Abstract: A pattern-forming method includes forming a resist underlayer film on a substrate using a resist underlayer film-forming composition. The resist underlayer film-forming composition includes a base component, and a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent has a partial structure represented by a following general formula (i). X represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or —NR—. R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. n1 is an integer from 1 to 6. R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention is a silicon-containing resist underlayer film-forming composition containing at least any one of a condensation product and a hydrolysis condensation product or both of a mixture comprising: one or more kinds of a compound (A) selected from the group consisting of an organic boron compound shown by the following general formula (1) and a condensation product thereof and one or more kinds of a silicon compound (B) shown by the following general formula (2). Thereby, there can be provided a resist underlayer film applicable not only to the resist pattern formed of a hydrophilic organic compound obtained by the negative development but also to the resist pattern formed of a hydrophobic compound obtained by the conventional positive development.

Abstract: A photolithographic process, wherein a photosensitive layer is formed on a surface of a body to be defined; the photosensitive layer is exposed through a photolithographic mask having zones with lower transparency and zones with higher transparency so as to obtain exposed portions and shielded portions of the photosensitive layer; selective portions of the photosensitive layer chosen between the exposed portions and the shielded portions of the photosensitive layer are removed; and portions of the body under the selective portions of the photosensitive layer are selectively removed. The composite layer includes photoresist and carbon nanotubes, which are embedded in the photoresist and extend in a direction generally transverse to, and in electrical contact with, the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and an apparatus controlling and minimizing process defects in a development process, and modifying line width roughness (LWR) of a photoresist layer after the development process, and maintaining good profile control during subsequent etching processes. In one embodiment, a method for forming features on a substrate includes developing and removing exposed areas in the photosensitive layer disposed on the substrate in the electron processing chamber by predominantly using electrons, removing contaminants from the substrate by predominantly using electrons, and etching the non-photosensitive polymer layer exposed by the developed photosensitive layer in the electron processing chamber by predominantly using electrons.

Abstract: There is provided a resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography, which in order to prevent a resist pattern from collapsing after development in accordance with the miniaturization of the resist pattern, is applied to multilayer film process by a thin film resist, has a lower dry etching rate than resists and semiconductor substrates, and has a satisfactory etching resistance relative to a substrate to be processed in the processing of the substrate. A resist underlayer film forming composition used in lithography process by a multiplayer film, comprises a polymer containing a unit structure having an aromatic fused ring, a unit structure having a protected carboxyl group or a unit structure having an oxy ring. A method of forming a pattern by use of the resist underlayer film forming composition. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by utilizing the method of forming a pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate having a material layer formed thereon; depositing a photoresist layer on the material layer, the photoresist layer having a vertical dimension; exposing a region of the photoresist layer to radiation, the exposed region having a horizontal dimension, wherein a first ratio of the vertical dimension to the horizontal dimension exceeds a predetermined ratio; and developing the photoresist layer to remove the exposed region at least in part through applying a developer solution containing a first chemical and a second chemical, wherein: the first chemical is configured to dissolve the exposed region of the photoresist layer through a chemical reaction; the second chemical is configured to enhance flow of the first chemical that comes into contact with the photoresist layer; and an optimized second ratio exists between the first chemical and the second chemical.

Abstract: An aromatic ring-containing polymer, an underlayer composition including the same, and associated methods, the aromatic ring-containing polymer including a group represented by one of the following Chemical Formulae 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2:

Abstract: A photoresist stripping solution comprising (a) a specified quaternary ammonium hydroxide, such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, methyltributylammonium hydroxide or methyltripropylammonium hydroxide, (b) a water-soluble amine, (c) water, (d) a corrosion inhibitor and (e) a water-soluble organic solvent, the compounding ratio of component (a) to component (b) being in the range of from 1:3 to 1:10 by mass, as well as a method of stripping photoresists using the solution. The stripping solution of the invention assures effective protection of Al, Cu and other wiring metal conductors against corroding as well as efficient stripping of the photoresist film, post-ashing residues such as modified photoresist film and metal depositions. It also assures efficient stripping of Si-based residues and effective protection of the substrate (particularly the reverse side of a Si substrate) from corroding.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. First, a target layer and a mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. Thereafter, a first pattern transfer layer having a plurality of openings is formed on the mask layer. Afterwards, a second pattern transfer layer is formed in the openings of the first pattern transfer layer. The mask layer is then patterned, using the first pattern transfer layer and the second pattern transfer layer as a mask, so as to form a patterned mask layer. Further, the target layer is patterned using the patterned mask layer.

