Patent ID: 8242560

Claim:
A method of forming a semiconductor device comprising: providing a semiconductor fin structure atop a dielectric surface, wherein the semiconductor fin structure comprises a channel region of a first conductivity type, a source region of a second conductivity, and a drain region of the second conductivity type, the source region and the drain region are located on opposing sides of the channel region, wherein the semiconductor fin structure further comprises a dielectric cap on at least the channel region of the semiconductor fin structure; forming a high-k gate dielectric layer in direct contact with the dielectric cap, the sidewalls of the channel region of the semiconductor fin structure and the horizontal portion of the dielectric surface that is adjacent to a portion of the dielectric surface underlying the high-k gate dielectric that is in direct contact with the sidewalls of the channel region of the semiconductor fin structure; removing the high-k dielectric layer from the horizontal portion of the dielectric surface; recessing the high-k gate dielectric layer below at least an upper surface of the dielectric cap, wherein a remaining portion of the high-k gate dielectric layer is in direct contact with the sidewalls of the semiconductor fin structure; and forming at least one gate conductor directly on the remaining portion of the high-k gate dielectric layer.