Abstract: A radiation sensitive resin composition for the formation of cathode separators for EL display devices which have heat resistance and adhesion required for cathode separators for EL display devices and an inversely tapered shape, cathode separators formed therefrom and an EL display device comprising the cathode separators. The radiation sensitive resin composition for the formation of cathode separators for EL display devices comprises (A) an alkali soluble resin, (B) the compound represented by the formulae (I) to (IV) and (C) a trihalomethyltriazine and/or an onium salt, the cathode separators are formed from the radiation sensitive resin composition and the EL display device comprises the cathode separators formed from the radiation sensitive resin composition.

Abstract: Novel silicon-containing polymers are obtained by copolymerizing a vinylsilane monomer with a compound having a low electron density unsaturated bond such as maleic anhydride, maleimide derivatives or tetrafluoroethylene. Using the polymers, chemical amplification positive resist compositions sensitive to high-energy radiation and having a high sensitivity and resolution at a wavelength of less than 300 nm and improved resistance to oxygen plasma etching are obtained.

Abstract: A photoimageable composition comprising finely divided particles of inorganic material comprising coated silver particles that are at least partially coated with at least one surfactant and inorganic binder dispersed in organic medium comprising an aqueous developable polymer, photo-initiation system and organic solvent.

Abstract: A negative photoresist composition and a method of patterning a substrate through use of the negative photoresist composition. The composition includes: a radiation sensitive acid generator; an additive; and a resist polymer derived from at least one first monomer including a hydroxy group. The first monomer may be acidic or approximately pH neutral. The resist polymer may be further derived from a second monomer having an aqueous base soluble moiety. The additive may include one or more alicyclic structures. The acid generator is adapted to generate an acid upon exposure to radiation. The resist polymer is adapted to chemically react with the additive in the presence of the acid to generate a non-crosslinking reaction product that is insoluble in an aqueous alkaline developer solution.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive resin composition which is excellent in the compatibility (dispersibility) of photosensitive resin composition components, developability with aqueous developer solution, water resistance, image reproducibility, print wear characteristics in printing with a water base ink and plate wiping-off resistance in removal of ink adhered to any printing plate. The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition comprising a hydrophilic copolymer (A) obtained by copolymerizing at least (1) 2 to 15 parts by mass of an unsaturated monomer having a carboxyl group, (2) 50 to 80 parts by mass of a conjugated diene-type monomer, (3) 3 to 20 parts by mass of an aromatic vinyl compound, and (4) 3 to 30 parts by mass of an alkyl (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polymers and photoresist compositions that comprise the polymers as a resin component. Polymers of the invention contain two distinct groups which can undergo a deblocking reaction in the presence of photogenerated acid, wherein one of the deblocking moieties is an acetal group. The second photoacid-labile group is suitably an ester, particularly as provided by polymerization of an alkyl acrylate group, such as t-butylmethacrylate.

Abstract: There is provided a positive type resist composition formed by dissolving (A) a resin component with a unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester in the principal chain, for which the solubility in alkali increases under the action of acid, and (B) an acid generator component which generates acid on exposure, in an organic solvent component (C), wherein the resin component (A) is a copolymer comprising (a1) a unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester comprising an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group containing a polycyclic group, (a2) a unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester comprising a lactone containing monocyclic group or polycyclic group, (a3) a unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester comprising a hydroxyl group containing polycyclic group, and (a4) a unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester comprising a polycyclic group which is different from the unit (a1), the unit (a2) and the unit (a3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer compound for photoresist characterized in that the polymer compound is formed of a polymer compound having at least one skeleton represented by the following general formula (1), general formula (2A), general formula (2B) or general formula (2C):

Abstract: A chemically amplified photo-resist includes a polymer containing acid-labile radicals attached to a polar group and also contains anchor groups that allow attachment of a consolidating agent. The polymer includes first repeating units containing siloxane groups. The photoresist on the one hand exhibits an enhanced transparency for short-wavelength radiation and on the other hand permits chemical consolidation of the structured resist. A process for producing structured resists is a also described.

Abstract: Thermally imageable elements useful as lithographic printing plate precursors are disclosed. The elements may be either single layer or multilayer elements and comprise an alkali soluble co-polymer, or a mixture of alkali soluble co-polymers. The resulting printing plates have good resistance to pressroom chemicals.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising (A) a resin having a specific structure and capable of decomposing under action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkali developer, and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation.

