According to one exemplary embodiment, a bipolar transistor includes a
base having a top surface. The bipolar transistor further includes a first link
spacer and a second link spacer situated on the top surface of the base. The bipolar
transistor further includes a sacrificial post situated between the first and second
link spacers, where the first and second link spacers have a height that is substantially
less than a height of the sacrificial post. The bipolar transistor also includes
a conformal layer situated over the sacrificial post and the first and second link
spacers. According to this exemplary embodiment, the bipolar transistor further
includes a sacrificial planarizing layer situated over the conformal layer, the
first and second link spacers, the sacrificial post, and the base. The sacrificial
planarizing layer may include, for example, an organic material such as an organic
BARC ("bottom anti-reflective coating").
