Contact interlayer dielectric replacement with improved sac cap retention

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to reducing the effective capacitance between active devices at the contact level. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, an interlayer dielectric is replaced with a low-k material without damaging a self-aligned contact (SAC) cap. A gate can be formed over a channel region of a fin. The gate can include a gate spacer and a SAC cap. Source and drain regions can be formed adjacent to the channel region. A contact is formed on the SAC cap and on surfaces of the source and drain regions. A first dielectric layer can be recessed to expose a sidewall of the contact and a sidewall of the gate spacer. A second dielectric layer can be formed on the recessed surface of the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer can include a dielectric material having a dielectric constant less than the first dielectric layer.