Patent ID: 7666776
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a plurality of electrically conductive structures, comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming at least one electrically conductive layer across the substrate; the at least one electrically conductive layer having defined first regions and defined second regions between the first regions; the at least one electrically conductive layer comprising a compositional gradient extending at least partially therethrough; providing a material to cover said second regions while leaving said first regions uncovered; forming a plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures within the first regions, the structures being spaced from one another by the material; forming a protective layer over the electrically conductive structures, the protective layer having an upper surface at a first elevational height with respect to a cross-sectional view of the conductive structures; after forming the protective layer, removing the material and removing at least some of the second regions of the at least one electrically conductive layer; and after removing the second regions of the at least one electrically conductive layer, removing the protective layer thereby exposing upper surfaces of the conductive structures, the upper surfaces of the conductive structures being at a second elevational height with respect to the cross-sectional view of the conductive structures that is lower than the first elevational height.