Patent ID: 9219153
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a plurality of gate structures, the method comprising: forming a gate structure material layer stack above a semiconductor substrate; performing at least one first etching process on said gate structure material layer stack through a first patterned etch mask to form at least one first opening through said gate structure material layer stack, wherein said at least one first opening exposes an end surface of said plurality of gate structures; removing said first patterned etch mask; forming a gate separation structure in said at least one first opening; and with said gate separation structure in position in said at least one first opening, performing at least one second etching process on said gate structure material layer stack through a second patterned etch mask to form a plurality of second openings through said gate structure material layer stack, wherein said plurality of second openings expose side surfaces of said plurality of gate structures.