Patent attributes
Fin structures are formed on a substrate. An isolation region is between the fin structures. The fin structures comprise epitaxial regions extending above the isolation region. Each of the epitaxial regions has a widest mid-region between an upper-surface and an under-surface. A dual-layer etch stop is formed over the fin structures and comprises a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer. The first sub-layer is along the upper- and under-surfaces and the isolation region. The second sub-layer is over the first sub-layer and along the upper-surfaces, and the second sub-layer merges together proximate the widest mid-regions of the epitaxial regions. Portions of the dual-layer etch stop are removed from the upper- and under-surfaces. A dielectric layer is formed on the upper- and under-surfaces. A metal layer is formed on the dielectric layer on the upper-surfaces. A barrier layer is formed on the metal layer and along the under-surfaces.
