Patent ID: 9252235
Filing Date: 2016-02-02
CPC Classification: H01L

Claim Text:
1. A method of forming a semiconductor device comprising: forming a gate electrode on a substrate, wherein the gate electrode includes at least one sidewall; sequentially forming a first spacer, then a second spacer, and then a third spacer on the sidewall of the gate electrode, wherein the second spacer includes a lower portion and is disposed between the first spacer and the third spacer, and wherein the third spacer includes at least one sidewall; etching the substrate to form a recess region; forming a compressive stress pattern in the recess region; and forming a protective spacer on the sidewall of the third spacer, wherein the lower portion of the second spacer is removed during the formation of the recess region such that a gap region is formed between the first spacer and the third spacer; and wherein the protective spacer fills the gap region.