Abstract: A method for forming a FinFET device structure is provided. The method includes forming a fin structure extended above a substrate and forming a gate structure formed over a portion of the fin structure. The method also includes forming a source/drain (S/D) structure over the fin structure, and the S/D structure is adjacent to the gate structure. The method further includes doping an outer portion of the S/D structure to form a doped region, and the doped region includes gallium (Ga). The method includes forming a metal silicide layer over the doped region; and forming an S/D contact structure over the metal silicide layer.

Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode over the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a source/drain structure adjacent to the gate electrode. The semiconductor device structure further includes a spacer element over a sidewall of the gate electrode, and the spacer element has an upper portion having a first exterior surface and a lower portion having a second exterior surface. Lateral distances between the first exterior surface and the sidewall of the gate electrode are substantially the same. Lateral distances between the second exterior surface and the sidewall of the gate electrode increase along a direction from a top of the lower portion towards the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate. A spacer extends along a first sidewall of the gate stack. An epitaxy structure is in the semiconductor substrate. A liner wraps around the epitaxy structure and has an outer surface in contact with the semiconductor substrate and an inner surface facing the epitaxy structure. The outer surface of the liner has a first facet extending upwards and towards the gate stack from a bottom of the first liner and a second facet extending upwards and towards an outer sidewall of the spacer from a top of the first facet to a top of the liner, such that a corner is formed between the first facet and the second facet, and the inner surface of the first liner defines a first curved corner pointing towards the corner formed between the first facet and the second facet.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate with an isolation region surrounding a P-active region and an N-active region, a first gate electrode comprising a first metal composition over the N-active region, and a second gate electrode with a center portion over the P-active region and an endcap portion over the isolation region. The endcap portion includes a first metal composition, and the center portion includes a second metal composition different from the first metal composition, and the center portion and the endcap portion do not overlap. An inner sidewall of the endcap portion is substantially aligned with a sidewall of the isolation region.

Abstract: Variable-resistance material memories include a buried salicide word line disposed below a diode. Variable-resistance material memories include a metal spacer spaced apart and next to the diode. Processes include the formation of one of the buried salicide word line and the metal spacer. Devices include the variable-resistance material memories and one of the buried salicided word line and the spacer word line.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor is provided. A first oxide layer is formed on a substrate. A first nitride layer is formed on the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer, a second nitride layer are formed on the first nitride layer. A polysilicon layer is formed on the second nitride layer. A third nitride layer is formed on the polysilicon layer. One or more first patterns are formed on the third nitride layer. The one or more first patterns are transferred to the polysilicon layer to form one or more patterned polysilicon layer. A portion of the first oxide layer, first nitride layer, second oxide layer, and second nitride layer are removed using the one or more patterned polysilicon layer as a first mask.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes receiving a substrate with a plurality of gate structures; forming spacers on sidewalls of the gate structures; evaluating a pitch variation to the gate structures; determining an etch recipe according to the pitch variation; performing an etch process to source/drain regions associated with the gate structures using the etch recipe, thereby forming source/drain recesses with respective depths; and performing an epitaxy growth to form source/drain features in the source/drain recesses using a semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method includes removing a dummy gate stack to form an opening between gate spacers, selectively forming an inhibitor film on sidewalls of the gate spacers, with the sidewalls of the gate spacers facing the opening, and selectively forming a dielectric layer over a surface of a semiconductor region. The inhibitor film inhibits growth of the dielectric layer on the inhibitor film. The method further includes removing the inhibitor film, and forming a replacement gate electrode in a remaining portion of the opening.

Abstract: A composite etch stop layer includes an oxide layer formed over a sacrificial gate structure and a nitride layer formed over the oxide layer. The oxide layer is disposed over only lower portions of the sacrificial gate structure while the nitride layer envelops the oxide layer and is disposed directly over a top surface of the sacrificial gate structure. Sensitivity of the nitride layer to oxidation, such as during the formation of an interlayer dielectric over the composite etch stop layer, is decreased by eliminating the oxide layer from upper portions of the sacrificial gate layer.

