Abstract: There is provided an underlayer coating for lithography that is used in lithography process of the manufacture of semiconductor devices, that can be used as a hardmask, and that causes no intermixing with photoresists; and a composition for forming the underlayer coating. The composition comprises a polysilane compound, a crosslinkable compound, a crosslinking catalyst and a solvent. The polysilane compound is preferably a polysilane compound having a bond between silicons at the main chain.

Abstract: A novel method for forming a pattern capable of decreasing the number of steps in a double patterning process, and a material for forming a coating film suitably used in the method for forming a pattern are provided. First resist film (2) is formed by applying a first chemically amplified resist composition on support (1), and thus formed film is selectively exposed, and developed to form multiple first resist patterns (3). Next, on the surface of the first resist patterns (3) are formed multiple coating patterns (5) by forming coating films (4) constituted with a water soluble resin film, respectively. Furthermore, a second chemically amplified resist composition is applied on the support (1) having the coating pattern (5) formed thereon to form second resist film (6), which is selectively exposed and developed to form multiple second resist patterns (7). Accordingly, a pattern including the coating patterns (5) and the second resist patterns (7) is formed on the support (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resist composition with a hardener and a solvent, and a method for forming a pattern using the resist composition. The hardener has a thermal-decomposable core part, and a first photosensitive bond art. The solvent has a low-molecular resin, and a second photosensitive bond part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a resist pattern, including: applying a positive resist composition on a support 1 to form a first resist film 2; selectively exposing the first resist film 2 through a first mask pattern, and developing it to form a first resist pattern 3; applying a negative resist composition including an organic solvent (S?) containing an alcohol-based organic solvent on the support 1 that the first resist pattern 3 is formed, thereby forming a second resist film 6; and selectively exposing the second resist film 6 through a second mask pattern, and developing it to form a resist pattern denser than the first resist pattern 3.

Abstract: A method of lithography patterning includes forming a resist pattern on a substrate, the resist pattern including at least one desired opening and at least one padding opening therein on the substrate; forming a patterned photosensitive material layer on the resist pattern and the substrate, wherein the patterned photosensitive material layer covers the padding opening of the resist pattern; and applying a resolution enhancement lithography by assist of chemical shrink (RELACS) process to the desired opening of the resist pattern.

Abstract: There is provided a gap fill material forming composition for lithography that is used in dual damascene process and is excellent in flattening property and fill property. Concretely, it is a gap fill material forming composition characterized in that the composition is used in manufacture of semiconductor device by a method comprising coating a photoresist on a semiconductor substrate having a hole with aspect ratio shown in height/diameter of 1 or more, and transferring an image to the semiconductor substrate by use of lithography process, and that comprises a polymer, a crosslinking agent and a solvent.

Abstract: A photoresist composition comprises about 0.5 to about 20 parts by weight of a photo-acid generator, about 10 to about 70 parts by weight of a novolac resin containing a hydroxyl group, about 1 to about 40 parts by weight of a cross-linker that comprises an alkoxymethylmelamine compound, and about 10 to about 150 parts by weight of a solvent.

Abstract: In polymers for an anti-reflective coating, compositions for an anti-reflective coating and methods of forming a pattern of a semiconductor device using the same, the compositions for an anti-reflective coating include a polymer that includes a first repeating unit having a basic side group, a second repeating unit having a light-absorbing group, and a third repeating unit having a cross-linkable group; a photoacid generator; a cross-linking agent; and a solvent. The polymer for the anti-reflective coating, which may have a basic side group chemically bound to a backbone of the polymer, may properly adjust diffusion of an acid in an anti-reflective coating layer to improve the profile of a pattern.

Abstract: In the liquid immersion lithography process, by simultaneously preventing deterioration of a resist film and deterioration of an immersion liquid employed during liquid immersion lithography which uses various immersion liquids, including water, resistance to post exposure delay of the resist film can be improved without increasing the number of processes, thereby making it possible to form a high resolution resist pattern using liquid immersion lithography. Using an alkaline soluble polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a solvent capable of dissolving them as at least constituent component, a composition is prepared and a protective film is formed on the surface of the resist film to be used, using the composition.

