Abstract:
Methods for forming a trench silicide without gouging the silicon source/drain regions and the resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments include forming first and second dummy gates, each with spacers at opposite sides thereof, on a substrate; forming eSiGe source/drain regions at opposite sides of the first dummy gate; forming raised source/drain regions at opposite sides of the second dummy gate; forming a silicon cap on each of the eSiGe and raised source/drain regions; forming an ILD over and between the first and second dummy gates; replacing the first and second dummy gates with first and second HKMG, respectively; forming a contact trench through the ILD into the silicon cap over each of the eSiGe and raised source/drain regions; and forming a silicide over the eSiGe and raised source/drain regions
Abstract:
A starting semiconductor structure for a RMG process includes a semiconductor substrate, transistors in process having dummy gates and electrically isolated by isolation regions. The dummy gates are replaced with metal gates and gate caps, the structure being planarized after replacing the gate. A cap layer is formed over the planarized structure, and trenches are formed through the cap to expose source and drain regions of the transistors, which allows for self-aligned source and drain contacts. Semiconductor structures including the source and drain trenches for self-aligned source/drain contacts are also presented.