Studies of consequences of photo-acid generator leaching in 193nm immersion lithography

V. Liberman; M. Switkes; M. Rothschild; S. T. Palmacci; A. Grenville

doi:10.1117/12.659596

15 March 2006 Studies of consequences of photo-acid generator leaching in 193nm immersion lithography

V. Liberman, M. Switkes, M. Rothschild, S. T. Palmacci, A. Grenville

Proceedings Volume 6154, Optical Microlithography XIX; 615416 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.659596
Event: SPIE 31st International Symposium on Advanced Lithography, 2006, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Leaching of resist components into the water has been reported in several studies. Potential effects of photo-acid generator (PAG) dissolved in water include photocontamination of the last optical surface and the formation of particulate defects on the wafer surface. In order to determine the impact of these phenomena on lithographic performance, such as optics lifetime and yield, we have initiated a set of controlled studies, where predetermined amounts of PAG were introduced into pure water and the results monitored quantitatively. One set of studies identified the complex, nonlinear paths leading to photocontamination of the optics. At concentrations typical of leached PAG, below 500 ppb, the in-situ self-cleaning processes prevent contamination of the optics. On the other hand, initial experiments with a nano-dropper show that micron-scale particles from the dissolved PAG are formed on the wafer surface when water evaporates. This phenomenon requires further systematic studies both at the fundamental science and the engineering levels.

Citation Download Citation

V. Liberman, M. Switkes, M. Rothschild, S. T. Palmacci, and A. Grenville "Studies of consequences of photo-acid generator leaching in 193nm immersion lithography", Proc. SPIE 6154, Optical Microlithography XIX, 615416 (15 March 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.659596

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available