Abstract: New hardmask compositions comprising non-polymeric, metal-containing nanoparticles dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system and methods of using those compositions as hardmask layers in microelectronic structures are provided. The compositions are photosensitive and capable of being rendered developer soluble upon exposure to radiation. The inventive hardmask layer is patterned simultaneously with the photoresist layer and provides plasma etch resistance for subsequent pattern transfer.

Abstract: There are provided a stable chemically amplified photoresist composition that undergoes no change in alkali solubility prior to irradiation, a photoresist laminated product produced by laminating the photoresist composition onto a support, and a manufacturing method for a photoresist pattern and a manufacturing method for a connection terminal that use the photoresist composition and the laminated product. A chemically amplified photoresist composition is provided comprising (a) a resin that undergoes a change in alkali solubility under the action of acid, (b) a compound that generates acid on irradiation, and (c) a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: Novel, poison-blocking compositions and methods of using those compositions to form poison-blocking layers are provided. The compositions comprise a typical composition used in microlithographic processes, but with a poison-blocking additive included in that composition. The preferred additive is a compound comprising one or more blocked isocyanates. Upon heating to certain temperatures, the blocking group is released from the isocyanate, leaving behind a moiety that is highly reactive with the poisonous amines generated by typical dielectric layers.

Abstract: A method of selectively removing a sacrificial material on a substrate is described. The method comprises forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate. Thereafter, the sacrificial layer is selectively decomposed at a temperature less than the temperature required to thermally decompose the sacrificial layer by selectively exposing the sacrificial layer to UV radiation.

Abstract: There are provided a polymer compound which can form a resist pattern with excellent resolution, and a negative resist composition containing the polymer compound and a resist pattern-forming method thereof. The present invention is a polymer compound containing a structural unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1) shown below. (wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group; and R0 represents an alkyl group containing a hydroxyl group.) Also, the present invention is a negative resist composition, including: an alkali soluble resin component (A), an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, and a cross-linking agent (C), wherein the alkali soluble resin component (A) contains a polymer compound (A1) having a structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1) shown above.

Abstract: A photoresist composition includes a cyclic compound, a photoacid generator, and an organic solvent. The cyclic compound includes any one selected from the group consisting of moieties having chemical structures represented by the formulae (1), (2), (3) and (4) set forth herein, and at least one moiety having the chemical structure represented by the formula (9) set forth herein.

Abstract: Multilayer photoresist systems are provided. In particular aspects, the invention relates to underlayer composition for an overcoated photoresist, particularly an overcoated silicon-containing photoresist. Preferred underlayer compositions comprise one or more resins or other components that impart etch-resistant and antireflective properties, such as one or more resins that contain phenyl or other etch-resistant groups and anthracene or other moieties that are effective anti-reflective chromophores for photoresist exposure radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to phosphorus containing (or “halogen free”) multi-layer flame retardant photoimagable compositions useful as a coverlay material in a flexible electronic circuitry package. These compositions generally contain a top layer and bottom layer adjacent to one another both being photosensitive and comprising phosphorus containing acrylates and phosphorus-containing photo-initiators mixed with a polymer binder. These compositions typically have phosphorus in the top layer in an amount between, and including, any two of the following numbers 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.8, 6.0, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, 6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 8.0, 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.8, 9.0, 9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, and 10.0 weight percent, and have phosphorus in the bottom layer in an amount between, and including, any two of the following numbers, 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, and 4.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor including a support and a positive recording layer formed on the support and containing: (A) a polymer having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1), (B) a photo-thermal converting agent, and (C) an amino compound having a methylol group or an alkoxymethyl group; and a positive recording layer whose solubility in an alkaline developer is improved by exposure to light or by heating. In general formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group or a cyclic group, x represents 0 or 1, and A represents a bivalent bonding group. According to the invention, a positive planographic printing plate precursor for use with infrared lasers having excellent chemical resistance and wide image development latitude can be obtained.

Abstract: The resist material contains a photo-acid generator having an absorption peak to exposure light having a wavelength of less than 300 nm, and a second photo-acid generator having an absorption peak to exposure light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more. The method for forming a resist pattern comprises a step for selectively exposing which exposes a coating film of the resist material to an exposure light having a wavelength of less than 300 nm, and a step for selectively exposing by using an exposure light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more. The semiconductor device comprises a pattern formed by the resist pattern. The method for forming a semiconductor device comprises a step for forming a resist pattern on an underlying layer by the aforementioned manufacturing method, and a step for patterning the underlying layer by etching using the resist pattern as a mask.

