Methods of forming gate structures by a gate-cut-last process and the resulting structures

Abstract

One method disclosed includes, among other things, forming an uncut line-type gate structure above first and second spaced-apart active regions of a semiconductor substrate, forming a sidewall spacer around a perimeter of the line-type gate structure, performing at least one etching process to remove an axial portion of a gate cap layer and an axial portion of a gate electrode that are positioned above the isolation region so as to thereby define first and second cut end surfaces of first and second gate electrodes, respectively, and an isolation plug cavity and forming a gate cut isolation plug in the isolation plug cavity.