Photosensitive Composition for Ultrafine Pattern Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photosensitive compositions used in electronic component manufacturing, such as for liquid crystal display devices and semiconductor devices, face limitations in sensitivity, solvent resistance, thermal stability, reaction contrast, residual film ratio, and pattern formation quality, particularly with the miniaturization of patterns.

Innovation Solution

A photosensitive composition containing a specific compound represented by Formula (I) that acts as a photobase generator, improving sensitivity and reaction contrast, and when used with a base-reactive compound like epoxy resin or polyamic acid, enhances the thermal stability and solvent resistance of the cured film, while ensuring uniform acid generation and distribution for improved pattern resolution and shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional photosensitive compositions are used for ultrafine pattern formation, then pattern miniaturization is achieved, but sensitivity, solvent resistance, thermal stability, and pattern quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern resolutionVSAvoidsensitivity and solvent resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the photosensitive composition by introducing a specific photobase generator (Formula I) with unique structural components (Y representing monovalent organic group, R1-R6 representing various organic groups including heteroaryl groups). This parameter change in the molecular structure enables simultaneous achievement of high sensitivity, good solvent resistance, and excellent pattern resolution in ultrafine patterning applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite photosensitive composition combining the novel photobase generator (Formula I) with base-reactive compounds (epoxy resin, polyamic acid) and other components. This composite material approach integrates multiple functional properties: the photobase generator provides sensitivity and acid generation, while the base-reactive compounds provide thermal stability and solvent resistance, resolving the contradiction between pattern resolution and material reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If exposure wavelength is shortened for higher integration, then manufacturing precision improves, but sensitivity and reaction contrast worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern resolutionVSAvoidsensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the photobase generator structure (Formula I) to be highly responsive to shorter wavelength exposure light. The specific molecular parameters (Y, R1-R6 groups) are designed to absorb higher energy photons efficiently and generate sufficient base concentration, thereby maintaining high sensitivity even when using shorter wavelength exposure sources required for ultrafine patterning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The photobase generator (Formula I) acts as an intermediary that converts exposure energy into base concentration efficiently. This intermediary substance bridges the gap between short-wavelength exposure light and the chemical reaction required for pattern formation, enabling high sensitivity and good reaction contrast to be achieved despite the use of higher energy, shorter wavelength light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If pattern size is reduced for high integration, then manufacturing precision improves, but residual film ratio and developability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern resolutionVSAvoidresidual film ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the photosensitive system to enhance base generation efficiency and distribution uniformity. The specific structure of Formula I (with Y, R1-R6 representing various organic groups including heteroaryl groups) is designed to produce sufficient base concentration even in ultrafine patterns, ensuring complete reaction and minimal residual film, thereby improving both pattern resolution and reducing residual film ratio simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a chemical amplification mechanism where the photobase generator (Formula I) produces base that catalyzes further reactions. This feedback loop amplifies the initial exposure signal, ensuring that even ultrafine patterns receive sufficient chemical transformation for complete development. The uniform acid generation and distribution mentioned in the patent enable consistent reaction throughout the film thickness, improving developability and reducing residual film across all pattern sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves excellent sensitivity, reaction contrast, and developability as a photocurable composition, and superior resolution and pattern shape as a resist composition, with enhanced thermal stability and solvent resistance, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a compound represented by Formula (I) which has a specific structure and generates a base efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotolysis: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

containing a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto-generation of acid: Photoionisation

Implementation Method 3

when the photosensitive composition is used with a base-reactive compound like epoxy resin or polyamic acid, enhances the thermal stability and solvent resistance of the cured film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS9488911B2Photosensitive composition, photocurable composition, chemical amplification resist composition, resist film, pattern forming method, method of manufacturing electronic device and electronic device
Publication Date: 2016.11.08 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US9488911B2 patent drawing
  • US9488911B2 patent drawing
  • US9488911B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a photosensitive composition containing a compound represented by Formula (I), and the Formula (I) is defined as herein,and chemical amplification resist composition containing the photosensitive composition, wherein the photosensitive composition further contains a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, and a chemical amplification resist composition containing the photosensitive composition, wherein the photosensitive composition further contains a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation.