U.S. patent application number 14/486532 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for photoresist composition, resist pattern-forming method, acid diffusion control agent, and compound.
This patent application is currently assigned to JSR CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is JSR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hayato NAMAI.
Application Number | 20150309406 14/486532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49161066 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150309406 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
NAMAI; Hayato |
October 29, 2015 |
PHOTORESIST COMPOSITION, RESIST PATTERN-FORMING METHOD, ACID
DIFFUSION CONTROL AGENT, AND COMPOUND
Abstract
A photoresist composition containing: a polymer including an
acid-labile group; a radiation-sensitive acid generator; and an
acid diffusion control agent that contains a compound represented
by a formula (1). In the formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. A represents a group
having a valency of n that is obtained by combining: a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms or a
combination thereof; --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or a combination thereof;
and n nitrogen atoms as a binding site to the carbonyl group in the
formula (1), in which a sum of atomic masses of the atoms
constituting A is no less than 120. n is an integer of 1 to 4.
##STR00001##
Inventors: |
NAMAI; Hayato; (Tokyo,
JP) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JSR CORPORATION |
Minato-ku |
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JP |
|
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Assignee: |
JSR CORPORATION
Minato-ku
JP
|
Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150004544 A1 |
January 1, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
49161066 |
Appl. No.: |
14/486532 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/JP2013/056543 |
Mar 8, 2013 |
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14486532 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
430/285.1 ;
430/281.1; 430/325; 546/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03F 7/0397 20130101;
C07D 211/46 20130101; G03F 7/30 20130101; G03F 7/0045 20130101;
G03F 7/2041 20130101; G03F 7/0388 20130101; G03F 7/11 20130101;
G03F 7/038 20130101; G03F 7/0046 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03F 7/038 20060101
G03F007/038; G03F 7/30 20060101 G03F007/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 14, 2012 |
JP |
2012-058033 |
Claims
1. A photoresist composition comprising: a polymer comprising an
acid-labile group; a radiation-sensitive acid generator; and an
acid diffusion control agent, wherein the acid diffusion control
agent comprising a compound represented by a formula (1):
##STR00037## wherein in the formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and
R.sup.3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a
monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
in a case where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a
plurality of number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups
optionally taken together represent a ring structure by binding
with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the at
least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond; A represents a group
having a valency of n that is obtained by combining: a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms or a
combination thereof; --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or a combination thereof;
and n nitrogen atoms as a binding site to the carbonyl group in the
formula (1), wherein a sum of atomic masses of the atoms
constituting A is no less than 120, wherein a part or all of
hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon group and the
alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or substituted with a
fluorine atom-free group, and wherein R represents a hydrogen atom
or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and
n is an integer of 1 to 4.
2. The photoresist composition according to claim 1, wherein the
compound represented by the formula (1) is represented by a formula
(2): ##STR00038## wherein in the formula (2), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and
R.sup.3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a
monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
in a case where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a
plurality of number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups
optionally taken together represent a ring structure by binding
with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the at
least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.6 represents a group having a valency of n that
is obtained by combining: a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms or a combination thereof; and --O--,
--CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or a combination thereof, wherein a part
or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon group
and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom-free group, wherein R represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, and wherein in the formula (2), a value obtained by a
formula of: {(F.sup.4+F.sup.5+F.sup.N).times.n+F.sup.6} is no less
than 120, wherein F.sup.4 represents a formula mass of R.sup.4,
F.sup.5 represents a formula mass of R.sup.5, F.sup.N represents an
atomic mass of nitrogen, and F.sup.6 represents a formula mass of
R.sup.6; and n is an integer of 1 to 4.
3. The photoresist composition according to claim 2, wherein the
compound represented by the formula (2) is represented by a formula
(3): ##STR00039## wherein in the formula (3), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and
R.sup.3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a
monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
in a case where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a
plurality of number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups
optionally taken together represent a ring structure by binding
with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the at
least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each independently
represent a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to
30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms or a combination thereof, or a group that is obtained
by combining: a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms or a combination thereof; and --O--, --CO--, --COO--,
--SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or
a combination thereof, wherein at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and
R.sup.9 optionally taken together represent a ring structure by
binding with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the
at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond; and X represents
--O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--, and wherein a sum of formula masses of
R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 and atomic masses
of the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3) is no less than
120.
4. The photoresist composition according to claim 1, further
comprising an acid diffusion controller other than the acid
diffusion control agent.
5. A resist pattern-forming method, comprising: providing a resist
film using the photoresist composition according to claim 1;
exposing the resist film; and developing the resist film
exposed.
6. An acid diffusion control agent comprising a compound
represented by a formula (1): ##STR00040## wherein in the formula
(1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, wherein in a case where the monovalent hydrocarbon
group is present in a plurality of number, at least two of these
hydrocarbon groups optionally taken together represent a ring
structure by binding with each other, together with the carbon atom
to which the at least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond; A
represents a group having a valency of n that is obtained by
combining: a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to
30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms or a combination thereof; --O--, --CO--, --COO--,
--SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or
a combination thereof; and n nitrogen atoms as a binding site to
the carbonyl group in the formula (1), wherein a sum of atomic
masses of the atoms constituting A is no less than 120, wherein a
part or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon
group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom-free group, and wherein R
represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having
1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n is an integer of 1 to 4.
7. The acid diffusion control agent according to claim 6, wherein
the compound represented by the formula (1) is represented by a
formula (2): ##STR00041## wherein in the formula (2), R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or
a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
in a case where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a
plurality of number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups
optionally taken together represent a ring structure by binding
with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the at
least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.6 represents a group having a valency of n that
is obtained by combining: a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms or a combination thereof; and --O--,
--CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or a combination thereof, wherein a part
or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon group
and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom-free group, wherein R represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, and wherein in the formula (2), a value obtained by
the formula of: {[(a formula mass of R.sup.4)+(a formula mass of
R.sup.5)+(an atomic mass of nitrogen)].times.n+(a formula mass of
R.sup.6)} is no less than 120; and n is an integer of 1 to 4.
8. The acid diffusion control agent according to claim 7, wherein
the compound represented by the formula (2) is represented by a
formula (3): ##STR00042## wherein in the formula (3), R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or
a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
in a case where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a
plurality of number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups
optionally taken together represent a ring structure by binding
with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the at
least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each independently
represent a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to
30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms or a combination thereof, or a group that is obtained
by combining: a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms or a combination thereof; and --O--, --CO--, --COO--,
--SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O--, --NRCO-- or
a combination thereof, wherein at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and
R.sup.9 optionally taken together represent a ring structure by
binding with each other, together with the carbon atom to which the
at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond; and X represents
--O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--, and wherein a sum of formula masses of
R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 and atomic masses
of the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3) is no less than
120.
9. A compound represented by a formula (3): ##STR00043## wherein in
the formula (3), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently
represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having
1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case where the monovalent
hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of number, at least two
of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken together represent a
ring structure by binding with each other, together with the carbon
atom to which the at least two of these hydrocarbon groups bond;
R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 optionally taken together represent an alicyclic structure
by binding with each other, together with the nitrogen atom to
which R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each
independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having
3 to 30 carbon atoms or a combination thereof, or a group that is
obtained by combining: a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having
3 to 30 carbon atoms or a combination thereof; and --O--, --CO--,
--COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O--,
--NRCO-- or a combination thereof, wherein at least two of R.sup.7,
R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together represent a ring
structure by binding with each other, together with the carbon atom
to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond; and
X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--, and wherein a sum of
formula masses of R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9
and atomic masses of the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3)
is no less than 120.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a photoresist composition,
a resist pattern-forming method, an acid diffusion control agent,
and a compound.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In chemically amplified photoresist compositions, an acid is
generated from an acid generating agent upon irradiation with an
exposure light such as an ArF excimer laser beam and a KrF excimer
laser beam at a light-exposed site, and a reaction catalyzed by the
acid allows the difference in dissolution rates in a developer
solution to be produced between the light-exposed site and a
light-unexposed site, thereby enabling a resist pattern to be
formed on a substrate.
[0003] Along with miniaturization in processing techniques, such
photoresist compositions are required not only to exhibit a
superior resolving ability, but also to be superior in a line width
roughness (LWR) performance, which is indicative of a variation in
the line width of a resist pattern. To address the demand,
incorporation of an acid diffusion control agent into the
photoresist compositions is employed for the purpose of properly
controlling the diffusion of the acid generated from the acid
generating agent. In order to improve various performances of the
photoresist compositions, various acid diffusion control agents
having a specific structure have been investigated (see Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2001-215689; PCT
International Publication No. WO 2011/007780; Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application, Publication Nos. 2009-199021, 2006-321770,
2011-141494, and 2011-141495).
[0004] Under such circumstances, in these days when further
miniaturization of resist patterns is advancing, it is also
demanded to further improve the resolving ability, the LWR
performance, and the like, and to increase a depth of focus for the
purpose of improving process stability. In addition, in the case of
the aforementioned conventional acid diffusion control agents,
since the resist pattern formed tends to exhibit a top loss
phenomenon and the like, an improvement of the cross-sectional
shape of the resist pattern is also demanded. However, the
aforementioned conventional photoresist compositions are incapable
of meeting these demands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The present invention was made in view of the foregoing
circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide a photoresist composition that leads to a superior
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, a superior LWR
performance, a superior resolving ability and a favorable depth of
focus.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] According to an aspect of the invention made for solving the
aforementioned problems, a photoresist composition is provided,
containing:
[0007] a polymer including an acid-labile group (hereinafter, may
be also referred to as "(A) polymer" or "polymer (A)"),
[0008] a radiation-sensitive acid generator (hereinafter, may be
also referred to as "(B) acid generator" or "acid generator (B)"),
and
[0009] an acid diffusion control agent (hereinafter, may be also
referred to as "(C) acid diffusion control agent" or "acid
diffusion control agent (C)"),
[0010] the acid diffusion control agent containing a compound
represented by the following formula (1) (hereinafter, may be also
referred to as "compound (I)"):
##STR00002##
[0011] wherein in the formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case
where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of
number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken
together represent a ring structure by binding with each other,
together with the carbon atom to which the at least two of these
hydrocarbon groups bond; A represents a group having a valency of n
that is obtained by combining: at least one group selected from the
group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; at least one group selected from the
group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--; and n nitrogen atoms
as a binding site to the carbonyl group in the above formula (1),
wherein a sum of atomic masses of the atoms constituting A is no
less than 120, wherein a part or all of hydrogen atoms included in
the linear hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group
are unsubstituted or substituted with a fluorine atom-free group,
and wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n is an integer
of 1 to 4.
[0012] Since the photoresist composition according to the aspect of
the present invention contains the acid diffusion control agent (C)
and the acid diffusion control agent (C) contains the compound (1)
that has the specific structure, the photoresist composition is
superior in rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, an LWR
performance, a resolving ability and a depth of focus. The compound
(1) includes a carbamate group. The carbamate group is degraded by
an action of an acid generated from the acid generator and the like
upon an exposure, and generates a nitrogen atom-containing group.
Therefore, the acid diffusion control agent (C) exhibits an
excellent acid diffusion controlling function at a light-exposed
site, and consequently exhibits superior storage stability. After
the degradation of the carbamate group, the compound (1) has been
converted to a compound that includes the specific polar group and
a nitrogen atom-containing group having a molecular weight falling
within a specific range (i.e., a sum of the total atomic mass of
the group A and n). Therefore, the compound derived from the
compound (1) after the degradation has low volatility and a high
affinity to a component, e.g., the polymer, in the photoresist
composition. As a result, for example, even after PEB, the compound
derived from the compound (1) after the degradation is uniformly
distributed in an altitude direction of a resist film formed from
the photoresist composition, leading to the suppression of the top
loss phenomenon and the like, thereby enabling the formation of a
resist pattern exhibiting superior rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape. In addition, it is presumed that when the
compound (1) exhibits the aforementioned characteristics, the
diffusion of the acid diffusion control agent (C) itself can be
inhibited; as a result, the photoresist composition can exhibit a
superior LWR performance, a superior resolving ability and a
favorable depth of focus.
[0013] It is preferred that the compound represented by the above
formula (1) is represented by the following formula (2)
(hereinafter, the compound represented by the following formula (2)
may be also referred to as "compound (2)"):
##STR00003##
[0014] wherein in the formula (2), R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n
are as defined in the above formula (1); R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.6 represents a group having a valency of n that
is obtained by combining: at least one group selected from the
group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at least one group selected from
the group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein a
part or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon
group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom-free group, wherein R represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, and wherein in the formula (2), a value obtained by
the formula of: {(F.sup.4+F.sup.5+F.sup.N).times.n+F.sup.6} is no
less than 120, wherein F.sup.4 represents a formula mass of
R.sup.4, F.sup.5 represents a formula mass of R.sup.5, F.sup.N
represents an atomic mass of nitrogen, and F.sup.6 represents a
formula mass of R.sup.6.
