Resist Composition for Semiconductor Microfabrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current resist compositions for forming connection terminals on semiconductor chips with protruding electrodes face challenges in achieving precise pattern formation and adhesion, particularly when using photolithography methods with resins derived from p-hydroxystyrene, which may not provide adequate solubility and pattern resolution.

Innovation Solution

A resist composition comprising a resin with an acid-labile group, an acid generator, a compound with multiple phenolic-hydroxy groups, and a solvent, along with an optional alkaline-soluble resin, is applied to the substrate, exposed, and developed to form a resist pattern, enhancing solubility and adhesion properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a resist composition containing a resin having a structural unit derived from p-hydroxystyrene is used, then adhesion to the substrate is improved, but pattern resolution and manufacturing precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidpattern resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite resin system combining a resin with acid-labile groups (providing pattern formation capability) and a resin with phenolic hydroxyl groups (providing adhesion). This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of good adhesion and high pattern resolution, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the resin by introducing specific acid-labile groups (such as carboxylic acid groups) and controlling the ratio of different resin components. This parameter change enables the resist to achieve both strong adhesion and high pattern resolution by optimizing the chemical composition rather than relying on a single resin type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a resist composition containing a resin having a structural unit derived from p-hydroxystyrene is used, then adhesion to the substrate is improved, but solubility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidsolubility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite resin system where one resin component provides adhesion (phenolic hydroxyl groups) and another resin component provides solubility control (acid-labile groups). The synergistic combination allows the resist to maintain both good adhesion and appropriate solubility for reliable development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the solubility parameters by introducing acid-labile groups that can be cleaved during development, thereby controlling the solubility behavior of the resist. This allows the resist to maintain adhesion while achieving the necessary solubility for pattern formation during the development process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the resist composition is optimized for pattern resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adhesion to the substrate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern resolutionVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite resin system where one component (resin with acid-labile groups) provides pattern formation capability and another component (resin with phenolic hydroxyl groups) provides adhesion. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of good adhesion and high pattern resolution, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by having different resin components perform different functions: one resin component is optimized for pattern resolution while another is optimized for adhesion. Each component contributes its specific property to the overall resist system, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 resist composition improves pattern resolution and adhesion, enabling the formation of precise resist patterns and connection terminals with improved solubility and stability, suitable for semiconductor chip mounting applications.

Implementation Method 1

an acid generator, wherein the resin (A1) has a structural unit represented by formula (a1-1) or formula (a1-2)... (3) exposing the composition layer; and (4) developing the exposed composition layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochemical reaction: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a resin having an acid-labile group... wherein the resin (A1) has a structural unit represented by formula (a1-1) or formula (a1-2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid-labile group decomposition: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS9740097B2Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • US9740097B2 patent drawing
  • US9740097B2 patent drawing
  • US9740097B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A resist composition contains: a resin having an acid-labile group, an acid generator, a compound having two or more phenolic-hydroxy groups and being other than a resin, and a solvent. The resist composition of the disclosure can provide a resist pattern showing excellent shape and detachability, therefore, the present resist composition can be used for semiconductor microfabrication with resist patterns showing excellent shape.