Abstract: A method for feature pattern modification includes extracting both a main pattern and a cut pattern from a design pattern, the main pattern being laid out under a set of process guidelines that improve the process window during formation of the main pattern, and modifying at least one of: the main pattern and the cut pattern if either feature pattern is in violation of a layout rule.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a plurality of circuit devices over a substrate. The method includes forming an organic layer over the substrate. The organic layer is formed over the plurality of circuit devices. The method includes polishing the organic layer to planarize a surface of the organic layer. The organic layer is free of being thermally treated prior to the polishing. The organic material is un-cross-linked during the polishing. The method includes depositing a LT-film over the planarized surface of the organic layer. The depositing is performed at a temperature less than about 150 degrees Celsius. The depositing is also performed without using a spin coating process. The method includes forming a patterned photoresist layer over the LT-film.

Abstract: Methods for aligning layers more accurately for FinFETs fabrication. An embodiment method includes forming a first pattern in a workpiece using a first photomask, forming a second pattern in the workpiece using a second photomask, the second photomask aligned to the first pattern, and aligning a third pattern to the first and the second patterns by aligning a first feature of the third pattern to a first feature of the first pattern in a first direction, and aligning a second feature of the third pattern to a first feature of the second pattern in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a plurality of circuit devices over a substrate. The method includes forming an organic layer over the substrate. The organic layer is formed over the plurality of circuit devices. The method includes polishing the organic layer to planarize a surface of the organic layer. The organic layer is free of being thermally treated prior to the polishing. The organic material is un-cross-linked during the polishing. The method includes depositing a LT-film over the planarized surface of the organic layer. The depositing is performed at a temperature less than about 150 degrees Celsius. The depositing is also performed without using a spin coating process. The method includes forming a patterned photoresist layer over the LT-film.

Abstract: A method for patterning a plurality of features in a non-rectangular pattern, such as on an integrated circuit device, includes providing a substrate including a surface with a plurality of elongated protrusions, the elongated protrusions extending in a first direction. A first layer is formed above the surface and above the plurality of elongated protrusions, and patterned with an end cutting mask. The end cutting mask includes two nearly-adjacent patterns with a sub-resolution feature positioned and configured such that when the resulting pattern on the first layer includes the two nearly adjacent patterns and a connection there between. The method further includes cutting ends of the elongated protrusions using the pattern on the first layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; an isolation feature formed in the semiconductor substrate; a first active region and a second active region formed in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first and second active regions extend in a first direction and are separated from each other by the isolation feature; and a dummy gate disposed on the isolation feature, wherein the dummy gate extends in the first direction to the first active region from one side and to the second active region from another side.

Abstract: Methods for aligning layers more accurately for FinFETs fabrication. An embodiment of the method, comprises: forming a plurality of dummy line features and a plurality of spacer elements according to a first pattern; removing portions of the plurality of spacer elements and portions of the plurality of dummy line features according to a second pattern; defining a reference area by removing some unwanted spacer elements according to a third pattern; aligning a front-end-of-line (FEOL) layer in X direction with the reference area defined by the third pattern; and aligning the FEOL layer in Y direction with the plurality of spacer elements defined by the first pattern. The reference area may be an active area or an alignment mask. The plurality of dummy line features and the plurality of spacer elements are formed on a substrate. The FEOL layer may be a poly layer or a shield layer.

Abstract: A vaporizing spray deposition device for forming a thin film includes a processing chamber, a fluid line, and a spray head coupled to the fluid line proximate the processing chamber. The fluid line is configured to transfer a polymer fluid and solvent mixture to the spray head. The spray head is configured to receive the polymer fluid and solvent mixture and to atomize the polymer fluid and solvent mixture to emit it in a substantially vaporized form to be deposited on a surface and thereby forming a thin film of the polymer on the surface after evaporation of the solvent. In an embodiment, the vaporizing spray deposition device may include a heating device to perform a hard bake process on the polymer. In an embodiment, the vaporizing spray deposition device may be configured to provide a post deposition solvent spray trim process to the thin film polymer.