Patent · US Active

Self-aligned quadruple patterning process

US9305845B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
10References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 4, 2014
Grant dateApr 5, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 4, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S438/947
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Methods for modifying a spacer and/or spaces between spacers to enable a fin cut mask to be dropped between the spacers are provided. A first set of second mandrel structures having a first width is formed on facing sidewall surfaces of a neighboring pair of first mandrel structures and a second set of second mandrel structures having a second width less than the first width are formed on non-facing sidewall surfaces of the neighboring pair of first mandrel structures. Each first mandrel structure is removed and a spacer is formed on a sidewall surface of the first and second sets of second mandrel structures. In the region between the neighboring pair of first mandrel structure, a merged spacer is formed. The first and second sets of second mandrel structures are removed. A portion of an underlying substrate can be patterned utilizing each spacer and the merged spacer as etch masks.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.