Patent · US Expired

Methods for forming improved self-assembled patterns of block copolymers

US7347953B2 · kind B2 · utility

101Cited by
2References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2006
Grant dateMar 25, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/2462
  • WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method for forming self-assembled patterns on a substrate surface is provided. First, a block copolymer layer, which comprises a block copolymer having two or more immiscible polymeric block components, is applied onto a substrate that comprises a substrate surface with a trench therein. The trench specifically includes at least one narrow region flanked by two wide regions, and wherein the trench has a width variation of more than 50%. Annealing is subsequently carried out to effectuate phase separation between the two or more immiscible polymeric block components in the block copolymer layer, thereby forming periodic patterns that are defined by repeating structural units. Specifically, the periodic patterns at the narrow region of the trench are aligned in a predetermined direction and are essentially free of defects. Block copolymer films formed by the above-described method as well as semiconductor structures comprising such block copolymer films are also described.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.