Abstract: A structure and method of forming a notched gate MOSFET. A gate dielectric is formed on the surface of an active area on the semiconductor substrate. A layer of polysilicon is then deposited on the gate dielectric. This step is followed by depositing a layer of silicon germanium. The sidewalls of the polysilicon layer are then laterally etched, selective to the SiGe layer to create a notched gate conductor structure, with the SiGe layer being broader than the underlying polysilicon layer. Sidewall spacers are preferably formed on sidewalls of the SiGe layer and the polysilicon layer. A silicide layer is preferably formed as a self-aligned silicide from a polysilicon layer deposited over the SiGe layer. One or more other processing steps are preferably performed in completing the transistor.

Abstract: The structure and method of forming a notched gate MOSFET disclosed herein addresses such problems as device reliability. A gate dielectric (e.g. gate oxide) is formed on the surface of an active area on the semiconductor substrate, preferably defined by an isolation trench region. A layer of polysilicon is then deposited on the gate dielectric. This step is followed by depositing a layer of silicon germanium) (SiGe). The sidewalls of the polysilicon layer are then laterally etched, selective to the SiGe layer to create a notched gate conductor structure, with the SiGe layer being broader than the underlying polysilicon layer. Sidewall spacers are preferably formed on sidewalls of the SiGe layer and the polysilicon layer. A silicide layer is preferably formed as a self-aligned silicide from a polysilicon layer deposited over the SiGe layer, to reduce resistance of the gate conductor. One or more other processing steps (e.g.