A method for forming an etching mask structure on a substrate includes etching the substrate, laterally expanding the etching mask structure, and depositing a self-aligned metal layer that is aligned to the originally masked area. The etching can be isotropic or anisotropic. The self-aligned metal layer can be distanced from the original etching masked area based on the extent of the intentionally laterally expanded etching mask layer. Following metal deposition, the initial mask structure can be removed, thus lifting off the metal atop it. The etching mask structure can be a resist and can be formed using conventional photolithography materials and techniques and can have nearly vertical sidewalls. The lateral extension can include a silylation technique of the etching mask layer following etching. The above method can be utilized to form bipolar, hetero-bipolar, or field effect transistors.