Abstract: Single spacer processes for multiplying pitch by a factor greater than two are provided. In one embodiment, n, where n?2, tiers of stacked mandrels are formed over a substrate, each of the n tiers comprising a plurality of mandrels substantially parallel to one another. Mandrels at tier n are over and parallel to mandrels at tier n?1, and the distance between adjoining mandrels at tier n is greater than the distance between adjoining mandrels at tier n?1. Spacers are simultaneously formed on sidewalls of the mandrels. Exposed portions of the mandrels are etched away and a pattern of lines defined by the spacers is transferred to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a metal pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming a metal layer over a substrate, forming a hard mask layer over the metal layer, forming a sacrifice pattern over the hard mask layer, forming a spacer pattern on sidewalks of the sacrifice pattern, removing the sacrifice pattern, forming a hard mask pattern by etching the hard mask layer using the spacer pattern as an etch barrier, forming an etching protection layer over the hard mask pattern and on sidewalks of the hard mask pattern, and forming the metal pattern by performing primary and secondary etching processes on the metal layer using the etching protection layer as an etch barrier.

Abstract: A method for defining patterns in an integrated circuit comprises defining a plurality of features in a first photoresist layer using photolithography over a first region of a substrate. The method further comprises using pitch multiplication to produce at least two features in a lower masking layer for each feature in the photoresist layer. The features in the lower masking layer include looped ends. The method further comprises covering with a second photoresist layer a second region of the substrate including the looped ends in the lower masking layer. The method further comprises etching a pattern of trenches in the substrate through the features in the lower masking layer without etching in the second region. The trenches have a trench width.

Abstract: A process for treating a semiconductor-on-insulator structure that has, in succession, a support substrate, a layer of an oxide or oxynitride of a semiconductor material, and a thin semiconductor layer of the semiconductor material. The process includes providing, on the surface of the thin layer, a mask defining exposed regions of the thin layer; providing a layer of nitride or oxynitride of the semiconductor material on the exposed regions of the thin layer; and applying a heat treatment causing at least some of the oxygen in the oxide or oxynitride layer to diffuse through the exposed regions. The nitride or oxynitride layer is provided at a thickness sufficient to provide a ratio of the rate of oxygen diffusion though the exposed regions to that through the regions covered with the mask that is greater than 2.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a group III nitride semiconductor layer in which a single crystal group III nitride semiconductor layer (103) is formed on a substrate (101), the method including: a substrate processing step of forming, on the (0001) C-plane of the substrate (101), a plurality of convex parts (12) of surfaces (12c) not parallel to the C-plane, to thereby form, on the substrate, an upper surface (10) that is composed of the convex parts (12) and a flat surface (11) of the C-plane; and an epitaxial step of epitaxially growing the group III nitride semiconductor layer (103) on the upper surface (10), to thereby embed the convex parts (12) in the group III nitride semiconductor layer (103).

Abstract: When forming high-k metal gate electrode structures in a semiconductor device on the basis of a basic transistor design, undue exposure of sensitive materials at end portions of the gate electrode structures of N-channel transistors may be avoided, for instance, prior to and upon incorporating a strain-inducing semiconductor material into the active region of P-channel transistors, thereby contributing to superior production yield for predefined transistor characteristics and performance.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern structure and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the pattern structure, are provided the method of forming the pattern structure includes forming a mask on an underlying layer formed on a lower layer. The underlying layer is etched using the mask as an etching mask, thereby forming patterns on the lower layer. The patterns define at least one opening. A sacrificial layer is formed in the opening and the mask is removed. The sacrificial layer in the opening is partially etched when the mask is removed.