[0015] When the acid diffusion control agent (C) has the specific
structure, the basicity of the nitrogen atom-containing group
generated from the compound (1) can be increased, and the
photoresist composition may lead to an improvement of the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the depth of focus.
[0016] It is preferred that the compound represented by the above
formula (2) is represented by the following formula (3)
(hereinafter, the compound represented by the following formula (3)
may be also referred to as "compound (3)"):
##STR00004##
[0017] wherein in the formula (3), R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 are as
defined in the above formula (2); R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each
independently represent at least one group selected from the group
consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to
30 carbon atoms, or a group that is obtained by combining: the at
least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at
least one group selected from the group consisting of --O--,
--CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein at least two of R.sup.7,
R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together represent a ring
structure by binding with each other, together with the carbon atom
to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond; and
X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--, and wherein a sum of
formula masses of R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9
and atomic masses of the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3)
is no less than 120.
[0018] According to the photoresist composition, when the acid
diffusion control agent (C) has the specific structure, the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the depth of focus may be further improved.
Moreover, the compound having the specific structure can be easily
synthesized from a well-known compound that functions as an acid
diffusion control agent through a reaction for forming the
functional group X.
[0019] It is preferred that the photoresist composition further
contains (D) an acid diffusion controller other than the acid
diffusion control agent (C).
[0020] According to the photoresist composition, when the acid
diffusion control agent (C) and the acid diffusion control agent
other than the acid diffusion control agent (C) are used in
combination, the rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR
performance, the resolving ability and the depth of focus may be
improved.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
resist pattern-forming method is provided, including:
[0022] providing a resist film using the photoresist composition
according to the aspect of the present invention;
[0023] exposing the resist film; and
[0024] developing the resist film exposed.
[0025] According to the resist pattern-forming method, since the
aforementioned photoresist composition is used, a resist pattern
can be formed that exhibits superior rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, decreased LWR and a superior resolving
ability, while attaining a greater depth of focus.
[0026] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
an acid diffusion control agent contains the compound (1).
[0027] In the acid diffusion control agent, it is preferred that
the compound represented by the above formula (1) is represented by
the above formula (2), and it is more preferred that the compound
represented by the above formula (2) is represented by the above
formula (3).
[0028] Since the acid diffusion control agent contains the compound
having the specific structure, the acid diffusion control agent may
be suitably used as an acid diffusion control agent component of
the photoresist composition, and enables the photoresist
composition to lead to an improvement of the rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the resolving ability
and the depth of focus.
[0029] According to yet still another aspect of the present
invention, a compound (hereinafter, may be also referred to as
"compound (i)") is represented by the following formula (3):
##STR00005##
[0030] wherein in the formula (3), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case
where the monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of
number, at least two of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken
together represent a ring structure by binding with each other,
together with the carbon atom to which the at least two of these
hydrocarbon groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a
monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.5
represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon
atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally taken together
represent an alicyclic structure by binding with each other,
together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 bond;
R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each independently represent at least
one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a
linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, or a group
that is obtained by combining: the at least one group selected from
the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at least one group selected from
the group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein at
least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8
and R.sup.9 bond; and X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--,
--SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--,
and wherein a sum of formula masses of R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X,
R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 and atomic masses of the nitrogen and
the carbon in the formula (3) is no less than 120.
[0031] Since the compound (i) has the specific structure, it may be
suitably used as, e.g., an acid diffusion control agent component
of a photoresist composition, and enables the rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the resolving ability
and the depth of focus to be improved. Moreover, the compound (i)
can be easily synthesized from a well-known acid diffusion control
agent.
[0032] "Organic group" as referred to herein means a group having
at least one carbon atom.
Effects of the Invention
[0033] As explained in the foregoing, the photoresist composition
and the resist pattern-forming method using the photoresist
composition according to the aspects of the present invention
enable a resist pattern to be formed that exhibits superior
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, decreased LWR and a
superior resolving ability, while attaining a greater depth of
focus. The acid diffusion control agent according to the still
another aspect of the present invention can be suitably used as an
acid diffusion control agent component of the photoresist
composition. Moreover, the compound according to the aspect of the
yet still another present invention can be suitably used as the
acid diffusion control agent. Therefore, there can be suitably used
in pattern formation involved in the production of semiconductor
devices, in which further progress of miniaturization is expected
in the future.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Photoresist Composition
[0034] A photoresist composition according to an embodiment of the
present invention contains (A) a polymer, (B) an acid generator and
(C) an acid diffusion control agent. The photoresist composition
may further contain, in addition to these components, (D) an acid
diffusion control agent other than the acid diffusion control agent
(C) (hereinafter, may be also referred to as "(D) other acid
diffusion controller" or "other acid diffusion controller (D)"),
(E) a fluorine atom-containing polymer and (F) a solvent, each as a
favorable component, and may contain other optional component(s)
within a range not leading to impairment of the effects of the
present invention. Hereinafter, each component will be
explained.
(A) Polymer
[0035] The polymer (A) includes an acid-labile group. The polymer
(A) preferably further includes, in addition to a structural unit
that includes an acid-labile group (hereinafter, may be also
referred to as "structural unit (I)"), a structural unit (II) that
includes at least one structure selected from the group consisting
of a lactone structure, a cyclic carbonate structure and a sultone
structure, and the polymer (A) may further include other structural
unit such as a structural unit that includes a polar group. The
polymer (A) may include one, or two or more types of each
structural unit. Hereinafter, each structural unit will be
explained.
Structural Unit (I)
[0036] The structural unit (I) includes an acid-labile group. The
structural unit (I) is exemplified by a structural unit (I-1)
represented by the following formula (4), and the like.
##STR00006##
[0037] In the above formula (4), R.sup.A represents a hydrogen
atom, a fluorine atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group;
and RP represents a monovalent acid-labile group represented by the
above formula (p).
[0038] In the above formula (p), R.sup.p1, R.sup.p2 and R.sup.p3
each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon
atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein
R.sup.p2 and R.sup.p3 optionally taken together represent a
cycloalkanediyl group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms by binding with
each other, together with the carbon atom to which R.sup.p2 and
R.sup.p3 bond.
[0039] Structural units represented by the following formulae (4-1)
to (4-4) are preferred as the structural unit (I-1).
##STR00007##
[0040] In the above formulae (4-1) to (4-4), R.sup.A is as defined
in the above formula (4); R.sup.p1, R.sup.p2 and R.sup.p3 are as
defined in the above formula (p); and i and j are each
independently an integer of 1 to 4.
[0041] The structural units represented by the above formulae (4-1)
to (4-4) are exemplified by structural units represented by the
following formulae, and the like.
##STR00008## ##STR00009##
[0042] In the above formulae, R.sup.A is as defined in the above
formula (4).
[0043] The structural unit (I) is preferably the structural unit
represented by the above formula (4-1) or the structural unit
represented by the formula (4-2), more preferably a structural unit
derived from 1-alkyl-1-cyclopentyl (meth)acrylate or a structural
unit derived from 2-alkyl-2-adamantyl (meth)acrylate, and still
more preferably a structural unit derived from
1-ethyl-1-cyclopentyl (meth)acrylate or a structural unit derived
from 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl (meth)acrylate.
[0044] The proportion of the structural unit (I) with respect to
the total structural units constituting the polymer (A) is
preferably 10 mol % to 100 mol %, more preferably 20 mol % to 80
mol %, and still more preferably 30 mol % to 70 mol %. When the
proportion of the structural unit (I) is less than the lower limit,
the pattern formability of the photoresist composition may be
deteriorated.
Structural Unit (II)
[0045] The structural unit (II) includes at least one structure
selected from the group consisting of a lactone structure, a cyclic
carbonate structure and a sultone structure. When the polymer (A)
further includes the structural unit (II), the solubility thereof
in a developer solution may be adjusted. In addition, the
adhesiveness of a resist pattern formed from the photoresist
composition to a substrate may be improved.
[0046] The structural unit (II) is exemplified by structural units
represented by the following formulae, and the like.
##STR00010## ##STR00011## ##STR00012## ##STR00013##
##STR00014##
[0047] In the above formulae, R.sup.L1 represents a hydrogen atom,
a fluorine atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.
[0048] Among these, as the structural unit (II), a structural unit
that includes a lactone structure and a structural unit that
includes a sultone structure are preferred, and a structural unit
that includes a norbornanelactone structure and a structural unit
that includes a norbornanesultone structure are more preferred.
[0049] The proportion of the structural unit (II) with respect to
the total structural units constituting the polymer (A) is
preferably 30 mol % to 80 mol %, more preferably 35 mol % to 70 mol
%, and still more preferably 40 mol % to 60 mol %. When the
proportion of the structural unit (II) is less than the lower
limit, the adhesiveness of a resist pattern formed from the
photoresist composition to a substrate may be deteriorated. On the
other hand, when the proportion of the structural unit (II) is
greater than the upper limit, the pattern formability of the
photoresist composition may be deteriorated.
Other Structural Unit
[0050] The polymer (A) may include other structural unit that is
different from the structural units (I) and (II). The other
structural unit is exemplified by a first other structural unit
that includes a polar group, and the like (except for those
corresponding to the structural unit (I) and the structural unit
(II)). Examples of the polar group include a hydroxy group, a
carboxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a sulfonamide group,
and the like. Among these, a hydroxy group and a carboxy group are
preferred, and a hydroxy group is more preferred.
[0051] Examples of the structural unit that includes a polar group
include structural units represented by the following formulae, and
the like.
##STR00015## ##STR00016## ##STR00017##
[0052] In the above formulae, R.sup.B represents a hydrogen atom, a
fluorine atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.
[0053] The proportion of the structural unit that includes a polar
group with respect to the total structural units constituting the
polymer (A) is preferably 0 mol % to 80 mol %, more preferably 0
mol % to 75 mol %, and still more preferably 30 mol % to 70 mol %.
When the proportion of the structural unit that includes a polar
group is greater than the upper limit, the pattern formability of
the photoresist composition may be deteriorated.
[0054] The polymer (A) may include a second other structural unit
as well as the first structural unit that includes a polar group.
The proportion of the second other structural unit with respect to
the total structural units constituting the polymer (A) is
typically no greater than 30 mol %, and preferably no greater than
20 mol %. When the proportion of the second other structural unit
is greater than the upper limit, the pattern formability of the
photoresist composition may be deteriorated.
[0055] The content of the polymer (A) with respect to the total
solid content of the photoresist composition is typically no less
than 70% by mass, preferably no less than 80% by mass, and more
preferably no less than 85% by mass.
Synthesis Method of Polymer (A)
[0056] The polymer (A) can be synthesized, for example, by
polymerizing monomer(s) that give(s) each structural unit in an
appropriate solvent using a radical polymerization initiator.
[0057] Examples of the radical polymerization initiator include azo
radical initiators such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN),
2,2'-azobis(4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile),
2,2'-azobis(2-cyclopropylpropionitrile),
2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) and dimethyl
2,2'-azobisisobutyrate; peroxide radical initiators such as benzoyl
peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide; and the
like. Among these, AIBN, dimethyl 2,2'-azobisisobutyrate are
preferred, and AIBN are more preferred. These radical initiators
may be used either alone, or as a mixture of two or more types
thereof.
[0058] Examples of the solvent used in the polymerization
include:
[0059] alkanes such as n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane,
n-nonane and n-decane;
[0060] cycloalkanes such as cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane,
decalin and norbornane;
[0061] aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene,
ethylbenzene and cumene;
[0062] halogenated hydrocarbons such as chlorobutanes,
bromohexanes, dichloroethanes, hexamethylene dibromide and
chlorobenzene;
[0063] saturated carboxylic acid esters such as ethyl acetate,
n-butyl acetate, i-butyl acetate and methyl propionate;
[0064] ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,
4-methyl-2-pentanone and 2-heptanone;
[0065] ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, diethoxyethanes and
diethoxyethanes;
[0066] alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol
and 4-methyl-2-pentanol; and the like. These solvents used in the
polymerization may be used either alone, or in combination of two
or more types thereof.
[0067] The reaction temperature in the polymerization is typically
40.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., and preferably 50.degree. C. to
120.degree. C. The reaction time period is typically 1 hour to 48
hrs, and preferably 1 hour to 24 hrs.
[0068] Although the polystyrene equivalent weight average molecular
weight (Mw) of the polymer (A) as determined by gel permeation
chromatography (GPC) is not particularly limited, the Mw is
preferably no less than 1,000 and no greater than 50,000, more
preferably no less than 2,000 and no greater than 30,000, still
more preferably no less than 3,000 and no greater than 20,000, and
particularly preferably no less than 5,000 and no greater than
15,000. When the Mw of the polymer (A) is less than the lower
limit, the heat resistance of the resulting resist film may be
deteriorated. When the Mw of the polymer (A) is greater than the
upper limit, the developability of the resist film may be
deteriorated.