Abstract: The photoresist composition of the present invention includes a solvent mixture, a resin, a photo acid generator, and a quencher, the solvent mixture comprising a first solvent containing an ether compound and a second solvent having a polarity stronger than the first solvent, wherein an amount of the first solvent is in a range of about 61% to about 79% by weight, and an amount of the second solvent is in a range of about 21% to about 39% by weight based on a total weight of the solvent mixture.

Abstract: Thermally curable undercoat composition comprising for producing a bilayer relief image comprising: a) a polymer of Structure I comprising repeating units of Structure II, III, and IV b) a phenolic crosslinker; c) a thermal acid generator (TAG); and d) a solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording medium comprising a recording layer including a photo-acid generating agent that generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic radiation and a polymer having a polymerizable substituent group bonded to a main chain of the polymer via a functional group that cleaves in the presence of the acid.

Abstract: SU-8 photoresist compositions are modified to improve their adhesion properties by adding 1% to 6% of an adhesion promoter selected from the group consisting of glycidoxypropanetrimethoxysilane, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, and aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. SU-8 photoresist compositions are modified to improve their resistance to cracking and film stress by adding 0.5% to 3% of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of dialkylphthalates, dialkylmalonates, dialkylsebacates, dialkyladipates, and diglycidyl hexahydrophthalates. The improvements can be obtained simultaneously by adding both the adhesion promoter and the plasticizer to SU-8 photoresist compositions.

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; a hydroxy-containing additive; and a resist polymer derived from at least one first monomer. The resist polymer may be further derived from a second monomer having an aqueous base soluble moiety. The hydroxy-containing additive has the structure of Q—OH, where Q may include one or more cyclic structures. Q—OH may have a primary alcohol structure. 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: Integrated circuit packages and their manufacture are described, wherein the packages comprise dendrimers or hyperbranched polymers. In some implementations, the dendrimers or hyperbranched polymers include repeat units having one or more ring structures and having surface groups to react with one or more components of a plastic. In some implementations, the dendrimers or hyperbranched polymers have a glass transition temperature of less than an operating temperature of the integrated circuit and form at least a partially separate phase.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods for forming a photopatterned hydrogel. In some embodiments, the methods comprise the step of exposing a solution comprising a monomer, a crosslinking agent, and a photoinitiator to a pattern of light comprising a first and a second light intensity for a period of time and under suitable conditions for the first light intensity to induce essentially complete conversion of polymerizable groups on the monomer and the crosslinking agent to form a patterned hydrogel, and for the second light intensity to induce partial conversion of the polymerizable groups on the monomer and the crosslinking agent to form partially polymerized polymers that remain soluble. In some embodiments, the first light intensity is lower than the second light intensity. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for forming porous, photopatterned hydrogels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an organic anti-reflective coating composition and a method for forming photoresist patterns using the same. The anti-reflective coating compositions are useful for preventing reflection of a lower film layer or a substrate of a photoresist film, reducing standing waves caused by light and variations in the thickness of the photoresist itself, and increasing the uniformity of the photoresist patterns. More particularly, the present invention relates to an organic anti-reflective coating composition comprising particular organo-silicon based polymers and a method for forming photoresist patterns using the same. The organic anti-reflective coating composition can prevent excessive absorbency of an anti-reflective film formed therefrom and, thus, minimize the reflectivity of the film so that it can efficiently remove standing waves and increase the uniformity of the photoresist pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an organic anti-reflective coating composition and a method for forming photoresist patterns using the same. The anti-reflective coating compositions are useful for preventing reflection of a lower film layer or a substrate of a photoresist film, reducing standing waves caused by light and variations in the thickness of the photoresist itself, and increasing the uniformity of the photoresist patterns. More particularly, the present invention relates to an organic anti-reflective coating composition comprising particular organo-silicon based polymers and a method for forming photoresist patterns using the same. The organic anti-reflective coating composition can prevent excessive absorbency of an anti-reflective film formed therefrom and, thus, minimize the reflectivity of the film so that it can efficiently remove standing waves and increase the uniformity of the photoresist pattern.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising; a dendrimer having at least two polymerizable groups within a molecule; a radical initiator; and an alkali-soluble polymer, and an image recording material comprising a support and a recording layer comprising a polymerizable composition containing a dendrimer having at least two polymerizable groups within a molecule, a radical initiator and an alkali-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition of the present invention has excellent sensitivity and pattern profile, which comprises an acid generator having a specific structure.

