Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same include forming a first dielectric layer around a semiconductor fin, formed from a first dielectric material, to a target height lower than a height of the semiconductor fin. A second dielectric layer is deposited on the first dielectric layer and is formed from a second dielectric material. A third dielectric layer, formed from the first dielectric material, is formed on the second dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is etched away to expose a gap on the semiconductor fin. A portion of the semiconductor fin that is exposed in the gap is oxidized to form an isolation layer.