Abstract: A transistor device includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain recess is arranged in the semiconductor substrate alongside the gate structure. A doped silicon-germanium (SiGe) region is disposed within the source/drain recess and has a doping type which is opposite to that of the channel. An un-doped SiGe region is also disposed within the source/drain recess. The un-doped SiGe region underlies the doped SiGe region and comprises different germanium concentrations at different locations within the source/drain recess.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a channel region formed in a semiconductor substrate; a source region formed on one side of the channel region; a drain region formed on the other side of the channel region; a gate electrode formed on the channel region with a gate insulating film therebetween; and a stress-introducing layer that applies stress to the channel region, the semiconductor device having a stress distribution in which source region-side and drain region-side peaks are positioned between a pn junction boundary of the channel region and the source region and a pn junction boundary of the channel region and the drain region.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a substrate of a first conductive type and a layer stack arranged on the substrate. The layer stack comprises a first isolation layer, a sacrificial layer, and a second isolation layer. The layer stack comprises a window formed in the layer stack through the second isolation layer, the sacrificial layer and the first isolation layer up to a surface region of the substrate. The method comprises providing a collector layer. The method comprises providing a base layer on the collector layer within the window of the layer stack. The method comprises providing an emitter layer or an emitter layer stack comprising the emitter layer on the base layer within the window of the layer stack. The method further comprises selectively removing the emitter layer or the emitter layer stack at least up to the second isolation layer.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a bipolar transistor structure may include: a substrate; a collector region in the substrate; a base region disposed over the collector region, an emitter region disposed over the base region; a base terminal laterally electrically contacting the base region, wherein the base terminal includes polysilicon.

Abstract: A gate pattern is formed on a first region of a substrate. An epitaxial layer is formed on a second region of the substrate. A recess is formed in the second region of the substrate by etching the epitaxial layer and the substrate underneath. The first region is adjacent to the second region.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices include a strain-inducing layer capable of applying a strain to a channel region of a transistor included in the device, and a method of manufacturing the device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a channel region; a pair of source/drain regions provided on the substrate and arranged on both sides of the channel region in a first direction; and a gate structure provided on the channel region. The gate structure includes a gate electrode pattern extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction, a gate dielectric layer between the channel region and the gate electrode pattern, and a gate spacer covering respective lateral surfaces of the gate electrode pattern and the gate dielectric layer. At least one of the source/drain regions includes a first strain-inducing layer and a second strain-inducing layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor material positioned above a substrate and a gate structure positioned above a surface of the semiconductor material, the gate structure covering a non-planar surface portion of the surface. A sidewall spacer is positioned adjacent to the gate structure and includes first dopants having one of an N-type and a P-type conductivity, wherein the sidewall spacer covers an entire sidewall surface of the gate structure and partially covers the surface of the semiconductor material. Source/drain extension regions that include the first dopants are positioned within the non-planar surface portion and in alignment with the sidewall spacer, wherein a concentration of the first dopants within a portion of the sidewall spacer proximate the non-planar surface portion substantially corresponds to a concentration of the first dopants within the source/drain extension regions proximate the non-planar surface portion.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices having a cavity and methods of manufacturing the integrated circuit devices are provided. The integrated circuit devices may include a pair of spacers, which define a recess. The integrated circuit device may also include a lower conductive pattern in the recess and an upper conductive pattern on the lower conductive pattern. The upper conductive pattern may have an etch selectivity with respect to the lower conductive pattern and may expose an upper surface of the lower conductive pattern adjacent a sidewall of the upper conductive pattern. An inner sidewall of one of the pair of spacers, the upper surface of the lower conductive pattern and the sidewall of the upper conductive pattern may define a space and a capping pattern may be formed on the upper conductive pattern to seal a top portion of the space, such that a cavity is disposed under the capping pattern.

