EP0698230A4

EP0698230A4 - Chemically amplified photoresist

Info

Publication number: EP0698230A4
Application number: EP19940900495
Authority: EP
Inventors: William Ross Brunsvold; Gregory Breyta; Richard Anthony Dipietro; Hiroshi Ito; Christopher John Knors; Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong; Steve Seiichi Miura; Melvin Warren Montgomery; Wayne Martin Moreau; Harbans Singh Sachdev; Kevin Michael Welsh
Original assignee: International Business Machines Corp
Current assignee: International Business Machines Corp
Priority date: 1992-10-29
Filing date: 1993-10-29
Publication date: 1995-10-24
Also published as: WO1994010608A1; JPH08501890A; EP0698230A1; JP2839172B2

Abstract

Resists for use in ultraviolet, electron beam and x-ray exposure devices comprising a polymeric or molecular composition the solubility of which is dependent upon the presence of acid removable protecting groups and a sulfonic acid precursor which generates a strong acid upon exposure to such radiation. The preferred sulfonic acid precursors are triflate esters or benzenesulfonyloxy esters of N-hydroxyimides.

Description

"CHEMICALLY AMPLIFIED PHOTORESIST"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lithographic resists or photoresists which have increased sensitivity and which are free of metallic sensitizers. In particular, it relates to resists which achieve chemical amplification by means of sulfonyloxyimide sensitizers which generate a strong acid upon exposure to ultraviolet, electron beam or x-ray radiation.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

The fabrication of semiconductor devices requires the use of resist compositions which can be imaged and transfer image patterns during processing. As the need to increase semiconductor circuit density has dictated, a movement from very large-scale integration (VLSI) devices to ultra-large scale integration (ULSI) devices, the demand for materials useful in submicron photolithography which are capable of producing and maintaining ultra-fine tolerances has become critical. To achieve such tolerances, chemically amplified resist systems comprising a polymeric material and an acid generating sensitizer, have been developed in order to take advantage of the increased sensitivity of tools using the ultraviolet, electron beam and x-ray radiation spectra. The terms resist, lithographic resist and photoresist are used interchangeably. Films of these materials may be imaged with different radiation wavelengths or modes to provide patterns having resistance to dry or wet processing as is known in the art.

U.S. Patent 4,102,687 to Crivello discloses UV curable organic resin compositions comprising a thermosetting organic condensation resin of formaldehyde with urea, phenol or melamine and a Group Via (i.e., S, Se or Te) onium salt. The use of such compositions as photoresists is suggested.

U.S. Patent 4,108,747 to Crivello discloses the use of polyaryloniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate salts as photo- initiators for a variety of cationically polymerizable organic materials. The disclosed ionic onium triflate salts were shown to be useful in imagable photoresists where negative images were formed by a mechanism which cross-linked a epoxy novolak resins.

U.S. Patent 4,371,605 to Renner discloses the use of sulfonic acid esters of N-hydroxyamides and N- hydroxyimides as photoinitiators for certain photopolymerizable compositions, which compositions may then be used to pattern circuit boards and the like. The compositions may be patternwise exposed to ultra violet light having a wavelength longer than about 310 nm, and development in acetone will produce a negative tone relief image. The presumed mechanism for such photoinitiation, involves a cleavage of the photoinitiator upon irradiation to produce the corresponding sulfonic acid which in turn catalyzes the cationic polymerization of the polymerizable substance. The polymerizable materials include ethylenically unsaturated compositions, ring compositions that undergo a ring opening, and like acid catalyzed polymerizable materials such as melamine resins. Polyaromatic sensitizers were added to enhance the sensitivity of the composition, but these sensitizers are too opaque at 254 nm to be useful for deep UV applications, and are not soluble in the aqueous alkaline developers commonly used in semiconductor photolithography.

U.S. Patent No. 4,491,628 to Ito, et al., discloses photoresist compositions comprising onium salt cationic photoinitiators of the metal and metalloid types, in admixture with a polymer having recurrent acid labile pendant groups. In the presence of ultraviolet light of suitable wavelength and in the presence of an extractable hydrogen, a strong acid is produced by photodecomposition of the onium salt, which, in the presence of heat, then cleaves the pendant acid labile group and concomitantly renders the exposed portion of the polymer differentially soluble in a developer. Polymers disclosed by Ito, et al., include poly(p-tert-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene) and poly(p-tert-butyloxycarbonyloxy- -methylstyrene) . The compositions may be patterned by exposure to deep UV light, having a wavelength in the range from about 200 to 300 nm. Alternatively, by the addition of polyaromatic sensitizers, the composition is useable at longer wavelengths.

U.S. Patent No. 4,603,101 to Crivello discloses photoresist compositions comprising cationic photoinitiators such as diaryliodonium salts and aryl sulfonium salts and a polystyrene made from t-substituted organomethyl vinyl aryl ethers. There are disclosed methods to make the system more sensitive to longer wavelengths. U.S. Patent No. 4,618,564 to Demmer, et al. , discloses photoresist compositions comprising aqueous alkaline soluble polymers in admixture with N- sulfonyloxyimides which are capable of inhibiting the dissolution of the polymers in aqueous alkaline developers. Suitable polymers include novolaks, polyethylene carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and polycarbonates derived from dihydric alcohols and dicarboxylic acids. Polycyclic aromatic sensitizers may be added to enhance the sensitivity of the composition, but these sensitizers are too opaque to be useful for deep UV applications, and are poorly soluble in the aqueous alkaline developers commonly used in semiconductor photolithography.

