Patent ID: 6946339
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. Method for creating a stepped structure on a substrate, wherein the stepped structure includes at least a first portion with a first thickness and a second portion with a second thickness, comprising: (a) applying a layer sequence of a first oxide layer, a first nitride layer, and a second oxide layer to the substrate; (b) removing a portion of the second oxide layer and a portion of the first nitride layer to expose a portion of the first oxide layer; (c) removing a part of the first nitride layer above the first oxide layer and below the second oxide layer to establish the first region of the stepped structure; (d) changing the thickness of the first oxide layer at least in the first region established in step (c) to establish the first thickness thereof; and (e) removing a part of the first nitride layer above the first oxide layer and below the second oxide layer to establish the second region of the stepped structure.