Abstract: Thermally imageable elements useful as lithographic printing plate precursors are disclosed. The elements comprise a substrate, an underlayer over the substrate, and a top layer over the underlayer. The top layer comprises a co-polymer that comprises, in polymerized form, norbornene or a norbornene derivative. The resulting lithographic printing plates have good resistance to pressroom chemicals.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising an acid-labile group-containing resin and a photoacid generator is disclosed. The resin has a structure of the formula (1), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent acid-labile group, an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms which does not have an acid-labile group, or an alkylcarbonyl group having 2-7 carbon atoms which does not have an acid-labile group, X1 represents a linear or branched fluorinated alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched fluorinated alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms. The resin composition exhibits high transmittance of radiation, high sensitivity, resolution, and pattern shape, and is useful as a chemically amplified resist in producing semiconductors at a high yield.

Abstract: A photosensitive copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 100,000 and is represented by the following formula: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or methyl, R2 is an acid-labile tertiary alkyl group, and m/(m+n) is 0.5 to 0.8.

Abstract: Acetal compounds in which a 5- or 6-membered ring acetal structure is connected to a norbornene structure through a linker represented by —(CH2)m— in which one hydrogen atom may be substituted with a hydroxyl or acetoxy group, and m is from 1 to 8 are novel. Using the acetal compounds as a monomer, polymers are obtained. A resist composition comprising the polymer as a base resin is sensitive to high-energy radiation and has excellent sensitivity, resolution, and etching resistance.

Abstract: A chemical amplifying type positive resist composition having excellent sensitivity and resolution, manifesting no generation of scum is provided, which comprises a resin which has a polymerization unit derived from hydroxystyrene and a polymerization unit derived from 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl (meth)acrylate, and is insoluble or poorly soluble itself in an alkali, but becomes alkali-soluble after dissociation of the above-mentioned acid unstable group by the action of an acid; a radiation sensitive acid generating agent; and polypropylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sulfonate of the formula (I): wherein Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5 each independently represent hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, halogen, aryl having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, aralkyl having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, cyano, sulfide, hydroxy, nitro or a group of the formula (I?) —COO—X—Cy1??(I?) wherein X represents alkylene and at least one —CH2— in the alkylene may be substituted by —O— or —S—, and Cy1 represents alicyclic hydrocarbon having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and A+ represents a counter ion, with the proviso that at least one of Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5 is the group of the formula (I?).

Abstract: Nitrile/vinyl ether-containing polymers for photoresist compositions and microlithography methods employing the photoresist compositions are described. These photoresist compositions comprise 1) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound comprised of a vinyl ether and 2) a nitrile-containing compound, e.g., acrylonitrile, which together impart high ultraviolet (UV) transparency and developability in basic media. In some embodiments, these photoresist compositions further comprise a fluoroalcohol group. The photoresist compositions of this invention have, high UV transparency, particularly at short wavelengths, e.g., 157 nm and 193 nm, which property makes them useful for lithography at these short wavelengths.

Abstract: Resist compositions comprising as the base resin a polymer using tert-amyloxystyrene as a reactive group which is decomposable under the action of an acid to increase solubility in alkali have advantages including a significantly enhanced contrast of alkali dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high sensitivity, and a high resolution in the baking temperature range of 100-110° C. which is unachievable with tert-butoxystyrene. The compositions are best suited as a chemically amplified resist material for micropatterning in the manufacture of VLSI.

Abstract: Provided are a resist material having markedly high resolution and etching resistance of a practically usable level, and being useful for fine microfabrication; a patterning method using the resist material; and a polymer useful as a base resin for the resist material. More specifically, provided are a polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 500,000, which comprises one or more repeating units selected from the group consisting of repeating units represented by formulae (1) to (3) below; and one or more repeating units of the formula (4) below; and a resist material containing the polymer.

Abstract: A resist composition comprising a polymer containing vinyl sulfonate units having fluorinated hydrophilic groups as a base resin has excellent transparency, substrate adhesion and developer penetrability as well as plasma etching resistance, and is suited for lithographic microprocessing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel norbornene, acrylate or methacrylate monomer as a photoresist monomer containing an oxepan-2-one group. Further disclosed are photoresist compositions comprising a polymer prepared from the monomer, methods for preparing the photoresist compositions, and methods for forming photoresist patterns using the photoresist compositions.