Umehara, et al, "Application of Silicon Polymer as

Positive Photo Sensitive Material" (Society of Plastic Engineers, Mid-Hudson Section, Technical Papers: Photo Polymers—Processes and Materials, pages 122-131, (1988) discloses the use of positive working compositions comprising silyl ethers containing polymers which exhibit improved hydrophilicity and trihalomethyl substituted s- triazine and 1,3,4-oxadiazole photo-induced acid precursors. The use of an N-phenylsulfonyloxy- 1,8-naphthalimide sensitizer is shown, but the performance is said to be poorer than quinone diazide — the standard or control.

Although onium salts with metal ions such as Ph-.SSbFg have high purity, high thermal stability, and provide very sensitive resist systems, the need for a non-metallic sensitizer in semiconductor processing exists due to the necessity of avoiding formation of insoluble and nonvolatile metal oxides during reactive ion etching and of preventing metal contamination during ion implant. Another difficulty with onium salt sensitizers is the lack of compatibility with many resist polymers because of polarity differences, which results in phase separation of the solid components. Also, onium salts have limited solubility in many organic solvents, especially non-polar or moderately polar solvents.

In semiconductor microlithographic applications, a further difficulty with onium salt sensitizers has been the insolubility of the photoreaction products in aqueous alkaline developers. This will lead to scumming and other undesirable properties when attempting to resolve small images.

Similarly, when highly nonpolar sensitizers such as polyaromatic species are used in admixture with N- sulfonyloxyimides for photoresist compositions, aqueous alkaline developers will not fully dissolve or disperse the sensitizers and scumming results. Scum formation is exacerbated by small lithographic feature size, as boundary layer effects and developer solution viscosity act to inhibit the flow of fresh developer into submicron features. Furthermore, the hydrophobic nature of the sensitizers reduces the dissolution rate of the aqueous alkaline soluble portion of the resist composition, thus reducing the effective photospeed.

Finally, the presence of nonbleaching sensitizers which are highly opaque to DUV light results in undesirable wall profiles and a decreased photospeed of the resist film, which is highly disadvantageous in semiconductor lithographic processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) trace of selected acid generators. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the photochemical absorption of radiation and subsequent energy transfer between photoresist components.

Figure 3 is an ultraviolet absorption spectrograph of poly ( 4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4- hydroxystyrene) (PBOCST-PHOST, also referred to as "poly

B") and of trifluoromethylsulfonyloxybicyclo-[2.2.1]- hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (MDT) .

Figure 4 is a photomicrograph showing imaged photoresist having 1 μm lines and spaces and nearly vertical profiles.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, resists for use in ultra-violet, electron beam and x-ray exposure devices are provided which comprise a polymeric or molecular composition, the solubility of the composition being dependent upon the presence of acid removable protecting groups, and a sulfonic acid precursor which generates a strong acid upon exposure to such radiation.

The resist formulations of the present invention comprise an N-fluoroalkylsulfonyloxyimide sensitizer or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyloxyimide sensitizer or a substituted or unsubstituted benzenesulfonyloxyimide sensitizer and a polymeric resin or molecular monomer having an acid removable protecting group such as a carbonate or a carboxylate. The sulfonic acid precursor is an N-sulfonyloxyimide of the form o

wherein C, and C₂ form a two carbon structure having a single, double, or aromatic bond, or, alternatively, wherein C, and C₂ form a three carbon structure, that is, where the imide ring is a five membered or six membered ring, and wherein R is selected from the group consisting of -CnH2_n+.l.. where n=l to 8, -CnF_2n+_,l, where n=l to 8, a camphor substituent, -2-(9,10-diethoxyanthracene) ,

(CH2~)n-Z or -(CF2_)n-Z where n=l to 4 and where Z is H, alkyl, a camphor substituent, -2-(9,10- diethoxyanthracene) , or aryl,

where m is from 1 to 5, and where X and Y (1) form a cyclic or polycyclic ring which may contain one or more hetero atoms, (2) form a fused aromatic ring, (3) may be independently H, alkyl or aryl, (4) may be attached to another sulfonyloxyimide containing residue, or (5) may be attached to a polymeric chain or backbone, or alternatively of the form

wherein Rl is selected from the group consisting of H, acetyl, acetamido, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbons where m=l to 3, N0₂ where m=l to 2, F where m=l to 5, Cl where m=l to 2, CF^ where m=l to 2, and OCH-, where m=l to 2, and where m may otherwise be from 1 to 5, and combinations thereof, and where X and Y (1) form a cyclic or

- 1 - polycyclic ring which may contain one or more hetero atoms, (2) form a fused aromatic ring, (3) may be independently H, alkyl or aryl, (4) may be attached to another sulfonyloxyimide containing residue, or (5) may be attached to a polymeric chain or backbone.

