Patent ID: 7538036
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an opening, comprising: providing a substrate having a layer, the layer having a thickness; photolithographically forming a first pattern over the layer, the first pattern comprising a first series of downwardly-projecting features defined by a first photoresist; transferring a substantial reproduction of the first pattern into the layer to a depth which extends less than entirely through the thickness of the layer; after transferring the substantial reproduction of the first pattern into the layer, photolithographically forming at least one subsequent pattern over the layer, the at least one subsequent pattern comprising a second series of downwardly-projecting features defined by a second photoresist, at least some of the downwardly-projecting features of the second series crossing locations of at least some of the downwardly-projecting features of the first series; while the second photoresist remains over the layer, transferring a substantial reproduction of the at least one subsequent pattern into the layer to a depth which extends less than entirely through the thickness of the layer, the combined depths to which the substantial reproductions of the first pattern and the at least one subsequent pattern are transferred into the layer being entirely through the thickness of the layer; and wherein the layer is over a stack of materials, wherein the combined substantial reproductions of the first pattern and at least one subsequent pattern form the layer into a patterned mask having a designated pattern, and further comprising extending a substantial facsimile of the designated pattern into at least one of the materials underlying the patterned mask.