Abstract: A radiation sensitive refractive index changing composition whose refractive index of a material is changed by a simple method, whose changed refractive index difference is sufficiently large, and which can provide a stable refractive index pattern and a stable optical material regardless of their use conditions. The radiation sensitive refractive index changing composition comprises (A) a polymerizable compound, (B) a non-polymerizable compound having a lower refractive index than the polymer of the polymerizable compound (A), and (C) a radiation sensitive polymerization initiator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive photoresist composition comprising (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation and (B) a resin capable of decomposing under the action of an acid to increase the solubility in alkali, containing a repeating unit having a group represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 represents hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, R1 to R7, which may be the same or different, each represents hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, a cycloalkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkenyl group which may have a substituent, provided that at least one of R6 and R7 is a group exclusive of hydrogen atom and R6 and R7 may combine to form a ring, and m and n each independently represents 0 or 1, provided that m and n are not 0 at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resist composition for practical use with high resolution, high sensitivity, superior pattern profile and no outgass in energy irradiation under high vacuum, suitable to an ultra-fine processing technology represented by use of electron beam and the like, and provides: (1) a resist composition comprising at least one kind of polymer containing, as components thereof, a monomer unit represented by the following general formula [1]: 1

Abstract: New photoacid generator compounds (“PAGs”) are provided and photoresist compositions that comprise such compounds. In particular, non-ionic substituted disulfone compounds PAGS are provided, including disulfone PAGs that contain a diazo, substituted methylene or hydrazine moiety interposed between substituted sulfone groups. Also provided are positive- and negative-acting chemically amplified resists that contain such PAGs and that are preferably imaged with sub-300 nm or sub-200 nm radiation such as 248 nm, 193 nm, or 157 nm radiation.

Abstract: A chemical amplification type resist composition comprising a specific sulfonyldiazomethane containing long-chain alkoxyl groups has many advantages including improved resolution, improved focus latitude, minimized line width variation or shape degradation even on long-term PED, minimized debris left after coating, development and peeling, and improved pattern profile after development and is thus suited for microfabrication.

Abstract: The present invention includes polymers and photoresist compositions that comprise the polymers as a resin binder component. Photoresists of the invention include chemically-amplified positive-acting resists that can be effectively imaged at short wavelengths such as sub-200 nm, particularly 193 nm. Polymers of the invention suitably contain 1) photoacid labile groups that preferably contain an alicyclic moiety; 2) a polymerized electron-deficient monomer; 3) a polymerized cyclic olefin moiety. Particularly preferred polymers of the invention are tetrapolymers or pentapolymers, preferably with differing polymerized norbornene units.

Abstract: Polymeric material, containing a latent acid which can be converted to an acid by irradiation by a laser and optionally further ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers which are substantially or completely free of inorganic contaminants and the use of such polymers as a resin component for photoresist compositions, particularly chemically-amplified positive-acting resists. Polymers of the invention also are suitable for use as a resin component for antireflective coating compositions (ARCs). More particularly, the invention provides methods for reducing such contaminants in polymerization initiators, particularly free radical initiators.

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 method of colouring a polymeric material containing a) a latent acid, b) a colour former and c) optionally further ingredients by irradiation with UV-light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sulfonate of the formula (I): 1

Abstract: The silicon-containing resist compositions which have low silicon outgassing and high resolution lithographic performance, especially in bilayer or multilayer lithographic applications using 193 nm or shorter wavelength imaging radiation are enabled by the presence of an imaging polymer having silicon-containing, non-acid-labile pendant groups. The resist compositions of the invention are preferably further characterized by the substantial absence of silicon-containing acid-labile moieties.

Abstract: A photoresist polymer for a top-surface imaging process by silylation (TIPS), and a photoresist composition comprising the same. The protecting group of the present photoresist polymer is selectively protected in an exposed region, and thus a hydroxyl group is generated. The hydroxyl group reacts with the silylation agent to cause a silylation process. Accordingly, when the photoresist film is dry-developed, the exposed region only remains to form a negative pattern. In addition, the present photoresist composition has excellent adhesiveness to a substrate, thus preventing a pattern collapse in forming a minute pattern. As a result, the present photoresist composition is suitable for a lithography process using light sources such as ArF (193 nm), VUV (157 nm) and EUV (13 nm).

Abstract: The present invention provides an additive for a photoresist composition for a resist flow process. A compound of following Formula 1 having low glass transition temperature is added to a photoresist composition containing a polymer which is not suitable for the resist flow process due to its high glass transition temperature, thus improving a flow property of the photoresist composition. As a result, the photoresist composition comprising an additive of Formula 1 can be used for the resist flow process. wherein, A, B, R and R′ are as defined in the specification of the invention.