The imide moiety of the N-sulfonyloxyimide sulfonic acid precursor may also include substituted aromatic rings wherein the substituents are selected to control the UV absorbance properties, dissolution inhibiting or promoting characteristics, and thermal or hydrolytic stability. The substituted aromatic imides include, inter alia, 3-, and 4- nitronaphthalimide, 4-chloro and 4-bromonaphthalimide, and N,N' -bis(camphorsulfonoxy)- 3,4,9, 10-perylenetetra-carboxdiimide. The increased thermal stability is shown in the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) trace shown in Figure 1.

It has been found that the sulfonyloxyimide sensitizers of the present invention provide increased sensitivity when used in a variety of photoresist compositions which may be exposed under various radiation conditions. The sulfonyloxyimide sensitizer is used in admixture with the resin or is attached to the polymer backbone, and is present in a quantity such that upon exposure of the resist to ultra-violet radiation, electron beam radiation or x-ray beam radiation the composition becomes more soluble when working in a positive tone and less soluble when working in a negative tone. In general, the sulfonyloxyimide sensitizer is present in from about 1 to 20% by weight of the resin. It is preferred that such sulfonic acid precursor be present in an amount of 5 to 10% by weight based upon the resin.

Many such resins and monomers which can be derivatized with acid removable groups and which are useful in the present invention are well known in the art. They include, for example, novolak resins such as cresol novolak, p-hydroxystyrene and copolymers of methacrylic acids and esters thereof as well as their monomeric precursors.

In a preferred embodiment, a polymer is selected which will absorb the incident radiation and transfer the absorbed energy to the sulfonyloxyimide acid generator. Hydroxyaromatic comprising polymers are especially preferred. A proposed mechanism for the energy absorption and transfer is shown in Figure 2. Referring to the figure, a polymer having optical absorbtivity in the wavelength range of the exposing radiation captures a photon and is converted to the excited state. The excited state polymer then transfers an electron to the N-sulfonyloxyimide to form a radical cation - radical anion pair. The N-sulfonyloxyimide radical anion decomposes homolytically to give a imidyl anion and a sulfonatyl radical. The sulfonatyl radical then abstracts a hydrogen atom from the immediate environment to give a protic acid. The donor radical cation can also abstract a hydrogen atom from the immediate environment. The resulting cation dissociates to form a neutral donor and a proton, which represents a second equivalent of acid, and which may be consumed in neutralization of the imidyl anion. Compounds which serve as electron donors improve overall sensitivity by rendering the energy transfer more thermodynamically favorable. Compounds which serve as hydrogen atom donors increase the efficiency of acid production by reacting with the donor radical cation. Electron donating hydroxyaromatic compounds are capable of both functions, thus they increase the overall efficiency of acid generation. Hydroxyaromatic comprising polymers are examples of such electron donating hydroxyaromatic compounds; furthermore, such polymers have optical absorbtivity characteristics which favor the absorption of ultraviolet energy in the range of about 200 to about 300 nm. Thus, hydroxyaromatic comprising polymers are especially useful in the present invention.

The resist formulations may contain additives which enhance the sensitivity of the formulation including plasticizers, surfactants, adhesion promotors, casting solvents, dyes, preservatives, etc., and may be made positive or negative working as will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In order that those skilled in the art will be better able to practice the invention, the following examples are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. All parts and percentages given herein are by weight.

Example 1 :

M o n o f u n c t i o n a l rifluoromethylsulfonyloxydicarboximides (V, VI, VII dicarbqximide triflates) were prepared by a method similar to that set forth by Beard, et al. , J. Orq. Chem. , 38, 3673 (1973). Addition of one

equivalent of pyridine to an equimolar mixture of N- hydroxydicarboximide and trifluoromethane sulfonic anhydride in methylene chloride at 0 to 10° C gave moderate to high yields as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Product Yield Melting Point

ODT 30% 113-115° C MDT 90% 88- 90^'° C SDT 76% 124-126° C

Example 2

The solubility limits of six representative N- sulfonyloxyimides in common photoresist solvents were determined by dissolving small portions in propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PMA) or in 2-ethoxyethyl propionate (EEP). Solubility was found to decrease within a family of N-sulfonyloxyimides having the same imide moiety as the percentage of fluorine in the sulfonyloxy moiety decreases, according to the order: MDT, which is more soluble than p- fluorobenzenesulfonyloxy-bicyclo[2.2.1]- hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (FBS-MD), which is more soluble than p-methylbenzenesulfonyloxy-bicyclo[2.2.1]- hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (Tos-MD) . Table 2 shows the solubility limits, expressed as percent weight / weight. TABLE 2 Solubility Comparison

Sensitizer Solubility in PMA Solubility in EEP

endo MDT 33% 27%

PDT 25% 20% exo ODT 22%

SDT 10% endo FBS-MD 15% exo FBS-OD <8%

where PDT is trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyphthalimide, and where exo FBS-OD is p-fluorobenzenesulfonyloxy-exo-7-oxa- bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide.

