Patent ID: 7005240

Claim:
A method for forming a hard mask in a first layer on a planar device, which comprises the steps of: depositing a second layer on the first layer; using a lithographic projection process for forming at least one elevated first structure from the second layer disposed above the first layer; conformally depositing a third layer on the elevated first structure and on the first layer; etching back the third layer for forming a first spacer structure and a second spacer structure each disposed on a respective side area of the elevated first structure; etching the second layer selectively with respect to the first and third layers to remove the elevated first structure disposed between the first and second spacer structures, resulting in the hard mask being formed from the first and second spacer structures; depositing conformally a fifth layer on the first layer and on the first and second spacer structures; and etching back the fifth layer for forming a third spacer structure and a fourth spacer structure on a respective side of the first spacer structure and also a fifth spacer structure and a sixth spacer structure on a respective side of the second spacer structure.