Abstract: A method of forming a concave-convex pattern according to an embodiment includes: forming a guide pattern on a base material, the guide pattern having a convex portion; forming a formative layer on the guide pattern, the formative layer including a stacked structure formed by stacking a first layer and a second layer, the first layer including at least one element selected from a first metal element and a metalloid element, the second layer including a second metal element different from the first metal element; selectively leaving the formative layer only at side faces of the convex portions by performing etching on the formative layer; removing the guide pattern; and forming the concave-convex pattern in the base material by performing etching on the base material, with the remaining formative layer being used as a mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating chip package comprises the following steps: forming a photoresist layer on a metal layer over a passivation layer, an opening in the photoresist layer exposing the metal layer, wherein said forming the photoresist layer comprises exposing the photoresist layer using 1X stepper with at least two of G-line, H-line and I-line; electroplating a gold layer over the metal layer exposed by the opening with an electroplating solution containing gold and sulfite ion; removing the photoresist layer and the metal layer not under the gold layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate for a display device comprises forming a first pattern within an active region of the substrate and at the same time forming a first overlay pattern at corner regions of the active region; and forming a second pattern within the active region of the substrate and at the same time forming a second overlay pattern at corner regions of the active region, wherein the first overlay pattern includes gradations arranged in a predetermined direction, and the second overlay pattern includes gradations arranged in the predetermined direction to face the gradations of the first overlay pattern.

Abstract: Etched wafers and methods of forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of etching a wafer is provided. The method includes forming a metal hard mask on the wafer using electroless plating, patterning the metal hard mask, and etching a plurality of features on the wafer using an etcher. The plurality of featured are defined by the metal hard mask.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a first single crystal layer with first transistors and a first alignment mark; at least one metal layer overlying the first single crystal layer, wherein the at least one metal layer includes copper or aluminum; and a second layer including activated dopant regions, the second layer overlying the at least one metal layer, wherein the second layer includes second transistors, wherein the second transistors are processed aligned to the first alignment mark with less than 100 nm alignment error, and the second transistors include mono-crystal, horizontally-oriented transistors.

Abstract: A method of removing a hard mask during fabrication of semiconductor devices is provided. A protective layer, such as a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer or other dielectric layer, is formed over structures formed on a substrate, wherein spacers are formed alongside the structures. In an embodiment, the structures are gate electrodes having a hard mask formed thereon and the spacers are spacers formed alongside the gate electrodes. A photoresist layer is formed over the protective layer, and the photoresist layer may be patterned to remove a portion of the photoresist layer over portions of the protective layer. Thereafter, an etch-back process is performed, such that the protective layer adjacent to the spacers remains to substantially protect the spacers. The hard mask is then removed while the protective layer protects the spacers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for determining position of an auxiliary pattern on a photomask. The method can include generating a first set for each of three or more imaging positions of an exposure optical system. The method can include generating a second set for each of the three or more imaging positions by inverse Fourier transforming each of the first set. The method can include calculating a second order differential with respect to the imaging position of an index indicating amplitude of light belonging to the second set. In addition, the method can include extracting a position where the second order differential assumes an extremal value on an imaging plane of the exposure optical system. At least part of positions on the photomask each corresponding to the position assuming the extremal value on the imaging plane is used as a formation position of the auxiliary pattern.

Abstract: A method of making a device includes forming a first photoresist layer over a sacrificial layer, patterning the first photoresist layer to form first photoresist features, rendering the first photoresist features insoluble to a solvent, forming a second photoresist layer over the first photoresist features, patterning the second photoresist layer to form second photoresist features, forming a spacer layer over the first and second photoresist features, etching the spacer layer to form spacer features and to expose the first and second photoresist features, forming third photoresist features between the spacer features, removing the spacer features, and patterning the sacrificial layer using the first, second and third photoresist features as a mask to form sacrificial features.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of features for an integrated circuit includes patterning a mandrel layer to include structures having at least one width on a surface of an integrated circuit device. Exposed sidewalls of the structures are reacted to integrally form a new compound in the sidewalls such that the new compound extends into the exposed sidewalls by a controlled amount to form pillars. One or more layers below the pillars are etched using the pillars as an etch mask to form features for an integrated circuit device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for designing a photolithographic mask and for fabricating a semiconductor IC using such a mask. In accordance with one embodiment a method for fabricating a semiconductor IC includes determining a design target for a region within the IC. An initial mask geometry is determined for the region having a mask opening and a mask bias relative to the design target. A sub-resolution edge ring having a predetermined, fixed spacing to an edge of the mask opening is inserted into the mask geometry and a lithographic mask is generated. A material layer is applied overlying a semiconductor substrate upon which the IC is to be fabricated and a layer of photoresist is applied overlying the material layer. The layer of photoresist is exposed through the lithographic mask and is developed. A process step is then performed on the material layer using the layer of photoresist as a mask.

Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices by which two different kinds of contact holes with different sizes are formed using one photolithography process. The methods include preparing a semiconductor substrate in which an active region is titled in a diagonal direction. A hard mask is formed on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate. A mask hole is patterned not to overlap a word line. A first oxide layer is deposited on the hard mask, and the hard mask is removed to form a piston-shaped sacrificial pattern. A first polysilicon (poly-Si) layer is deposited on the sacrificial pattern and patterned to form a cylindrical first sacrificial mask surrounding the piston-shaped sacrificial pattern. A second oxide layer is coated on the first sacrificial mask to such an extent as to form voids. A second poly-Si layer is deposited in the voids and patterned to form a pillar-shaped second sacrificial mask. The second oxide layer is removed to expose the active region.

Abstract: A method includes depositing a material layer over a semiconductor substrate and using a first mask in a first exposure/patterning process to pattern the material layer thereby forming a plurality of first and second features. The first features include patterns for the semiconductor device and the second features include printing assist features. The method includes using a second mask in a second exposure/patterning process to effectively remove the second features from the material layer and to define at least one separating structure between two first features.

Abstract: FDSOI devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a device includes the following steps. A wafer is provided having a substrate, a BOX and a SOI layer. A hardmask layer is deposited over the SOI layer. A photoresist layer is deposited over the hardmask layer and patterned into groups of segments. A tilted implant is performed to damage all but those portions of the hardmask layer covered or shadowed by the segments. Portions of the hardmask layer damaged by the implant are removed. A first etch is performed through the hardmask layer to form a deep trench in the SOI layer, the BOX and at least a portion of the substrate. The hardmask layer is patterned using the patterned photoresist layer. A second etch is performed through the hardmask layer to form shallow trenches in the SOI layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, the method including providing a substrate; forming an underlying layer on the substrate; forming a sacrificial layer on the underlying layer; forming an opening in the sacrificial layer by patterning the sacrificial layer such that the opening exposes a predetermined region of the underlying layer; forming a mask layer in the opening; forming an oxide mask by partially or completely oxidizing the mask layer; removing the sacrificial layer; and etching the underlying layer using the oxide mask as an etch mask to form an underlying layer pattern.

Abstract: Methods of forming substrates having two-sided microstructures therein include selectively etching a first surface of the substrate to define a plurality of alignment keys therein that extend through the substrate to a second surface thereof. A direct photolithographic alignment step is then performed on a second surface of the substrate by aligning a photolithography mask to the plurality of alignment keys at the second surface. This direct alignment step is performed during steps to photolithographically define patterns in the second surface.

Abstract: A TFT LCD array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The TFT LCD array substrate includes a substrate and a pixel array on the substrate. Each pixel has: a gate line and a gate electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line and the gate electrode; a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; an ohmic contact layer having two parts, which are disposed on two sides of the semiconductor layer respectively and are apart from one another; an isolation insulating dielectric layer covering the substrate and the gate insulating layer except a portion on which the semiconductor layer is formed; a pixel electrode formed on the isolation insulating dielectric layer and the ohmic contact layer over the semiconductor layer; a source/drain electrode formed on the pixel electrode over the ohmic contact layer, and a passivation layer at least covering the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor device structures includes forming a non-conformal mask over a surface of a substrate. Non-conformal mask material with a planar or substantially planar upper surface is formed on the surface of the substrate. The planarity or substantial planarity of the non-conformal material eliminates or substantially eliminates distortion in a “mask” formed thereover and, thus, eliminates or substantially eliminates distortion in any mask that is subsequently formed using the pattern of the mask. In some embodiments, mask material of the non-conformal mask does not extend into recesses in the upper surface of the substrate; instead it “bridges” the recesses. Semiconductor device structures that include non-conformal masks and semiconductor device structures that have been fabricated with non-conformal masks are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a hard mask pattern and a spacer at both sides of the hard mask pattern. The method also includes forming a spacer pattern, so that the spacer remains in one direction to form a spacer pattern, forming a photoresist pattern having a pad type overlapping a side of the spacer pattern, and etching an underlying layer, with the photoresist pattern and the spacer pattern as a mask, to form an isolated pattern. The method improves resolution and process margins to obtain a highly-integrated transistor.

