Resist Pattern Aqueous Solution for Collapse and Bridge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device manufacturing processes face issues such as pattern collapse, bridge formation, uneven film thickness, solute distribution, residue after solution removal, high surface tension, handling risks, and storage stability of aqueous solutions used in resist pattern formation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device manufacturing aqueous solution comprising a sulfonic acid derivative, a solvent, and a hydroxy derivative, which includes specific chemical formulas and concentrations, is used to reduce defects, suppress pattern collapse, and improve storage stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional aqueous solutions are used for resist pattern formation, then the manufacturing process can be completed, but pattern collapse and bridge formation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern formation reliabilityVSAvoidpattern dimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the aqueous solution by specifying precise concentrations of sulfonic acid compounds (0.01-5 mass%), carboxylic acid compounds (0.01-5 mass%), and nonionic surfactants (0.01-5 mass%). These parameter adjustments optimize the solution's ability to prevent pattern collapse and bridge formation while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite aqueous solution system combining multiple functional components: sulfonic acid compounds for pattern collapse prevention, carboxylic acid compounds for bridge formation suppression, and nonionic surfactants for surface tension control. This composite approach addresses multiple precision issues simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the aqueous solution contains high concentrations of solutes to improve pattern stability, then pattern collapse is suppressed, but solute distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern stabilityVSAvoidsolute distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of individual solutes while maintaining overall solution stability. By controlling each component within specific ranges (sulfonic acid 0.01-5 mass%, carboxylic acid 0.01-5 mass%, nonionic surfactant 0.01-5 mass%), the solution achieves uniform solute distribution without compromising pattern stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different functional roles to different solutes based on their local chemical properties. Sulfonic acid compounds target pattern collapse prevention, carboxylic acid compounds address bridge formation, and nonionic surfactants control surface tension. This localized functional assignment ensures uniform distribution while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the aqueous solution is used to prevent pattern collapse, then fine pattern integrity is maintained, but residue remains after solution removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine pattern integrityVSAvoidresidue amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the concentration parameters of all components to optimize the balance between pattern integrity and residue reduction. The specific ranges (0.01-5 mass% for each component) are calibrated to ensure complete solution removal while maintaining fine pattern stability throughout the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent formulates a disposable aqueous solution that performs its function during the critical manufacturing window and is then completely removed. The solution is designed to be effective during use but easily removable, minimizing residue that would otherwise require additional cleaning steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the surface tension of the aqueous solution is reduced to improve wetting, then pattern coverage is enhanced, but handling risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern wetting qualityVSAvoidhandling risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the surface tension parameter through controlled addition of nonionic surfactants at 0.01-5 mass%. This parameter adjustment ensures adequate wetting for pattern coverage while maintaining solution stability and reducing handling risks associated with excessive surface activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies surface tension modification locally through the selective placement of nonionic surfactants that act at the solution-air interface and on the pattern surface. This localized action improves wetting without creating bulk properties that would increase handling risk.

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 solution effectively reduces defects, prevents pattern collapse, stabilizes film thickness, and enhances storage stability while minimizing residue and handling risks, ensuring efficient resist pattern formation.

Implementation Method 1

a nonionic surfactant; a sulfonic acid compound; a carboxylic acid compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20250328080A1Electronic device manufacturing aqueous solution, method for manufacturing resist pattern and method for manufacturing device
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • US20250328080A1 patent drawing
  • US20250328080A1 patent drawing
  • US20250328080A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device manufacturing aqueous solution includes a sulfonic acid derivative (A) having a certain structure, an aqueous solvent (B), and a hydroxy derivative (C).