US Patent 10084053 Gate cuts after metal gate formation

Structures involving a field-effect transistor and methods for forming a structure that involves a field-effect transistor. A first metal gate electrode and a second metal gate electrode are formed that are embedded in a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first metal gate electrode, the second metal gate electrode, and the first dielectric layer. An opening is formed in the second dielectric layer that extends in a vertical direction to expose a section of the first metal gate electrode. The section of the first metal gate electrode is removed, while the second metal gate electrode is masked by the second dielectric layer, to define a gate cut at a location of the opening. The gate cut may be subsequently filled by dielectric material.