Abstract: During a multiple patterning process every nth element of the pattern is removed. The removal of the elements of the patterns happens after the pattern has been printed into the radiation sensitive material or etched into substrate. Advantageously, the original mask is not varied, and another exposure step is used to remove the elements of the pattern.

Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern to one or more microelectronic layers. A first mask layer, having a patterned feature, and a second mask layer, having another patterned feature, are formed. The first mask layer and the second mask layer are at least partially covered with a film, and openings are formed in the film by removing the other patterned feature of the second mask layer. A pattern of a microelectronic layer is then defined by patterning the patterned feature of the first mask layer through the openings in the film. In one example, the patterned feature of the first mask layer is defined by forming spacers adjacent to the other patterned feature. In another example, the other patterned feature of the second mask layer is defined by removing a portion of the other patterned feature via an anisotropic etching process.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for semiconductor device fabrication and generation of photomasks for patterning a target layout of line features and large features. Embodiments of the invention are directed towards systems and methods using self-aligned double pattern to define the target layout of line features and large features.

Abstract: A resist under layer film-forming composition comprises (A) an aminated fullerene having at least one amino group bonded to a fullerene skeleton, and (B) a solvent. The composition exhibits excellent etching resistance, causes an under layer film pattern to bend only with difficulty in a dry etching process, and can transfer a resist pattern faithfully onto a substrate to be processed with high reproducibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.

Abstract: There is disclosed A resist underlayer film composition, wherein the composition contains a polymer obtained by condensation of, at least, one or more compounds represented by the following general formulae (1-1) and/or (1-2), one or more kinds of a compound represented by the following general formula (2), and one or more kinds of a compound, represented by the following general formula (3), and/or an equivalent body thereof. There can be provided an underlayer film composition, especially for a trilayer resist process, that can form an underlayer film having reduced reflectance, (namely, an underlayer film having optimum n-value and k-value as an antireflective film), excellent filling-up properties, high pattern-antibending properties, and not causing line fall or wiggling after etching especially in a high aspect line that is thinner than 60 nm, and a patterning process using the same.

Abstract: A pattern is formed by (1) coating a first positive resist composition onto a substrate, baking, patternwise exposing, PEB, and developing to form a first positive resist pattern including a large area feature, (2) applying a resist-modifying composition comprising a basic nitrogen-containing compound and heating to modify the first resist pattern, and (3) coating a second positive resist composition thereon, patternwise exposing, and developing to form a second resist pattern. The large area feature in the first resist pattern has a film retentivity of at least 50% after the second pattern formation.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing or eliminating pattern deformation during lithographic pattern transfer to inorganic substrates are provided. In one aspect, a method for pattern transfer into an inorganic substrate is provided. The method includes the following steps. The inorganic substrate is provided. An organic planarizing layer is spin-coated on the inorganic substrate. The organic planarizing layer is baked. A hardmask is deposited onto the organic planarizing layer. A photoresist layer is spin-coated onto the hardmask. The photoresist layer is patterned. The hardmask is etched through the patterned photoresist layer using reactive ion etching (RIE). The organic planarizing layer is etched through the etched hardmask using RIE. A high-temperature anneal is performed in the absence of oxygen. The inorganic substrate is etched through the etched organic planarizing layer using reactive ion etching.

Abstract: A resist composition, which contains: a silicon compound having at least an alkyl-soluble group which may be substituted with a substituent; and a resin having an alkali-soluble group which may be substituted with an acid labile group, wherein the resist composition is designed to be subjected to immersion lithography.

Abstract: A silicon-containing film is formed from a heat curable composition comprising (A) a silicon-containing compound obtained through hydrolytic condensation of a hydrolyzable silicon compound in the presence of an acid catalyst, (B) a hydroxide or organic acid salt of Li, Na, K, Rb or Ce, or a sulfonium, iodonium or ammonium compound, (C) an organic acid, (D) a cyclic ether-substituted alcohol, and (E) an organic solvent. The silicon-containing film ensures effective pattern formation, effective transfer of a photoresist pattern, and accurate processing of a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming micro patterns of a semiconductor device. In the method according to an aspect of the present invention, first etch mask patterns having a second pitch, which is twice larger than a first pitch of target patterns, are formed in a column direction over a semiconductor substrate. An auxiliary film is formed over the semiconductor substrate including a surface of the first etch mask patterns. An etch mask film is formed over the semiconductor substrate including the auxiliary film. An etch process is performed in order to form second etch mask patterns having the second pitch in such a manner that the etch mask film, the auxiliary film, and the first etch mask patterns are isolated from one another in a row direction and the etch mask film remains between the first etch mask patterns. The auxiliary film between the first and second etch mask patterns is removed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic device, comprises forming a material layer, forming an anti-halation layer on the material layer, forming a resist layer on the anti-halation layer, forming a resist pattern including a plurality of island patterns by patterning the resist layer through an exposure step and a development step, forming a mask layer having a plurality of moderate convex shape portions by annealing the resist pattern to change shapes of the island patterns to moderate convex shapes, and plasma-processing the mask layer, the anti-halation layer, and the material layer so as to remove the mask layer and the anti-halation layer and change the material layer to a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses, wherein the anti-halation layer reduces halation in the exposure step.

