Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions suitable for bilayer or multilayer lithographic applications are enabled by the use of a combination of (a) an acid-sensitive imaging polymer, (b) a radiation-sensitive acid generator, and (c) a non-polymeric silicon additive. The imaging polymer is preferably imageable with 193 nm or shorter wavelength imaging radiation. The resist compositions preferably contain at least about 5 wt. % silicon based on the weight of the imaging polymer. The compositions generally provide reduced line edge roughness compared to conventional silicon-containing resists.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive photoresist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and are developable to form photoresist structures of high resolution and high etch resistance are enabled by the use of a combination of cyclic olefin polymer, photosensitive acid generator and a hydrophobic non-steroidal multi-alicyclic component containing plural acid labile linking groups. The cyclic olefin polymers preferably contain i) cyclic olefin units having polar functional moieties, ii) cyclic olefin units having acid labile moieties that inhibit solubility in aqueous alkaline solutions.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and/or possibly other radiation and are developable to form resist structures of improved development characteristics and improved etch resistance are enabled by the use of resist compositions containing imaging polymer having a monomer with a pendant group containing plural acid labile moieties. Preferred pendant groups containing plural acid labile moieties are characterized by the presence of a bulky end group.

Abstract: Thiophene-containing photo acid generators having either of the following general formulas: 1

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and/or possibly other radiation and are developable to form resist structures of improved development characteristics and improved etch resistance are enabled by the use of resist compositions containing imaging polymer having a 2-cyano acrylic monomer.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and/or possibly other radiation and are developable to form resist structures of improved development characteristics and improved etch resistance are enabled by the use of resist compositions containing imaging polymer having a monomer with a pendant group containing plural acid labile moieties. Preferred pendant groups containing plural acid labile moieties are characterized by the presence of a bulky end group.

Abstract: Improved resolution photoresist compositions which are capable of high resolution lithographic performance using 193 nm imaging radiation (and possibly also with other imaging radiation) are obtained by use of imaging copolymers which are improvements over known alternating copolymer-based photoresists. The copolymers are characterized by the presence of an alkyl-functionalized cyclic olefin third monomeric unit which enhances the resolution of the photoresist. The performance of the compositions may be further enhanced by the use of bulky acid-labile protecting groups on the imaging copolymer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers containing a repeating unit derived from a norbornene sulfonamide. These may be addition polymers which include copolymers with one or more comonomers such as norbornene, ethylene, an acrylate or sulfur dioxide or carbon monoxide. Said monomers may be polymerized using single or multicomponent Group VIII catalysts. The norbornene sulfonamides can also form ROMP polymers using known metathesis catalysts. Preferably the ROMP polymers may be hydrogenated to give more stable polymers.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and are developable to form resist structures of high resolution and high etch resistance are enabled by the use of a combination of (a) an imaging polymer comprising a monomer selected from the group consisting of a cyclic olefin, an acrylate and a methacrylate, (b) a radiation-sensitive acid generator, and (c) a bulky anhydride additive. The imaging polymer is preferably a cyclic olefin polymer.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for forming planarizing underlayers for multilayer lithographic processes are characterized by the presence of (A) a polymer containing: (i) cyclic ether moieties, (ii) saturated polycyclic moieties, and (iii) aromatic moieties for compositions not requiring a separate crosslinker, or (B) a polymer containing: (i) saturated polycyclic moieties, and (ii) aromatic moieties for compositions requiring a separate crosslinker. The compositions provide outstanding optical, mechanical and etch selectivity properties. The compositions are especially useful in lithographic processes using radiation less than 200 nm in wavelength to configure underlying material layers.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive photoresist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation (and possibly other radiation) and are developable to form photoresist structures of improved development characteristics and improved etch resistance are enabled by the use of resist compositions containing cyclic olefin polymer having a cyclic olefin monomer having a lactone moiety, the monomer having no oxygen atoms intervening between the lactone moiety and a ring of the cyclic olefin. Preferred lactone moieties are spirolactones (having a 5 or 6 membered ring) directly to a cyclic olefin ring.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive photoresist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and are developable to form photoresist structures of high resolution and high etch resistance are enabled by the use of a combination of cyclic olefin polymer, photosensitive acid generator and a hydrophobic non-steroidal multi-alicyclic component containing plural acid labile linking groups. The cyclic olefin polymers preferably contain i) cyclic olefin units having polar functional moieties, ii) cyclic olefin units having acid labile moieties that inhibit solubility in aqueous alkaline solutions.

Abstract: Nonlinear optical compounds which contain a heteroaromatic ring and may further comprise a tricyanovinyl group attached to the heteroaromatic ring.