Abstract: A method of making a device includes forming a first photoresist layer over a sacrificial layer, patterning the first photoresist layer to form first photoresist features, rendering the first photoresist features insoluble to a solvent, forming a second photoresist layer over the first photoresist features, patterning the second photoresist layer to form second photoresist features, forming a spacer layer over the first and second photoresist features, etching the spacer layer to form spacer features and to expose the first and second photoresist features, forming third photoresist features between the spacer features, removing the spacer features, and patterning the sacrificial layer using the first, second and third photoresist features as a mask to form sacrificial features.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a photo mask are provided. The method includes collecting sample data, setting a preliminary mask layout, performing an optical proximity correction using the sample data and a preliminary mask layout to obtain an optimized preliminary mask layout, verifying the optimized preliminary mask layout to obtain a final mask layout, and fabricating the photo mask using the final mask layout. Verification of the optimized preliminary mask layout includes operating a verification simulator using the sample data and the optimized preliminary mask layout as input data to obtain verification image data. The verification image data includes a plurality of contours of a pattern at different vertical positions.

Abstract: A method for applying a predetermined structure of a structural material to a semiconductor element. The method includes the following steps: A) partially covering a surface of the semiconductor element with a masking layer, B) applying a film of a structural material to the masking layer and to the surface of the semiconductor element in the zones that are devoid of the masking layer and C) removing the masking layer together with the structural material present on the masking layer. The method according to the invention provides that between process steps B and C, the film of structural material is partially removed in a process step B2.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that includes a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces and an interconnect structure extending between the first and second surfaces. A plurality of bond pads are located on the first surface of the substrate and the bond pads are electrically connected to the interconnect structure. The bond pads each have two or more micro-bumps, with the two or more micro-bumps on each bond pad being arranged to electrically connect the bond pad to one die pad of a semiconductor die. A plurality of external contacts are located on the second surface of the substrate and the external contacts are electrically connected to the interconnect structure.

Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed technology provides a mask plate for photolithography process comprising a first pattern region, a second pattern region having a different exposure level from that of the first pattern region, and a redundant pattern provided between the first pattern region and the second pattern region, wherein the redundant pattern is configured for forming a redundant photoresist pattern so as to prevent developer diffusion at different concentrations across the photoresist redundant pattern.

Abstract: A method of patterning a substrate that includes locating a single mask film over the substrate and forming first opening portions in first locations in the mask film. First electrical materials are deposited over the substrate and mask film to form patterned areas in the first locations. Second opening portions are formed in second locations different from the first locations in the mask film. Subsequently, second electrical materials are deposited over the substrate and mask film to form patterned areas in the first and second locations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a template includes a pattern part which is provided on a substrate and corresponds to a pattern of a semiconductor device, the pattern of the semiconductor device being to be transferred to a wafer, and an alignment mark part which is provided on the substrate, used for positioning of the substrate with respect to the wafer. The alignment mark part has a refractive index that is higher than a refractive index of the substrate.

