Self-segregating multilayer imaging stack with built-in antireflective properties

Abstract

A coating process comprises forming a patterned material layer on a substrate using a self-segregating polymeric composition comprising a polymeric photoresistive material and an antireflective coating material. The polymeric photoresistive material and the antireflective coating material that make up the self segregating composition are contained in a single solution. When depositing this solution on a substrate and removing the solvent, the two materials self-segregate into two layers. The substrate can comprise one of a ceramic, dielectric, metal, or semiconductor material and in some instances a material such as a BARC material that is not from the self segregating composition. The composition may also contain a radiation-sensitive acid generator and a base quencher. This produces a coated substrate having a uniaxial bilayer coating oriented in a direction orthogonal to the substrate with a top photoresistive coating layer and a bottom antireflective coating layer. The process may also include optionally coating a top coat material on the coated substrate. Pattern-wise exposing the coated substrate to imaging radiation and contacting the coated substrate with a developer, produces the patterned material layer wherein the optional top coat material and a portion of the photoresist layer are simultaneously removed from the coated substrate, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer on the substrate. Alternatively, the optional top coat material, a portion of the photoresist layer and a portion of the bottom antireflective layers are simultaneously removed from the coated substrate by the developer, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer on the substrate.