193-Nm Multilayer Imaging Systems

This paper highlights the performance of new materials that have been developed for use in 193-nm trilayer microlithography. The products are embedded etch masking layers (EMLs) and bottom antireflective coatings (BARCs). Both coatings are spin applied from organic solvent(s) and then thermoset during a hot plate bake. The EMLs (middle layers) are imaging compatible with JSF, Sumitomo, and TOK 193-nm photoresists. Best-case trilayer film stacks have given 100-nm dense and semi-dense L/S. Plasma etching. selectivities and solution compatibility performance of the EMLs meet or exceed proposed product targets. In addition, the EMLs exhibit both solution and plasma etching properties that should lead to successful rework processes for photoresists. The multilayer BARCs offer good thick film coating quality and contribute to excellent images when used in trilayer applications. Combining the EMLs, which are nearly optically transparent (k = 0.04) at 193-nm, with the new trilayer BARCs results in outstanding Prolith simulated reflectance control. In one modeling example, reflectance is a flat line at 0.5% on five different substrates for BARC thicknesses between 300 and 700-nm.