetriols, butanediols, butanetriols, pentanediols, pentanetriols, hexanediols, hexanetriols, octanediols, octanetriols, cyclopropanol, cyclobutanol, cyclopentanol, phenylmethanol, and phenylethanol.
- a preferred polyhydric alcohol for development of positive tone resists is ethylene glycol (EG
- acetone or ketone-based NTD solvents that may be used to develop negative tone resists include without limitation, anisole, methyl amyl ketone (MAK), n-Butyl acetate (nBA), n-pentylacetate (nPA), and ethyl amyl ketone (EAK; also known as 3-octanone).
- MAK methyl amyl ketone
- nBA n-Butyl acetate
- nPA n-pentylacetate
- EAK ethyl amyl ketone
- a positive tone resist film will preferably be rinsed with water while a negative tone resist film will preferably be rinsed with an organic solvent.
- a quencher may also be used in the processing of the organic solvent developable resists of the present invention.
- the quencher may be a base quencher or a radiation sensitive quencher, such as a photodecomposable base (PDB).
- PDB photodecomposable base
- base quenchers examples include, without limitation, aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, and combinations thereof.
- Specific examples of base quenchers include, without limitation, 2-phenyl benzimidazole; tert-butyl 2-phenyl-1,3-benzodiazole-1-carboxylate; dimethylamino pyridine; 7-diethylamino-4-methyl coumarin (Coumarin 1); tertiary amines; sterically hindered diamine and guanidine bases, such as 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (e.g., PROTON SPONGE(R)); berberine; and polymeric amines (such as in the PLURONIC(R) or TETRONIC(R) series commercially available from BASF). Tetra alkyl ammonium hydroxides or cetyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide may be used as a base quencher when the PAG is an onium salt.
- PDBs examples include, without limitation, arylsulfonium or iodonium salts of carboxylates, hydroxides, and sulfamates.
- An example of a monofunctional PDB that can be used with the present invention is triphenylsulfonium heptafluorobutyrate (TPS-HFB).
- TPS-HFB triphenylsulfonium heptafluorobutyrate
- Additional PDBs that may be used with the present invention are described in commonly owned Patent Application No. 13/219,599 to Ayothi et al. and include fluorinated bifunctional PDBs, asymmetrical PDBs, and dicarboxylate anion PDBs.
- the organic solvent developable CA resists described herein have utility in a number of applications. For example, they may be used to manufacture semiconductor devices, such as integrated circuits. As noted above, they may also be useful for applications where basic solvents are not suitable, such as the fabrication of chips patterned with arrays of biomolecules or deprotection applications that do not require the presence of acid moieties.
- PMEA Propylene glycol monomethylether acetate
- CHN cyclohexanone
- TPS-N Triphenylsulfonium perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (CAS # 78-93-3) was obtained from J.T. Baker Chemical Company, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and used as received.
- Ethylene glycol (EG) (CAS # 107-21-1); ispropyl alcohol (IPA) (CAS # 67-63-0); 0.26 N tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) (CAS # 1899-02-1); anisole (CAS # 100-66-3); methyl amyl ketone (MAK) (CAS # 110-43-0); n-butyl acetate (nBA) (CAS # 123-86-4); n-pentylacetate (nPA) (CAS # 628-63-7); and ethyl amyl ketone (EAK) CAS # 541-85-5) were obtained from Aldrich and used as received.
- TMAH tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide
- MAK methyl amyl ketone
- nBA n-butyl acetate
- nPA n-pentylacetate
- EAK ethyl amyl ketone
- Triphenylsulfonium heptafluorobutyrate (TPS HFB) was synthesized from triphenylsulfonium bromide (CAS # 3353-89-7) and silver heptafluorobutyrate (CAS # 3794-64-7) by anion exchange reaction.
- p-styrenesulfonyl chloride (CAS # 2633-67-2) was obtained from TCI America.
- DUV42P bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) was obtained from Brewer Science Inc., Vichy, Missouri.
- 2-Hydroxypinanyl-3-(4-styrenesulfonate) monomer was prepared using a modified literature procedure.
- the orange slurry reaction mixture obtained was added to water, extracted with ether, washed with 10 % conc HCl, water, 5 % NaHCO 3 and water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 .
- the oil (2.7 g) obtained was recrystallized in ether/hexane and dissolved in ethyl acetate and filtered through basic alumina (3g). Evaporation under reduced pressure gave 2.62 g of pale yellow oil, which was dried under vacuum to produce 2.48 g of 2-hydroxypinanyl-3-(4-styrenesulfonate) monomer.
- NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance
- GPC Gel permeation chromatography
- Thermal decomposition temperatures of the experimental polymers was measured using a TA Instruments Hi-Res TGA 2950 Thermogravimetric Analyzer and was standardized at the thermal decomposition temperature at 5% weight loss at a scan rate of 5 degrees C/min.
- the photoresist polymers of FIG. 2 and Table 2 were synthesized using standard free radical solution polymerization techniques using azo initiator. Repeated precipitations from hexane or methanol were used to recover pure polymer free from impurities.
- the polymer composition was determined using 13C-NMR (inverse gate, chromium (iii) acetyl acetonate complex) and was very close to feed composition used in polymerization.
- reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was then added with stirring to 500 mL of stirred hexanes.
- the precipitated polymer was stirred for 10 minutes and then filtered through a glass-fritted funnel. The recovered solid was washed with hexane and dried to pure polymer.
- RESIST PREPARATION AND PROCESSING Resist solutions were prepared in PGMEA or in PGMEA/CHYN (70:30) solvent, containing resin or polymer, and a photoacid generator (PAG) to yield a loading of 0.25 moles/kg solids in the coated film.
- Photodecomposable base (PDB) or quencher concentrations in the films were in the range of 0.1 moles/kg solids.
- the resist formulations were filtered through a 0.2 micron Teflon filter, spin coated onto BARC (DUV42P) coated substrate, and post-application baked (PAB) at 110 degrees C for 60 seconds.
- PAB post-exposure baked
- the wafer was post-exposure baked (PEB) at 110 degrees C for 60 seconds, and developed in an organic solvent selected from either Ethylene Glycol (EG), EG/isopropyl alcohol (EG/IPA 50:50 v/v), anisole, methyl amyl ketone (MAK), n-butyl acetate (nBA), n-pentylacetate (nPA), or ethyl amyl ketone (EAK; also known as 3-octanone) for 30 seconds.
- EG Ethylene Glycol
- EG/IPA 50:50 v/v EG/isopropyl alcohol
- MAK methyl amyl ketone
- nBA n-butyl acetate
- Table 1 shows several of the resist composition prepared and evaluated are according to the subject procedure.
- Substrate - DUV 42P 63 nm
- Resist FT - 60 to 100 nm nPA development used 100 nm
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Abstract
Description
The following examples are set forth to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure of how to make and use the aspects and embodiments of the invention as set forth herein. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to variables such as amounts, temperature, etc., experimental error and deviations should be taken into account. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is degrees centigrade, and pressure is at or near atmospheric. All components were obtained commercially unless otherwise indicated.
All monomers were obtained from JSR Corporation, Tokyo, Japan.
The photoresist polymers of FIG. 2 and Table 2 were synthesized using standard free radical solution polymerization techniques using azo initiator. Repeated precipitations from hexane or methanol were used to recover pure polymer free from impurities. The polymer composition was determined using 13C-NMR (inverse gate, chromium (iii) acetyl acetonate complex) and was very close to feed composition used in polymerization.
Resist solutions were prepared in PGMEA or in PGMEA/CHYN (70:30) solvent, containing resin or polymer, and a photoacid generator (PAG) to yield a loading of 0.25 moles/kg solids in the coated film. Photodecomposable base (PDB) or quencher concentrations in the films were in the range of 0.1 moles/kg solids.
Claims (31)
- A method comprising:
preparing a chemically amplified photoresist composition comprising an organic solvent developable photoresist polymer, the polymer comprising an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety in the range of 1-50 wt%. - The method of claim 1, wherein the chemically amplified photoresist is developed with an organic solvent to produce a positive tone or negative tone image in a photoresist film.
- The method of claim 1, wherein the photoresist polymer comprises a poly(hydroxystyrene) and the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety is present in the poly(hydroxystyrene) photoresist polymer in a range of 5-10 wt%.
- The method of claim 1, wherein the photoresist polymer comprises a lactone-based polymer and the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety is present in the lactone-based photoresist polymer in a range of 5-31 wt%.
- The method of claim 1, wherein the photoresist polymer is substantially lactone-free and the acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety is present in the substantially lactone-free photoresist polymer in a range of 5-31 wt%.
- The method of claim 1, wherein the photoresist polymer is blended with an additional polymer that is free of an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety, wherein the blended polymer combination enhances dissolution contrast of the photoresist.
