Patent ID: 7772122

Claim:
A method for forming a feature in an etch layer below a patterned photoresist mask having photoresist features, the photoresist features having a first critical dimension, the method comprising: performing a plurality of sidewall forming processes, each of the plurality of sidewall forming processes comprising: depositing a protective layer on the patterned photoresist mask by performing a plurality of cyclical depositions, each of the plurality of cyclical depositions comprising: a depositing phase for depositing a deposition layer over surfaces of the patterned photoresist mask; and a profile shaping phase including shaping vertical surfaces in the deposition layer; and selectively etching horizontal surfaces of the protective layer with respect to vertical surfaces of the deposition layer; and etching the etch layer to form a feature therein, the feature in the etch layer having a second critical dimension that is less than the first critical dimension.