Method of forming a selectively patterned protective layer on a substrate and method of making planarized dielectric components for semiconductor structures

The photosensitivity of a particular group of polymerizable oligomers permits radiation induced polymerization. This photosensitivity thus enables the polymerizable oligomers to be used as photoresists in general, and facilitates in situ cure when the oligomers are used to produce isolation films and trenches in semiconductor devices. The photosensitivity further enables use of a simplified planarization process when the polymerizable oligomers are used in the fabrication of semiconductor structures and integrated circuit components. Specifically, the polymerizable oligomers are comprised of poly N-substituted amic acids, the corresponding amic esters, the corresponding amic isoimides, the corresponding amic imides or mixtures thereof, wherein the end groups of the polymerizable oligomer are end-capped with a vinyl or acetylenic end group.