Patent ID: 6106679
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of defining a shape of a first thin film layer wherein the first thin film layer is sandwiched between second and third thin film layers, the third thin film layer being a pedestal with a base directly on the first thin film layer and being bounded by said base, a top and first and second side walls and having first and second corners which are located at intersections of the first and second side walls with said base, the method comprising:forming an etch mask on the first thin film layer and the pedestal including the first and second side walls of the pedestal;removing the etch mask except for first and second layer portions of the etch mask on the first and second side walls respectively of the pedestal and on first and second portions respectively of the first thin film layer that are adjacent said first and second corners leaving third and fourth portions of the first thin film layer contiguous to said first and second portions respectively uncovered by the first and second layer portions; andwith the etch mask in place etching the third and fourth portions of the first thin film layer downwardly toward the second thin film layer and simultaneously etching the first and second portions of the first thin film layer toward said first and second corners respectively;removing the first and second layer portions of the etch mask;forming a milling mask with a first layer portion on said top of the pedestal and with second and third layer portions on first and second portions respectively of the second thin film layer leaving third and fourth layer portions respectively of the second thin film layer contiguous to first and second side walls of the first thin film layer uncovered; andion milling said third and fourth layer portions of the second thin film layer until first and second notches respectively are formed in said second thin film layer.