Condensation of Nano-Size Polymer Aggregates by Spin Drying

Condensation control of nano-particles has become important in order to fabricate minute condensed structures. In this study, we focus our attention on condensation mechanism of polymer aggregates in a resist film. The polymer aggregate is structural component of a resist material which is used in lithography process. The condensation nature of polymer aggregates in the resist film surface is observed by using atomic force microscope (AFM). By using the AFM, the condensation of polymer aggregates can be observed clearly. The condensation of polymer aggregate strongly affects to precise fabrication of resist pattern below 100nm size. The interaction force among polymer aggregates can be analyzed based on Derjaguin approximation. We also discuss about condensation nature of polymer aggregates in the resist film surface with the help of micro sphere model.