Images stored in resist for soft X-ray lithography or microradiography
were found to show a background noise which limits the resolution. Th
is is due to the statistically variable spatial distribution of the ph
otons incident on the resist surface. An estimate of the fundamental n
oise-limited resolution has been made from the experimental measuremen
t of photon flux incident on the surface and the accurate development
rate curves. Monochromatic radiation from a synchrotron source was use
d.