High-resolution lithography and semiconductor device manufacturing method

Abstract

A lithographic method for forming a mask pattern is useful for etching wiring or insulator layers on a substrate. A catalyst generation layer and a latent image formation layer are formed on the target layer prior to application of actinic radiation to activate a catalyst in the catalyst generation layer in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The activated catalyst diffuses into the latent image formation layer to form a latent image, which then serves as a mask pattern for etching the catalyst generation layer, latent image formation layer and target layer. The catalyst generation layer may be formed prior to the latent image formation layer, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the catalyst generation layer is formed prior to the radiation step, but the latent image formation layer is formed after application of the actinic radiation.