Semiconductor device with recessed source/drain contacts and a gate contact positioned above the active region

Abstract

A method includes forming a device above an active region defined in a semiconducting substrate. The device includes a first gate structure, a first spacer formed adjacent the first gate structure, and first conductive source/drain contact structures positioned adjacent the first gate structure and separated from the first gate structure by the first spacer. A first portion of the first conductive source/drain contact structures is recessed at a first axial position along the first gate structure to define a first cavity. A second portion of the first conductive source/drain contact structures is recessed at a second axial position along the gate structure to define a second cavity. A dielectric cap layer is formed in the first and second cavities. A first conductive contact contacting the first gate structure in the first axial position is formed.