A method of forming integrated circuits having FinFET transistors includes a method of forming sub-lithographic fins, in which a
mask defining a block of
silicon including a pair of fins in reduced in width or pulled back by the thickness of one fin on each side, after which a second
mask is formed around the first
mask, so that after the first mask is removed, an aperture remains in the second mask having the width of the separation distance between the pair of fins. When the
silicon is etched through the aperture, the fins are protected by the second mask, thereby defining fin thickness by the pullback step. An alternative method uses
lithography of opposite polarity, first defining the central etch aperture between the two fins lithographically, then expanding the width of the aperture by a pullback step, so that filling the widened aperture with an etch-resistant plug defines the outer edges of the pair of fins, thereby setting the
fin width without an alignment kstep.