Patent ID: 6790742
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of chemical-mechanical polishing for forming a shallow trench isolation, wherein a substrate having a plurality of active regions, including a plurality of relatively large active regions and a plurality of relatively small active regions and an alignment mark, is provided, the method comprising the steps of:forming a plurality of shallow trenches between the active regions; forming an oxide layer over the substrate, so that the shallow trenches and the alignment mark are filled therewith; forming a partial reverse active mask on the oxide layer, wherein the partial reverse active mask has an opening at each relatively large active region and at the alignment mark when the reverse active mask completely covers each relatively small active region and trenches, wherein the opening exposes a portion of the oxide layer, and wherein the opening comprises a dummy pattern including at least one protrusion portion in the opening; removing portions of the oxide layer on each large active region and at the alignment mark; removing the partial reverse active mask; and planarizing the oxide layer after removing the partial reverse active mask.