Process for producing a mask on a substrate

1. A method for producing a mask on a substrate that has at least one raised structure, the method comprising:

forming a first mask layer over the substrate;

during or after the formation of the first mask layer, exposing the first mask layer to an etching step, the etching step being carried out in such a manner that material of the first mask layer that has been deposited on side flanks of the at least one raised structure is removed from the side flanks, such that a thickness of the first mask layer outside the side flank region is not substantially altered by the etching step;

forming a second mask layer over the first mask layer and the uncovered side flank sections of the at least one raised structure; and

patterning the first and second mask layers so as to complete the mask.

2. A method for producing a mask on a substrate that has at least one raised structure, the method comprising:

forming a first mask layer over the substrate, wherein forming a first mask layer comprises forming a carbon-containing layer;

during or after the formation of the first mask layer, exposing the first mask layer to an etching step, the etching step being carried out in such a manner that material of the first mask layer that has been deposited on side flanks of the at least one raised structure is removed from the side flanks;

forming a second mask layer over the first mask layer and the uncovered side flank sections of the at least one raised structure; and

pattern the first and second mask layers so as to complete the mask.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the etching step comprises an anisotropic etching step, in which the etching rate in the direction parallel to the substrate surface of the substrate is greater than perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming a second mask layer comprises depositing an SiO x or SiON material.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the etching step is carried out using an H 2 -containing plasma.

6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the etching step is carried out using at least one of the following parameters:

gas flow rate: 100 to 10 000 sccm,

pressure: 2 to 8 Torr,

power: 100 to 3000 watts,

electrode spacing: 250 to 600 mils.

7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the etching step is carried out using an O 2 -containing plasma.

8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the etching step is carried out using at least one of the following parameters:

gas flow rate: 100 to 10 000 sccm of O 2,

pressure: 2 to 8 Torr,

power: 100 to 3000 watts,

electrode spacing: 250 to 600 mils.

9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the etching step is carried out using an NH 3 -containing plasma.

10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the etching step is carried out using at least one of the following parameters:

gas flow rate: 100 to 10 000 sccm of NH 3,

pressure: 2 to 8 Torr,

power: 100 to 2000 watts,

electrode spacing: 250 to 600 mils.

11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the etching step is carried out using an N 2 O-containing plasma.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the etching step is carried out using at least one of the following parameters:

gas flow rate: 100 to 10 000 sccm of N 2 O,

pressure: 2 to 8 Torr,

power: 50 to 3000 watts,

electrode spacing: 250 to 600 mils.

13. A method for producing mask on a substrate that has at least one raised structure, the method comprising:

forming a first mask layer over the substrate;

during or after the formation of the first mask layer, exposing the first mask layer to an etching step, the etching step being carried out in such a manner that material of the first mask layer that has been deposited on side flanks of the at least one raised structure is removed from the side flanks, wherein the material of the first mask layer that has been deposited on the side flanks of the at least one raised structure is completely removed from the side flanks;

forming a second mask layer over the first mask layer and the uncovered side flank sections of the at least one raised structure; and

patterning the first and second mask layers so as to complete the mask.

14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the material of the first mask layer that has been deposited on the side flanks of the at least one raised structure is removed from portions of the side flanks.

15. A method of making a semiconductor device, the method comprising:

providing a workpiece that includes a raised structure disposed thereon, the raised structure having side flanks;

forming a first mask layer over the semiconductor body, the first mask layer comprising a carbon containing layer;

removing portions of the first mask layer overlying the side flanks of the raised structure;

forming a second mask layer over the side flanks of the raised structure and over remaining portions of the first mask layer;

patterning the first mask layer and the second mask layer to expose portions of the workpiece; and

etching the exposed portions of the workpieee using at least the first mask layer as a mask.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein forming a second mask layer comprises forming a SiO x or SiON material.

17. The method of claim 15 , wherein removing portions of the first layer comprises etching using an H 2 -containing plasma.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein removing portions of the first layer comprises etching using an O 2 -containing plasma.

19. The method of claim 15 , wherein removing portions of the first layer comprises etching using an NH 3 -containing plasma.

20. The method of claim 15 , wherein removing portions of the first layer comprises etching using an N 2 O-containing plasma.