Stress Memorization Technique (SMT) Optimization for 45nm CMOS

In this paper, we present an optimization path of stress memorization technique (SMT) for 45nm node and below using a nitride capping layer. We demonstrate that the understanding of coupling between nitride properties, dopant activation and poly-silicon gate mechanical stress allows enhancing nMOS performance by 7% without pMOS degradation. In contrast to previously reported works on SMT (Chen et al., 2004) - (Singh et al., 2005), a low-cost process compatible with consumer electronics requirements has been successfully developed