Line edge roughness evolutions in EUV resist patterns are investigated. Three dimensional scanning electron microscopy
images show the pattern sidewall roughness to be highly anisotropic and the roughness to be propagating from the resistsubstrate
interface up the resist pattern sidewall. In ultrathin resist films, (film thickness ca. 100 nm and below)
roughness is found to be fully correlated from the resist-substrate interface to the resist-air interface. This behavior is
seen regardless of the resist platforms being used.
Underlayer stack roughness contributions to the pattern sidewall roughness leading to resist LER were examined and no
correlations between the two were found. At the same time, the chemical properties of the underlayer stacks are shown
to have strong influences on the resist roughness and process performance. Exact mechanisms behind this are not clearly
understood at present.
As IC manufactures explore different paths to meet the resolution requirements for next generation technology,
patterning schemes which utilize a double photoresist patterning process are under extensive evaluation. One dual
patterning process under consideration uses a 172nm UV cure to render the first photoresist pattern insoluble to the
casting solvents and developer chemistries used to define the second photoresist pattern. Line-space resist patterning is
used to understand the effect of the 172nm UV light on the SiBARC, under-layer film stack and how it influences the
patterned CD. This is followed by cross-grid and pitch-split double patterning using 172 nm UV light of varying dose to
freeze the first photoresist layer patterned using a tri-layer film configuration. In the final section we discuss the effects
of the 172nm UV cure on the SiBARC film thickness and optical properties. Simulations are run to understand the
change in the focus-exposure process window due to changes in the SiBARC film due to the 172nm UV cure.
As IC manufactures explore different paths to meet the resolution requirements for next generation technology,
patterning schemes which utilize a double photoresist patterning process are under extensive evaluation. One dual
patterning process under consideration uses a 172nm UV cure to render the first photoresist pattern insoluble to the
casting solvents and developer chemistries used to define the second photoresist pattern. In this work we investigate the
change in the material properties such as thickness, optical, bond structure, adhesion and stability of the SiBARC film
due to the UV cure. Simulations are included to assess the change in substrate reflectance due to the change in the optical
properties of the SiBARC film as a result of the UV cure. Single patterned photoresist line space features versus UV cure
dose of the SiBARC - under layer film stack is presented. This is followed by cross-grid and pitch-split double patterning using 172 nm UV light of varying dose to freeze the first photoresist layer patterned using a tri-layer film configuration.
This work discusses the requirements and performance of Honeywell's middle layer material, UVAS, for trilayer patterning. UVAS is a high Si content polymer synthesized directly from Si containing starting monomer components. The monomers are selected to produce a film that meets the requirements as a middle layer for trilayer patterning and gives us a level of flexibility to adjust the properties of the film to meet the customer's specific photoresist and patterning requirements. Results of simulations of the substrate reflectance versus numerical aperture, UVAS thickness, and under layer film are presented. Immersion lithographic patterning of ArF photoresist line space and contact hole features will be presented. A sequence of SEM images detailing the plasma etch transfer of line space photoresist features through the middle and under layer films comprising the TLP film stack will presented. Excellent etch selectivity between the UVAS and the organic under layer film exists as no edge erosion or faceting is observed as a result of the etch process. The results of simulations of Rsub versus NA, and the thickness of each film comprising a two layer antireflective film stack will also be discussed.
This work discusses the development and characterization of Honeywell's middle layer material, UVAS, for trilayer
patterning. The UVAS polymer contains high Si content constructed by polymerizing multiple monomers selected to
produce a film that meets the requirements as a middle layer for trilayer patterning. Results of ArF photoresist patterning
evaluations, plasma and wet etch studies, and photoresist and full stack rework tests will be presented and discussed. ArF
photoresist patterning tests show that UVAS exhibits organic BARC like performance with respect to MEEF (Mask
Error Enhancement Factor), DOF (Depth of Focus) and EL (Exposure Latitude). Shelf life data shows that UVAS
maintains very stable properties even after 6 months storage at room temperature. We will also briefly discuss
investigation of amine or nitrogen-based contaminant blocking by the UVAS middle layer.
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