Patent ID: 9403675
Filing Date: 2016-08-02
CPC Classification: B81C,H01L

Claim Text:
1. A method for forming a nanoscale structure comprising: forming a self-aligned mask comprising: forming a pattern on a selectively etchable layer located on top of a substrate using lithography, performing reactive ion etching (RIE) with plasma on the selectively etchable layer to transfer the pattern to the selectively etchable layer, wherein RIE results in the formation of at least one gap corresponding to the pattern and in the formation of a self-aligned mask on the bottom wall of the gap with unprotected regions on the bottom wall of the gap near the junctions with sidewalls of the gap, wherein a pattern density formed by the RIE doubles a pattern density formed by the lithography; and etching the unprotected regions on the bottom wall of the gap to remove the substrate material under the unprotected regions to form a nanoscale structure, wherein the nanoscale structure is a nanotrench, nanochannel, or nanofin.