Abstract: In a power feeding region of a memory cell (MC) in which a sidewall-shaped memory gate electrode (MG) of a memory nMIS (Qnm) is provided by self alignment on a side surface of a selection gate electrode (CG) of a selection nMIS (Qnc) via an insulating film, a plug (PM) which supplies a voltage to the memory gate electrode (MG) is embedded in a contact hole (CM) formed in an interlayer insulating film (9) formed on the memory gate electrode (MG) and is electrically connected to the memory gate electrode (MG). Since a cap insulating film (CAP) is formed on an upper surface of the selection gate electrode (CG), the electrical conduction between the plug (PM) and the selection gate electrode (CG) can be prevented.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a bipolar transistor structure may include: a substrate; a collector region in the substrate; a base region disposed over the collector region, an emitter region disposed over the base region; a base terminal laterally electrically contacting the base region, wherein the base terminal includes polysilicon.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device are disclosed. A gate stack is formed over a substrate. A spacer is formed adjoining a sidewall of the gate stack. A recess is formed between the spacer and the substrate. Then, a strained feature is formed in the recess. The disclosed method provides an improved method by providing a space between the spacer and the substrate for forming the strained feature, therefor, to enhance carrier mobility and upgrade the device performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide semiconductor structures and methods for making the same that include a boron nitride (BN) spacer on a gate stack, such as a gate stack of a planar FET or FinFET. The boron nitride spacer is fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and/or plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) techniques to produce a boron nitride spacer at relatively low temperatures that are conducive to devices made from materials such as silicon (Si), silicon germanium (SiGe), germanium (Ge), and/or III-V compounds. Furthermore, the boron nitride spacer may be fabricated to have various desirable properties, including a hexagonal textured structure.

Abstract: One method disclosed includes, among other things, covering a top surface and a portion of the sidewalls of a fin with etch stop material, forming a sacrificial gate structure above and around the fin, forming a sidewall spacer adjacent the sacrificial gate structure, performing at least one process operation to remove the sacrificial gate structure and thereby define a replacement gate cavity, forming a counter-doped region in the fin below an upper surface of the fin and below the channel region of the device, wherein the counter-doped region is doped with a second type of dopant material that is of an opposite type relative to the first type of dopant material, and forming a replacement gate structure in the replacement gate cavity.

Abstract: Leakage current can be substantially reduced by the formation of a seal dielectric in place of the conventional junction between source/drain region(s) and the substrate material. Trenches are formed in the substrate and lined with a seal dielectric prior to filling the trenches with semiconductor material. Preferably, the trenches are overfilled and a CMP process planarizes the overfill material. An epitaxial layer can be grown atop the trenches after planarization, if desired.

Abstract: Embodiments include a semiconductor device comprising: a substrate; a first transistor formed on the substrate; and a second transistor formed on the substrate, wherein a common region of the semiconductor device forms (i) a drain region of the first transistor, and (ii) a source region of the second transistor, and wherein a gate region of the first transistor is electrically coupled to a gate region of the second transistor.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a method and apparatus to provide a dielectric etch stop layer that prevents shorts for a buried digit layer as an interconnect. In a memory device, such as DRAM or SRAM, various layers are deposited to form structures, such as PMOS gates, NMOS gates, memory cells, P+ active areas, and N+ active areas. These structures are fabricated through the use of multiple masking processes, which may cause shorts when a buried digit layer is deposited if the masking processes are misaligned. Accordingly, a dielectric etch stop layer, such as aluminum oxide Al2O3 or silicon carbide SiC, may be utilized in the array to prevent shorts between the wordlines, active areas, and the buried digit layer when the contacts are misaligned.

Abstract: Circuit fabrication methods are provided which include, for example: providing the circuit structure with at least one gate structure extending over a first region and a second region of a substrate structure, the at least one gate structure including a capping layer; and modifying an etch property of at least a portion of the capping layer of the at least one gate structure, where the modified etch property inhibits etching of the at least one gate structure during a first etch process facilitating fabrication of at least one first transistor in the first region and inhibits etching of the at least one gate structure during a second etch process facilitating fabrication of at least one second transistor in the second region.