Example 3:

A. A solution of 17.4 mg of MDT was dissolved in 25 ml of acetonitrile and the ultraviolet absorption spectrum was measured using a 1 cm quartz cell. A solution of 200 mg of poly ( 4 - t - butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4-hydroxystyrene) (PBOCST-PHOST, also referred to as "poly B") was dissolved in 250 ml of acetonitrile and the ultraviolet absorption spectrum was similarly measured using a 1 cm quartz cell. The spectra are shown in Figure 3. It should be particularly noted that the MDT solution is 10 times more concentrated than the corresponding solution would be if dissolved in a 250 ml portion of acetonitrile which would correspond to the poly B solution, or, that in order to directly compare the absorbance of the MDT and the poly B in proportions corresponding to a typical photoresist composition, the MDT absorbance should be divided by 10 relative to the absorbance shown in the figure. It should also be particularly noted that the contribution by MDT alone to the total absorbance of an 8% w/w MDT in poly B mixture, at a wavelength of 267 nm, is less than 0.01%.

B. A photoresist formulation comprising about 20 weight percent poly (4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4- hydroxystyrene) (PBOCST-PHOST, also referred to as "poly B"), 8 weight percent of trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy- bicyclo[2.2. l]-hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide, and the balance of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate was coated onto silicon wafers and baked for 1 minute on a 90° C hot plate to give films having a thickness of about 1.1 μm. The coated wafers were each exposed to monochromatic UV light having a single wavelength selected from the values shown in Table 3. Using a standardized 60 second immersion in a TMAH solution for development, the dose to clear was determined for each of the 13 wafers by a method well known in the art. The results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Wavelength vs Dose to Clear

Wavelength (nm) Dose (Mj)

235 5.0

240 2.5

245 4.0

250 4.5 255 3.5

260 1.5

265 1.0

270 0.5

275 1.0 280 1.0

285 0.5

290 1.0

295 5.0 Comparing the results of the dose to clear data with the UV spectra shown in Figure 2 clearly shows that the greatest photoresist sensitivity corresponds to an absorbance maximum of the hydroxyaromatic comprising polymer, and is at a wavelength where the acid generator does not absorb.

Example 4 :

The percent of conversion of the acid generator to a protic acid in films comprising a polymer in admixture with one of trif luoromethylsulf onyloxy-bicyclo [2.2.1]- hept - 5 - ene- 2 , 3 -dicarboximide ( MDT ) ortrifluoromethylsulfonyloxy- diphenyl- ( p - methylphenyl)sulf onium salt (TDPSTf) was determined for exposure with one of deep UV or e-beam (Eb) radiation. The results are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Photoconversion of Acid Generator

4.25% TDPSTf 3.28% MDT

UV Eb UV Eb

17 34 2 6 0 31 4

Example 5

The quantum yield of the acid generator in films comprising a polymer in admixture with one of trifluoro- methylsulfonyloxy-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-5-ene-2,3- dicarboximide (MDT) ortrifluoromethylsulfonyloxydiphenyl- (p-methylphenyl)-sulfonium salt (TDPSTf) was determined for upon exposure to deep UV radiation. The results are shown in Table 5. Q is quantum yield and OD is optical density.

i TABLE 5

Quantum Yield of Acid Generator

4.25% TDPSTf 3.28% MDT

OD Q OD Q

PBOCST .32 .35 Polyvinyl alcohol .43 .24

Polystyrene .63 .12

PMMA .15 .86

Example 6 :

A photoresist formulation comprising about 20 weight percent poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene) (PBOCST) prepared in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 4,491,628, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application, 4 weight percent of trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2. l]-hept-5- ene-2,3-dicarboximide made in accordance with the procedure of Example 1 and referred to as ODT and 76 weight percent of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate was coated onto a silicon wafer and baked for 1 minute on a 100° C hot plate to give a 1.1 μm film. The coated wafer was exposed to deep ultraviolet radiation through a chrome mask on a Perkin-Elmer PE500 exposure tool with a setting for aperture 4 (radiation in the range of 240 -

2 280nm) and received an 8 Mj/cm exposure. The exposed wafer was subjected to a 90 second post exposure bake (PEB) at 90° C followed by a 90 second development in a xylene spray to provide 1 μm negative tone images having nearly straight wall profiles .

Example 7 :

A photoresist composition comprising 20 weight percent of a poly (4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-

4-hydroxystyrene) (PBOCST-PHOST) resin made in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 264,407, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application, 2 weight percent of a trifluoromethylsulfonyloxybicyclo-[2.2.1]- hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide made in accordance with the procedure of Example 1 and referred to as MDT, and 78 weight percent propylene glycol methyl ether acetate was coated onto a silicon wafer and baked between 70 and 100° C (preferably between 70 and 90° C for 1 minute on a hot plate to give a 0.9 μm film. The coated wafer was exposed to a deep ultraviolet radiation through a chrome mask on a Perkin-Elmer PE500 exposure tool with a setting for

2 aperture 4 and received a 15 Mj/cm exposure. The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at 90° C followed by a 60 second development in aqueous tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) which provided 1 μm positive images with nearly straight sidewalls. Figure 4 shows the resultant images. Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-7- oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]-hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide, trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-succinimide (SDT) and bi- functional compounds containing two triflate groups per molecule such as N,N'-bistrifluoromethylsulfonyloxyo(3- methyl-4,5-imido-cyclohex-3-enyl) succinimide were imaged in a similar manner.