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: The present invention relates to new copolymers and use of such copolymer as a resin binder component for photoresist compositions, particularly chemically-amplified positive-acting resists. Polymers of the invention include repeat units of 1) meta-hydroxystyrene groups, 2) para-hydroxystyrene groups, and 3) photoacid-labile groups.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising (A) a resin which comprises at least one recurring unit (I-1), (I-2), or (I-3), and a recurring unit (II), and is insoluble or scarcely soluble in alkali, but becomes alkali soluble by action of an acid, (B) a photoacid generator, and (C) a polycyclic compound. The resin composition is used as a chemically-amplified resist for microfabrication utilizing deep UV rays.

Abstract: A chemically amplifying type positive resist composition suitable for use in the lithography utilizing an ArF or KrF excimer laser and excellent in the shape of profile is provided, which comprises a resin which has an alkali-soluble group protected by 2-alkyl-2-adamantyl group or 1-adamantyl-1-alkylalkyl group, and which, per se, is insoluble or slightly soluble in alkali but becomes soluble in alkali by the action of an acid; and a sulfonium salt acid generating agent represented by the following formula (I): wherein Q1, Q2 and Q3 independently represent hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and Q4 represents perfluoroalkyl which may have a cyclic structure.

Abstract: New photoresist compositions are provided that contain a halogenated salt, particularly a halogenated counter ion of an ammonium or alkyl ammonium salt. Preferred photoresists of the invention are chemically-amplified positive resists and contain an ammonium or alkyl ammonium salt that has a halogenated anion component such as a halogenated alkyl sulfonate or carboxylate anion component. Inclusion of the halogenated organic salt in a photoresist composition can provide enhanced lithographic performance.

Abstract: Novel copolymers suitable for forming the top layer photoimagable coating in a deep UV, particularly a 193 nm and 248 nm, bilayer resist system providing high resolution photolithography. Chemically amplified photoresist composition and organosilicon moieties suitable for use in the binder resin for photoimagable etching resistant photoresist composition that is suitable as a material for use in ArF and KrF photolithography using the novel copolymers.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition containing: (A) a binder polymer; (B) a compound having a polymerizable unsaturated group; and (C) a compound which has a triarylsulfonium salt structure and in which a sum of Hammett's a constants of all substituents bonded to the aryl skeleton is larger than 0.46.

Abstract: A photoimageable composition comprising finely divided particles of inorganic materials comprising functional phase particles selective from electrically conductive, resistive and dielectric particles; and inorganic binder dispersed in organic medium comprising an aqueous developable polymer; photoinitiation system; and a photospeed enhancer wherein the enhancer comprises a ratio of 30/70 to 70/30 mixture selected from stearic acid and palmitic acid; salt of stearate and salt of palmitate; stearic acid and salt of palmitate; salt of stearate and palmitic acid; and organic solvent.

Abstract: A polymer system for semiconductor applications may be formed by blending a filler material and a precursor for a photodefinable polymer. The filler may be chosen so as not to adversely affect the photodefinability of the resulting system and, in some embodiments, may improve the mechanical or chemical properties of the resulting system.

Abstract: A printing plate includes a substantially free gelatin free polymeric film which includes a coating layer of a polymer having at least one -POXY pendant group, pendant carboxyl groups and further comprises a sulphonated monomer, salt or derivative.

Abstract: A photosensitive polymer including silicon and a resist composition using the same are disclosed. The photosensitive polymer has the following formula 1.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to photoimaging and the use of photoresists (positive-working and/or negative-working) for imaging in the production of semiconductor devices. The present invention also pertains to novel hydroxy ester-containing polymer compositions that are useful as base resins in resists and potentially in many other applications.

Abstract: There is provided a base material for lithography that is capable of achieving superior film formation characteristics, while maintaining good light absorption characteristics.

Abstract: A photosensitive polymer having a protecting group including a fused aromatic ring, and a photoresist composition including the photosensitive polymer are provided. The photosensitive polymer has an acid-labile protecting group at its polymer backbone, the acid-labile protecting group including a fused aromatic ring having formula: where R1 is hydrogen atom or alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X is hydrogen atom, halogen, alkyl, or alkoxy; and y is an integer from 1 to 3, wherein the fused aromatic ring is a liner ring or branched ring with y greater than or equal to 2. A photoresist composition is also provided which includes the photosensitive polymer and a photoacid generator (PAG).