Abstract: An aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor device includes a high-voltage element, the high-voltage element including a substrate, a first semiconductor region with a first conductive type on the substrate, an insulating isolation film on the substrate, a second semiconductor region with a second conductive type, the second semiconductor region being provided between the first semiconductor region and the insulating isolation film, a drain region with the second conductive type provided on a surface of the second semiconductor region, an impurity concentration of the drain region being higher than an impurity concentration of the second semiconductor region, a source region with the second conductive type provided on a surface of the first semiconductor, the source region being separated from the drain region, a floating drain region with the second conductive type provided on the surface of the first semiconductor region between the second semiconductor region and the source regio

Abstract: A FinFET device includes a substrate, a fin, and isolation regions on either side of the fin. The device also includes sidewall spacers above the isolation regions and formed along the fin structure. A recessing trench is formed by the sidewall spacers and the fin, and an epitaxially-grown semiconductor material is formed in and above the recessing trench, forming an epitaxial structure.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming over a semiconductor substrate a gate structure. The method further includes depositing a non-conformal spacer material around the gate structure. A protection mask is formed over the non-conformal spacer material. The method etches the non-conformal spacer material and protection mask to form a salicidation spacer. Further, a self-aligned silicide contact is formed adjacent the salicidation spacer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes the following steps. At least a first gate stack layer and at least a second gate stack layer protruding from a conductive layer on a substrate are provided. Subsequently, two spacers and a protective layer are formed on the conductive layer, and the two spacers and the protective layer jointly surround the protruded first gate stack layer and the protruded second gate stack layer. The two spacers and the protective layer are used as a mask to remove a part of the conductive layer. Afterwards, the two spacers and the protective layer are removed.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming replacement gate structures for an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor by forming gate insulation layers and a first metal layer for the devices from the same materials and selectively forming a metal-silicide material layer only on the first metal layer for the NMOS device but not on the PMOS device. One example of a novel integrated circuit product disclosed herein includes an NMOS device and a PMOS device wherein the gate insulation layers and the first metal layer of the gate structures of the devices are made of the same material, the gate structure of the NMOS device includes a metal silicide material positioned on the first metal layer of the NMOS device, and a second metal layer that is positioned on the metal silicide material for the NMOS device and on the first metal layer for the PMOS device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes channels for a pFET and an nFET. A SiGe layer is selectively grown in the source and drain regions of the pFET channel and a Si:C layer is selectively grown in source and drain regions of the nFET channel. The SiGe and Si:C layer match a lattice network of the underlying Si layer to create a stress component. In one implementation, this causes a compressive component in the pFET channel and a tensile component in the nFET channel.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A semiconductor substrate is provided, wherein the substrate has a first area and a second area. A first gate structure and a second gate structure are formed over the substrate in the first area and the substrate in the second area, respectively. A first spacer is framed on the sidewall of each gate structure. At least one etching process including at least one wet etching process is performed. The first spacer is removed. A second spacer is formed on the sidewall of each gate structure. A mask layer is formed in the second area. Ion implantation is formed using the mask layer, the first gate structure and the second spacer as a mask to form S/D extensions in the substrate beside the first gate structure in the first area. The mask layer is then removed.

Abstract: In aspects of the present disclosure, a reliable encapsulation of a gate dielectric is provided at very early stages during fabrication. In other aspects, a semiconductor device is provided wherein a reliable encapsulation of a gate dielectric material is maintained, the reliable encapsulation being present at early stages during fabrication. In embodiments, a semiconductor device having a plurality of gate structures is provided over a surface of a semiconductor substrate. Sidewall spacers are formed over the surface and adjacent to each of the plurality of gate structures, wherein the sidewall spacers cover sidewall surfaces of each of the plurality of gate structures.

