A method is disclosed for employing direct electron beam writing in the lithography used for forming step-profiles in semiconductor devices. The number of steps in the profiles are not limited. An electron beam sensitive resist is formed over a substrate. The resist is then exposed to a scanning electron beam having precise information, including proximity effect correction data, to directly form stair-case-like openings in the resist. The highly accurately dimensioned step-profiles are then transferred into the underlying layers by performing appropriate etchings. The resulting structures are shown to be especially suitable for forming damascene interconnects for submicron technologies.