Patent ID: 9564470
Date: 2017-02-07
CPC Classifications: H01L

Claim:
1. A method of image sensor fabrication, comprising: forming a layer of dielectric material, a layer of gate material, and a layer of hard mask material, wherein the layer of dielectric material is disposed between the layer of gate material and a semiconductor material, and wherein the layer of gate material is disposed between the layer of hard mask material and the layer of dielectric material; etching the layer of hard mask material and layer of gate material, wherein etching forms a transfer gate from the layer of gate material, and wherein lateral bounds of the transfer gate are coextensive with lateral bounds of the remaining layer of hard mask material; depositing an encapsulation material, wherein the encapsulation material is disposed proximate to a surface of the semiconductor material; and etching trenches in the encapsulation material, wherein a first trench extends through the encapsulation material and the layer of dielectric material, and wherein a second trench extends through the encapsulation material and the layer of hard mask material.