Methods for patterning integrated circuit (IC) device arrays employing an
additional mask process for improving center-to-edge CD uniformity are
disclosed. In one embodiment, a repeating pattern of features is formed
in a masking layer over a first region of a substrate. Then, a blocking
mask is applied over the features in the masking layer. The blocking mask
is configured to differentiate array regions of the first region from
peripheral regions of the first region. Subsequently, the pattern of
features in the array regions is transferred into the substrate. In the
embodiment, an etchant can be uniformly introduced to the masking layer
because there is no distinction of center/edge in the masking layer.
Thus, CD uniformity can be achieved in arrays which are later defined.