Abstract: A superjunction semiconductor device is provided having at least one column of a first conductivity type and at least one column of a second conductivity type extending from a first main surface of a semiconductor substrate toward a second main surface of the semiconductor substrate opposed to the first main surface. The at least one column of the second conductivity type has a first sidewall surface proximate the at least one column of the first conductivity type and a second sidewall surface opposed to the first sidewall surface. A termination structure is proximate the second sidewall surface of the at least one column of the second conductivity type. The termination structure includes a layer of dielectric of an effective thickness and consumes about 0% of the surface area of the first main surface. Methods for manufacturing superjunction semiconductor devices and for preventing surface breakdown are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: providing a base wafer including a semiconductor substrate, metal layers and first alignment marks; transferring a monocrystalline layer on top of the metal layers, wherein the monocrystalline layer includes second alignment marks; and performing a lithography using at least one of the first alignment marks and at least one of the second alignment marks.

Abstract: A single crystal semiconductor layer is provided over a base substrate with a second insulating film, a first conductive film, and a first insulating film interposed therebetween; an impurity element having one conductivity type is selectively added to the single crystal semiconductor layer, using a first resist mask; the first resist mask is removed; a second conductive film is formed over the single crystal semiconductor layer; a second resist mask having a depression is formed over the second conductive film; a first etching is performed on the first insulating film, the first conductive film, the second insulating film, the single crystal semiconductor layer, and the second conductive film, using the second resist mask; and a second etching with accompanying side-etching is performed on a part of the first conductive film to form a pattern of a gate electrode layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern includes forming a first layer on a substrate, forming a second layer on the first layer, depositing a multi-temperature phase-change material on the second layer, patterning the second layer using the multi-temperature phase-change material as a mask, reflowing the multi-temperature phase-change material, and patterning the first layer using the reflowed multi-temperature phase-change material as a mask.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mask pattern verification apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: providing a base wafer including a semiconductor substrate, metal layers and first alignment marks; transferring a monocrystalline layer on top of the metal layers, wherein the monocrystalline layer includes second alignment marks; and performing a lithography using at least one of the first alignment marks and at least one of the second alignment marks.

Abstract: A semiconductor photo detecting element includes a PIN-type photo detecting element and window semiconductor layer. The PIN-type photo detecting element has a semiconductor substrate, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and a third semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer is provided on the semiconductor substrate, is lattice-matched to the semiconductor substrate, includes a first conductivity type dopant, and has first band gap energy. The second semiconductor layer is provided on the first semiconductor layer, has the first band gap energy, and has a concentration of the first conductivity type dopant lower than that of the first semiconductor layer or is substantially undoped. The third semiconductor layer is provided on the second semiconductor layer. The window semiconductor layer has second band gap energy larger than the first band gap energy at a light-incoming side with respect to the second semiconductor layer and has a thickness of 5 nm to 50 nm.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing a substrate, forming a first gate structure in a first region and a second gate structure in a second region, the first and second gate structures each including a high-k dielectric layer, a silicon layer, and a hard mask layer, where the silicon layer of the first gate structure has a different thickness than the silicon layer of the second gate structure, forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over the first and second gate structures, performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) on the ILD, removing the silicon layer from the first gate structure thereby forming a first trench, forming a first metal layer to fill in the first trench, removing the hard mask layer and the silicon layer from the second gate structure thereby forming a second trench, and forming a second metal layer to fill in the second trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a body region having a source region, a drain region, a channel region interposed between the source region and the drain region, and a body region extension extending from an end of the channel region. A gate pattern is formed on the channel region and the body region, and a body contact connects the gate pattern to the body region. A sidewall of the body region extension is self-aligned to a sidewall of the gate pattern. Methods of forming semiconductor devices having a self-aligned body and a body contact are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer assembly includes a base of dielectric. A layer of silicon is deposited thereover. A metal hard mask is deposited over the silicon. A dielectric hard mask is deposited over the metal hard mask. Photoresist is deposited over the dielectric hard mask, whereby a plurality of sacrificial columns is formed from the layer of metal hard mask through the photoresist such that the sacrificial columns extend out from the silicon layer. An interface layer is disposed between the layer of conductive material and the layer of hard mask to enhance adhesion between each of the plurality of sacrificial columns and the layer of conductive material to optimize the formation of junction diodes out of the silicon by preventing the plurality of sacrificial columns from being detached from the layer of silicon prematurely due to the sacrificial columns peeling or falling off.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: providing a base wafer including a semiconductor substrate, metal layers and first alignment marks; transferring a monocrystalline layer on top of the metal layers, wherein the monocrystalline layer includes second alignment marks; and performing a lithography using at least one of the first alignment marks in a first direction and at least one of the second alignment marks in a second direction.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods of manufacture and design thereof are disclosed. For example, a method of manufacturing includes depositing a gate material over a semiconductor substrate, and depositing a first resist layer over the gate material. A first mask is used to pattern the first resist layer to form first and second resist features. The first resist features include pattern for gate lines of the semiconductor device and the second resist features include printing assist features. A second mask is used to form a resist template; the second mask removes the second resist features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses directed to high density holes and metallization are described herein. A method may include providing a dielectric layer including a plurality of holes, forming a fill material over a top surface of the dielectric layer and in the plurality of holes, and reflowing the fill material to substantially remove any voids in the plurality of holes. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for increasing alignment margins when contacting pitch multiplied interconnect lines with other conductive features in memory devices. The portions of the lines at the periphery of the memory device are formed at an angle and are widened relative to the portions of the lines in the array region of the memory device. The widened lines allow for an increased margin of error when overlaying other features, such as landing pads, on the lines. The possibility of contacting and causing electrical shorts with adjacent lines is thus minimized. In addition, forming the portions of the lines in the periphery at an angle relative to the portions of the lines in the array regions allows the peripheral portions to be widened while also allowing multiple landing pads to be densely packed at the periphery.

