Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to various methods of forming isolation regions. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a stack of process layers above a surface of a semiconducting substrate, the stack of process layers comprised of a first layer of insulating material formed above a surface of the substrate, an etch stop layer positioned above the first layer of insulating material, wherein the etch stop layer has an etch selectivity with respect to the first layer of insulating material of at least 3:1, and a second layer of insulating material positioned above the etch stop layer. The method further comprises performing at least one etching process to define an opening that extends through the stack of process layers to thereby expose a portion of the surface of the substrate, forming sidewall spacers in the opening in the stack of process layers, wherein the sidewall spacers are comprised of a material having an etch selectivity with respect to the first layer of insulating material of at least 3:1, performing at least one etching process to define a trench in the substrate using the sidewall spacers as a portion of a mask during the etching process, removing the second layer of insulating material, forming a liner layer comprised of an insulating material on at least the sidewalls of the trench, performing at least one etching process to remove the sidewall spacers and the etch stop layer, and forming additional material in the trench adjacent the liner layer.

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First Claim