Abstract: Methods and systems for in-situ spacer reshaping for self-aligned multi-patterning are described. In an embodiment, a method of forming a spacer pattern on a substrate may include providing a substrate with a spacer. The method may also include performing a passivation treatment to form a passivation layer on the spacer. Additionally, the method may include performing spacer reshaping treatment to reshape the spacer. The method may also include controlling the passivation treatment and spacer reshaping treatment in order to achieve spacer formation objectives.

Abstract: Provide is a method of patterning spacers, the method comprising: providing an initial patterned structure in a substrate in a processing chamber, the initial patterned structure comprising an organic mandrel and an underlying layer; exposing the patterned structure in a direct current superposition (DCS) plasma treatment process, the process depositing a layer of a first material on the initial patterned structure; performing an atomic layer conformal deposition process using a second material, the first material providing protection to the organic mandrel at the beginning of the atomic layer conformal deposition process; performing a post spacer etch mandrel pull process, the process creating a final patterned structure with a target final sidewall angle; concurrently controlling integration operating variables in the exposing the patterned structure, the atomic layer conformal deposition process, and the post spacer etch mandrel pull process in order to meet the target final sidewall angle and other integr

Abstract: Provided is a method for critical dimension (CD) trimming of a structure pattern in a substrate, the method comprising: providing a substrate in a process chamber of a patterning system, the substrate comprising a first structure pattern and an underlying layer, the underlying layer comprising a silicon anti-reflective coating (SiARC) or a silicon oxynitride (SiON) layer, an optical planarization layer, and a target patterning layer; performing an optional CD trimming process of the first structure pattern; performing a series of processes to open the SiARC or SiON layer and performing additional CD trimming if required; and performing a series of processes to open the optical planarization layer, the series of processes generating a final structure pattern, and performing additional CD trimming if required; wherein the planarization layer is one of a group comprising an advance patterning film (APL), an organic dielectric layer (ODL) or a spin-on hardmask (SOH) layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing pattern density of a structure on a substrate using an integration scheme comprising: providing a substrate having a patterned layer comprising a first mandrel and an underlying layer; performing a first conformal spacer deposition creating a first conformal layer; performing a first spacer reactive ion etch (RIE) process on the first conformal layer, creating a first spacer pattern; performing a first mandrel pull process removing the first mandrel; performing a second conformal spacer deposition creating a second conformal layer; performing a second RIE process creating a second spacer pattern, the first spacer pattern acting as a second mandrel; performing a second mandrel pull process removing the first spacer pattern; and transferring the second spacer pattern into the underlying layer; where the integration targets include patterning uniformity, pulldown of structures, slimming of structures, and gouging of the underlying layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing pattern density of a structure on a substrate using an integration scheme comprising: providing a substrate having a patterned layer comprising a first mandrel and an underlying layer; performing a first conformal spacer deposition creating a first conformal layer; performing a first spacer reactive ion etch (RIE) process on the first conformal layer, creating a first spacer pattern; performing a first mandrel pull removing the first mandrel; performing a second conformal spacer deposition creating a second conformal layer; performing a second RIE process creating a second spacer pattern, the first spacer pattern acting as a second mandrel; performing a second mandrel pull process removing the first spacer pattern; and transferring the second spacer pattern into the underlying layer; where the integration targets include patterning uniformity, pulldown of structures, slimming of structures, and gouging of the underlying layer.