Patent ID: 7297468

Claim:
A method for forming a structure element in a layer arranged on a wafer by a first mask and a second trimming mask assigned to the first mask, comprising: providing the wafer with the layer, the first mask, and the second trimming mask; applying a first photosensitive resist layer to the layer; projecting a first mask structure pattern arranged on the first mask into the first resist layer to form an exposed resist structure, the exposed resist structure at least partly surrounding an unexposed resist element; developing the first resist layer; etching the layer with a transfer of the exposed resist structure into the layer, thereby forming an elevated structure element in the layer below the unexposed resist element; removing the first resist layer; depositing and patterning lithographically an intermediate layer; applying a second photosensitive resist layer to the layer; projecting a second mask structure pattern arranged on the second trimming mask into the second resist layer to form a second exposed resist structure in the second resist layer, the second exposed resist structure at least partly covering the elevated structure element in the layer; developing the second resist layer; and etching the layer with a transfer of the second exposed resist structure into the layer and the elevated structure element.