Abstract: A method is provided which includes etching one or more layers in an etch chamber while introducing a noble gas heavier than helium into the etch chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the introduction of such a noble gas may reduce the formation of defects within an etched portion of the semiconductor topography. Such defects may include bilayer mounds of nitride and a material comprising silicon, for example. In some embodiments, the method may include etching a stack of layers within a single etch chamber. The stack of layers may include, for example, a nitride layer interposed between an anti-reflective layer and an underlying layer. In addition, the single etch chamber may be a plasma etch chamber designed to etch materials comprising silicon. As such, the method may include etching an anti-reflective layer in a plasma etch chamber designed to etch materials comprising silicon.

Abstract: A dummy structure pattern for fabricating a substantially planar surface within an inactive region of a semiconductor topography is provided. In particular, a semiconductor topography is provided which includes an inactive region comprising a sacrificial annular dummy structure configured to surround an area larger than a square of a minimum critical dimension of a device arranged within an active region of the semiconductor topography. In a preferred embodiment, the area is exclusively designated for a formation of an isolation structure within the semiconductor substrate of the semiconductor topography. As such, a semiconductor topography is provided which includes a separate isolation structure arranged within a spacing of a contiguous isolation structure, which is arranged in a grid pattern within a portion of a semiconductor substrate. Moreover, a semiconductor device is provided which includes an inactive region with a plurality of similarly sized and uniformly arranged annular diffusion regions.