[0069] The ratio (Mw/Mn) of the Mw to the polystyrene equivalent
number average molecular weight (Mn) as determined by GPC of the
polymer (A) is typically no less than 1 and no greater than 5,
preferably no less than 1 and no greater than 3, and still more
preferably no less than 1 and no greater than 2.
[0070] The Mw and Mn of the polymer as used herein are determined
using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following
conditions:
[0071] GPC columns: G2000HXL.times.2, G3000HXL.times.1, and
G4000HXL.times.1 (each manufactured by Tosoh Corporation)
[0072] column temperature: 40.degree. C.
[0073] elution solvent: tetrahydrofuran (manufactured by Wako Pure
Chemical Industries, Ltd.)
[0074] flow rate: 1.0 mL/min
[0075] sample concentration: 1.0% by mass
[0076] amount of injected sample: 100 .mu.L
[0077] detector: differential refractometer
[0078] standard substance: mono-dispersed polystyrene.
[0079] The content of low molecular weight components (the low
molecular weight components mean components having a molecular
weight of less than 1,000) in the polymer (A) is preferably no
greater than 0.5% by mass, more preferably no greater than 0.2% by
mass, and still more preferably no greater than 0.1% by mass. When
the content of the low molecular weight components in the polymer
(A) falls within the above range, the photoresist composition may
lead to a further improvement of the rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the resolving ability
and the depth of focus.
[0080] The content of the low molecular weight components of the
polymer as used herein is determined by high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) using an Intersil ODS-25 .mu.m column (4.6
mm.phi..times.250 mm; manufactured by GL Sciences, Inc.) under the
following conditions:
[0081] elution solvent: acrylonitrile/0.1% by mass aqueous
phosphoric acid solution
[0082] flow rate: 1.0 mL/min
[0083] sample concentration: 1.0% by mass
[0084] amount of injected sample: 100 .mu.L
[0085] detector: differential refractometer.
(B) Acid Generator
[0086] The acid generator (B) generates an acid upon an exposure.
The acid-labile group included in the polymer (A) is dissociated by
the acid to generate a polar group such as a carboxy group, whereby
the solubility of the polymer (A) in a developer solution is
altered. The mode of incorporation of the acid generator (B) in the
photoresist composition may be in a low molecular weight compound
form (hereinafter, may be also referred to as "(B) acid generating
agent" or "acid generating agent (B)", as appropriate), as
described later, or in a form of an acid generating group
incorporated into the polymer as a part thereof, or in both of
these forms.
[0087] The acid generating agent (B) is exemplified by an onium
salt compound, an N-sulfonyloxyimide compound, a halogen-containing
compound, a diazoketone compound, and the like.
[0088] The onium salt compound is exemplified by a sulfonium salt,
a tetrahydrothiophenium salt, an iodonium salt, a phosphonium salt,
a diazonium salt, a pyridinium salt, and the like.
[0089] Examples of the sulfonium salt include triphenylsulfonium
trifluoromethanesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
triphenylsulfonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1-difluoroethanesulfonate,
triphenylsulfonium camphorsulfonate,
4-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,
4-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylsulfonium nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate,
4-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylsulfonium perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate,
4-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylsulfonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
4-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylsulfonium camphorsulfonate,
4-methanesulfonylphenyldiphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,
4-methanesulfonylphenyldiphenylsulfonium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate,
4-methanesulfonylphenyldiphenylsulfonium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate,
4-methanesulfonylphenyldiphenylsulfonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
4-methanesulfonylphenyldiphenylsulfonium camphorsulfonate,
triphenylsulfonium
1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-6-(1-adamantanecarbonyloxy)-hexane-1-sulfonate,
and the like.
[0090] Examples of the tetrahydrothiophenium salt include
1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalen-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
trifluoromethanesulfonate,
1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalen-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate,
1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalen-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate,
1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalen-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalen-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
camphorsulfonate,
1-(6-n-butoxynaphthalen-2-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
trifluoromethanesulfonate,
1-(6-n-butoxynaphthalen-2-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate,
1-(6-n-butoxynaphthalen-2-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate,
1-(6-n-butoxynaphthalen-2-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
1-(6-n-butoxynaphthalen-2-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium
camphorsulfonate,
1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium
trifluoromethanesulfonate,
1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate,
1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate,
1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium
camphorsulfonate, and the like.
[0091] Examples of the iodonium salt include diphenyliodonium
trifluoromethanesulfonate, diphenyliodonium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate, diphenyliodonium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate, diphenyliodonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
diphenyliodonium camphorsulfonate, bis(4-t-butylphenyl)iodonium
trifluoromethanesulfonate, bis(4-t-butylphenyl)iodonium
nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate, bis(4-t-butylphenyl)iodonium
perfluoro-n-octanesulfonate, bis(4-t-butylphenyl)iodonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate,
bis(4-t-butylphenyl)iodonium camphorsulfonate, and the like.
[0092] Examples of the N-sulfonyloxyimide compound include
N-(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxyimid-
e,
N-(nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonyloxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarbox-
yimide,
N-(perfluoro-n-octanesulfonyloxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dica-
rboxyimide,
N-(2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonyloxy)bicyclo-
[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxyimide,
N-(2-(3-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1.sup.2,5.1.sup.7,10]dodecanyl)-1,1-difluoroetha-
nesulfonyloxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxyimide,
N-(camphorsulfonyloxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxyimide,
and the like.
[0093] Among these, as the acid generating agent (B), an onium salt
compound is preferred, a sulfonium salt is more preferred, and
triphenylsulfonium
2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1,1-difluoroethanesulfonate is still more
preferred.
[0094] In a case where the acid generator (B) is the acid
generating agent (B), the amount of the acid generator (B) with
respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymer (A) is preferably no
less than 0.1 parts by mass and no greater than 30 parts by mass,
more preferably no less than 0.5 parts by mass and no greater than
20 parts by mass, and still more preferably no less than 1 part by
mass and no greater than 15 parts by mass in light of attaining the
sensitivity and developability of the photoresist composition. When
the amount of the acid generating agent (B) falls within the above
range, the sensitivity and developability of the photoresist
composition may be improved. One, or two or more types of the acid
generator (B) may be used.
(C) Acid Diffusion Control Agent
[0095] The acid diffusion control agent (C) contains the compound
(1). When the photoresist composition contains the acid diffusion
control agent (C) in addition to the polymer (A) and the acid
generator (B), the photoresist composition leads to a superior
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, a superior LWR
performance, a superior resolving ability and a favorable depth of
focus. One, or two or more types of the acid diffusion control
agent (C) may be used.
Compound (1)
[0096] The compound (1) is represented by the above formula
(1).
[0097] In the above formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each
independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case where the
monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of number,
at least two of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of these hydrocarbon
groups bond; A represents a group having a valency of n that is
obtained by combining: at least one group selected from the group
consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to
30 carbon atoms; at least one group selected from the group
consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--; and n nitrogen atoms
as a binding site to the carbonyl group in the above formula (1),
wherein a sum of atomic masses of the atoms constituting A is no
less than 120, wherein a part or all of hydrogen atoms included in
the linear hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group
are unsubstituted or substituted with a fluorine atom-free group,
and wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n is an integer
of 1 to 4.
[0098] The monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms
which may be represented by R.sup.1, R.sup.2 or R.sup.3 is
exemplified by a monovalent linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to
10 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6
to 10 carbon atoms, and the like.
[0099] Examples of the monovalent linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 10 carbon atoms include:
[0100] alkyl groups such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a
n-propyl group, an i-propyl group, a n-butyl group, an i-butyl
group, a sec-butyl group and a t-butyl group;
[0101] alkenyl groups such as an ethenyl group, a propenyl group
and a butenyl group;
[0102] alkynyl groups such as an ethynyl group, a propynyl group
and a butynyl group; and the like.
[0103] Examples of the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 10 carbon atoms include:
[0104] monocyclic cycloalkyl groups such as a cyclopropyl group, a
cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a
cycloheptyl group, a cyclooctyl group and a cyclodecyl group;
[0105] polycyclic cycloalkyl groups such as a norbornyl group, an
adamantyl group and a tricyclodecyl group;
[0106] monocyclic cycloalkenyl groups such as a cyclopentenyl group
and a cyclohexenyl group;
[0107] polycyclic cycloalkenyl groups such as a norbornenyl group
and a tricyclodecenyl group; and the like.
[0108] Examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having
6 to 10 carbon atoms include:
[0109] aryl groups such as a phenyl group, a tolyl group, a xylyl
group, a mesityl group and a naphthyl group;
[0110] aralkyl groups such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group and
a phenylpropyl group; and the like.
[0111] Examples of the ring structure which may be taken together
represented by at least two of the hydrocarbon groups by binding
with each other include:
[0112] monocyclic cycloalkane structures such as a cyclobutane
structure, a cyclopentane structure, a cyclohexane structure, a
cyclooctane structure and a cyclodecane structure and;
[0113] polycyclic cycloalkane structures such as a
bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane structure, a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane structure,
an adamantane structure and a tricyclodecane structure; and the
like.
[0114] Among these, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represent
preferably a hydrogen atom or a linear hydrocarbon group, more
preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, still more preferably
an alkyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group or an
ethyl group.
[0115] The group constituted with R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and the
carbon atom to which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 bond is
preferably a t-butyl group or a t-amyl group.
[0116] Examples of the linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30
carbon atoms that constitutes A include groups obtained by
eliminating at least one hydrogen atom from a linear hydrocarbon
such as:
[0117] an alkane such as methane, ethane, propane, butane,
isobutane, n-pentane, isopentane, n-hexane and isohexane;
[0118] an alkene such as ethene, propene, n-butene, isobutene,
n-pentene and isopentene;
[0119] an alkyne such as ethyne, propyne, butyne and pentyne; and
the like.
[0120] Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms that constitutes A include groups obtained by
eliminating at least one hydrogen atom from an alicyclic
hydrocarbon such as:
[0121] a monocyclic cycloalkane such as cyclopropane, cyclobutane,
cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cyclooctane and cyclodecane;
[0122] a polycyclic cycloalkane such as norbornane, adamantane and
tricyclodecane;
[0123] a monocyclic cycloalkene such as cyclopropene, cyclobutene,
cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cyclooctene and cyclodecene;
[0124] a polycyclic cycloalkene such as norbornene and
tricyclodecene; and the like.
[0125] Examples of the fluorine atom-free substituent which may be
included in the linear hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic
hydrocarbon group include a cyano group, a nitro group, and the
like.
[0126] Examples of the group that is obtained by combining: at
least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen
atom, the linear hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon
group; and at least one group selected from the group consisting of
--O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, which constitute A, include cyclic
ether groups, cyclic ketone groups, lactone groups, sultone groups,
cyclic amino groups, cyclic sulfonamide groups, cyclic
oxysulfonamide groups, lactam groups, alkoxy groups, acyl groups,
acyloxy groups, alkylsulfonyloxy groups, alkoxysulfonyl groups,
alkylamino groups, dialkylamino groups, alkoxyalkyl groups,
acylalkyl groups, acyloxyalkyl groups, alkoxyalkyl groups,
alkylsulfonyloxyalkyl groups, alkyliminosulfonyl groups,
alkylsulfonylamidoalkyl groups, alkyliminosulfonyloxyalkyl groups,
alkoxysulfonylamidoalkyl groups, alkyliminocarbonylalkyl groups,
alkylcarbonyliminoalkyl groups, a hydroxy group, a formyl group, a
carboxy group, a sulfo group, an amino group, and the like.
[0127] Examples of the monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms which may be represented by R include groups similar
to those exemplified as the monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1
to 10 carbon atoms in connection with R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3,
as described above, and the like.
[0128] Preferably, n is an integer of 1 to 3, more preferably 1 or
2, and still more preferably 1 in light of the ease in synthesis of
the compound (1).
[0129] The lower limit of the sum of the atomic masses of the atoms
constituting A is 120, preferably 150, more preferably 200, still
more preferably 250, and particularly preferably 290. When the sum
of the atomic masses of the atoms constituting A is less than the
lower limit, the volatility of the compound generated from the
compound (1) after the exposure tends to be elevated, and as a
result, the photoresist composition may lead to deterioration of
the rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape.
[0130] The upper limit of the sum of the atomic masses of the atoms
constituting A is preferably 1,000, more preferably 800, still more
preferably 600, and particularly preferably 500. When the sum of
the atomic masses of the atoms constituting A is greater than the
upper limit, the dispersibility of the compound (1) in the resist
film may be reduced, resulting in the tendency that the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the depth of focus of the photoresist
composition are deteriorated.
[0131] The compound (1) is exemplified by compounds represented by
the following formulae (i1) to (i21) (hereinafter, may be also
referred to as "compounds (i1) to (i-21)"), and the like.
##STR00018## ##STR00019## ##STR00020## ##STR00021## ##STR00022##
##STR00023##
[0132] The compound (1) is preferably the compound represented by
the above formula (2) (hereinafter, may be also referred to as
"compound (2)").