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer for use in a chemically amplified resist, a resist composition including such a polymer is suitable for use in a chemically amplified resist, which is sensitive to KrF or ArF excimer laser and forms a photoresist pattern having low dependence on and good adhesion to substrate, high transparency in the wavelength range of the above radiation, strong resistance to dry etching, and excellencies in sensitivity, resolution and developability. The resist composition can have a stronger etching resistance with a maximized content of unsaturated aliphatic ring in the polymer and a reduced edge roughness of the photoresist pattern with an alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomer employed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an norbornene-based copolymer for photoresist, a preparation method thereof, and a photoresist composition comprising the same. The copolymer of the present invention exhibits high transparency to light of 193 nm wavelength and an excellent etching resistance, excellent resolution due to the remarkable difference between light-exposed part and light-unexposed part in the dissolving rate and excellent adhesion to the substrate due to very hydrophilic diketone group of its own. As a result, the copolymer of the present invention is very useful as ArF exposure photoresist material in the fabrication of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resin composition used as a chemically amplified positive tone resist responsive to short wavelength active radiation such as KrF excimer laser and ArF excimer laser is disclosed. The resin composition comprises: (A) an acid-dissociable group-containing resin which is insoluble or scarcely soluble in alkali and becomes alkali soluble when the acid-dissociable group dissociates, the resin comprising a lactone cyclic structure of the following formula (1): wherein a is an integer from 1-3, b is an integer from 0-9, and R1 represents a monovalent organic group, and (B) a photoacid generator. The composition has high transmittance of radiation, exhibits high sensitivity, resolution, and pattern shape, and can produce semiconductors at a high yield without producing resolution defects during microfabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polymers and chemically-amplified positive-acting photoresist compositions that contain such polymers as a resin binder component. Preferred polymers of the invention include one or more structural groups that are capable of reducing the temperature required for effective deprotection of acid-labile moieties of the polymer.

Abstract: A photosensitive insulating paste composition comprising: an organic component comprising the components of (A) a water-soluble cellulose derivative, (B) a photopolymerizable monomer, (C) an acrylic resin having a hydroxyl group, and (D) a photopolymerization initiator; and an inorganic powder.

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: Disclosed is a photosensitive insulating resin composition comprising (A) an alkali-soluble resin having a phenolic hydroxyl group, (B) a compound containing at least two alkyl-etherificated amino groups in the molecule, (C) crosslinked fine particles, (D) a photosensitive acid generator and (E) an organic solvent. Also disclosed is a cured product obtained by curing the photosensitive insulating resin composition. From the photosensitive insulating resin composition, a cured product excellent not only in resolution, electrical insulation properties and thermal shock resistance but also in heat resistance and chemical resistance can be obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a positive type resin composition comprising (A) a resin component comprising within the principal chain a structural unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester and incorporating an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group containing a polycyclic group on an ester side chain section, for which the solubility in alkali increases under the action of acid, (B) an acid generator component which generates acid on exposure, and (C) an organic solvent, wherein

Abstract: A method for structuring a photoresist layer includes the steps of providing a substrate on which a photoresist layer has been applied at least in some areas. The photoresist layer includes a film-forming polymer that contains molecule groups that can be converted into alkali-soluble groups by acid-catalyzed elimination reactions. The polymer further includes a photobase generator that, on exposure to light from a defined wavelength range, releases a base. The polymer additionally includes a thermoacid generator that releases an acid when the temperature is raised. The photoresist layer is initially exposed, in some areas, to light from the defined wavelength range. The photoresist layer is then heated to a temperature at which the thermoacid generator releases an acid and the acid-catalyzed elimination reaction takes place. Finally, the photoresist layer is developed.

Abstract: A polymer comprises recurring units of formula (1) and recurring units having acid labile groups which units increase alkali solubility as a result of the acid labile groups being decomposed under the action of acid, and has a Mw of 1,000-500,000. R1 and R2 each are hydrogen, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkyl, alkoxy or halogen, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. The polymer is useful as a base resin to form a chemically amplified, positive resist composition which has advantages including a significantly enhanced contrast of alkali dissolution rate before and after exposure, high sensitivity, high resolution, and high etching resistance and is best suited as a micropatterning material for use in VLSI manufacture.

Abstract: A polymer used for a negative type resist composition having a first repeating unit of a Si-containing monomer unit, a second repeating unit having a hydroxy group or an epoxy ring and copolymerized with the first repeating unit is provided.

