A hard mask layer stack for patterning a layer to be patterned includes a carbon layer disposed on top of the layer to be patterned, a first layer of a material selected from the group of SiO2 and SiON disposed on top of the carbon layer and a silicon layer disposed on top of the first layer. A method of patterning a layer to be patterned includes providing the above described hard mask layer stack on the layer to be patterned and patterning the silicon hard mask layer in accordance with a pattern to be formed in the layer that has to be patterned.