The properties of a new anti-reflective coating for 248nm lithography are described. It is formed by thermally cross-linking a spin-on organic coating, and has an absorbance >12/mu m. It is compatible with UVIIHS and APEX-E photoresists. Thin films (<600 Angstrom over silicon substrates) are found to completely suppress standing waves, to reduce EO swing curves to less than 3%, and to offer good CD control over typical field oxide topography. The etch rate was found to be comparable to that of the APEX-E photoresist.