Abstract: Cyclic acetal compounds of formula (1) wherein k=0 or 1 and n is an integer of 0 to 6 are novel. Using the cyclic 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: There is provided a method of forming a fine resist pattern in which a highly practicable photo-sensitive composition obtained from a material having a high transparency against an exposure light having a short wavelength such as F2 excimer laser beam is used as a resist, and the method of forming a fine resist pattern comprises a step for forming a photo-sensitive layer on a substrate or on a given layer on a substrate using a photo-sensitive composition comprising at least a compound generating an acid by irradiation of light and a compound having fluorine atom in its molecular structure, a step for exposing by selectively irradiating a given area of said photo-sensitive layer with energy ray, a step for heat-treating the exposed photo-sensitive layer, and a step for forming a fine pattern by developing the heat-treated photo-sensitive layer to selectively remove the exposed portion or un-exposed portion of the photo-sensitive layer.

Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using these compositions to form circuits are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers of the composition include recurring units having the formula where X is a light-attenuating moiety, M is a metal, and each R is individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyls, aryls, alkoxys, and phenoxys. The resulting compositions are spin bowl compatible (i.e., they do not crosslink prior to the bake stages of the microlithographic processes or during storage at room temperature), are wet developable, and have superior optical properties.

Abstract: A photoresist layer structuring process includes a substrate with a photoresist layer applied thereto in parts. The photoresist layer includes a film-forming polymer having molecular groups convertable into alkali-soluble groups by acid-catalyzed cleavage reactions. The polymer includes a photoacid generator liberating an acid on exposure to light in a wavelength range, and a photobase generator liberating a base on exposure to light in a wavelength range. First, the photoresist layer is exposed to light from the second range, the light wavelength being chosen so that the photoacid generator is substantially inert to the irradiation, and is exposed to light from the first range, the light wavelength being chosen so that the photobase generator is substantially inert to the irradiation. The photoresist layer is then heated to a temperature at which the cleavage reaction catalyzed by the photolytically produced acid takes place, and finally the photoresist layer is developed.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive resin composition or a photosensitive resist for color filters which is superior in heat resistance, water resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and also transparency, and a method for producing color filters using them. The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition comprising a vinyl polymer (A) having at least one cyclocarbonate group and at least one carboxyl group in the molecule and a compound (B) having at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the molecule as a main component, which can introduce crosslinked structures by photocuring and thermosetting, a photosensitive resist for color filters comprising the photosensitive resin composition and a colorant, and a method for producing a color filter, using the photosensitive resist for color filters.

Abstract: In the pattern formation method of this invention, a resist film is formed by applying, on a substrate, a pattern formation material containing a polymer including a first unit represented by Chemical Formula 1 and a second unit represented by Chemical Formula 2, and an acid generator, wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a chlorine atom and an alkyl group including a chlorine atom; and R3 is a protecting group released by an acid. Then, the resist film is irradiated with exposing light of a wavelength of a 1 nm through 30 nm band or a 110 nm through 180 nm band for pattern exposure, and a resist pattern is formed by developing the resist film after the pattern exposure.

Abstract: A chemical amplification positive resist composition comprising a polymeric mixture of a polyhydroxystyrene derivative having a Mw of 1000-500,000 and a copolymer of hydroxystyrene and (meth)acrylate having a Mw of 1000-500,000, as a base resin, has improved dry etching resistance, high sensitivity, high resolution, and process adaptability, and is suppressed in the slimming of pattern films after development with aqueous base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoresist composition sensitive in the deep ultraviolet region and a method of processing the photoresist, where the photoresist comprises a novel copolymer, a photoactive component, and a solvent. The novel copolymer comprises a unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated compound containing at least one cyano functionality and a unit derived from an unsaturated cyclic non aromatic compound.

Abstract: Polymers comprising recurring units of an acrylic derivative of fluorinated backbone represented by formula (1) are novel. R1, R2 and R3 are independently H, F, C1-20 alkyl or fluorinated C1-20 alkyl, at least one of R1, R2 and R3 contains fluorine, and R4 is an acid labile group. Using such polymers, resist compositions featuring low absorption of F2 excimer laser light are obtained.

Abstract: Polymer materials are described that undergo a two-level three-dimensional crosslinking process. During this process, hydrophilic polymers are crosslinked at two levels, the first results in a low level of crosslinking which leads to a toughening of the layer preventing dissolution by the fountain solution but with the layer remaining hydrophilic. The second level of crosslinking is higher and is the result of exposure to a laser diode thermal imaging device. The crosslinking at this second level results in a loss of hydrophilicity and provides instead an oleophilic image capable of accepting and transferring oil-based ink. The polymer materials are particularly useful in lithographic printing systems where they may used in articles such as a printing plate comprising a substrate having coated thereon a layer that becomes less hydrophilic upon exposure to thermal energy (e.g.