Intel Corporation
Process etch with reduced loading effect

Abstract:

A grating structure has a plurality of grating members that extend upward from a base in a spaced-apart parallel relationship and include an end member. For example, the grating structure is a plurality of semiconductor fins on a base. The base can be any structure underlying the grating members. The grating members have a member width and a member height. Adjacent grating members are spaced by a grating spacing. A process artifact is adjacent the end member and is spaced from the end member by a horizontal distance consistent with the member spacing. In some cases, the process artifact can be a stub of a second material on or otherwise extending from the base adjacent an end member of the grating structure. In other cases, the process artifact can be a recess in or otherwise extending into the base adjacent an end member of the grating structure.