Abstract: SU-8 photoresist compositions are modified to improve their adhesion properties by adding 1% to 6% of an adhesion promoter selected from the group consisting of glycidoxypropanetrimethoxysilane, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, and aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. SU-8 photoresist compositions are modified to improve their resistance to cracking and film stress by adding 0.5% to 3% of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of dialkylphthalates, dialkylmalonates, dialkylsebacates, dialkyladipates, and diglycidyl hexahydrophthalates. The improvements can be obtained simultaneously by adding both the adhesion promoter and the plasticizer to SU-8 photoresist compositions.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive patterning composition comprising: (1) at least one acid generating compound selected from the group of compounds of formulae (I) or (II): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, are individually selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, nitro group, hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group and an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl group; an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxy group, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group; wherein X+ represents an onium ion selected from the group consisting of diazonium, iodonium, sulfonium, phosphonium, bromonium, chloronium, oxysulfoxonium, oxysulfonium, sulfoxonium, selenium, tellurium and arsenium; and wherein n is an integer from 4 to 100; (2) at least one cross-linking agent cross-linkable by an acid; (3) at least one polymer compound capable of reacting with the cross-linking agent; and (4) at least one infrared absorbing compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one radiation crosslinkable, preferably UV crosslinkable, polymer composition as a data recording medium, especially in the form of what are known as smart coatings based on such polymer compositions, which in a further embodiment comprises at least one fluorescence chromophore, and also to a composite at least comprising one support and one layer comprising a radiation crosslinkable polymer composition comprising at least one fluorescence chromophore, and also, preferably, an additional UV absorbing layer.

Abstract: A negative resist composition is disclosed, wherein the resist composition includes a polymer having at least one fluorosulfonamide monomer unit having one of the following two formulae: wherein: M is a polymerizable backbone moiety; Z is a linking moiety selected from the group consisting of —C(O)O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —O—C(O)—C(O)—O—, or alkyl; P is 0 or 1; R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbons; R2 is hydrogen, fluorine, a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbons, or a semi- or perfluorinated linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbons; and n is an integer from 1 to 6.

Abstract: A photo-curable resin composition comprising (A) an organosiloxane-bearing polymer comprising recurring units of formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 are monovalent C1-C8 hydrocarbon, n is an integer of 1-1,000, and X is and having a Mw of 500-200,000, (B) a formalin-modified or formalin-alcohol-modified amino condensate, a phenol compound having on the average at least two methylol or alkoxymethylol radicals, or an epoxy compound having on the average at least two epoxy radicals, (C) a photoacid generator, and (D) a silicon compound of the formula: (R11)mSi(OR12)4?m wherein R11 is monovalent C1-C9 hydrocarbon, R12 is C1-C4 alkyl, m is 0-2, forms cured pattern films having dry etch resistance and improved adhesion to substrates.

Abstract: A plate-making method of a printing plate comprising exposing a printing plate precursor having a photosensitive layer comprising a photopolymerizable composition containing (i) a crosslinking agent having two ethylenic polymerizable groups and (ii) a crosslinking agent having three or more ethylenic polymerizable groups, and development processing the exposed printing plate precursor with an alkali developer having a pH of not more than 12.5.

Abstract: The invention provides new light absorbing crosslinking compositions suitable for use as an antireflective composition, particularly for deep UV applications. The antireflective compositions of the invention comprise a photoacid generator that is activated during exposure of an overcoated photoresist. Antireflective compositions of the invention can significantly reduce undesired footing of an overcoated resist relief image.

Abstract: A chemically amplified negative photoresist composition is used for the formation of thick films having a thickness of 20 to 150 ?m and includes (A) an alkali-soluble resin, (B) a compound which generates an acid upon irradiation with active light or radiant ray, and (C) a compound which serves as a crosslinking agent in the presence of an acid. The alkali-soluble resin (A) includes (a1) a novolak resin having a weight average molecular weight of from 5000 to 10000, and (a2) a polymer containing at least a hydroxystyrene constitutional unit and having a weight average molecular weight of less than or equal to 5000.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel negative, aqueous photoresist composition comprising a polyvinylacetal polymer, a water-soluble photoactive compound and a crosslinking agent. The water-soluble photoactive compound is preferably a sulfonium salt. The invention also relates to forming a negative image from the novel photoresist composition.

