Self-Segregating Multilayer Imaging Stack With Built-In Antireflective Properties

Abstract

A coating process comprises forming a patterned material layer on a substrate using a self-segregating polymeric composition comprising a polymeric photoresistive material and an antireflective coating material contained in a single solution. When depositing this solution on a substrate and removing the solvent, the two materials self-segregate into two layers. This produces a coated substrate having a uniaxial bilayer coating oriented in a direction orthogonal to the substrate with a top photoresistive coating layer and a bottom antireflective coating layer. Pattern-wise exposing the coated substrate to imaging radiation and contacting the coated substrate with a developer, produces the patterned material layer. Any optional top coat material and a portion of the photoresist layer can be simultaneously removed from the coated substrate to form a patterned photoresist layer on the substrate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.