Patent ID: 8435874

Claim:
A method of forming openings to a layer of a semiconductor device comprising: forming a dielectric layer over the layer of the semiconductor device; forming a mask over the dielectric layer, the mask comprising a plurality of mask openings arranged in a pattern extending over the dielectric layer, the plurality of mask openings including a plurality of first mask openings and a plurality of second mask openings, each of the plurality of first mask openings being greater in size than each of the plurality of second mask openings; reducing the size of the plurality of second mask openings such that each of the second mask openings is substantially closed, wherein reducing the size of the plurality of second mask openings comprises depositing a polymer over the mask and etching the deposited polymer and repeating the depositing and etching until the second mask openings are substantially closed; and removing portions of the dielectric layer through the plurality of first mask openings to provide openings extending through the dielectric layer to the layer.