Abstract: A tone inversion method for integrated circuit (IC) fabrication includes providing a substrate with a layer of amorphous carbon over the substrate and a patterning layer over the amorphous carbon layer. The patterning layer is etched to define a first pattern of raised structures and a complementary recessed pattern that is filled with a layer of image reverse material. The first pattern of raised structures is then removed to define a second pattern of structures comprising the image reverse material. A selective etching step is used to transfer the second pattern into a dielectric layer disposed between the layer of amorphous carbon and the substrate.

Abstract: A tone inversion method for integrated circuit (IC) fabrication includes providing a substrate with a layer of amorphous carbon over the substrate and a patterning layer over the amorphous carbon layer. The patterning layer is etched to define a first pattern of raised structures and a complementary recessed pattern that is filled with a layer of image reverse material. The first pattern of raised structures is then removed to define a second pattern of structures comprising the image reverse material. A selective etching step is used to transfer the second pattern into a dielectric layer disposed between the layer of amorphous carbon and the substrate.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to an integrated circuit structure. The integrated circuit structure may include: a contact line being disposed within a dielectric layer and providing electrical connection to source/drain epitaxial regions surrounding a set of fins, the contact line including: a first portion of the contact line electrically isolated from a second portion of the contact line by a contact line spacer, wherein the first portion and the second portion each include a liner layer and a metal, the liner layer separating the metal from the dielectric layer and the source/drain epitaxial regions, and wherein the metal is directly in contact with the contact line spacer.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to an integrated circuit structure. The integrated circuit structure may include: a contact line being disposed within a dielectric layer and providing electrical connection to source/drain epitaxial regions surrounding a set of fins, the contact line including: a first portion of the contact line electrically isolated from a second portion of the contact line by a contact line spacer, wherein the first portion and the second portion each include a liner layer and a metal, the liner layer separating the metal from the dielectric layer and the source/drain epitaxial regions, and wherein the metal is directly in contact with the contact line spacer.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to an integrated circuit structure. The integrated circuit structure may include: a contact line being disposed within a dielectric layer and providing electrical connection to source/drain epitaxial regions surrounding a set of fins, the contact line including: a first portion of the contact line electrically isolated from a second portion of the contact line by a contact line spacer, wherein the first portion and the second portion each include a liner layer and a metal, the liner layer separating the metal from the dielectric layer and the source/drain epitaxial regions, and wherein the metal is directly in contact with the contact line spacer.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to an integrated circuit structure. The integrated circuit structure may include: a contact line being disposed within a dielectric layer and providing electrical connection to source/drain epitaxial regions surrounding a set of fins, the contact line including: a first portion of the contact line electrically isolated from a second portion of the contact line by a contact line spacer, wherein the first portion and the second portion each include a liner layer and a metal, the liner layer separating the metal from the dielectric layer and the source/drain epitaxial regions, and wherein the metal is directly in contact with the contact line spacer.