Semiconductor device and method of formation

摘要

A semiconductor device and its method of formation are disclosed wherein a surface of a semiconductor substrate is planarized to form an interconnect (1244) within a dielectric layer (1243). The top surface of the dielectric layer is then recessed with respect to a top surface of the interconnect to form a step (201). An opaque film (301) is then deposited over the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The opaque film (301) is lithographically patterned and etched, wherein an alignment of the patterning layer (401) is accomplished using topographically discernable features (303) that are formed in the opaque film (301) in regions where the step (201) between the interconnect (1244) and dielectric layer (1243) is produced.