MOSFET current drive optimization using silicon nitride capping layer for 65-nm technology node

NMOSFET strain engineering using highly tensile silicon nitride capping layer was studied by way of extensive numerical simulations and device experiments. At 45nm gate length and 1V supply voltage fabricated NMOSFET delivers 1.00mA/ /spl mu/m drive current for off-state current of 40nA/ /spl mu/m and physical gate oxide thickness of 1.25nm(TEM). These data demonstrate the best up to date NMOSFET current drivability. Next, using extensive process simulations to analyze fabricated devices we developed optimization guidelines for NMOSFET strain engineering enabling us further improvement of device current drivability with reducing the gate length.