Starting from general arguments on the relation of polymer structure, transpareiicy at 248 nm, resin hydrophilicity and resist dissolution characteristics, binder systems for novel DUV resists are presented, and the results of their lithographic evaluation are discussed. Phenolic polymers studied include homo-and copolymers of 2-, 3,-and 4-hvdroxystyrenes and of their alkyl substituted derivatives for three-component systems, as well as 2-and 4-hydroxyphenylmethacrylates for use in two-component t-BOC'-type resists. As an alternative non-phenolic resin, the peiformance of a maleimide/styrene copolymer in a two-component system is discussed.