Abstract: A resist lower layer film-forming composition includes (A) a polymer that includes a cyclic carbonate structure. The polymer (A) includes a structural unit (I) shown by the following formula (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.

Abstract: A layered structure comprising a self-assembled material is formed by a method that includes forming a photochemically, thermally and/or chemically treated patterned photoresist layer disposed on a first surface of a substrate. The treated patterned photoresist layer comprises a non-crosslinked treated photoresist. An orientation control material is cast on the treated patterned photoresist layer, forming a layer containing orientation control material bound to a second surface of the substrate. The treated photoresist and, optionally, any non-bound orientation control material are removed by a development process, resulting in a pre-pattern for self-assembly. A material capable of self-assembly is cast on the pre-pattern. The casted material is allowed to self-assemble with optional heating and/or annealing to produce the layered structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.

Abstract: It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having photoresist patterns thereon and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, with the applied film of the over-coating agent being removed to form fine patterns, further characterized by comprising a water-soluble polymer which contains a monomeric component and a dimeric component, wherein the total content of the monomeric component and the dimeric component in the water-soluble polymer is reduced to 10 mass % or less, and a method of forming fine patterns using the same. By the present invention, even in reducing the pattern size on a substrate having thereon patterns having different pitches, the heat shrinkage of the over-coating agent can be controlled, irrespective whether the pitch is dense or isolate, thus achieving the pattern size reduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern formation method capable of preventing formation of surface defects. In the method, a resist surface after subjected to exposure is coated with an acidic film and then subjected to heating treatment. This method is suitably adopted in a process employing liquid immersion lithography and/or light of short wavelength, such as ArF excimer laser beams, for producing a very fine pattern.

Abstract: A lithographic structure comprising: an organic antireflective material disposed on a substrate, and a silicon antireflective material disposed on the organic antireflective material. The silicon antireflective material comprises a crosslinked polymer with a SiOx backbone, a chromophore, and a transparent organic group that is substantially transparent to 193 nm or 157 nm radiation. In combination, the organic antireflective material and the silicon antireflective material provide an antireflective material suitable for deep ultraviolet lithography. The invention is also directed to a process of making the lithographic structure.

Abstract: A method of forming ceramic pattern structures of silicon carbide film includes depositing an electron-beam resist or a photo-resist onto a substrate. A portion of the resist is selectively removed from the substrate to form a resist pattern on the substrate. A film of pre-ceramic polymer that includes silicon and carbon is deposited onto the substrate and resist pattern and the pre-ceramic polymer film is cured. A portion of the cured pre-ceramic polymer film on the resist pattern is removed, thereby forming a pre-ceramic polymer pattern on the substrate. The pre-ceramic polymer pattern is then converted to a ceramic pattern.

Abstract: In a method of forming a reticle and electron beam exposure system, first electron beams are irradiated onto a first region of a blank reticle having a light shielding layer and a photosensitive layer, to form first shot patterns. Second electron beams having a cross-sectional area larger than the first electron beams are irradiated onto a second region of the blank reticle. The photosensitive layer is developed to form first and second mask patterns at the first and second regions, respectively. The light shielding layer is etched off using the first and second mask patterns as an etching mask, thereby forming the mother pattern including a first pattern in the first region and a second pattern in the second region. Accordingly, the enlargement of the second electron beams reduces the scan time for the blank reticle, thereby reducing the process time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resist underlayer film-forming composition comprising, at least: a resin (A) obtained by condensing a compound represented by the following general formula (1) with a compound represented by the following general formula (2) by the aid of an acid catalyst; a compound (B) represented by the general formula (1); a fullerene compound (C); and an organic solvent. There can be a resist underlayer film composition in a multi-layer resist film to be used in lithography, which underlayer film is excellent in property for filling up a height difference of a substrate, possesses a solvent resistance, and is not only capable of preventing occurrence of twisting during etching of a substrate, but also capable of providing an excellently decreased pattern roughness; a process for forming a resist underlayer film by using the composition; and a patterning process.