Example 8:

The sensitized resist materials of the present invention are also sensitive to electron beam exposure. The formulation of example 6 (PBOCST and ODT) was baked

₂ for one minute at 100°X C and was imaged with a 2 μC/cm dose of electron beam energy at 25 KeV followed by a 90 second PEB at 90° C and a 30 second development in a spray of xylene. High resolution negative images were produced.

Example 9:

A formulation consisting of 2 weight percent of trifluoromethylsulfonyloxybicyclof2.2.l]-hept-5-ene-2,3- dicarboximide (MDT), 5 weight percent bis-Phenol A-di-t- butyl carbonate, 20 weight percent novolak resin and 73 weight percent propylene glycol methyl ether acetate was coated onto a wafer to give a 1.2 μm film. The coated wafer was subjected to deep UV exposure in UV2 (240-260

2 nm) receiving a 10 Mj/cm dose, followed by a 90 second

PEB at 90° C and development in TMAH for 60 seconds which gave 0.5 and 1.0 μm lines in a positive mode.

Example 10:

Another photoresist formulation consisting of 20 weight percent poly (4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4- hydroxystyrene) (PBOCST-PHOST) prepared in accordance with the method set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 264,407, 0.75-1.0 weight percent of N- trifluoromethyl-sulfonyloxyphthalimide (PDT)

( PDT )

and the balance of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate was prepared and spun coated on a silicon wafer at 4500 rpm and baked at 90°C for 1 minute on a hot plate to give a film having a thickness from about 0.9 to 1.1 μm. The coated wafer was exposed to deep UV radiation through a chrome mask on a Perkin Elmer PE500 exposure tool with a setting for aperture 4 and received a dose of 8-10

2 Mj/cm . The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at

90°C followed by a 60 second development in aqueous TMAH. 1 μm images were produced having nearly vertical sidewalls.

Example 11:

Another positive photoresist formulation was prepared comprising 20 weight percent poly(4-t-butyl- oxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4-hydroxystyrene) , (PBOCST- PHOST) 0.75 to 1.0 weight percent of N- trifluorosulfonyloxydiphenyl maleimide (DPMT)

and the balance of propylene glycol methyl etheracetate was spun coated onto a silicon wafer at 4500 rpm and baked at 90°C for 1 minute on a hot plate to give a 0.9 to 1.1 μm film. The coated wafers were exposed to ultraviolet radiation through chrome masks on a Perkin Elmer PE 500 exposure tool on UV2, UV3, UV4 mode. The exposed wafers received a 90 second PEB at 90°C followed by a 60 second development in aqueous TMAH. The results were as follows:

Mode Wavelengths Exposure Dose Image Width UV2 240-280nm 6 Mj/ cm2 1.0 μm

UV3 280-380nm 24 Mj/ cm2 1.25 μm

UV4 360-450nm 30 Mj/ cm2 2.00 μm

All images had nearly vertical sidewalls.

Example 12:

The resist composition of Example 11 (PBOCST-PHOST and DPMT) was prepared and spun on silicon wafers as described in that example. The coated wafers were then exposed to ultraviolet radiation on an h-line stepper at

2 405nm receiving an exposure dose of 40 Mj/cm . The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at 90° C followed by a 60 second development in aqueous TMAH and gave 1 μm positive images with nearly vertical sidewalls.

Example 13:

Still another resist formulation was prepared comprising 20 weight percent poly(4-t-butyloxy- carbonyloxystyrene-co-4-hydroxy-styrene) (PBOCST-PHOST) , 0 . 35 to 0.50 we i ght percent N - trifluorosulfonyloxyphthalimidyl ether (ODPT)

and the balance of propylene glycol methyl etheracetate was spun on a silicon wafer at 4500 rpm and baked for 1 minute on a 90°C hot plate to give a film of 0.9 - 1.1 μm thickness. The coated wafer was exposed to deep ultraviolet radiation through a chrome mask on a Perkin Elmer PE 500 exposure tool with a setting for aperture 4 and in UV2 with an average wavelength of 254 nm and

2 received an 8-10 Mj/cm exposure. The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at 90°C followed by a 60 second development in aqueous base. The resulting images were 1 μm in width with nearly vertical sidewalls.