[0133] In the above formula (2), R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n
are as defined in the above formula (1); R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.6 represents a group having a valency of n that
is obtained by combining: at least one group selected from the
group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at least one group selected from
the group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein a
part or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon
group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom-free group, wherein R represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, and wherein in the formula (2), a value obtained by
the formula of: {[(a formula mass of R.sup.4)+(a formula mass of
R.sup.5)+(an atomic mass of nitrogen)].times.n+(a formula mass of
R.sup.6)} is no less than 120.
[0134] Examples of the monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms which may be represented by R.sup.4 include groups
similar to those exemplified as the monovalent hydrocarbon group in
connection with R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, as described
above.
[0135] Examples of the divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms represented by R.sup.5 include groups derived by
eliminating one hydrogen atom from a group exemplified as the
monovalent hydrocarbon group in connection with R.sup.1, R.sup.2
and R.sup.3, as described above, and the like.
[0136] Examples of the ring structure which may be represented by
R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 by binding with each other, together with the
nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 bond include:
[0137] monocyclic azacycloalkane structures such as an
azacyclopropane structure, an azacyclobutane structure, an
azacyclopentane structure (pyrrolidine structure), an
azacyclohexane structure (piperidine structure), an azacycloheptane
structure, an azacyclooctane structure and an azacyclodecane
structure;
[0138] polycyclic azacycloalkane structures such as an
azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane structure, an azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
structure, an azatricyclo[3.3.1.1.sup.3,7]decane structure; and the
like.
[0139] Among these, monocyclic azacycloalkane structures are
preferred, an azacyclopentane structure and an azacyclohexane
structure are more preferred, and an azacyclohexane structure is
still more preferred.
[0140] Examples of the linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30
carbon atoms that constitutes R.sup.6 include groups similar to
those exemplified as the linear hydrocarbon group in connection
with the groups that constitute A, and the like.
[0141] Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms that constitutes R.sup.6 include groups similar to
those exemplified as the alicyclic hydrocarbon group in connection
with the groups that constitute A, and the like.
[0142] Examples of the group, which is represented by R.sup.6,
having a valency of n that is obtained by combining: at least one
selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear
hydrocarbon group and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group; and at least
one group selected from the group consisting of --O--, --CO--,
--COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and
--NRCO-- include cyclic ether groups, cyclic ketone groups, lactone
groups, sultone groups, cyclic amino groups, cyclic sulfonamide
groups, cyclic oxysulfonamide groups, lactam groups, alkoxy groups,
acyl groups, acyloxy groups, alkylsulfonyloxy groups,
alkoxysulfonyl groups, alkylamino groups, dialkylamino groups,
alkoxyalkyl groups, acylalkyl groups, acyloxyalkyl groups,
alkoxyalkyl groups, alkylsulfonyloxyalkyl groups,
alkyliminosulfonyl groups, alkylsulfonylamidoalkyl groups,
alkyliminosulfonyloxyalkyl groups, alkoxysulfonylamidoalkyl groups,
alkyliminocarbonylalkyl groups, alkylcarbonyliminoalkyl groups, a
hydroxy group, a formyl group, a carboxy group, a sulfo group, an
amino group, and the like.
[0143] Examples of the fluorine atom-free substituent that may be
included in R.sup.6 include a cyano group, a nitro group, and the
like.
[0144] The lower limit of the value obtained by the formula of: [(a
formula mass of R.sup.4+a formula mass of R.sup.5+an atomic mass of
nitrogen).times.n+(a formula mass of R.sup.6)] (hereinafter, may be
also referred to as "the total atomic mass (1)") in the above
formula (2) is 120, preferably 150, more preferably 200, still more
preferably 250, and particularly preferably 290. When the total
atomic mass (1) is less than the lower limit, the volatility of the
compound generated from the compound (2) after the exposure may be
elevated, resulting in the tendency that the rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape of the photoresist composition is
deteriorated.
[0145] The upper limit of the total atomic mass (1) is preferably
1,000, more preferably 800, still more preferably 600, and
particularly preferably 500. When the total atomic mass (1) is
greater than the upper limit, the dispersibility of the compound
(2) in the resist film may be reduced, resulting in the tendency
that the photoresist composition leads to deterioration of the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the depth of focus. It is to be noted that
the formula mass of the group as referred to means a sum of atomic
masses of the atoms constituting the group.
[0146] The compound (2) is exemplified by the compounds (i1) to
(i15), (i19), and (i20), and the like.
[0147] The compound (2) is preferably the compound (i). The
compound (i) is represented by the above formula (3).
[0148] In the above formula (3), R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 are as defined
in the above formula (2); R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each
independently represent at least one group selected from the group
consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to
30 carbon atoms, or a group that is obtained by combining: the at
least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and the at
least one group selected from the group consisting of --O--,
--CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein at least two of R.sup.7,
R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together represent a ring
structure by binding with each other, together with the carbon atom
to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond; and
X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--, and wherein a sum of
formula masses of R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9
and atomic masses of the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3)
is no less than 120.
[0149] Examples of the linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30
carbon atoms and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30
carbon atoms which may be represented by R.sup.7, R.sup.8 or
R.sup.9 include groups similar to those exemplified as the linear
hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group in connection
with A in the above formula (1), and the like.
[0150] Examples of the group that is obtained by combining: the at
least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and the at
least one group selected from the group consisting of --O--,
--CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO-- include cyclic ether groups, cyclic
ketone groups, lactone groups, sultone groups, cyclic amino groups,
cyclic sulfonamide groups, cyclic oxysulfonamide groups, lactam
groups, alkoxy groups, acyl groups, acyloxy groups,
alkylsulfonyloxy groups, alkoxysulfonyl groups, alkylamino groups,
dialkylamino groups, alkoxyalkyl groups, acylalkyl groups,
acyloxyalkyl groups, alkoxyalkyl groups, alkylsulfonyloxyalkyl
groups, alkyliminosulfonyl groups, alkylsulfonylamidoalkyl groups,
alkyliminosulfonyloxyalkyl groups, alkoxysulfonylamidoalkyl groups,
alkyliminocarbonylalkyl groups, alkylcarbonyliminoalkyl groups, a
hydroxy group, a formyl group, a carboxy group, a sulfo group, an
amino group, and the like.
[0151] R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 represent preferably a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group or an alkoxycarbonylalkyl group,
more preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an
ethoxycarbonyl group, and still more preferably a hydrogen atom or
an ethoxycarbonyl group.
[0152] Examples of the ring structure taken together represented by
at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 by binding with each
other, together with the carbon atom to which the at least two of
R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond include:
[0153] monocyclic alicyclic structures such as a cyclopentane
structure and a cyclohexane structure;
[0154] polycyclic alicyclic structures such as a norbornane
structure, an adamantane structure and a camphor structure; and the
like.
[0155] Among these, polycyclic alicyclic structures are preferred,
and an adamantane structure and a camphor structure are more
preferred.
[0156] X represents preferably --O--, --COO-- or --SO.sub.2O--,
more preferably --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, and still more preferably
--COO--*, --SO.sub.2O--* (* denotes a binding site to R.sup.5 in
the above formula (3)).
[0157] The lower limit of the sum of the formula masses of R.sup.4,
R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 and the atomic masses of
the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3) (hereinafter, may be
also referred to as "the total atomic mass (2)") is 120, preferably
150, more preferably 200, still more preferably 250, and
particularly preferably 290. When the total atomic mass (2) is less
than the lower limit, the volatility of the compound generated from
the compound (i) after the exposure may be elevated, resulting in
the tendency that the rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape of
the photoresist composition is deteriorated.
[0158] The upper limit of the total atomic mass (2) is preferably
1,000, more preferably 800, still more preferably 600, and
particularly preferably 500. When the total atomic mass (2) is
greater than the upper limit, the dispersibility of the compound
(i) in the resist film may be reduced, resulting in the tendency
that the photoresist composition leads to deterioration of the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the depth of focus.
[0159] Examples of the compound (i) include the compounds (i-1) to
(i-15), and the like.
[0160] The compound (i) can be synthesized in accordance with the
following reaction scheme, for example.
##STR00024##
[0161] In the reaction scheme, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each
independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case where the
monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of number,
at least two of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of these hydrocarbon
groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a
divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally taken together represent an
alicyclic structure by binding with each other, together with the
nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.7, R.sup.8
and R.sup.9 each independently represent at least one group
selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic
hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, or a group that is
obtained by combining: the at least one group selected from the
group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and the at least one group selected
from the group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein at
least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8
and R.sup.9 bond; and X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--,
--SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--;
and Y and Z represent a group that forms X through a condensation
reaction.
[0162] The combination of Y with Z and the resulting X are
exemplified by the following, and the like:
[0163] when one of Y and Z represents a hydroxy group or a halogen
atom and the rest of Y and Z represents a hydroxy group, --O-- as X
is obtained;
[0164] when one of Y and Z represents a hydroxy group and the rest
of Y and Z represents a halocarbonyl group, a carboxy group or an
acid anhydride group, --COO-- as X is obtained;
[0165] when one of Y and Z represents a hydroxy group and the rest
of Y and Z represents a halosulfonyl group or a sulfo group,
--SO.sub.2O-- as X is obtained;
[0166] when one of Y and Z represents --NHR and the rest of Y and Z
represents a halogen atom, --NR-- as X is obtained;
[0167] when one of Y and Z represents --NHR and the rest of Y and Z
represents a halosulfonyl group or a sulfo group, --NRSO.sub.2-- as
X is obtained;
[0168] when one of Y and Z represents --NHR and the rest of Y and Z
represents a halosulfonyloxy group or a sulfoxy group,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- as X is obtained; and
[0169] when one of Y and Z represents --NHR and the rest of Y and Z
represents a halocarbonyl group, a carboxy group or an acid
anhydride group, --NRCO-- as X is obtained.
[0170] The compound (i) that includes X can be obtained, for
example, by reacting the compound that includes Y with the compound
that includes Z, in a solvent such as dichloromethane in the
presence of a base such as triethylamine or dimethylaminopyridine
(DMAP).
[0171] The content of the acid diffusion control agent (C) with
respect of the acid generating agent (B) is preferably 1 mol % to
100 mol %, more preferably 3 mol % to 70 mol %, and still more
preferably 5 mol % to 50 mol %, in light of the possibility that
the photoresist composition leads to an improvement of the LWR
performance, an EL (Exposure Latitude) performance and the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape. When the content of the
acid diffusion control agent (C) falls within the above range, the
photoresist composition may lead to an improvement of the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the sensitivity.
[0172] Moreover, the amount of the acid diffusion control agent (C)
with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymer (A) is preferably
no less than 0.1 parts by mass and no greater than 30 parts by
mass, more preferably no less than 0.5 parts by mass and no greater
than 20 parts by mass, and still more preferably no less than 1
part by mass and no greater than 15 parts by mass.
Optional Component(s)
(D) Other Acid Diffusion Controller
[0173] The photoresist composition according to the embodiment of
the present invention may contain (D) other acid diffusion
controller, as needed. When the photoresist composition further
contains the other acid diffusion controller (D) in addition to the
acid diffusion control agent (C), the rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the resolving ability
and the depth of focus may be further improved. Although it is not
necessarily clear why the aforementioned effect may be further
improved when the other acid diffusion controller (D) is further
contained, it may be presumed, for example, that a degree of
diffusion of the compound as a whole contained in the acid
diffusion control agent can be adjusted; and the like. The mode of
incorporation of the other acid diffusion controller (D) in the
photoresist composition may be in an acid diffusion control agent
form which is a low molecular weight compound (hereinafter, may be
also referred to as "(D) other acid diffusion control agent" or
"other acid diffusion control agent (D)", as appropriate), as
described later, or in a form of an acid diffusion control group
incorporated into the polymer as a part thereof, or in both of
these forms.
[0174] The other acid diffusion control agent (D) is exemplified by
a compound represented by the following formula (5) (hereinafter,
may be also referred to as "nitrogen-containing compound (I)"), a
compound including two nitrogen atoms in a single molecule
(hereinafter, may be also referred to as "nitrogen-containing
compound (II)"), a compound including three nitrogen atoms
(hereinafter, may be also referred to as "nitrogen-containing
compound (III)"), an amide group-containing compound, a urea
compound, a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound, and the
like.
##STR00025##
[0175] In the above formula (5), R.sup.10, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12
each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear, branched or
cyclic alkyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group each
unsubstituted or substituted.
[0176] Examples of the nitrogen-containing compound (I) include
monoalkylamines such as n-hexylamine; dialkylamines such as
di-n-butylamine; trialkylamines such as triethylamine; aromatic
amines such as aniline; and the like.
[0177] Examples of the nitrogen-containing compound (II) include
ethylenediamine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, and the
like.