Abstract: The negative resist composition comprises (1) a film-forming polymer which is itself soluble in basic aqueous solutions, and contains a first monomer unit with an alkali-soluble group in the molecule and a second monomer unit with an alcohol structure on the side chain which is capable of reacting with the alkali-soluble group, and (2) a photo acid generator which, when decomposed by absorption of image-forming radiation, is capable of generating an acid that can induce reaction between the alcohol structure of the second monomer unit and the alkali-soluble group of the first monomer unit, or protect the alkali-soluble group of the first monomer unit. The resist composition can form intricate negative resist patterns with practical sensitivity and no swelling.

Abstract: The negative resist composition comprises (1) a film-forming polymer which is itself soluble in basic aqueous solutions, and contains a first monomer unit with an alkali-soluble group in the molecule and a second monomer unit with an alcohol structure on the side chain which is capable of reacting with the alkali-soluble group, and (2) a photo acid generator which, when decomposed by absorption of image-forming radiation, is capable of generating an acid that can induce reaction between the alcohol structure of the second monomer unit and the alkali-soluble group of the first monomer unit, or protect the alkali-soluble group of the first monomer unit. The resist composition can form intricate negative resist patterns with practical sensitivity and no swelling.

Abstract: To provide a lower layer resist composition for a silicon-containing two-layer resist, which is excellent in the dry etching resistance and film thickness uniformity. A lower layer resist composition for a silicon-containing two-layer resist, comprising (a) a phenol-based polymer, (b) a compound capable of generating a sulfonic acid at a temperature of 100° C. or more, (c) a phenol-based acid crosslinking agent having two or more benzene rings and capable of crosslinking with the polymer under the action of an acid, and (d) a solvent.

Abstract: A resist film is formed from a chemically amplified resist material including a base polymer having a lactone group and having neither a hydroxyl group nor a carboxylic group as an adhesion group bonded to a polymer side chain; and an acid generator for generating an acid through irradiation with light. The resist film is irradiated with extreme UV of a wavelength of a 1 nm through 30 nm band for pattern exposure. The resist film is developed after the pattern exposure, so as to form a resist pattern from an unexposed portion of the resist film.

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 photoacid generator that, on exposure to light from a defined wavelength range, releases an acid. The polymer additionally has a thermobase generator that releases a base 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 elimination reaction catalyzed by the photolytically generated acid takes place and the thermobase generator releases a base. Finally, the photoresist layer is developed.

Abstract: Photoacid generator salts comprising photoactive cationic moieties and segmented, highly fluorinated-hydrocarbon anionic moieties are disclosed which provide high photoacid strength and can be tailored for solubility and polarity. The present invention further relates to photoacid generators as they are used in photoinitiated acid-catalyzed processes for uses such as photoresists for microlithography and photopolymerization.

Abstract: An improved light attenuating compound for use in the production of microdevices is provided. Broadly, the light attenuating compound is non-aromatic and can be directly incorporated (either physically or chemically) into photolithographic compositions such as bottom anti-reflective coatings (BARC) and contact or via hole fill materials. The preferred non-aromatic compounds of the invention are conjugated aliphatic and alicyclic compounds which greatly enhance the plasma etch rate of the composition. Furthermore, the light attenuating compounds are useful for absorbing light at shorter wavelengths. In one embodiment, the inventive compounds can be polymerized so as to serve as both the polymer binder of the composition as well as the light absorbing constituent.

Abstract: There is provided a negative planographic printing plate which can be directly recorded based on digital data from computers and the like, excellent in storage stability, shows no reduction in sensitivity with the lapse of time, and has excellent face flatness. It comprises a substrate having disposed thereon a photosensitive layer which is obtained by applying a photosensitive layer application solution containing an infrared absorber, a compound which generates a radical or acid due to heat, a polymerizable compound or a crosslinking compound, and a silicon-based surfactant such as a siloxane/oxyethylene copolymer and the like, onto the substrate and drying the solution, and which is hardened by exposure to an infrared laser ray.

Abstract: A resist composition comprising:

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive patterning composition comprising:

Abstract: A photoresist composition is provided that includes a polymer having at least one acrylate or methacrylate monomer having a formula 1