Additional base component effect acid diffusion

Photoacid diffusion behavior in t-BOC-blocked chemically amplified positive DUV resists under various conditions was studied. Based on the experimental results, it was confirmed that only one mechanism dominated the acid diffusion in the resist film, and two diffusion paths, i.e., the remaining solvent in the resist film and hydrophilic OH sites of base phenolic resin, existed. Moreover, the effects of molecular weight dispersion, acid structure, and additional base component on both acid-diffusion behavior and lithographic performance were revealed. Finally, the acid diffusion behavior in the resist film was clarified and the acid diffusion length that affected the resist performance could be controlled. 

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