Abstract: Ultrafine dimensions are accurately and efficiently formed in a target layer using a spacer lithographic technique comprising forming a first mask pattern, forming a cross-linkable layer over the first mask pattern, forming a cross-linked spacer between the first mask pattern and cross-linkable layer, removing the cross-linkable layer, cross-linked spacer from the upper surface of the first mask pattern and the first mask pattern to form a second mask pattern comprising remaining portions of the cross-linked spacer, and etching using the second mask pattern to form an ultrafine pattern in the underlying target layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit fabrication process as described herein employs a double photoresist exposure technique. After creation of a first pattern of photoresist features on a wafer, a second photoresist layer is formed over the first pattern of photoresist features. The second photoresist layer is subjected to a reflow step that softens and relaxes the second photoresist material. This reflow step causes the exposed surface of the second photoresist layer to become substantially planar. Thereafter, the second photoresist layer can be exposed and developed to create a second pattern of photoresist features on the wafer. The planar surface of the second photoresist layer, which results from the reflow step, facilitates the creation of accurate, precise, and “high fidelity” photoresist features from the second photoresist material.

Abstract: We demonstrate a new method for joining patterned thermoplastic parts into layered structures. The method takes advantage of case-II permeant diffusion to generate dimensionally controlled, activated bonding layers at the surfaces being joined. It is capable of producing bonds characterized by cohesive failure while preserving the fidelity of patterned features in the bonding surfaces. This approach is uniquely suited to production of microfluidic multilayer structures, as it allows the bond-forming interface between plastic parts to be precisely manipulated at micrometer length scales. The bond enhancing procedure is easily integrated in standard process flows and requires no specialized equipment.

Abstract: An integrated circuit fabrication process as described herein employs a photoresist stabilization step where patterned photoresist material is exposed to radiation having a wavelength that promotes cross-linking in the shallow surfaces of the patterned photoresist features. The patterned photoresist material is highly absorptive of the stabilizing radiation, which results in the surface cross-linking and modification of the outer surfaces of the patterned photoresist material. This modified “shell” is immune to photoresist developer, photoresist solvents, intense ion implantation, and intense etchants. The shell also enables for the resist not to deform when baked at a temperature above its glass transition temperature. For example, the photoresist stabilization technique can be used in a double exposure process such that a patterned photoresist layer remains intact during a subsequent lithographic sub-process.

Abstract: A scaleable and high-yielding method of preparing copolymers that is useful as a component of a radiation sensitive resin composition is provided. The method includes the step of reacting at least one monomer A which is an unsaturated alicyclic monomer and forms a polymer main chain by dissociation of the unsaturated bond, and at least one unsaturated monomer B, which also forms a polymer chain by dissociation of an unsaturated bond, wherein less than two electron-withdrawing groups are directly appended to said unsaturation, and where said monomer B is other than the unsaturated alicyclic monomer and forms a polymer main chain, in the presence of a free radical initiator. The reacting step is carried out in a stoichiometric excess of monomer A as compared to monomer B. By carrying out the reacting step in an excess of monomer A as compared to monomer B, the resultant copolymer will have a greater molar concentration of monomer A than is obtainable using other methods.

Abstract: Polymers comprising polycyclic repeating units containing pendant anhydride moieties are disclosed. The polymer can be polymerized from polycycloolefins containing pendant anhydride moieties in the presence of a nickel containing single component catalyst. In optional embodiments the polycycloolefin monomer containing the pendant anhydride functionality can be copolymerized with other polycycloolefin monomers that contain pendant functional groups to yield random copolymer products.

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 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: The present invention relates to a radiation-sensitive resist composition comprising a radiation-sensitive acid generator and a copolymer binder formed by the reaction of (a) an acrylate or methacrylate monomer having a photogenerated acid cleavable substituent and (b) an acrylate or methacrylate monomer having a polar non photoacid cleavable substituent.

Abstract: A novel radiation-sensitive lithographic photoresist composition is provided which has improved sensitivity and resolution. The composition comprises a photosensitive acid generator and an acrylate or methacrylate copolymer. The copolymer contains first monomeric units having polar pendant groups and second monomeric units containing photoacid-cleavable ester groups. The polar pendant groups preferably comprise C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alicyclic substituents containing a polar moiety R*, wherein the alicyclic substituents are bound through a linker moiety to the polymer backbone. Other monomeric units may be included as well. A process for using the composition to generate resist images on a substrate, i.e., in the manufacture of integrated circuits or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric, radiation-sensitive resist composition comprising (i) iodonium sulfonate radiation sensitive acid generator; (ii) a polymer; and (iii) an acid labile compound.