Example 14:

A negative photoresist formulation was prepared comprising 20 weight percent poly-(t-butyloxycarbonyl- oxystyrene, 0.75 - 1.0 weight percent of bistrifluoromethylbis-N,N' -trifluoromethyl-sulfonyloxy- phthalimidylmethane (6FPDT)

( 6FPDT )

and the balance of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. The formulation was spun coated onto a silicon wafer at 4500 rpm and baked at 90°C for 1 minute on a hot plate to give a 0.9 to 1.1 μm film. The coated wafer was exposed to deep ultraviolet radiation on a Perkin Elmer PE 500 exposure tool with a setting for aperture 4 in UV2 at an

2 average wavelength of 254 nm and received an 8-10 Mj/cm exposure dose. The exposed wafer was developed in xylene for 10 seconds providing 1 μm images with nearly vertical side walls. Example 15 :

Another negative acting resist formulation was prepared comprising 20 weight percent poly-t-butyloxycarbonyloxy- styrene (PBOCST), 0.75 - - 1.0 weight percent N- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxydiphenyl- maleimide, and the balance of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. This composition was spun coated onto a silicon wafer at 4500 rpm and baked at 90°C for one minute on a hot plate to give a 0.9 - 1.1 μm film. The coated wafer was exposed to ultraviolet radiation on a Perkin Elmer PE 500 exposure

2 tool, UV3 mode and received a 100 Mj/cm exposure dose.

The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at 90°C followed by a 10 second development with xylene which produced 1 μm negative images with nearly vertical sidewalls.

Example 16:

A monomer of N-trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy maleimide was prepared in the method as described by CD. Beard et al, J. Org, Chem. , 38, 3673(1973j and was polymerized with p- t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene in accordance with the method set forth in U.S. Patent No. 4,491,628 using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator.

The resultant polymer poly(4-5-butyloxycarbonyloxy- styrene-co-N-trifluoromethane sulfonyloxy maleimide) was spun coated on a silicon wafer and baked at 90°C for 1 minute on a hot plate. The coated wafer was exposed to deep ultraviolet radiation on a Perkin Elmer PE500

2 exposure to UV2 mode and received a 25 Mj/cm exposure dose. The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at 90°C. Development in aqueous alkali produced 1.25 μm positive tone images.

Example 17:

A poly(maleic anhydride-styrene) copolymer was reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in pyridine to produce the corresponding N-hydroxylmaleimide-styrene copolymer. Thereafter this copolymer

was reacted with triflic anhydride to produce poly-

(N-trifluoromethylsulfonyloxymaleimide-co-styrene) . A photoresist formulation was prepared comprising 20 weight percent poly (t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene) (PBOCST), 8 weight percent po ly - ( N - tr i f 1 u o rome thy1 - sulfonyloxymaleimide-co-styrene) and 72 weight percent propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. This composition was spun coated onto a silicon wafer and baked at 90°C for one minute on a hot plate to give a film 0.8 to 1.0 μm thick. The coated wafer was exposed to deep ultraviolet radiation through a chrome mask on a Perkin

Elmer PE500 tool in the UV2 mode and received a 20-25

2 Mj/cm exposure dose. The exposed wafer received a 90 second PEB at 90°C followed by development in anisole to provide good image transfer down to the substrate.

Example 18:

A. An epoxide containing sensitizer was prepared by the oxidation of N-trifluorosulfonyloxybicyclo-

[2.2.1 ] -hept-5-ene-2 , 3-dicarboximide (MDT) using metachloroperoxybenzoic acid in methylene chloride at

0°C. Purification was performed by chromotography(silica gel, hexane to ethyl acetate, in a ratio of 2 to 1). Proton and carbon NMR, IR, and UV spectra confirmed that the resultant material was N-trifluoro methylsulf onloxybicyclo- [2.2.1] -heptane -5 ,6-oxy-2,3- dicarboximide (EXMDT).

( EXMD )

B. A positive tone resist formulation was prepared comprising 20 weight percent poly (4-t- butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4-hydroxystyrene) (PBOCST- PHOST) , 2 weight percent of the epoxy sensitizer (EXMXT) prepared above, and the balance being propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. This resist formulation was spun on a silicon wafer at 3,000 RPM and dried on a hot plate at 90° C for 1 minute. The coated wafer was exposed to deep ultraviolet radiation using a Perkin-Elmer PE500 exposure tool with aperture setting 4 and an average wavelength of

254nm and the exposed wafers received a exposure dose of

2 6-8mJ/cm . The exposed wafers received a 90 second PEB at 90° C followed by development in aqueous base resulting in a pattern of 1 μm lines and spaces with nearly a vertical sidewalls.

It has surprisingly been found that sensitization of the sulfonyloxyimide (triflate) compositions of the present invention can be enhanced using sensitizers which are sufficiently transparent between 200 - 300 nm, the absorbance being less than preferable 0.8. These sensitizers are thought to undergo electron transfer mechanisms from the sensitizer to the triflate acceptor. Among the substituted benzene compounds, we have discovered that aromatic phenols such as hydroquinone, resorcinol, pyrogallol, bisphenol-A, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4- mthylphenol, 3,3' ,5,5' -tetra-t-butylbisphenol A, and methylene bishydroquinone, 2,5-di-t-butylhydroquinone, have been found to potentiate bicyclo-[2.2. l]-hept-5-ene- 2,3-dicarboximide triflates when used with a poly (4-t- butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4-hydroxystyrene) (PBCOST- PHOST) resist composition. It appears that after the photolytic cleavage of the trflate N-O bond the phenol compound enhances the formation of the triflic acid in the chemically amplified exposure process. The additional benefit of aromatic phenols is apparent in the increase of the sensitivity of the triflate to electron beam and x-ray exposure.

