Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an n-type source/drain epitaxial layer and a p-type source/drain epitaxial layer respectively formed, a dielectric layer is formed over the n-type source/drain epitaxial layer and the p-type source/drain epitaxial layer, a first opening is formed in the dielectric layer to expose a part of the n-type source/drain epitaxial layer and a second opening is formed in the dielectric layer to expose a part of the p-type source/drain epitaxial layer, and the n-type source/drain epitaxial layer and the p-type source/drain epitaxial layer respectively recessed. A recessing amount of the n-type source/drain epitaxial layer is different from a recessing amount of the p-type source/drain epitaxial layer.

Abstract: A method includes forming a dummy gate over a semiconductor fin; forming a source/drain epitaxial structure over the semiconductor fin and adjacent to the dummy gate; depositing an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer to cover the source/drain epitaxial structure; replacing the dummy gate with a gate structure; forming a dielectric structure to cut the gate structure, wherein a portion of the dielectric structure is embedded in the ILD layer; recessing the portion of the dielectric structure embedded in the ILD layer; after recessing the portion of the dielectric structure, removing a portion of the ILD layer over the source/drain epitaxial structure; and forming a source/drain contact in the ILD layer and in contact with the portion of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures having LowK dielectric properties are provided. In one example, a copper dual damascene structure is fabricated in a LowK dielectric insulator including forming a capping film over the insulator before features are defined therein. After the copper is formed in the features, the copper overburden is removed using ultra-gentle CMP, and then the barrier is removed using a dry etch process. Following barrier removal, a second etch is performed to thin the capping film. The thinning is configured to reduce the thickness of the capping film without removal, and thereby reducing the K-value of the LowK dielectric structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact opening between two conductive features over a semiconductor substrate. Oxide spacers are formed adjacent to the conductive features. A doped oxide layer is then deposited over the semiconductor substrate. Finally, the contact opening is etched through the doped oxide layer between the conductive features such that the oxide spacers are exposed within the contact opening.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact opening between two conductive features over a semiconductor substrate. Oxide spacers are formed adjacent to the conductive features. A doped oxide layer is then deposited over the semiconductor substrate. Finally, the contact opening is etched through the doped oxide layer between the conductive features such that the oxide spacers are exposed within the contact opening.