Patent ID: 8603895

Claim:
A method, comprising: forming a patterned etch mask above a semiconducting substrate; performing an etching process through said patterned etch mask to thereby form a trench in said substrate; performing a first deposition process to form a first layer of insulating material above said patterned etch mask and in said trench, said first layer of insulating material having an as-deposited thickness; performing an etching process on said first layer of insulating material such that, after said etching process has been performed, said first layer of insulating material has a post-etch thickness that is less than said as-deposited thickness; after performing said etching process, performing a second deposition process to form a second layer of insulating material on said etched first layer of insulating material, wherein said second layer of insulating material overfills said trench; and removing portions of said etched first layer of insulating material and said second layer of insulating material positioned above said patterned etch mask.