Abstract: A negative resist composition is provided which is less likely to swell in an alkali developing solution. An alkali-developable negative resist composition is disclosed comprising a compound (A) which generates an acid upon exposure to radiation, and a resin component (B) which becomes insoluble in alkali under the action of an acid, wherein the component (B) is a resin component containing: (b1) a unit which becomes insoluble in an alkali solution as a result of the formation of a lactone under the action of an acid generated from the component (A), and (b2) a unit having an alcoholic hydroxyl group.

Abstract: Polymers and co-polymers having monomeric units formed by the polymerization of monomers of the Structure I where R1 is a moiety containing an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group, R2 is a C1-C3 alkylene group, and R3 is a C1-10 linear or cyclic alkyl group, a C6-10 aromatic or substituted aromatic group, a C1-8 alkoxy methyl, or a C1-8 alkoxy ethyl group, are useful as binder resins for photosensitive compositions, and processes for photolithography in the production of semiconductor devices and materials.

Abstract: A chemically amplified photoresist composition comprising, (a) a compound which cures upon the action of an acid or a compound whose solubility is increased upon the action of an acid; and (b) as photosensitive acid donor, at least one compound of the formula Ia, Ib, Ic, IIb or IIc wherein R1 is for example C1-C5alkyl, C3-C30cycloalkyl, C1-C5haloalkyl, C2-C12alkenyl, C4-C8cycloalkenyl, C6-C12bicycloalkenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracyl, phenanthryl, or is a heteroaryl radical; all of which are unsubstituted or substituted; optionally some of the substituents form 5- or 6-membered rings with further substituents on the phenyl, naphthyl, anthracyl, phenanthryl, or heteroaryl ring or with one of the carbon atoms of the phenyl, naphtyl, anthracyl, phenanthryl, or heteroaryl ring; R?1 is for example C1-C12alkylene, C3-C30cycloalkylene, phenylene, naphtylene, diphenylene, or oxydiphenylene, wherein these radicals are unsubstituted or substituted; A and B for example are a direct bond; Ar1 and Ar2 independently of ea

Abstract: A resist resin containing a monomer unit selected from the group comprising a monomer unit represented by Formula (II): wherein a substituent R3 represents an alkyl group, or a functional group comprising an acid-deprotectable protecting group, m representing the number of R3 is 0 (non-substitution), 1, 2 or more, R3 may be different from each other, provided that m is 2 or more, and n represents an integer of 0 to 4, has no rough spots on the surface after etching and so has good dry etching resistance, and therefore the resist resin is preferably used as a photo resist for DUV.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprising (A) a specific acid generator that generates an acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation, and (B) a resin that has a monocyclic or polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon structure and is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkali developing solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resist resin having an acid-decomposable group, which gives rise to decomposition of the acid-decomposable group to show an increased solubility to an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid, wherein the resist resin has, in the main chain, an alicyclic lactone structure represented by the following general formula (1). According to the present invention, a positive-type chemically amplified resist can be obtained which has high transparency to a far-ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 220 nm or less, excellent etching resistance, and excellent adhesion to substrate; and a fine pattern required in production of semiconductor device can be formed. (wherein Z is an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having a lactone structure).

Abstract: Photoacid generators are provided by O-arylsulfonyl-oxime compounds having formula (1) wherein R is H, F, Cl, NO2, alkyl or alkoxy, n is 0 or 1, m is 1 or 2, r is 0 to 4, r? is 0 to 5, k is 0 to 4, and G? and G? are S or —CH?CH—. Chemically amplified resist compositions comprising the photoacid generators have many advantages including improved resolution, improved focus latitude, minimized line width variation or shape degradation even on long-term PED, and improved pattern profile after development. Because of high resolution, the compositions are suited for microfabrication, especially by deep UV lithography.

Abstract: This invention discloses compositions that can be polymerized/crosslinked imagewise upon exposure to ionization radiation such as x-ray, electron beam, ion beam, and gamma-ray. This invention also discloses methods of use for these compositions for microfabrication of ceramics, for stereolithography, and for x-ray, e-beam, and ion-beam lithography which can be used for photoresists.

Abstract: A resist composition comprising a base polymer having a fluorinated sulfonate or fluorinated sulfone introduced therein is sensitive to high-energy radiation, has excellent transparency, contrast and adherence, and is suited for lithographic microprocessing.

