Abstract: An example method embodiment forms spacers that create tensile stress on the substrate on both the PFET and NFET regions. We form PFET and NFET gates and form tensile spacers on the PFET and NFET gates. We implant first ions into the tensile PFET spacers to form neutralized stress PFET spacers. The neutralized stress PFET spacers relieve the tensile stress created by the tensile stress spacers on the substrate. This improves device performance.

Abstract: An example process to remove spacers from the gate of a NMOS transistor. A stress creating layer is formed over the NMOS and PMOS transistors and the substrate. In an embodiment, the spacers on gate are removed so that stress layer is closer to the channel of the device. The stress creating layer is preferably a tensile nitride layer. The stress creating layer is preferably a contact etch stop liner layer. In an embodiment, the gates, source and drain region have an silicide layer thereover before the stress creating layer is formed. The embodiment improves the performance of the NMOS transistors.