Abstract: Devices are presented including: a substrate including a dielectric region and a conductive region; a molecular self-assembled layer selectively formed on the dielectric region; and a capping layer formed on the conductive region, where the capping layer is an electrically conductive material such as: an alloy of cobalt and boron material, an alloy of cobalt, tungsten, and phosphorous material, an alloy of nickel, molybdenum, and phosphorous. In some embodiments, devices are presented where the molecular self-assembled layer includes one or more of a polyelectrolyte, a dendrimer, a hyper-branched polymer, a polymer brush, a block co-polymer, and a silane-based material where the silane-based material includes one or more hydrolysable substituents of a general formula RnSiX4-n, where R is: an alkyl, a substituted alkyl, a fluoroalkyl, an aryl, a substituted aryl, and a fluoroaryl, and where X is: a halo, an alkoxy, an aryloxy, an amino, an octadecyltrichlorosilane, and an aminopropyltrimethoxysilane.

Abstract: A patterning method is provided. First, a mask layer and a plurality of first transfer patterns are sequentially formed on a target layer. Thereafter, a plurality of second patterns is formed in the gaps between the first transfer patterns. Afterwards, a plurality of third transfer patterns is formed, wherein each of the third transfer patterns is in a gap between a first transfer pattern and a second transfer pattern adjacent to the first transfer pattern. A portion of the mask layer is then removed, using the first transfer patterns, the second transfer patterns and third transfer patterns as a mask, so as to form a patterned mask layer. Further, a portion of the target layer is removed using the patterned mask layer as a mask.

Abstract: A method of making a device includes forming a first photoresist layer over a sacrificial layer, patterning the first photoresist layer to form first photoresist features, rendering the first photoresist features insoluble to a solvent, forming a second photoresist layer over the first photoresist features, patterning the second photoresist layer to form second photoresist features, forming a spacer layer over the first and second photoresist features, etching the spacer layer to form spacer features and to expose the first and second photoresist features, forming third photoresist features between the spacer features, removing the spacer features, and patterning the sacrificial layer using the first, second and third photoresist features as a mask to form sacrificial features.

Abstract: A fabrication process for a device such as a backplane for a flat panel display includes depositing thin film layers on a substrate, forming a 3D template overlying the thin film layers, and etching the 3D template and the thin film layers to form gate lines and transistors from the thin film layers. An insulating or passivation layer can then be deposited on the gate lines and the transistors, so that column or data lines can be formed on the insulating layer.