Abstract: The present invention also includes an imageable element, comprising a substrate and a thermally imageable composition comprising a thermally sensitive polymer which exhibits an increased solubility in an aqueous developer solution upon heating. The thermally sensitive polymer includes at least one covalently bonded unit and at least one thermally reversible non-covalently bonded unit, which includes a two or more centered H-bond within each of the non-covalently bonded unit. The present invention also includes a method of producing the imaged element. The present invention still further includes a thermally imageable composition comprising comprising a thermally sensitive polymer according to the present invention and a process for preparing the thermally sensitive polymer, which is a supramolecular polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photoresist composition comprising: a) at least one film forming resin selected from the group consisting of novolak resins, and polyhydroxystyrenes; b) at least one photoactive compound or photoacid generator; and c) a solvent composition comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of acetals and ketals. Also disclosed is a photoresist composition comprising a polycarbonate resin and a solvent composition comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of acetals and ketals. Also disclosed is a process for imaging a photoresist composition, comprising the steps of: a) coating a suitable substrate with any of the aforementioned photoresist compositions; b) baking the substrate to substantially remove the solvent; c) imagewise irradiating the photoresist film; and d) removing the imagewise exposed or, alternatively, the unexposed areas of the coated substrate with a suitable developer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical-amplification negative-working photoresist composition used for photolithographic patterning in the manufacture of semiconductor devices suitable for patterning light-exposure to ArF excimer laser beams and capable of giving a high-resolution patterned resist layer free from swelling and having an orthogonal cross sectional profile by alkali-development. The characteristic ingredient of the composition is the resinous compound which has two types of functional groups, e.g., hydroxyalkyl groups and carboxyl or carboxylate ester groups, capable of reacting each with the other to form intramolecular and/or intermolecular ester linkages in the presence of an acid released from the radiation-sensitive acid generating agent to cause insolubilization of the resinous ingredient in an aqueous alkaline developer solution.

Abstract: A chemical amplification type positive resist composition comprising: (A) a resin which itself is insoluble or poorly soluble in an alkali aqueous solution but becomes soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, and which contains a structural unit derived from p-hydroxystyrene and a structural unit represented by the formula (Ia) or (Ib) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents hydrogen or methyl, and R3 to R5 each independently represents alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and (B) radiation-sensitive acid generator comprising sulfonic acid ester of N-hydroxyimide compound; and onium salt is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel positive-working chemical-amplification photoresist composition capable of giving an extremely finely patterned resist layer in the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices. The photoresist composition comprises: (A) 100 parts by weight of a copolymeric resin consisting of from 50 to 85% by moles of (a) hydroxyl group-containing styrene units, from 15 to 35% by moles of (b) styrene units and from 2 to 20% by moles of (c) acrylate or methacrylate ester units each having a solubility-reducing group capable of being eliminated in the presence of an acid; and (B) from 1 to 20 parts by weight of a radiation-sensitive acid-generating agent which is an onium salt containing a fluoroalkyl sulfonate ion having 3 to 10 carbon atoms as the anion such as bis(4-tert-butylphenyl) iodonium nonafluorobutane sulfonate.

Abstract: A resist composition includes a polymer principal chain, a carboxyl group having a protective group and bonding to a side chain of the polymer main chain, and an additional acidic functional group having an acid-cleavable protective group and bonding to a side chain of the polymer main chain, wherein the carboxyl group has a lactone structure represented by a formula (wherein n is an integer of 1-4, and R represents any of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxyl group and an alkoxycarbonyl group and connected to an arbitrary position of said lactone structure excluding a second position forming an ester bonding) as the protective group.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a chemically amplified resist composition comprising: a resin which becomes soluble in an aqueous alkali solution in the presence of an acid, a photo acid generator, and an amine derivative which shows, in water of 25° C., such a basicity as to form a conjugate acid and has a medium polarity. The amine derivative acts as a quencher. Therefore, the chemically amplified resist composition of the present invention enables formation of a very precise and fine resist pattern and can be suitably used particularly in a lithography using an ArF excimer laser beam.

Abstract: A novel copolymer includes a repeating unit (B) derived from an unsaturated carboxylic anhydride, a repeating unit (C) represented by Formula (II), and a repeating unit (D) represented by Formula (III).

Abstract: Fluorinated polymers, photoresists and associated processes for microlithography are described. These polymers and photoresists are comprised of esters derived from fluoroalcohol functional groups that simultaneously impart high ultraviolet (UV) transparency and developability in basic media to these materials. The materials of this invention have high UV transparency, particularly at short wavelengths, e.g., 157 nm, which makes them highly useful for lithography at these short wavelengths.