Abstract: Provided are a thin film condenser for high-density packaging, a method for manufacturing the same and a high-density package substrate. The thin film condenser for high-density packaging, includes: a support substrate; a lower electrode formed on the support substrate; a dielectric thin film formed on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode formed on the dielectric thin film. Provided also is a method for manufacturing the same. The high-density package substrate, includes: at least two stacked substrates; thin film condensers embedded in the stacked substrates; an internal connection electrode formed in the stacked substrates and connecting the thin film condensers in series or in parallel; a surface electrode formed on the surface of the outermost substrate among the stacked substrates and connected to the internal connection electrode; and an integrated circuit connected to the surface electrode via a bump.

Abstract: A lithography mask is disclosed. The lithography mask is for use with an exposure apparatus which forms an unpatterned first region and a patterned second region that includes groups of desired patterns in a photosensitive layer. The lithography mask includes a transparent substrate; and a patterned light blocking layer that is formed above the transparent substrate and that is configured to block or partially transmit incident light. The patterned light blocking layer includes a first mask pattern that exposes the first region. The first mask pattern includes a periodic pattern having a sub-resolution pitch that is given by an exposure condition of the exposure apparatus.

Abstract: A method of fabricating semiconductor structures comprising sub-resolution alignment marks is disclosed. The method comprises forming a dielectric material on a substrate and forming at least one sub-resolution alignment mark extending partially into the dielectric material. At least one opening is formed in the dielectric material. Semiconductor structures comprising the sub-resolution alignment marks are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a positive resist composition comprising, as base resins contained therein, (A) a polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 500000 and containing a repeating unit which contains a structure having a hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group thereof substituted with an acid-labile group having a cyclic structure and (B) a novolak resin of a substituted or an unsubstituted naphtholphthalein, and in addition, a photo acid generator. There can be provided a positive resist composition having an appropriate absorption to form a pattern on a highly reflective substrate, excellent characteristics in adhesion and implantation onto a non-planar substrate, a good pattern profile after light exposure, and an ion implantation resistance at the time of ion implantation; and a patterning process.

Abstract: An approach for patterning and etching without a mask is provided in a manufacturing a thin-film transistor, a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, an ohmic contact layer and source metal layer of a substrate. A first photoresist pattern including a first photo pattern and a second photo pattern is formed using a digital exposure device by generating a plurality of spot beams, the first photo pattern is formed to a first region of the base substrate and has a first thickness, and the second photo pattern is formed to a second region adjacent to the first region, and has a second thickness and a width in a range of about 50% to about 60% of a diameter of the spot beam. The source metal layer is patterned to form a source electrode and a drain electrode, and the source electrode and the drain electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first region of an active pattern.

Abstract: A sidewall image transfer process for forming sub-lithographic structures employs a layer of sacrificial material that is deposited over a structure layer and covered by a cover layer. The sacrificial material layer and the cover layer are patterned with conventional resist and etched to form a sacrificial mandrel. The edges of the mandrel are oxidized or nitrided in a plasma at low temperature, after which the material layer and the cover layer are stripped, leaving sublithographic sidewalls. The sidewalls are used as hardmasks to etch sublithographic gate structures in the gate conductor layer.

Abstract: A method that forms a film of photoresist composition on a substrate and exposes a first and second region of the film to radiation through a first and second mask having a first and second image pattern, respectively. The photoresist composition includes a polymer including labile group(s), base soluble group(s), a photosensitive acid generator, and a photosensitive base generator. The photosensitive acid generator generates first and second amounts of acid upon exposure to first and second doses of radiation, respectively. The second amount of acid exceeds the first amount of acid. The second dose of radiation exceeds the first dose of radiation. The photosensitive base generator generates a first and second amount of base upon exposure to the first and second dose of radiation, respectively. The first amount of base exceeds the first amount of acid. The second amount of acid exceeds the second amount of base.

Abstract: A method of patterning a nonmetal conductive layer on a circuit board is provided. A nonmetal conductive layer and a negative photoresist layer are sequentially formed on a substrate of a circuit board. Then, the negative photoresist layer is exposed through a patterned photomask and then developed by a developing solution. Next, the nonmetal conductive layer is etched. The remained photoresist layer is finally removed by a non-alkaline stripper solution to obtain a patterned nonmetal layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming at least one material layer over a substrate; performing an end-cut patterning process to form an end-cut pattern overlying the at least one material layer; transferring the end-cut pattern to the at least one material layer; performing a line-cut patterning process after the end-cut patterning process to form a line-cut pattern overlying the at least one material layer; and transferring the line-cut pattern to the at least one material layer.