Example 19

A resist formulation comprising: 20 weight percent poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-4-hydroxystyrene) , ( BCOS - PHOS ) , 2 wei ght perc ent N - trifluoromethylsulfonyloxybicyclo-[2.2. l]-hept-5-ene-2,3- dicarboximide (MDT) , and 2 weight percent hydroquinone showed an increase in sensitivity to x-ray exposures of at least two times and to electron beam exposure of 1.5 times. Table 6 shows the comparison of photoresists with and without additional the addition of such additives.

ϊable 1 :

e-bea 5 uC/cn²

e-beam 2.5 uC/αn²

PBOCST Control UV 3 mJ/cm (no additive)

Hydroquinone UV .5 m /cm (1 - 3%) Pyrogallol 1 rftJ/cm (1 - 3%)

BenzoEJhenone no image (1 - 3*)

Novolak resin UV 2.5 rτ_J/c_n

Example 20

A resist formulation comprising 20 weight percent poly (4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene) (PBOCST), 2 weight percent N-pentafluorobenzenesulfonyloxy-bicyclo-[2.2.1]- hept-5-ene-2, 3-dicarboximide, 2 weight percent hydroquinone, and 71 weight percent propylene glycol methyl ether acetate was prepared as was a like resist without hydroquinone. Upon imaging and development to form negative images in UV2 it was noted that 1 μm images

2 were resolved at 50 Mj/cm with the hydroquinone containing resist while- the non-hydroquinone containing

2 resist required a 100 Mj/cm dose. Example 21 :

A base developable negative resist may be prepared wherein an alkali soluble base resin such as p- hydroxystyrene is combined with a crosslinking agent such as for example an alkoxylated melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde resin and the triflate sensitizer of the present invention. A composition comprising approximately 15% p-hydroxystyrene, 5% alkoxylated urea formaldehyde, 2% MDT and 78% propylene glycol methyl ether acetate will produce fine negative images in UV, e- beam and x-ray radiation due to the cleavage of the al oxy group from the urea formaldehyde backbone and subsequent crosslinking with the p-hydroxystyrene in the exposed areas.

Example 22:

N-Camphorsulfonoxynaphthalimide: 4.7 g of N- hydroxynaphthalimide sodium salt, 5.0 g (+/-) camphorsulfonyl chloride, and a few crystals of 18-crown- 6 were added to 100 Ml glyme and stirred at ambient temperature overnight under N₂. The next day the solution was brought to reflux and filtered hot through diatomacious earth, using additional hot glyme to wash filter cake. The solvent was evaporated, and the product recrystallized from toluene / heptane, filtered, rinsed with cold toluene, then heptane, sucked dry, then placed in a vacuum oven at 50°C. Yield 8.2 g (96.5%) of faintly yellow crystals.

Example 23:

N-Trifluoromethanesulfonoxy-1,8-naphthalimide: 23.5 g of sodium N-hydroxy-1,8-naphthalimide and 28.2 g triflic anhydride were added to 250 Ml chloroform and stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day an additional 250 Ml chloroform was added, the reaction brought to reflux, then filtered through dicalite and allowed to crystallize. Yield 23.5 g (68.1 %) of faintly yellow crystals.

Example 24:

N-Camphorsulfonoxy-3-nitro-l,8-naphthalimide (One pot procedure): 4.9 g 3-Nitro-l,8-naphthalic anhydride and 1.5 g hydroxylamine hydrochloride were added to 100 Ml of dry pyridine. After stirring two hours, the reaction was brought to reflux and 20 Ml of pyridine was distilled off. Reaction was cooled to room temperature and 5.0 g Camphorsulfonyl chloride added and reaction stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction was poured onto approximately 500 Ml crushed ice. When ice was almost all melted, the mixture was filtered and the solid rinsed with water and sucked dry. The solid was recrystallized from cyclohexanone to give 4.5 g orange crystals.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by the above, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise compositions herein disclosed and that rights are reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A photoresist for use in ultraviolet, electron beam, or x-ray exposure devices comprising

(a) a polymeric or molecular composition, the solubility of said composition being dependent upon the presence of acid removable protecting groups, and

(b) a metal ion free sulfonic acid precursor which generates a strong acid upon exposure to radiation.

2. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is a sulfonyloxyimide having the structural formula

wherein Cl and C2 may form a single, double, or aromatic bond, and wherein R is selected from the group consisting of ~^c _n ^H2n+l ^{wnere n=} to 8, ^Cn^F2n+l ^{wnere n=} to 8, a camphor substituent,- (CH_ 2)n-Z or -(CF-)'n-Z where n=l to 4 and where Z is H, alkyl, aryl, a camphor substituent, or -2-(9,10- Diethoxyanthracene) ,

^~ J (HI)

where m is from 1 to 5, and where X and Y (1) form a cyclic or polycyclic ring which may contain one or more hetero atoms, (2) form a fused aromatic ring, (3) may be independently H, alkyl or aryl, (4) may be attached to another sulfonyloxyimide containing residue, or (5) may be attached to a polymeric chain or backbone.

3. The photoresist according to claim 2 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is present in an amount from 1 - 20% by weight of the composition.