[0178] Examples of the nitrogen-containing compound (III) include
polyamine compounds such as polyethyleneimine and polyallylamine;
polymers of dimethylaminoethylacrylamide, etc.; and the like.
[0179] Examples of the amide group-containing compound include
formamide, N-methylformamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, acetamide,
N-methylacetamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, propionamide, benzamide,
pyrrolidone, N-methylpyrrolidone, and the like.
[0180] Examples of the urea compound include urea, methylurea,
1,1-dimethylurea, 1,3-dimethylurea, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea,
1,3-diphenylurea, tributylthiourea, and the like.
[0181] Examples of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound
include pyridines such as pyridine and 2-methylpyridine, pyrazine,
pyrazole, and the like.
[0182] A compound that includes an acid-labile group may also be
used as the nitrogen-containing organic compound. Examples of such
a nitrogen-containing organic compound that includes an acid-labile
group include N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)imidazole, N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)benzimidazole,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-2-phenylbenzimidazole,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)di-n-octylamine,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-diethanolamine,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-dicyclohexylamine,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-diphenylamine,
N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine, and the like.
[0183] Moreover, a photodegradable base that is sensitized upon an
exposure to generate a weak acid may be used as the other acid
diffusion controller (D). Examples of the photodegradable base
include onium salt compounds that are degraded upon an exposure and
lose its acid diffusion controlling ability, and the like. Examples
of the onium salt compound include a sulfonium salt compound
represented by the following formula (6-1), an iodonium salt
compound represented by the following formula (6-2), and the
like.
##STR00026##
[0184] In the above formulae (6-1) and (6-2), le to R.sup.17 each
independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy
group, a hydroxy group or a halogen atom; E.sup.- and Q.sup.- each
independently represent OH.sup.-, R.sup..beta.COO.sup.-,
R.sup..beta.--SO.sub.3.sup.- or an anion represented by the
following formula (6-3), wherein R.sup..beta. represents an alkyl
group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group.
##STR00027##
[0185] In the above formula (6-3), R.sup.18 represents a linear or
branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a linear or
branched alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein a part
or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear or branched alkyl
group and the linear or branched alkoxyl group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom; and u is an integer of 0 to
2.
[0186] In a case where the other acid diffusion controller (D) is
the other acid diffusion control agent (D), the content of the
other acid diffusion controller (D) with respect of the acid
generating agent (B) is preferably 1 mol % to 100 mol %, more
preferably 3 mol % to 70 mol %, and still more preferably 5 mol %
to 50 mol %. When the content of the other acid diffusion control
agent (D) is greater than the upper limit, the photoresist
composition may lead to deterioration of the sensitivity, the
rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the
resolving ability and the depth of focus.
[0187] Moreover, the amount of the other acid diffusion control
agent (D) with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymer (A) is
preferably 0 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass
to 15 parts by mass, and still more preferably 0.3 parts by mass to
10 parts by mass.
(E) Fluorine-Containing Polymer
[0188] The photoresist composition according to the embodiment of
the present invention may contain (E) a fluorine-containing polymer
(except for those corresponding to the polymer (A)). When the
photoresist composition contains the fluorine-containing polymer
(E), in forming a resist film, the fluorine-containing polymer (E)
tends to be unevenly distributed in the vicinity of the surface of
the resist film due to oil repellent characteristics of the
fluorine-containing polymer in the film, and thus elution of the
acid generating agent, the acid diffusion control agent and the
like into a liquid immersion medium can be inhibited during an
exposure through the liquid immersion medium. In addition, due to
water repellent characteristics of the fluorine-containing polymer
(E), an advancing contact angle of the liquid immersion medium on
the resist film can be controlled to fall within a desired range,
whereby formation of bubble defects can be inhibited. Furthermore,
a larger receding contact angle of the liquid immersion medium on
the resist film is attained, thereby enabling an exposure by
high-speed scanning without being accompanied by residual water
beads. Thus, when the photoresist composition contains the
fluorine-containing polymer (E), a resist film suitable for a
liquid immersion lithography process can be formed.
[0189] The fluorine-containing polymer (E) is not particularly
limited as long as the fluorine-containing polymer (E) contains a
fluorine atom; however, it is preferred that the
fluorine-containing polymer (E) has a higher content (% by mass) of
fluorine atoms than that of the polymer (A) in the photoresist
composition. When the fluorine-containing polymer (E) has a higher
content (% by mass) of fluorine atoms than that of the polymer (A),
a higher degree of the aforementioned uneven distribution is
attained, leading to an improvement of characteristics such as
water repellency and elution inhibitory ability of the resulting
resist film.
[0190] The content of fluorine atoms of the fluorine-containing
polymer (E) falls within a range of preferably no less than 1% by
mass, more preferably 2% by mass to 60% by mass, still more
preferably 4% by mass to 40% by mass, and particularly preferably
7% by mass to 30% by mass. When the content of fluorine atoms of
the fluorine-containing polymer (E) is less than the lower limit,
the hydrophobicity of the surface of the resist film may be
deteriorated. It is to be noted that the content (% by mass) of
fluorine atoms of the polymer can be calculated based on the
structure of the polymer as determined by .sup.13C-NMR
spectroscopy.
[0191] The fluorine-containing polymer (E) preferably has at least
one selected from the group consisting of the following structural
unit (Ea) and the following structural unit (Eb). The
fluorine-containing polymer (E) may have one, or two or more types
of the structural unit (Ea) and/or the structural unit (Eb).
Structural Unit (Ea)
[0192] The structural unit (Ea) is represented by the following
formula (7a). When the fluorine-containing polymer (E) has the
structural unit (Ea), the content of fluorine atoms thereof can be
adjusted.
##STR00028##
[0193] In the above formula (7a), R.sup.D represents a hydrogen
atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group; G represents a
single bond, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, --CO--O--,
--SO.sub.2--O--NH--, --CO--NH-- or --O--CO--NH--; R.sup.E
represents a monovalent linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6
carbon atoms and having at least one fluorine atom, or a monovalent
aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and
having at least one fluorine atom.
[0194] Examples of the linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6
carbon atoms and having at least one fluorine atom which may be
represented by R.sup.E include a trifluoromethyl group, a
2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, a perfluoroethyl group, a
2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl group, a 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropyl
group, a perfluoro-n-propyl group, a perfluoro-i-propyl group, a
perfluoro-n-butyl group, a perfluoro-i-butyl group, a
perfluoro-t-butyl group, a 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl group,
a perfluorohexyl group, and the like.
[0195] Examples of the aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon group having 4
to 20 carbon atoms and having at least one fluorine atom which may
be represented by R.sup.E include a monofluorocyclopentyl group, a
difluorocyclopentyl group, a perfluorocyclopentyl group, a
monofluorocyclohexyl group, a difluorocyclopentyl group, a
perfluorocyclohexylmethyl group, a fluoronorbornyl group, a
fluoroadamantyl group, a fluorobornyl group, a fluoroisobornyl
group, a fluorotricyclodecyl group, a fluorotetracyclodecyl group,
and the like.
[0196] Examples of the monomer that gives the structural unit (Ea)
include (meth)acrylic acid trifluoromethyl ester, (meth)acrylic
acid 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid perfluoroethyl
ester, (meth)acrylic acid perfluoro-n-propyl ester, (meth)acrylic
acid perfluoro-i-propyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid perfluoro-n-butyl
ester, (meth)acrylic acid perfluoro-i-butyl ester, (meth)acrylic
acid perfluoro-t-butyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid
2-(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropyl) ester, (meth)acrylic acid
1-(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl) ester, (meth)acrylic acid
perfluorocyclohexylmethyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid
1-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl) ester, (meth)acrylic acid
monofluorocyclopentyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid difluorocyclopentyl
ester, (meth)acrylic acid perfluorocyclopentyl ester, (meth)acrylic
acid monofluorocyclohexyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid
difluorocyclopentyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid
perfluorocyclohexylmethyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid fluoronorbornyl
ester, (meth)acrylic acid fluoroadamantyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid
fluorobornyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid fluoroisobornyl ester,
(meth)acrylic acid fluorotricyclodecyl ester, (meth)acrylic acid
fluorotetracyclodecyl ester, and the like.
[0197] The proportion of structural unit (Ea) with respect to the
total structural units constituting the fluorine-containing polymer
(E) is preferably 5 mol % to 80 mol %, more preferably 10 mol % to
60 mol %, and still more preferably 15 mol % to 40 mol %. When the
proportion of the structural unit (Ea) falls within the above
range, a larger dynamic contact angle on the surface of the resist
film may be attained in an exposure through a liquid immersion
medium.
Structural Unit (Eb)
[0198] The structural unit (Eb) is represented by the following
formula (7b). When the fluorine-containing polymer (E) has the
structural unit (Eb), the hydrophobicity thereof may be enhanced,
leading to a further improvement of the dynamic contact angle on
the surface of the resist film formed from the photoresist
composition.
##STR00029##
[0199] In the above formula (7b), R.sup.F represents a hydrogen
atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group; R.sup.19
represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and a
valency of (s+1), which may further include an oxygen atom, a
sulfur atom, --NR'--, a carbonyl group, --CO--O-- or --CO--NH-- at
an end of R.sup.19 on the R.sup.2.degree. side, wherein R'
represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group; R.sup.20
represents a single bond, a divalent linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a divalent aliphatic cyclic
hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms; X.sup.2 represents a
divalent linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and
having at least one fluorine atom; A.sup.1 represents an oxygen
atom, --NR''--, --CO--O--* or --SO.sub.2--O--*, wherein R''
represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, and *
denotes a binding site to R.sup.19; R.sup.21 represents a hydrogen
atom or a monovalent organic group; and s is an integer of 1 to 3,
wherein in a case where s is 2 or 3, a plurality of R.sup.20s are
identical to or different with each other, a plurality of X.sup.2s
are identical to or different with each other, a plurality of
A.sup.1s are identical to or different with each other, and a
plurality of R.sup.21s are identical to or different with each
other.
[0200] R.sup.21 preferably represents a hydrogen atom in light of
the possibility of an increase of the solubility of the
fluorine-containing polymer (E) in an alkaline developer
solution.
[0201] Examples of the monovalent organic group which may be
represented by R.sup.21 include hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 30
carbon atoms and optionally including an acid-labile group, an
alkali-labile group or a substituent, and the like.
[0202] Examples of the structural unit (Eb) include structural
units represented by the following formulae (7b-1) to (7b-3), and
the like.
##STR00030##
[0203] In the above formulae (7b-1) to (7b-3), R.sup.19' represents
a divalent linear, branched or cyclic saturated or unsaturated
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R.sup.F,
X.sup.2, R.sup.21 and s are as defined in the above formula (7b),
wherein in a case where s is 2 or 3, a plurality of X.sup.2s are
identical to or different with each other, and a plurality of
R.sup.21s are identical to or different with each other.
[0204] The proportion of the structural unit (7b) with respect to
the total structural units constituting the fluorine-containing
polymer (E) is preferably 0 mol % to 90 mol %, more preferably 5
mol % to 85 mol %, and still more preferably 10 mol % to 80 mol %.
When the proportion of the structural unit (7b) falls within the
above range, the degree of a decrease of the dynamic contact angle
on the surface of the resist film formed from the photoresist
composition in a development with an alkali may be reduced.
Structural Unit (Ec)
[0205] The fluorine-containing polymer (E) may have, in addition to
the structural units (Ea) and (Eb), a structural unit that includes
an acid-labile group (hereinafter, may be also referred to as
"structural unit (Ec)") (except for those corresponding to the
structural unit (Eb)). When the fluorine-containing polymer (E) has
the structural unit (Ec), the configuration of the resulting resist
pattern may be more favorable. Examples of the structural unit (Ec)
include the structural unit (I) mentioned hereinabove in connection
with the polymer (A), and the like.
[0206] The proportion of the structural unit (Ec) with respect to
the total structural units constituting the fluorine-containing
polymer (E) is preferably 10 mol % to 90 mol %, more preferably 20
mol % to 85 mol %, still more preferably 30 mol % to 80 mol %, and
particularly preferably 50 mol % to 75 mol %. When the proportion
of the structural unit (Ec) is less than the lower limit, formation
of development defects in the resist pattern may not be
sufficiently inhibited. When the proportion of the structural unit
(Ec) is greater than the upper limit, the hydrophobicity of the
surface of the resulting resist film may be deteriorated.
Other Structural Unit
[0207] Also, the fluorine-containing polymer (E) may have, in
addition to the structural units described above, other structural
unit, such as, for example: a structural unit that includes an
alkali-soluble group, a structural unit that includes at least one
structure selected from the group consisting of a lactone
structure, a cyclic carbonate structure and a sultone structure, a
structural unit that includes an alicyclic group, etc. Examples of
the alkali-soluble group include a carboxy group, a sulfonamide
group, a sulfo group, and the like. Examples of the structural unit
that includes at least one structure selected from the group
consisting of a lactone structure, a cyclic carbonate structure and
a sultone structure include the structural unit (II) mentioned
hereinabove in connection with the polymer (A), and the like.