Abstract: A polymer for forming a resist protection film which is used in a liquid immersion lithography process to protect a photoresist layer, a composition for forming a resist protection film, and a method of forming a pattern of a semiconductor device using the composition are disclosed. The polymer for forming a resist protection film includes a repeating unit represented by Formula 1 below. In Formula 1, R1 is a hydrogen atom (H), a fluorine atom (F), a methyl group (—CH3), a C1-C20 fluoroalkyl group, or a C1-C5 hydroxyalkyl group, R2 is a C1-C10 linear or branched alkylene group or alkylidene group, or a C5-C10 cycloalkylene group or cycloalkylidene group, X is wherein n is an integer of 0 to 5 and * denotes the remaining moiety of Formula 1 after excluding X, and m, the stoichiometric coefficient of X, is 1 or 2.

Abstract: A stabilizing solution for treating photoresist patterns and methods of preventing profile abnormalities, toppling and resist footing are disclosed. The stabilizing solution comprises a non-volatile component, such as non-volatile particles or polymers, which is applied after the photoresist material has been developed. By treating the photoresist with the solution containing a non-volatile component after developing but before drying, the non-volatile component fills the space between adjacent resist patterns and remains on the substrate during drying. The non-volatile component provides structural and mechanical support for the resist to prevent deformation or collapse by liquid surface tension forces.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductor pattern comprising the steps of (a) forming a photo-crosslinkable resin layer on a substrate provided with a conductive layer on its surface, (b) treating the photo-crosslinkable resin layer with an alkali aqueous solution to render it thinner, (c) carrying out exposure for a circuit pattern, (d) developing and (e) etching, the steps included in this order, said alkali aqueous solution being an aqueous solution containing 5 to 20 mass % of an inorganic alkaline compound, or method for forming a conductor pattern comprising the steps of (a?) forming a photo-crosslinkable resin layer on a substrate provide with a conductive layer on its surface and inside a hole thereof, (i) curing the photo-crosslinkable resin layer on the hole alone or on the hole and a surrounding area thereof, (b?) treating the photo-crosslinkable resin layer in an uncured portion with an alkali aqueous solution to render it thinner, (c) carrying out exposure for a circuit pattern, (d) developing and (e) etc

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photomask and a method for forming an overlay mark in a substrate using the same. The photomask comprises a plurality of patterns. At least one of the patterns comprises a plurality of ring areas and a plurality of inner areas enclosed by the ring areas, wherein the light transmittancy of the ring areas is different from that of the inner areas. When the photomask is applied in a photolithography process, the formed overlay mark has a large thickness. Therefore, the contrast is high when a metrology process is performed, and it is easy to find the overlay mark.

Abstract: In an exposure step, a combination of a first photomask and a second mask is used. The first mask has a real pattern corresponding to the pattern actually formed on the film to be processed, and a dummy pattern added for controlling pattern pitch in the first photomask within a prescribed range; and the second photomask has a pattern isolating a real-pattern-formed region from a dummy-pattern-formed region. In forming the pattern, after forming a film to be processed on a substrate, a first mask is formed on the film to be processed,by lithography, using the first photomask, and a second mask is formed on the film to be processed, by lithography, using the second photomask. Thereafter, the film to be processed is etched and removed using the first and second masks as masks to form the pattern.

Abstract: A silsesquioxane-based composition that contains (a) silsesquioxane resins that contain HSiO3/2 units and RSiO3/2 units wherein; R is an acid dissociable group, and (b) 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin. The silsesquioxane-based compositions are useful as positive resist compositions in forming patterned features on substrate, particularly useful for multi-layer layer (i.e. bilayer) 193 nm & 157 nm photolithographic applications.

Abstract: A method of drying a substrate comprises: supplying a first air flow 4 downwardly in an inclined direction onto the substrate; supplying a second air flow 5 upwardly in an inclined direction onto the substrate, while moving relatively the substrate and the upper and lower blowing portions so that the substrate, from the end area as a front of the substrate, passes between the upper blowing portion and the lower blowing portion; and controlling the first and second air flows such that a velocity component of the second air flow in an upward direction perpendicular to the virtual plane is smaller than a velocity component of the first air flow in a downward direction perpendicular to the virtual plane.