Patent ID: 7282447

Claim:
A method for controlling an etching process, comprising: using a first resist mask to pattern at least a portion of an etch stop layer and an insulation layer during at least one etching process; and using the etch stop and a second resist mask to further pattern a portion of the insulation layer during the etching process, the first resist mask, the etch stop and the second resist mask forming a first opening having a first length and a first width, and having a second opening connected to said first opening while being located therebelow, said second opening having a second length less than said first length of said first opening and having a second width equal to said first width of said first opening, said first etch mask acting as an etch stop layer defining a third width of a third opening located above said first opening and connected to said first opening, said third opening having a third length equal to said first length of said first opening and said third width equal to said second width of said second opening.