[0208] The proportion of the other structural unit with respect to
the total structural units constituting the fluorine-containing
polymer (E) is typically no greater than 30 mol %, and preferably
no greater than 20 mol %. When the proportion of the other
structural unit is greater than the upper limit, the pattern
formability of the photoresist composition may be deteriorated.
[0209] The amount of the fluorine-containing polymer (E) in the
photoresist composition with respect to 100 parts by mass of the
polymer (A) is preferably 0 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably
0.5 parts by mass to 15 parts by mass, and still more preferably 1
part by mass to 10 parts by mass. When the amount of the
fluorine-containing polymer (E) is greater than the upper limit,
the pattern formability of the photoresist composition may be
deteriorated.
(F) Solvent
[0210] The photoresist composition according to the embodiment of
the present invention typically contains (F) a solvent. The solvent
(F) is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of
dissolving or dispersing at least the polymer (A), the acid
generator (B) and the acid diffusion control agent (C), as well as
the other acid diffusion controller (D) contained as desired, and
the like.
[0211] The solvent (F) is exemplified by an alcohol solvent, an
ether solvent, a ketone solvent, an amide solvent, an ester
solvent, a hydrocarbon solvent, and the like.
[0212] Examples of the alcohol solvent include:
[0213] monohydric alcohol solvents such as methanol, ethanol,
n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, iso-butanol, sec-butanol,
tert-butanol, n-pentanol, iso-pentanol, 2-methylbutanol,
sec-pentanol, tert-pentanol, 3-methoxybutanol, n-hexanol,
2-methylpentanol, sec-hexanol, 2-ethylbutanol, sec-heptanol,
3-heptanol, n-octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, sec-octanol, n-nonyl
alcohol, 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanol, n-decanol, sec-undecyl alcohol,
trimethylnonyl alcohol, sec-tetradecyl alcohol, sec-heptadecyl
alcohol, furfuryl alcohol, phenol, cyclohexanol,
methylcyclohexanol, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol and
diacetone alcohol;
[0214] polyhydric alcohol solvents such as ethylene glycol,
1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 2,4-pentanediol,
2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 2,4-heptanediol,
2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
triethylene glycol and tripropylene glycol;
[0215] polyhydric alcohol partial ether solvents such as ethylene
glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene
glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene
glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene
glycol mono-2-ethylbutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether,
diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl
ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol
monohexyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene
glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether,
propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl
ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether and dipropylene glycol
monopropyl ether; and the like.
[0216] Examples of the ether solvent include:
[0217] dialkyl ether solvents such as diethyl ether, dipropyl ether
and dibutyl ether;
[0218] cyclic ether solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and
tetrahydropyran;
[0219] aromatic ring-containing ether solvents such as diphenyl
ether and anisole (methyl phenyl ether); and the like.
[0220] Examples of the ketone solvent include:
[0221] linear ketone solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,
methyl n-propyl ketone, methyl n-butyl ketone, diethyl ketone,
methyl iso-butyl ketone, 2-heptanone (methyl n-pentyl ketone),
ethyl n-butyl ketone, methyl n-hexyl ketone, di-iso-butyl ketone
and trimethylnonanone;
[0222] cyclic ketone solvents such as cyclopentanone,
cyclohexanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone and
methylcyclohexanone;
[0223] 2,4-pentanedione, acetonylacetone and acetophenone; and the
like.
[0224] Examples of the amide solvent include:
[0225] cyclic amide solvents such as N,N'-dimethylimidazolidinone
and N-methylpyrrolidone;
[0226] linear amide solvents such as N-methylformamide,
N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethylformamide, acetamide,
N-methylacetamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and N-methylpropionamide;
and the like.
[0227] Examples of the ester solvent include:
[0228] acetic acid ester solvents such as methyl acetate, ethyl
acetate, n-propyl acetate, iso-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate,
iso-butyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate, n-pentyl acetate, i-pentyl
acetate, sec-pentyl acetate, 3-methoxybutyl acetate, methylpentyl
acetate, 2-ethylbutyl acetate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, benzyl
acetate, cyclohexyl acetate, methylcyclohexyl acetate and n-nonyl
acetate;
[0229] polyhydric alcohol partial ether acetate solvents such as
ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl
ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate,
diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol
mono-n-butyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether
acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol
monopropyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate,
dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and dipropylene glycol
monoethyl ether acetate;
[0230] carbonate solvents such as diethyl carbonate;
[0231] glycol diacetate, methoxytriglycol acetate, ethyl
propionate, n-butyl propionate, iso-amyl propionate, diethyl
oxalate, di-n-butyl oxalate, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl
acetoacetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, n-butyl lactate,
n-amyl lactate, diethyl malonate, dimethyl phthalate and diethyl
phthalate; and the like.
[0232] Examples of the hydrocarbon solvent include:
[0233] aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents such as n-pentane,
iso-pentane, n-hexane, iso-hexane, n-heptane, iso-heptane,
2,2,4-trimethylpentane, n-octane, iso-octane, cyclohexane and
methylcyclohexane;
[0234] aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, toluene,
xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, trimethylbenzene,
methylethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, iso-propylbenzene,
diethylbenzene, iso-butylbenzene, triethylbenzene,
di-iso-propylbenzene and n-amylnaphthalene; and the like.
[0235] Among these, an ester solvent and a ketone solvent are
preferred, a polyhydric alcohol partial ether acetate solvent and a
cyclic ketone solvent are more preferred, and propylene glycol
monomethyl ether acetate and cyclohexanone are still more
preferred. The photoresist composition may contain one, or two or
more types of the solvent (F).
Other Optional Component(s)
[0236] The photoresist composition may contain other optional
component(s) in addition to the aforementioned components (A) to
(F). The other optional component(s) may be exemplified by an
uneven distribution accelerator, a surfactant, an alicyclic
skeleton-containing compound, a sensitizing agent, and the like.
These other optional components each may be used alone, or in
combination of two or more types thereof.
[0237] Uneven Distribution Accelerator
[0238] The uneven distribution accelerator exhibits the effect of
more efficiently segregating the fluorine-containing polymer (E) on
the surface of the resist film. When the photoresist composition
contains the uneven distribution accelerator, the amount of the
fluorine-containing polymer (E) added may be reduced as compared
with conventional levels. Therefore, the elution of the components
from the resist film into a liquid immersion liquid may be further
suppressed and/or an exposure through a liquid immersion medium may
be carried out at a higher speed by high speed scanning, without
deteriorating characteristics such as the rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, the LWR performance, the resolving ability
and the depth of focus; as a result, the hydrophobicity of the
surface of the resist film, which inhibits defects attributed to
the liquid immersion, e.g., watermark defects, may be enhanced. As
an exemplary uneven distribution accelerator having such features,
a low molecular weight compound having a relative permittivity of
no less than 30 and no greater than 200, and a boiling point at 1
atm of no less than 100.degree. C. may be used. The compound is
specifically exemplified by a lactone compound, a carbonate
compound, a nitrile compound, a polyhydric alcohol, and the
like.
[0239] Examples of the lactone compound include
.gamma.-butyrolactone, valerolactone, mevalonic lactone,
norbornanelactone, and the like.
[0240] Examples of the carbonate compound include propylene
carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, vinylene
carbonate, and the like.
[0241] Examples of the nitrile compound include succinonitrile, and
the like.
[0242] Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include glycerin, and the
like.
[0243] The amount of the uneven distribution accelerator in the
photoresist composition with respect to 100 parts by mass of the
total polymer(s) is preferably 10 parts by mass to 500 parts by
mass, more preferably 15 parts by mass to 300 parts by mass, and
still more preferably 20 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass.
[0244] Surfactant
[0245] The surfactant exhibits the effect of improving a coating
property, striation, developability, and the like. Examples of the
surfactant include nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene
lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl
ether, polyoxyethylene n-octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene
n-nonylphenyl ether, polyethylene glycol dilaurate and polyethylene
glycol distearate; and commercially available products such as
KP341 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), Polyflow No.
75 and No. 95 (each manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.),
EFTOP EF301, EF303 and EF352 (each manufactured by Tochem Products
Co. Ltd.), Megaface F171 and F173 (each manufactured by DIC
Corporation), Fluorad FC430 and FC431 (each manufactured by
Sumitomo 3M Limited), ASAHI GUARD AG710, Surflon S-382, SC-101,
SC-102, SC-103, SC-104, SC-105 and SC-106 (each manufactured by
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.); and the like. The amount of the surfactant
in the photoresist composition with respect to 100 parts by mass of
the polymer (A) is typically no greater than 2 parts by mass.
[0246] Alicyclic Skeleton-Containing Compound
[0247] The alicyclic skeleton-containing compound exhibits the
effect of improving dry etching resistance, a pattern
configuration, adhesiveness to substrate, and the like.
[0248] Examples of the alicyclic skeleton-containing compound
include:
[0249] adamantane derivatives such as 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid,
2-adamantanone and t-butyl 1-adamantanecarboxylate;
[0250] deoxycholic acid esters such as t-butyl deoxycholate,
t-butoxycarbonylmethyl deoxycholate and 2-ethoxyethyl
deoxycholate;
[0251] lithocholic acid esters such as t-butyl lithocholate,
t-butoxycarbonylmethyl lithocholate and 2-ethoxyethyl
lithocholate;
[0252]
3-[2-hydroxy-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]tetracyclo[4.4.0.1.sup.2-
,5.1.sup.7,10]dodecane and
2-hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyl-5-oxo-4-oxa-tricyclo[4.2.1.0.sup.3,7]nonane;
and the like. The amount of the alicyclic skeleton-containing
compound in the photoresist composition with respect to 100 parts
by mass of the polymer (A) is typically no greater than 5 parts by
mass.
[0253] Sensitizing Agent
[0254] The sensitizing agent exhibits the action of increasing the
amount of an acid generated from the acid generating agent (B) and
the like, and exerts the effect of improving "apparent sensitivity"
of the photoresist composition.
[0255] Examples of the sensitizing agent include carbazoles,
acetophenones, benzophenones, naphthalenes, phenols, biacetyl,
eosin, rose bengal, pyrenes, anthracenes, phenothiazines, and the
like. These sensitizing agents may be used either alone, or in
combination of two or more types thereof. The amount of the
sensitizing agent in the photoresist composition with respect to
100 parts by mass of the polymer (A) is typically no greater than 2
parts by mass.
Preparation Method of Photoresist Composition
[0256] The photoresist composition according to the embodiment of
the present invention may be prepared, for example, by mixing the
polymer (A), the acid generator (B) and the acid diffusion control
agent (C), as well as the optional component(s) and the solvent (F)
each contained as needed in a predetermined ratio. After the
mixing, the photoresist composition is preferably filtered through
a filter with a pore size of about 0.2 .mu.m, for example. The
solid content concentration of the photoresist composition is
typically 0.1% by mass to 50% by mass, preferably 0.5% by mass to
30% by mass, and more preferably 1% by mass to 20% by mass.
Resist Pattern-Forming Method
[0257] A resist pattern forming method according to another
embodiment of the present invention includes:
[0258] providing a resist film using the photoresist composition
according to the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter,
may be also referred to as "resist film-providing step");
[0259] exposing the resist film (hereinafter, may be also referred
to as "exposure step"); and
[0260] developing the resist film exposed (hereinafter, may be also
referred to as "development step").
[0261] According to the resist pattern-forming method, since the
aforementioned photoresist composition is used, a resist pattern
can be formed that exhibits superior rectangularity of a
cross-sectional shape, decreased LWR and a superior resolving
ability, while attaining a greater depth of focus. Hereinafter,
each step will be explained.
Resist Film-Providing Step
[0262] In the resist film-providing step, the photoresist
composition according to the embodiment of the present invention is
coated on a substrate by appropriate coating means such as
spin-coating, cast coating and roll coating to provide a resist
film. Examples of the substrate include silicon wafers, wafers
covered with silicon dioxide or an antireflective film, and the
like. Specifically, after the photoresist composition is coated
such that the resulting resist film has a predetermined film
thickness, prebaking (PB) is carried out to permit the solvent
present in the coating film to be volatilized, resulting in the
formation of the resist film. The temperature of PB is typically
60.degree. C. to 140.degree. C., and preferably 80.degree. C. to
120.degree. C. The time period of PB is typically 5 sec to 600 sec,
and preferably 10 sec to 300 sec.
Exposure Step
[0263] In the exposure step, the resist film provided in the resist
film-providing step is exposed. The exposure is carried out, for
example, by irradiating the resist film with an exposure light
through a photomask (through a liquid immersion medium such as
water, as needed). The exposure light is exemplified by: an
electromagnetic wave such as a visible light ray, an ultraviolet
ray, a far ultraviolet ray, an X-ray and a .gamma.-ray; a charged
particle ray such as an electron beam and an .alpha.-ray; and the
like, in accordance with the line width of the intended pattern.