Abstract: A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device and methods of formation thereof are disclosed. In a particular example, a method of forming a CMOS device includes forming a first layer on an extension layer of a wafer, forming a first gate on a portion of the first layer, and forming an expansion region proximate to the extension layer. The method also includes removing a portion of the first gate to create a cavity and removing a portion of the first layer to extend the cavity to the extension layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor process includes the following steps. A first gate and a second gate are formed on a substrate. A first stress layer is formed to cover the first gate and the second gate. The first stress layer covering the first gate is etched to form a first spacer beside the first gate, but reserves the first stress layer covering the second gate. A first epitaxial layer is formed beside the first spacer. The first stress layer and the first spacer are entirely removed. A second stress layer is formed to cover the first gate and the second gate. The second stress layer covering the second gate is etched to form a second spacer beside the second gate, but reserves the second stress layer covering the first gate. A second epitaxial layer is formed beside the second spacer. The second stress layer and the second spacer are entirely removed.

Abstract: A plurality of sacrificial gate structures is formed on substrate. A first set of sacrificial gate structures of the plurality of sacrificial gate structures contains a sacrificial spacer on sidewall surfaces thereof, and a second set of sacrificial gate structures of the plurality of sacrificial gate structures has bare sidewall surfaces. A dielectric spacer is provided to the first and second sets of sacrificial gate structures. Each sacrificial gate structure of the first and second sets is removed together with the sacrificial spacers providing first gate cavities in the area previously occupied by a sacrificial gate structure of the first set of sacrificial gate structures and the sacrificial spacer and second gate cavities in the area previously occupied by a sacrificial gate structure of the second set of sacrificial gate structures. A functional gate is formed in each of the first and second gate cavities.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including an active region including a plurality of device regions. The semiconductor device further includes a first device disposed in a first device region of the plurality of device regions, the first device including a first gate structure, first gate spacers disposed on sidewalls of the first gate structure, and first source and drain features. The semiconductor device further includes a second device disposed in a second device region of the plurality of device regions, the second device including a second gate structure, second gate spacers disposed on sidewalls of the second gate structure, and second source and drain features. The second and first source and drain features having a source and drain feature and a contact feature in common. The common contact feature being a self-aligned contact.

Abstract: An integration flow for LDD and spacer fabrication on a sacrificial amorphous carbon gate structure, form first spacer by way of depositing on the si substrate which have gate structure first. Gate is provided above the N-well and P-well on substrate. Spin coating a layer of photoresist in the first spacer, patterning the photoresist, and the gate structure above the N-well or P-well is exposed, ion lightly dope treatment is then used to the whole device. Remove the redundant photoresist and the first spacer layer, form the second spacer layer by depositing on the surface of the si substrate and gate, and spin coating another photoresist layer on the second spacer layer. Pattern the another photoresist layer, and another side of the gate structure is exposed, ion lightly dope treatment is then used to the whole device. Remove the redundant photoresist and the second spacer layer, form the third spacer layer and SiN layer by depositing on the gate and the Si substrate in turn.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a line-type active region and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes an active region configured in a successive line type, at least one active gate having a first width and crossing the active region, and an isolation gate having a second width different from the first width and being formed between the active gates. The isolation gate's width and the active gate's width are different from each other to guarantee a large storage node contact region, resulting in increased device operation characteristics (write characteristics).

