Patent ID: 6645678
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method of making an integrated circuit, comprising:using a light source to lithographically define regions of the integrated circuit; providing a first region on the integrated circuit which defines a feature, the first region not being exposed to the light source during processing which defines boundaries of the first region; providing a second region on the integrated circuit which is adjacent to the first region in which material to be incorporated in the integrated circuit will be etched; providing a third region adjacent to the first region but not in contact with the second region in which material to be incorporated in the integrated circuit will be etched; exposing the second region of the integrated circuit to a first polarized light having a first polarization; exposing the third region of the integrated circuit to a second polarized light having the first polarization and having a phase differential with respect to the first polarized light; providing a fourth region on the integrated circuit that joins the second region to the third region; and exposing the third region of the integrated circuit to a light having a second polarization which is different from the first polarization.