Among these, a far ultraviolet ray and an electron beam are
preferred, an ArF excimer laser beam (wavelength: 193 nm), a KrF
excimer laser beam (wavelength: 248 nm) and an electron beam are
more preferred, and an ArF excimer laser beam and an electron beam
are still more preferred.
[0264] It is preferred that post exposure baking (PEB) is carried
out after the exposure, to facilitate the dissociation of the
acid-labile group of the polymer (A) which is mediated by the acid
generated from the acid generator (B) at exposed sites of the
resist film upon the exposure. This PEB makes the difference of the
solubility in a developer solution between at a site subjected to
the exposure (light-exposed site) and a site not subjected to the
exposure (light-unexposed site). The temperature of the PEB is
typically 50.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., and preferably
80.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. The time period of the PEB is
typically 5 sec to 600 sec, and preferably 10 sec to 300 sec.
Development Step
[0265] In the development step, the resist film exposed is
developed with a developer solution to form a predetermined resist
pattern. After the development, washing with a rinse agent such as
water or an alcohol followed by drying is typically carried
out.
[0266] In the case of a development with an alkali, examples of the
developer solution include aqueous alkali solutions prepared by
dissolving at least one type of alkaline compounds such as sodium
hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate,
sodium metasilicate, aqueous ammonia, ethylamine, n-propylamine,
diethylamine, di-n-propylamine, triethylamine, methyldiethylamine,
ethyldimethylamine, triethanolamine, tetramethylammonium hydroxide
(TMAH), pyrrole, piperidine, choline,
1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-7-undecene and
1,5-diazabicyclo-[4.3.0]-5-nonene; and the like. Among these, an
aqueous TMAH solution is preferred, and a 2.38% by mass aqueous
TMAH solution is more preferred.
[0267] Alternatively, in the case of a development with an organic
solvent, the developer solution is exemplified by: an organic
solvent such as a hydrocarbon solvent, an ether solvent, an ester
solvent, a ketone solvent and an alcohol solvent; and a solvent
containing an organic solvent. Examples of the organic solvent
include one, or two or more types of the solvents enumerated in
connection with the solvent (F) which may be contained in the
abovementioned photoresist composition, and the like. Among these,
an ester solvent and a ketone solvent are preferred. As the ester
solvent, acetic acid ester solvents are preferred, and n-butyl
acetate is more preferred. As the ketone solvent, linear ketones
are preferred, and 2-heptanone is more preferred.
[0268] In addition, in a case where an exposure through a liquid
immersion medium is carried out, a liquid immersion
liquid-insoluble protective film for liquid immersion may be
provided on the resist film for the purpose of avoiding a direct
contact of the resist film with a liquid immersion liquid before
the exposure step. As the protective film for liquid immersion, any
one of a solvent-peelable protective film that is peeled by a
solvent before the development step (see, for example, Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2006-227632) and a
developer solution-peelable protective film that is peeled
concomitantly with the development in the development step (see,
for example, WO 2005-069076 and WO 2006-035790) may be used.
However, a developer solution-peelable protective film for liquid
immersion is preferably used in light of throughput.
Acid Diffusion Control Agent
[0269] An acid diffusion control agent according to still another
embodiment of the present invention contains the compound (1). The
compound (1) is represented by the above formula (1).
[0270] In the above formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each
independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case where the
monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of number,
at least two of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of these hydrocarbon
groups bond; A represents a group having a valency of n that is
obtained by combining: at least one group selected from the group
consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to
30 carbon atoms; at least one group selected from the group
consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--; and n nitrogen atoms
as a binding site to the carbonyl group in the above formula (1),
wherein a sum of atomic masses of the atoms constituting A is no
less than 120, wherein a part or all of hydrogen atoms included in
the linear hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group
are unsubstituted or substituted with a fluorine atom-free group,
and wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n is an integer
of 1 to 4.
[0271] The compound (1) is preferably the compound (2).
[0272] In the above formula (2), R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n
are as defined in the above formula (1); R.sup.4 represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally
taken together represent an alicyclic structure by binding with
each other, together with the nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.6 represents a group having a valency of n that
is obtained by combining: at least one group selected from the
group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at least one group selected from
the group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein a
part or all of hydrogen atoms included in the linear hydrocarbon
group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group are unsubstituted or
substituted with a fluorine atom-free group, wherein R represents a
hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, and wherein in the formula (2), a value obtained by
the formula of: {[(a formula mass of R.sup.4)+(a formula mass of
R.sup.5)+(an atomic mass of nitrogen)].times.n+(a formula mass of
R.sup.6)} is no less than 120.
[0273] The compound (2) is preferably the compound (3).
[0274] In the above formula (3), R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 are as defined
in the above formula (2); R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each
independently represent at least one group selected from the group
consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1
to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to
30 carbon atoms, or a group that is obtained by combining: the at
least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen
atom, a linear hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an
alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at
least one group selected from the group consisting of --O--,
--CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--,
--NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein at least two of R.sup.7,
R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together represent a ring
structure by binding with each other, together with the carbon atom
to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 bond; and
X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--, --NR--,
--NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--, and wherein a sum of
formula masses of R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9
and atomic masses of the nitrogen and the carbon in the formula (3)
is no less than 120.
[0275] The acid diffusion control agent according to the embodiment
of the present invention has been explained in connection with the
acid diffusion control agent (C) contained in the photoresist
composition.
Compound
[0276] A compound according to yet still another embodiment of the
present invention is represented by the above formula (3).
[0277] In the above formula (3), R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each
independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon
group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein in a case where the
monovalent hydrocarbon group is present in a plurality of number,
at least two of these hydrocarbon groups optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of these hydrocarbon
groups bond; R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.5 represents a
divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein
R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 optionally taken together represent an
alicyclic structure by binding with each other, together with the
nitrogen atom to which R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 bond; R.sup.7, R.sup.8
and R.sup.9 each independently represent at least one group
selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear
hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic
hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, or a group that is
obtained by combining: the at least one group selected from the
group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a linear hydrocarbon group
having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group
having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and at least one group selected from
the group consisting of --O--, --CO--, --COO--, --SO.sub.2O--,
--NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- and --NRCO--, wherein at
least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 optionally taken together
represent a ring structure by binding with each other, together
with the carbon atom to which the at least two of R.sup.7, R.sup.8
and R.sup.9 bond; and X represents --O--, --CO--, --COO--,
--SO.sub.2O--, --NR--, --NRSO.sub.2--, --NRSO.sub.2O-- or --NRCO--,
and wherein a sum of formula masses of R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X,
R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 and atomic masses of the nitrogen and
the carbon in the formula (3) is no less than 120.
[0278] The compound according to the embodiment of the present
invention is the aforementioned compound (i), and has been
explained in the section of the acid diffusion control agent (C) in
connection with the photoresist composition.
EXAMPLES
[0279] Hereinafter, the present invention is explained in detail by
way of Examples, but the present invention is not in any way
limited by Examples. Measuring methods for various types of
physical properties are shown below.
.sup.1H-NMR Analysis and .sup.13C-NMR Analysis
[0280] .sup.1H-NMR analysis and .sup.13C-NMR analysis of the
compound, as well as .sup.13C-NMR analysis for the determination of
the proportion of each constituent unit and the content of fluorine
atoms of the polymer were carried out using a nuclear magnetic
resonance spectrometer (JNM-ECX400, manufactured by JEOL,
Ltd.).
Synthesis of Compound (i)
[0281] Compounds (i-1) to (i-4), which fell under the compound (i),
were synthesized in accordance with the following reaction
scheme.
##STR00031##
[0282] In the above scheme: L represents C and R.sup..alpha.
represents an adamantyl group, an ethoxycarbonylmethyl group or a
camphor group; or L represents S.dbd.O and R.sup..alpha. represents
a methyl group.
Example 1
[0283] Into a 200 mL eggplant-shaped flask were charged 3.00 g
(13.9 mmol) of N-t-amyloxycarbonyl-4-hydroxypiperidine, 2.11 g
(20.9 mmol) of triethylamine, 0.034 g of dimethylaminopyridine
(0.279 mmol) and 40 g of dichloromethane, and the mixture was
cooled to 0.degree. C. on an ice bath. Next, to this mixture, 3.32
g (16.7 mmol) of 1-adamantylcarboxylic acid chloride dissolved in
20 g of dichloromethane was added dropwise over 10 min. Thereafter,
the mixture was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 30 min, and then
stirred at room temperature for 20 hrs. After the reaction was
quenched by the addition of water, the reaction mixture was
extracted with dichloromethane, followed by washing with water and
purification by way of column chromatography to obtain 4.62 g of a
compound represented by the following formula (i-1) (hereinafter,
may be also referred to as "compound (i-1)") (yield: 87.8%).
Examples 2 to 4
[0284] Compounds represented by the following formulae (i-2) to
(i-4) were each synthesized in a similar manner to Example 1 except
that the corresponding other derivative was used in place of
1-adamantylcarboxylic acid chloride.
##STR00032## ##STR00033##
Synthesis of Polymer
[0285] Monomers used in the synthesis of the polymer (A) and the
fluorine-containing polymer (E) are shown below.
##STR00034##
Synthesis of Polymer (A)
Synthesis Example 1
[0286] A monomer solution was prepared by dissolving 9.01 g (50 mol
%) of the compound (M-1) and 10.99 g (50 mol %) of the compound
(M-2) in 40 g of 2-butanone, and further dissolving therein 0.81 g
(5 mol % with respect to the total mol number of the compounds) of
AIBN as a polymerization initiator. A 100 mL three-neck flask
containing 20 g of 2-butanone was purged with a nitrogen gas for 30
min, and then heated to 80.degree. C. with stirring, and the
monomer solution prepared above was added dropwise over 3 hrs using
a dropping funnel. The time of the start of the dropwise addition
was regarded as the time of the start of the polymerization
reaction, and the polymerization reaction was allowed to proceed
for 6 hrs. After the completion of the polymerization reaction, the
polymerization reaction solution was water-cooled to 30.degree. C.
or below. The cooled polymerization reaction solution was poured
into 400 g of methanol, and the deposited white powder was filtered
off. The filtered white powder was washed twice with 80 g of
methanol, followed by filtration, and dried at 50.degree. C. for 17
hrs to obtain a polymer (A-1) as a white powder (recovered amount:
15.6 g; yield: 78%). The polymer (A-1) had an Mw of 7,200 and an
Mw/Mn of 1.52. The result of .sup.13C-NMR analysis indicated that
the proportions of the structural unit derived from the compound
(M-1) and the structural unit derived from (M-2) were 50.2 mol %
and 49.8 mol %, respectively. The content of low molecular weight
components in the polymer (A-1) was 0.04% by mass.
Synthesis Example 2
[0287] After 55.0 g (65 mol %) of the compound (M-4), 45.0 g (35
mol %) of the compound (M-5), 4 g of AIBN and 1 g of t-dodecyl
mercaptan were dissolved in 100 g of propylene glycol monomethyl
ether, the polymerization was allowed to proceed for 16 hrs under a
nitrogen atmosphere, while maintaining the reaction temperature of
70.degree. C. After the completion of the polymerization reaction,
the polymerization reaction solution was added dropwise to 1,000 g
of n-hexane to solidify and purify the polymer. Next, 150 g of
propylene glycol monomethyl ether was added to the polymer, then
150 g of methanol, 34 g of triethylamine and 6 g of water were
further added, and a hydrolysis reaction was allowed to proceed for
8 hrs while the mixture was refluxed at the boiling point thereof.
After the completion of the reaction, the solvent and triethylamine
were distilled under vacuum. The resulting polymer was dissolved in
150 g of acetone, and the solution was added dropwise to 2,000 g of
water to permit solidification. The formed white powder was
filtered off, and dried at 50.degree. C. for 17 hrs to obtain a
polymer (A-2) as a white powder (65.7 g; yield: 76.6%). The polymer
(A-2) had an Mw of 10,000 and an Mw/Mn of 2.1. The result of
.sup.13C-NMR analysis indicated that the proportions of the
structural unit derived from p-hydroxystyrene and the structural
unit derived from the compound (M-5) were 65.4 mol % and 34.6 mol
%, respectively. The content of low molecular weight components in
the polymer (A-2) was 0.05% by mass.