Abstract: Improved formation of replacement metal gate transistors is obtained by utilizing a silicon to metal substitution reaction. After removing the dummy gate, a gate dielectric and work function metal are deposited. The work function metal is deposited to a different thickness for the P-channel transistors than for the N-channel transistors. A sacrificial polysilicon gate is then formed, which is caused to undergo substitution with a metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: Methodology enabling a reduction of edge and strap cell size, and the resulting device are disclosed. Embodiments include: providing first and second NW regions on a substrate; providing first and second RX regions on the first and second NW regions, respectively; providing a contact on the substrate connecting the first and second RX regions; and providing a dummy PC on the substrate connecting the first and second RX regions. Other embodiments include: determining an RX region of an IC design; determining a PPLUS mask region extending along a horizontal direction and being on an entire upper surface of the RX region; determining a NW region extending along a vertical direction and separated from the RX region; and comparing an area of an overlap of the NW region and PPLUS mask region to a threshold value.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having dislocations and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device is disclosed. The exemplary semiconductor device and method for fabricating the semiconductor device enhance carrier mobility. The method includes providing a substrate having an isolation feature therein and two gate stacks overlying the substrate, wherein one of the gate stacks is atop the isolation feature. The method further includes performing a pre-amorphous implantation process on the substrate. The method further includes forming spacers adjoining sidewalls of the gate stacks, wherein at least one of the spacers extends beyond an edge the isolation feature. The method further includes forming a stress film over the substrate. The method also includes performing an annealing process on the substrate and the stress film.

Abstract: A method of forming a FinFET structure which includes forming fins on a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate wrapping around at least one of the fins, the gate having a first surface and an opposing second surface facing the fins; depositing a hard mask on a top of the gate; angle implanting nitrogen into the first and second surfaces of the gate so as to form a nitrogen-containing layer in the gate that is below and in direct contact with the hard mask on top of the gate; forming spacers on the gate and in contact with the nitrogen-containing layer; and epitaxially depositing silicon on the at least one fin so as to form a raised source/drain. Also disclosed is a FinFET structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming first and second gate structures over first and second regions of a substrate, respectively, forming spacers on sidewalls of the first and second gate structures, the spacers being formed of a first material, forming a capping layer over the first and second gate structures, the capping layer being formed of a second material different from the first material, forming a protection layer over the second region to protect the second gate structure, removing the capping layer over the first gate structure; removing the protection layer over the second region, epitaxially (epi) growing a semiconductor material on exposed portions of the substrate in the first region, and removing the capping layer over the second gate structure by an etching process that exhibits an etching selectivity of the second material to the first material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a gate structure through a first insulating interlayer on a substrate such that the gate structure includes a spacer on a sidewall thereof, forming a first hard mask on the gate structure, partially removing the first insulating interlayer using the first hard mask as an etching mask to form a first contact hole such that the first contact hole exposes a top surface of the substrate, forming a metal silicide pattern on the top surface of the substrate exposed by the first contact hole, and forming a plug electrically connected to the metal silicide pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming first and second gate structures over first and second regions of a substrate, respectively, forming spacers on sidewalls of the first and second gate structures, the spacers being formed of a first material, forming a capping layer over the first and second gate structures, the capping layer being formed of a second material different from the first material, forming a protection layer over the second region to protect the second gate structure, removing the capping layer over the first gate structure; removing the protection layer over the second region, epitaxially (epi) growing a semiconductor material on exposed portions of the substrate in the first region, and removing the capping layer over the second gate structure by an etching process that exhibits an etching selectivity of the second material to the first material.

Abstract: A metal gate structure with a channel material and methods of manufacture such structure is provided. The method includes forming dummy gate structures on a substrate. The method further includes forming sidewall structures on sidewalls of the dummy gate structures. The method further includes removing the dummy gate structures to form a first trench and a second trench, defined by the sidewall structures. The method further includes forming a channel material on the substrate in the first trench and in the second trench. The method further includes removing the channel material from the second trench while the first trench is masked. The method further includes filling remaining portions of the first trench and the second trench with gate material.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a NMOS gate structure over a substrate. The method further includes forming an amorphized region in the substrate adjacent to the NMOS gate structure. The method also includes forming a lightly doped source/drain (LDD) region in the amorphized region. The method further includes depositing a stress film over the NMOS gate structure, performing an annealing process, and removing the stress film.

Abstract: During a replacement gate approach, the inverse tapering of the opening obtained after removal of the polysilicon material may be reduced by depositing a spacer layer and forming corresponding spacer elements on inner sidewalls of the opening. Consequently, the metal-containing gate electrode material and the high-k dielectric material may be deposited with enhanced reliability.