Patent ID: 6855610

Claim:
A method of forming a gate structure with a locally etched conductive layer, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a semiconductor substrate, the substrate having a plurality of separated gate structures formed thereon, wherein each of the gate structures comprises a first conductive layer formed on the substrate, a second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer and an insulating layer formed on the second conductive layer; (b) using a photomask to form a covering layer that has at least an opening so as to expose parts of gate structures until the top surface of the substrate is exposed; (c) using an etchant that has a higher etching rate to the second conductive layer than to the insulating layer and the first conductive layer to etch the second conductive layer of the exposed gate structures; (d) removing the covering layer; and (e) forming a sidewall spacer on each side of each gate structure.