Patent ID: 7144798
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an integrated circuit device, the method comprising: (a) forming a gate structure on a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming source/drain regions on opposite sides of the gate structure, wherein the gate structure comprises a gate insulating layer on the semiconductor substrate, a conductive gate electrode on the gate insulating layer opposite the semiconductor substrate, and an insulating mask layer on the conductive gate electrode opposite the semiconductor substrate; and (c) forming a contact pad on at least one of the source/drain regions so that the contact pad extends farther from the substrate than the insulating mask layer wherein step (c) further comprises: (d) forming a dielectric layer on the gate structure before forming the contact pad; (e) after forming the contact pad, removing the dielectric layer to expose a sidewall of a portion of the contact pad that protrudes above the gate structure; and (f) forming a silicide layer on the contact pad.