Abstract: Novel lithographic compositions for use as an EUV underlayer are disclosed. The invention includes methods of fabricating microelectronics structures using those compositions as well as structures formed by those methods. The method involves utilizing an underlayer immediately below the photoresist layer. The underlayer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate. The preferred underlayers are formed from spin-coatable, monomeric, oligomeric, and/or polymeric compositions and exhibit uniform thicknesses and low roughness. The disclosed method enables a 14/28 nm pattern using EUV lithography and better depth of focus (DOF) than standard EUV underlayers.

Abstract: New lithographic compositions for use as EUV adhesion layers are provided. The present invention provides methods of fabricating microelectronics structures using those compositions as well as structures formed by those methods. The method involves utilizing an adhesion layer immediately below the photoresist layer. The adhesion layer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate, such as an alpha-carbon, spin-on carbon, spin-on silicon hardmask, metal hardmask, or deposited silicon layer. The preferred adhesion layers are formed from spin-coatable, polymeric compositions. The inventive method improves adhesion and reduces or eliminates pattern collapse issues.

Abstract: New lithographic compositions for use as EUV adhesion layers are provided. The present invention provides methods of fabricating microelectronics structures using those compositions as well as structures formed by those methods. The method involves utilizing an adhesion layer immediately below the photoresist layer. The adhesion layer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate, such as an alpha-carbon, spin-on carbon, spin-on silicon hardmask, metal hardmask, or deposited silicon layer. The preferred adhesion layers are formed from spin-coatable, polymeric compositions. The inventive method improves adhesion and reduces or eliminates pattern collapse issues.

Abstract: Silicon hardmasks with a single-component polymer are disclosed. These hardmasks provide high optical homogeneity and high chemical homogeneity, thus minimizing or avoiding negative stochastic effects on feature critical dimension. The hardmasks further provide low porosity, higher density, and high silicon content and improve performance factors such as LER/LWR, defectivity, uniformity, and DoF.

Abstract: New lithographic compositions for use as EUV silicon hardmask layers are provided. The present invention provides methods of fabricating microelectronic structures and the resulting structures formed thereby using EUV lithographic processes. The method involves utilizing a silicon hardmask layer immediately below the photoresist layer. The silicon hardmask layer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate. The preferred silicon hardmask layers are formed from spin-coatable, polymeric compositions. The inventive method improves adhesion and reduces or eliminates pattern collapse issues.

Abstract: New lithographic compositions for use as EUV silicon hardmask layers are provided. The present invention provides methods of fabricating microelectronic structures and the resulting structures formed thereby using EUV lithographic processes. The method involves utilizing a silicon hardmask layer immediately below the photoresist layer. The silicon hardmask layer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate. The preferred silicon hardmask layers are formed from spin-coatable, polymeric compositions. The inventive method improves adhesion and reduces or eliminates pattern collapse issues.

Abstract: New lithographic compositions for use as EUV adhesion layers are provided. The present invention provides methods of fabricating microelectronics structures using those compositions as well as structures formed by those methods. The method involves utilizing an adhesion layer immediately below the photoresist layer. The adhesion layer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate, such as an alpha-carbon, spin-on carbon, spin-on silicon hardmask, metal hardmask, or deposited silicon layer. The preferred adhesion layers are formed from spin-coatable, polymeric compositions. The inventive method improves adhesion and reduces or eliminates pattern collapse issues.