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

Abstract

A device includes a first gate structure positioned above an active region defined in a semiconducting substrate. A first spacer is positioned adjacent the first gate structure. First conductive source/drain contact structures are positioned adjacent the first gate structure and separated from the first gate structure by the first spacer. A first recessed portion of the first conductive source/drain contact structures is positioned at a first axial position along the first gate structure. A second recessed portion of the first conductive source/drain contact structures is positioned at a second axial position along the gate structure. A dielectric cap layer is positioned above the first and second recessed portions. A first conductive contact contacts the first gate structure in the first axial position. The dielectric cap layer above the first recessed portion is positioned adjacent the first conductive contact.