Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for reducing the linewidth of ultra thin resist features. The present invention accomplishes this end by applying a densification process to an ultra thin resist having a thickness of less than about 2500 Å formed over a semiconductor structure. In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a device film layer formed thereon. An ultra thin resist is then deposited over the device film layer. The ultra thin resist is patterned according to a desired structure or feature using conventional photolithography techniques. Following development, the ultra thin resist is implanted with a dopant. After the implantation is substantially completed, the device film layer is anisotropically etched.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by forming layers of materials on a semiconductor substrate and utilizing a series of etch chemistries to remove portions of the layers of materials to form a metal stack. A patterned layer of photoresist determines the portions of the layers that will be etched. An etch process etches a hardmask material, a breakthrough etch process etches an antireflection layer, a conventional main etch process etches approximately 80 percent of the metal film, a first overetch process for a first selected period of time and a second overetch process for a second selected period of time provides a metal film stack having straight profiles and smooth sidewalls.