Patent ID: 8357978
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: forming a plurality of sacrificial gate structures and a gate cap layer above each of said sacrificial gate structures; forming a first layer of material above and between said plurality of sacrificial gate structures, said first layer of material having an upper surface that is located above an upper surface of said gate cap layers; removing portions of said first layer of material such that, after removing said portions, the upper surface of the first layer of material is positioned below a bottom surface of said gate cap layers; after removing said portions of said first layer of material, forming a second layer of material above said first layer of material and between said sacrificial gate structures; removing said gate cap layers; performing at least one etching process to remove said sacrificial gate structures to thereby define a plurality of gate openings; and forming a replacement gate structure in each of said gate openings.