Method to pattern small features by using a re-flowable hard mask
US6828082B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/31144
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming small features, comprising the following steps. A substrate having a dielectric layer formed thereover is provided. A spacing layer is formed over the dielectric layer. The spacing layer has a thickness equal to the thickness of the small feature to be formed. A patterned, re-flowable masking layer is formed over the spacing layer. The masking layer having a first opening with a width “L”. The patterned, re-flowable masking layer is re-flowed to form a patterned, re-flowed masking layer having a re-flowed first opening with a lower width “1”. The re-flowed first opening lower width “1” being less than the pre-reflowed first opening width “L”. The spacing layer is etched down to the dielectric layer using the patterned, re-flowed masking layer as a mask to form a second opening within the etched spacing layer having a width equal to the re-flowed first opening lower width “1”. Removing the patterned, re-flowed masking layer. A small feature material is then formed within the second opening and any excess small feature material above the etched spacing layer is removed. The etched spacing layer is removed…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.