A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes growing an epitaxial doped layer over an exposed portion of a plurality of fins. The epitaxial doped layer combines the exposed portion of the fins to form a merged source and drain region. An implantation process occurs in the fins through the epitaxial doped layer to change the crystal lattice of the fins to form amorphized fins. A nitride layer is deposited over the semiconductor structure. The nitride layer covers the merged source and drain regions. A thermal treatment is performed in the semiconductor structure to re-crystallize the amorphized fins to form re-crystallized fins. The re-crystallized fins, the epitaxial doped layer and the nitride layer form a strained source and drain region which induces stress to a channel region.