4. The photoresist according to claim 3 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is present in an amount from 5 - 10% by weight of the composition.

5. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein said composition comprises a soluble polymer and a molecular solubility inhibiting compound.

6. The photoresist according to claim 5 wherein the molecular solubility inhibiting compound is bisphenol A di-t-butyl carbonate.

7. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein a sufficient amount of a substituted benzene compound is provided to enhance the formation of the strong acid.

8. The photoresist according to claim 7 wherein the substituted benzene compound is present in an amount from 1 to 3% by weight of the composition.

9. The photoresist according to claim 7 wherein the substituted benzene compound is selected from the group consisting of hydroquinone, resorcinol, pyrogallol, p-bisphenol A, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4- methylphenol, 3,3' ,5,5'-tetra-t-butylbisphenol A, and methylene bishydroquinone. 10. The photoresist in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is selected from the group consisting of trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-7- oxa-bicyclo-[2.2.1]-hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide and trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-bicyclo- [2.2.1] -hept-5- ene-2,3-dicarboximide.

11. The photoresist according to claim 1 which has an absorbance at a wavelength in the range from 200 to 300 nm of less than 0.8.

12. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is a sulfonyloxyimide having the structural formula

wherein Cl and C2 may form a single, double, or aromatic bond, and wherein Rl is selected from the group consisting of H, acetyl, acetamido, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbons where m=l to 3, N0₇ where m=l, F where m=l to 5, Cl where m=l to 2, CF-, where m=l to 2, and OCH, where m=l to 2, and where m may otherwise be from 1 to 5, and where X and Y (1) form a cyclic or polycyclic ring which may contain one or more hetero atoms, (2) form a fused aromatic ring, (3) may be independently H, alkyl or aryl, (4) may be attached to another sulfonyloxyimide containing residue, or (5) may be attached to a polymeric chain or backbone.

13. The photoresist according to claim 12 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is present in an amount from 1 - 20% by weight of the composition.

14. The photoresist according to claim 13 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is present in an amount from 5 - 10% by weight of the composition.

15. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is a sulfonyloxyimide having an imide moiety selected from the group consisting of 3-, and 4- nitronaphthalimide, 4-chloro and 4- bromonaphthalimide, and N,N'-bis(camphorsulfonoxy)- 3,4,9,10-perylenetetra-carboxdiimide.

16. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric or molecular composition comprises a hydroxyaromatic group.

17. A method of forming a photoresist relief image comprising the steps of:

(a) applying, to a substrate, a layer of a photoresist composition comprising a polymeric or molecular composition, the solubility of said composition being dependent upon the presence of acid removable protecting groups, in admixture with a metal ion free sulfonic acid precursor which generates a strong acid upon exposure to radiation; and

(b) exposing the layer to ultraviolet, electron beam, or x-ray radiation to form a latent image; and

(c) heating the layer so as to chemically cleave the acid removable protecting groups in the region of the latent image; and

(d) differentially dissolving a portion of the photoresist composition to form a relief image.

18. A microlithographic substrate comprising a layer of a polymeric or molecular composition, the solubility of said composition being dependent upon the presence of acid removable protecting groups, wherein the layer further comprises a metal ion free sulfonic acid precursor which generates a strong acid upon exposure to radiation.

19. The substrate according to claim 18 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is a sulfonyloxyimide.

20. The substrate according to claim 18 wherein the polymeric or molecular composition comprises a hydroxyaromatic compound.

21. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is a sulfonyloxyimide having the structural formula

wherein C. and C, form a three carbon structure, and wherein R is selected from the group consisting of (1) -C H₂ . where n=l to 8, (2) ~^c _n ^F2_n+ι ^{wnere n}~- to 8, (3) a camphor group, (4) ^~(^C 2)_n ^{-Z wnere n=1} to 4 and where Z is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, aryl, a camphor group, and - 2-(9,10-diethoxyanthracene) , (5) ~(^CF2)_n ^{~z wnere n=1} to 4 and where Z is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, aryl, a camphor group, and - 2-(9,10-diethoxyanthracene) , (6)

=\ /(^σ ) I)

\ / (I

where m is from 1 to 5, and (7)

where m is from 1 to 5, and wherein X and Y (1) form a cyclic or polycyclic ring which may contain one or more hetero atoms, (2) form a fused aromatic ring, (3) may be independently H, alkyl or aryl, (4) may be attached to another sulfonyloxyimide containing residue, or (5) may be attached to a polymeric chain or backbone.

22. The photoresist according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonic acid precursor is a sulfonyloxyimide having the structural formula

wherein C. and C, form a three carbon structure, and wherein Rl is selected from the group consisting of H, acetyl, acetamido, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbons where m=l to 3, NO, where m=l, F where m=l to 5, Cl where m=l to 2, CF_ where m=l to 2, and 0CH₃ where m=l to 2 , and where m may otherwise be from 1 to 5, and where X and Y (1) form a cyclic or polycyclic ring which may contain one or more hetero atoms, (2) form a fused aromatic ring, (3) may be independently H, alkyl or aryl, (4) may be attached to another sulfonyloxyimide containing residue, or (5) may be attached to a polymeric chain or backbone.