Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include methods of patterning a back end of line (BEOL) stack and the resulting structures. In an embodiment a method of patterning a BEOL stack comprises forming a grating over an interlayer dielectric (ILD), and forming a spacer over the grating. In an embodiment, the spacer is etch selective to the grating. In an embodiment, the method further comprises disposing a hardmask over the grating and the spacer, and patterning the hardmask to form an opening in the hardmask. In an embodiment, the method further comprises filling the opening with a plug, removing the hardmask, and etching the spacer. In an embodiment, a portion of the spacer is protected from the etch by the plug. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise removing the plug, and transferring the grating into the ILD with an etching process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are line patterning techniques for integrated circuit (IC) devices, as well as related devices and assemblies In some embodiments, a patterned line region of an IC device may include: a first conductive line; a second conductive line parallel to the first conductive line; a conductive bridge between the first conductive line and the second conductive line, wherein the conductive bridge is coplanar with the first conductive line and the second conductive line; and pitch-division artifacts.