- The method of claim 2, wherein the organic solvent comprises a polyhydric alcohol-based positive tone development (PTD) solvent.
- The method of claim 7, wherein the chemically amplified photoresist is developed with the polyhydric alcohol-based PTD solvent to produce a positive tone image in resist film.
- The method of claim 7, wherein the polyhydric alcohol-based PTD solvent is ethylene glycol.
- The method of claim 7, wherein the polyhydric alcohol-based PTD solvent is combined with isopropyl alcohol.
- The method of claim 2, wherein the organic solvent is an acetate- or ketone-based negative tone development (NTD) solvent.
- The method of claim 11, wherein the chemically amplified resist is developed with the acetate- or ketone-based NTD to produce a negative tone image in resist film.
- The method of claim 12, wherein the NTD solvent is selected from the group consisting of methyl amyl ketone (MAK), n-butyl acetate (nBA), n-pentylacetate (nPA), and ethyl amyl ketone (EAK), and combinations thereof.
- A method comprising the steps of:
(a) preparing a chemically amplified photoresist composition comprising an organic acid developable photoresist polymer, the polymer comprising an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety in the range of 1-50 wt %, a casting solvent, and optionally a photoacid generator (PAG);
(b) applying the resist composition of step (a) to a substrate to form a resist film;
(c) optionally, baking the resist film (PAB);
(d) exposing the resist film to radiation;
(e) optionally, baking the resist film (PEB);
(f) developing the resist film with an organic solvent to expose a pattern etched onto the resist film; and
(g) optionally rinsing the resist film with water or an organic solvent. - The method of claim 14, wherein the photoresist polymer of step (a) is a poly(hydroxystyrene).
- The method of claim 14, wherein the photoresist polymer of step (a) is a lactone.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the photoresist polymer of step (a) is substantially lactone-free.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the photoresist polymer of step (a) is blended with an additional polymer that is free of an acid-labile sulfonate-ester moiety, wherein the blended polymer combination enhances dissolution contrast of the photoresist.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the casting solvent of step (a) is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA), cyclohexanone (CHYN), and a combination of PGMEA and CHYN.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the PAG of step (a) is triphenylsulfonium perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate (TPS-N).
- The method of claim 14, wherein the radiation of step (d) is selected from the group consisting of deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, electron beam (e-beam) radiation, and ion-beam radiation.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the resist film of step (f) is developed with a positive tone development (PTD) organic solvent to produce a positive tone image on the resist film.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the resist film of step (f) is developed with a negative tone development (NTD) organic solvent to produce a negative tone image on the resist film.
- The method of claim 22, wherein the PTD organic solvent comprises a polyhydric alcohol-based organic solvent.
- The method of claim 24, wherein the polyhydric alcohol-based organic solvent is selected from ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol combined with isopropyl alcohol.
- The method of claim 23, wherein the NTD organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of a methyl amyl ketone (MAK), n-butyl acetate (nBA), n-pentylacetate (nPA), and ethyl amyl ketone (EAK).
- The method of claim 14, wherein the resist film of step (f) is a positive tone resist film and is rinsed at step (g) with water.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the resist film of step (f) is a negative tone resist film and is rinsed at step (g) with an organic solvent.
- The method of claim 14, wherein the resist polymer composition of step (a) further includes a quencher selected from the group consisting of base quenchers and radiation sensitive quenchers.
- The method of claim 29, wherein the radiation sensitive quencher is a photodecomposable base (PDB).
- The method of claim 30, wherein the PDB is triphenylsulfonium heptafluorobutyrate (TPS-HFB).
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US10727055B2 (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2020-07-28 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method to increase the lithographic process window of extreme ultra violet negative tone development resists |
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US20220260916A1 (en) * | 2021-02-18 | 2022-08-18 | Nanya Technology Corporation | Dual developing method for defining different resist patterns |
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EP3049868B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 |
CN105723281A (en) | 2016-06-29 |
US20150086925A1 (en) | 2015-03-26 |
KR20160058905A (en) | 2016-05-25 |
US9772558B2 (en) | 2017-09-26 |
EP3049868A1 (en) | 2016-08-03 |
CN105723281B (en) | 2019-10-01 |
JP2016533532A (en) | 2016-10-27 |
JP6338227B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 |
EP3049868A4 (en) | 2017-05-10 |
KR102249744B1 (en) | 2021-05-10 |
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