Synthesis of Fluorine-Containing Polymer (E)
Synthesis Example 3
[0288] A monomer solution was prepared by dissolving 79.9 g (70 mol
%) of the compound (M-1) and 20.91 g (30 mol %) of the compound
(M-3) in 100 g of 2-butanone, and further dissolving 4.77 g of
dimethyl 2,2'-azobisisobutyrate as a polymerization initiator. A
1,000 mL three-neck flask containing 100 g of 2-butanone was purged
with nitrogen gas for 30 min, and then heated to 80.degree. C. with
stirring, and the monomer solution prepared above was added
dropwise over 3 hrs using a dropping funnel. The time of the start
of the dropwise addition was regarded as the time of the start of
the polymerization reaction, and the polymerization reaction was
allowed to proceed for 6 hrs. After the completion of the
polymerization reaction, the polymerization reaction solution was
water-cooled to 30.degree. C. or below. The polymerization reaction
solution was transferred to a 2 L separatory funnel, and then the
polymerization reaction solution was homogeneously diluted with 150
g of n-hexane. Into the diluted polymerization reaction solution
was charged 600 g of methanol and mixed therewith, then 30 g of
distilled water was charged, followed by further stirring, and then
the mixture was left to stand for 30 min. Thereafter, the
underlayer was recovered, and the solvent was substituted to
prepare a propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate solution of a
polymer (E-1) (yield: 60%). The polymer (E-1) had an Mw of 7,200
and an Mw/Mn of 2.00. The result of .sup.13C-NMR analysis indicated
that the proportions of the structural unit derived from the
compound (M-1) and the structural unit derived from the compound
(M-3) were 71.1 mol % and 28.9 mol %, respectively. The content of
low molecular weight components in the polymer (E-1) was 0.07% by
mass.
Preparation of Photoresist Composition
[0289] Components used in the preparation of the photoresist
composition are shown below.
(B) Acid Generating Agent
[0290] triphenylsulfonium
2-(adamantan-1-yl)-1,1-difluoroethane-1-sulfonate (compound
represented by the following formula (B-1))
##STR00035##
(C) Acid Diffusion Control Agent
[0291] C-1: compound (i-1) synthesized above (compound represented
by the above formula (i-1))
[0292] C-2: compound (i-2) synthesized above (compound represented
by the above formula (i-2))
[0293] C-3: compound (i-3) synthesized above (compound represented
by the above formula (i-3))
[0294] C-4: compound (i-4) synthesized above (compound represented
by the above formula (i-4))
[0295] CC-1: N-t-amyloxycarbonyl-4-hydroxypiperidine (compound
represented by the following formula (CC-1))
##STR00036##
(F) Solvent
[0296] F-1: propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate
[0297] F-2: cyclohexanone
(G) Uneven Distribution Accelerator
[0298] G-1: .gamma.-butyrolactone
Preparation of Photoresist Composition for Exposure by Way of ArF
Excimer Laser Beam
Example 5
[0299] A photoresist composition (J-1) was prepared by mixing 100
parts by mass of (A-1) as the polymer (A), 8.5 parts by mass of
(B-1) as the acid generating agent (B), 30 mol % (mol % with
respect to the acid generating agent (B)) of (C-1) as the acid
diffusion control agent (C), 3 parts by mass of (E-1) as the
fluorine atom-containing polymer (E), 2,240 parts by mass of (F-1)
and 960 parts by mass (F-2) as the solvent (F), as well as 30 parts
by mass of (G-1) as the uneven distribution accelerator (G).
Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Example 1
[0300] Photoresist compositions (J-2) to (J-4) and (CJ-1) were
prepared in a similar manner to Example 5 except that the type and
the content of each component were as specified in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Composition (E) Fluorine (B) Acid
atom-containing (G) Uneven distri- (A) Polymer generating agent (C)
Acid diffusion polymer (F) Solvent bution accelerator amount amount
control agent amount amount amount Photoresist (parts (parts amount
(parts (parts (parts Composition type by mass) type by mass) type
(mol %) type by mass) type by mass) type by mass) Example 5 J-1 A-1
100 B-1 8.5 C-1 30 E-1 3 F-1/F-2 2,240/960 G-1 30 Example 6 J-2 A-1
100 B-1 8.5 C-2 30 E-1 3 F-1/F-2 2,240/960 G-1 30 Example 7 J-3 A-1
100 B-1 8.5 C-3 30 E-1 3 F-1/F-2 2,240/960 G-1 30 Example 8 J-4 A-1
100 B-1 8.5 C-4 30 E-1 3 F-1/F-2 2,240/960 G-1 30 Comparative CJ-1
A-1 100 B-1 8.5 CC-1 30 E-1 3 F-1/F-2 2,240/960 G-1 30 Example
1
Formation of Resist Pattern Through Exposure by Way of ArF Excimer
Laser Beam
[0301] Development with Alkali
[0302] An underlayer antireflective film having a film thickness of
105 nm was provided on the surface of a 12-inch silicon wafer by
coating a composition for forming an underlayer antireflective film
(ARC66, manufactured by Brewer Science) on the surface of the
12-inch silicon wafer using a spin coater (CLEAN TRACK ACT12,
manufactured by Tokyo Electron Limited), and thereafter heating the
same to 205.degree. C. for 60 sec. Each photoresist composition was
coated on the underlayer antireflective film using the spin coater,
and subjected to PB at 90.degree. C.60 sec. Thereafter, cooling was
carried out at 23.degree. C. for 30 sec to provide a resist film
having a film thickness of 90 nm. Next, the resist film was exposed
using an ArF excimer laser Immersion Scanner (NSR-S610C,
manufactured by NIKON) through a 40 nm line-and-space (1L1S) mask
pattern, under optical conditions involving NA of 1.3 and dipole
(Sigma: 0.977/0.782). After the exposure, PEB was carried out at
90.degree. C. for 60 sec. Thereafter, a development with a 2.38% by
mass aqueous TMAH solution was carried out, followed by washing
with water and drying to form a positive resist pattern.
[0303] Development with Organic Solvent
[0304] A negative resist pattern was formed in a similar manner to
the abovementioned "Development with Alkali" except that n-butyl
acetate was used in place of the 2.38% by mass aqueous TMAH
solution as the developer solution and the step of washing with
water was skipped.
Evaluations
[0305] The photoresist compositions were evaluated through
measurements for resist patterns formed therefrom. The results of
the evaluations are shown in Table 2. The symbol "-" in Table 2
indicates a reference for evaluation. A scanning electron
microscope (S-9380, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies
Corporation) was used in the measurement of the resist
patterns.
[0306] LWR Performance
[0307] The resist pattern formed was observed from above the
pattern using the scanning electron microscope. The line width was
measured at arbitrary points of 50 in total, and a 3 Sigma value
was determined from the distribution of the measurements, and the
value was designated as "LWR performance". The smaller value
indicates a more favorable LWR performance. The LWR performance was
evaluated to be "A" (favorable) in the case of an improvement of
the LWR performance by no less than 10% as compared with the
photoresist composition according to Comparative Example 1 (which
means a value indicative of the LWR performance being no greater
than 90% of a value for the photoresist composition according to
Comparative Example 1) being found, and to be "B" (unfavorable) in
the case of an improvement of the LWR performance by less than 10%
being found.
[0308] Resolving Ability
[0309] A dimension of the minimum resist pattern which was resolved
at an optimum exposure dose was designated as "resolving ability".
The smaller value indicates a more favorable resolving ability. The
resolving ability was evaluated to be "A" (favorable) in the case
of an improvement of the resolving ability by no less than 10% as
compared with the photoresist composition according to Comparative
Example 1 (which means a value indicative of the resolving ability
being no greater than 90% of a value for the photoresist
composition according to Comparative Example 1) being found, and to
be "B" (unfavorable) in the case of an improvement of the resolving
ability by less than 10% being found.
[0310] Rectangularity of Cross-Sectional Shape
[0311] The cross-sectional shape of the resist pattern which was
resolved at the optimum exposure dose was observed, and a line
width Lb in the middle portion of the resist pattern and a line
width La at the top of the resist pattern were measured. The
rectangularity of the cross-sectional shape was evaluated to be "A"
(favorable) in a case where the La/Lb value fell within a range of
no less than 0.9 and no greater than 1.1, and to be "B"
(unfavorable) in a case where the La/Lb value was less than 0.9 or
greater than 1.1.
[0312] Depth of Focus
[0313] On the resist pattern which was resolved at the optimum
exposure dose, the dimension when the focus was shifted along the
depth direction was observed, and a latitude of the depth direction
in which the pattern dimension fell within the range of 90% to 110%
of the reference while not accompanied by a bridge and/or residue
was measured, and the measurement result was defined as the "depth
of focus". The greater value indicates a more favorable depth of
focus. The depth of focus was evaluated to be "A" (favorable) in
the case of an improvement of the depth of focus by no less than
10% as compared with the photoresist composition according to
Comparative Example 1 (which means a value indicative of the depth
of focus being no less than 110% of a value for the photoresist
composition according to Comparative Example 1) being found, and to
be "B" (unfavorable) in the case of an improvement of the depth of
focus by less than 10% being found.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Evaluation results development with alkali
development with organic solvent LWR rectangularity depth LWR
rectangularity depth Photoresist perfor- resolving of cross-sec- of
perfor- resolving of cross-sec- of composition mance ability tional
shape focus mance ability tional shape focus Example 5 J-1 A A A A
A A A A Example 6 J-2 A A A A A A A A Example 7 J-3 A A A A A A A A
Example 8 J-4 A A A A A A A A Comparative CJ-1 -- -- B -- -- -- B
-- Example 1
Preparation of Photoresist Composition for Exposure by Way of
Electron Beam
Example 9
[0314] A photoresist composition (J-5) was prepared by mixing 100
parts by mass of (A-2) as the polymer (A), 20 parts by mass of
(B-1) as the acid generating agent (B), 30 mol % (molar ratio with
respect to the acid generating agent (B)) of (C-1) as the acid
diffusion control agent (C) as well as 4,280 parts by mass of (F-1)
and 1,830 parts by mass of (F-2) as the solvent (F).
Examples 10 to 12 and Comparative Example 2
[0315] Photoresist compositions (J-6) to (J-8) were prepared in a
similar manner to Example 11 except that the type and the content
of each component were as specified in Table 3.
Formation of Resist Pattern Through Exposure by Way of Electron
Beam
[0316] Each photoresist composition shown in Table 3 below was
coated on the surface of an 8-inch silicon wafer using a spin
coater (CLEAN TRACK ACT8, manufactured by Tokyo Electron Limited),
and subjected to PB at 90.degree. C. for 60 sec. Thereafter,
cooling was carried out at 23.degree. C. for 30 sec, whereby a
resist film having a film thickness of 50 nm was provided. Next,
this resist film was irradiated with an electron beam using a
simplified electron beam writer (HL800D, manufactured by Hitachi,
Ltd., power: 50 KeV, electric current density: 5.0
ampere/cm.sup.2). After the irradiation, PEB was carried out at
130.degree. C. for 60 sec. Thereafter, a development was carried
out at 23.degree. C. for 30 sec using a 2.38% by mass aqueous TMAH
solution as a developer solution, followed by washing with water
and drying to form a positive resist pattern.
Evaluations
[0317] Evaluations were made on the resist patterns formed in a
similar manner to those described in the aforementioned "Formation
of Resist Pattern through Exposure by Way of ArF Excimer Laser
Beam" (the photoresist composition according to Comparative Example
2 being employed as a reference for each evaluation). The results
of the evaluations are collectively shown in Table 3. The symbol
"-" in Table 3 indicates a reference for evaluation.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Composition (B) acid (A) polymer generating
agent (C) acid diffusion Evaluation results amount amount control
agent (F) solvent LWR rectangularity Photoresist (parts (parts
amount amount (parts perfor- resolving of cross-sec- composition
type by mass) type by mass) type (mol %) type by mass) mance
ability tional shape Example 9 J-5 A-2 100 B-1 20 C-1 30 F-1/F-2
4,280/1,830 A A A Example 10 J-6 A-2 100 B-1 20 C-2 30 F-1/F-2
4,280/1,830 A A A Example 11 J-7 A-2 100 B-1 20 C-3 30 F-1/F-2
4,280/1,830 A A A Example 12 J-8 A-2 100 B-1 20 C-4 30 F-1/F-2
4,280/1,830 A A A Comparative CJ-2 A-2 100 B-1 20 CC-1 30 F-1/F-2
4,280/1,830 -- -- B Example 2
[0318] From the results shown in Tables 2 and 3, it is found that
in both cases of the exposure by way of an ArF excimer laser beam
and the exposure by way of an electron beam, and also in both cases
the development with an alkali and the development with an organic
solvent, the photoresist compositions according to Examples enable
a resist pattern to be obtained which exhibits superior pattern
configuration, decreased LWR and a superior resolving ability,
while attaining a greater depth of focus.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0319] The photoresist composition according to the embodiments of
the present invention and the resist pattern-forming method using
the photoresist composition enable a resist pattern to be formed
that exhibits superior rectangularity of a cross-sectional shape,
decreased LWR and a superior resolving ability, while attaining a
greater depth of focus. The acid diffusion control agent according
to the present invention can be suitably used as an acid diffusion
control agent component of the photoresist composition. Moreover,
the compound according to the present invention can be suitably
used as the acid diffusion control agent. Therefore, these can be
suitably used in pattern formation involved in the production of
semiconductor devices, in which further progress of miniaturization
is expected in the future.
* * * * *