Direct patterning of low-k hydrogen silsesquioxane using x-ray exposure technology

An inorganic low-k material, hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ), patterned directly using X-ray exposure technology was investigated. In conventional integrated circuit integration processes, photoresist (PR) stripping with O₂ plasma and wet chemical stripper are inevitable steps. However, dielectric degradation often occurs when low-k dielectrics undergo PR stripping processes. To overcome the integration issue X-ray direct patterning is proposed. In this technology, the dielectric regions illuminated by X-ray are cross-linked and form desired patterns, while the regions without X-ray illumination are dissolvable in the solvent of HSQ solution. An optical microscope image of an HSQ linear pattern was demonstrated for the first time to verify process feasibility.