A method of forming a FinFET structure which includes forming fins on a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate wrapping around at least one of the fins, the gate having a first surface and an opposing second surface facing the fins; depositing a hard mask on a top of the gate; angle implanting nitrogen into the first and second surfaces of the gate so as to form a nitrogen-containing layer in the gate that is below and in direct contact with the hard mask on top of the gate; forming spacers on the gate and in contact with the nitrogen-containing layer; and epitaxially depositing silicon on the at least one fin so as to form a raised source/drain. Also disclosed is a FinFET structure.