Abstract: Positive photoresists and associated processes for microlithography in the ultraviolet (UV) and violet are disclosed. The photoresists comprise (a) a branched copolymer containing protected acid groups and (b) at least one photoacid generator. The photoresists have high transparency throughout the UV, good development properties, high plasma etch resistance and other desirable properties, and are useful for microlithography in the near, far, and extreme UV, particularly at wavelengths less than or equal to 365 nm.

Abstract: A chemically-amplified resist composition is disclosed, which comprises a polymer of formula (I) below: wherein R1 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, or CF3; Q is C4-C12 cycloalkyl; R2 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, or CF3; R3 is C4-C12 branched or cyclic alkyl; and x+y+z equals to 1. The chemically-amplified resist compositions of the present invention not only can be applied maturely to general lithographic processes, especially to 193 nm lithographic process, but also have excellent photo-sensitivity, and can form a well-resolved pattern and profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoresist composition that reduces standing wave and side wall roughness. The composition comprises a first photoresist X and a second photoresist Y. The first photoresist X absorbs at a higher wavelength than the second photoresist Y. The second photoresist Y has a lower glass transitional temperature than the first photoresist X. A method for making the photoresist composition is also provided.

Abstract: A resist composition comprising as the base resin a blend of a fluorinated polymer which is sensitive to high-energy radiation and highly transparent at a wavelength of up to 200 nm and a sulfonate-containing polymer exhibiting a high contrast upon alkali dissolution is improved in transparency and alkali dissolution contrast as well as plasma etching resistance.

Abstract: A resist composition comprising a base polymer having a fluorinated sulfonate or fluorinated sulfone introduced therein is sensitive to high-energy radiation below 300 nm, has excellent transparency, contrast and adherence, and is suited for lithographic microprocessing.

Abstract: By using a branched long chained chain scission polymer as a photoresist for EUV and 157 nanometer applications, a relatively higher molecular weight polymer with good mechanical properties may be achieved. In addition, by using chain scission technology, line edge roughness and resolution may be improved at the same time.

Abstract: A chemically amplified positive resist composition contains as a base a carboxyl or phenolic hydroxyl group-containing resin soluble in aqueous alkaline solution, in which acid labile groups are incorporated into at least some of the hydrogen atoms on the carboxyl or phenolic hydroxyl groups so that the resin becomes insoluble or substantially insoluble in alkali, wherein the resin contains acid labile groups of at least two types, acid labile groups of one type are acetal or ketal groups, and acid labile groups of the other type are tertiary hydrocarbon groups or tertiary hydrocarbon group-containing substituents. The resist composition remains stable during vacuum standing after exposure to electron beams or soft x-rays, leaves minimal footings on chromium substrates, has an excellent sensitivity and resolution, and is thus suited as a micropatterning material for use in the processing of mask substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel positive-working chemical-amplification photoresist composition capable of giving an extremely finely patterned resist layer in the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices. The photoresist composition comprises: (A) 100 parts by weight of a copolymeric resin consisting of from 50 to 85% by moles of (a) hydroxyl group-containing styrene units, from 15 to 35% by moles of (b) styrene units and from 2 to 20% by moles of (c) acrylate or methacrylate ester units each having a solubility-reducing group capable of being eliminated in the presence of an acid; and (B) from 1 to 20 parts by weight of a radiation-sensitive acid-generating agent which is an onium salt containing a fluoroalkyl sulfonate ion having 3 to 10 carbon atoms as the anion such as bis(4-tert-butylphenyl) iodonium nonafluorobutane sulfonate.

Abstract: There are disclosed a light-sensitive composition which comprises (A) at least one water-soluble polymer selected from a cationic water-soluble polymer having a phenyl group substituted by a vinyl group at a side chain of the polymer and a water-soluble polymer having a phenyl group substituted by a vinyl group and a sulfonate group at a side chain of the polymer, and (B) at least one of a photopolymerization initiator and a photo-acid generator; and a light-sensitive composition which comprises at least one cationic monomer having two or more polymerizable unsaturated groups in the molecule, at least one polymer, and at least one of a photopolymerizable initiator and a photo-acid generator.

Abstract: A copolymer of an acrylic monomer having at least one C6-20 alicyclic structure with a norbornene derivative or styrene monomer having a hexafluoroalcohol pendant is highly transparent to VUV radiation and resistant to plasma etching. A resist composition using the polymer as a base resin is sensitive to high-energy radiation below 200 nm, has excellent sensitivity, transparency and dry etching resistance, and is suited for lithographic microprocessing.