Patent ID: 7605414

Claim:
A semiconductor element comprising: first and second gate structures with a space between them over a surface of a substrate; a first cap of first material over and contacting an upper surface of the first gate structure; a second cap of first material over and contacting an upper surface of the second gate structure, the caps being separated from each other and extending over the space more near the upper surfaces than near the substrate; a layer of second material above the first cap wherein the layer contacts the first cap; a layer of second material above the second cap, the layers extending over a portion of the first and second caps such that a space between the layers is greater than the space between the first and second caps and such that a portion of each of the first and second caps beneath the space between the layers is not overlain by the layers of second material, the first material and the second material are different materials; and a contact electrically connecting the substrate, wherein the first and second caps extend over the first and second gate structures and touch the contact.