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 O-2 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. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.