Patent ID: 6424882
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method for patterning a feature of a semiconductor integrated circuit, comprising:providing a substrate; forming a feature layer overlying the substrate; forming a photoresist layer overlying the feature layer; providing an optical pattern transfer tool; placing an opaque material and a transparent material having first and second thicknesses over the substrate; aligning a sidewall of the opaque material with a portion of a sidewall of the transparent material at a transition between the first and second thicknesses of the transparent material; projecting light onto the optical pattern transfer tool; substantially prohibiting the light from passing through the opaque material; substantially prohibiting the light from passing through the transition of the first and second thicknesses of the transparent material; and transmitting light through the first and second thicknesses of the transparent material onto portions of the photoresist layer for patterning the feature.