Novel, wet developable anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of
using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a
polymer and/or oligomer having acid functional groups and dissolved in a
solvent system along with a crosslinker and a photoacid generator. The
preferred acid functional group is a carboxylic acid, while the preferred
crosslinker is a vinyl ether crosslinker. In use, the compositions are
applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light,
the cured compositions will decrosslink, rendering them soluble in
typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers).