Patents by Inventor Cheng-Chi Chuang

Cheng-Chi Chuang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230326986
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a metal gate structure having sidewall spacers disposed on sidewalls of the metal gate structure. In some embodiments, a top surface of the metal gate structure is recessed with respect to a top surface of the sidewall spacers. The semiconductor device may further include a metal cap layer disposed over and in contact with the metal gate structure, where a first width of a bottom portion of the metal cap layer is greater than a second width of a top portion of the metal cap layer. In some embodiments, the semiconductor device may further include a dielectric material disposed on either side of the metal cap layer, where the sidewall spacers and a portion of the metal gate structure are disposed beneath the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Lin-Yu HUANG, Li-Zhen YU, Chia-Hao CHANG, Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Kuan-Lun CHENG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Patent number: 11784228
    Abstract: A method includes providing a structure having source/drain electrodes and a first dielectric layer over the source/drain electrodes; forming a first etch mask covering a first area of the first dielectric layer; performing a first etching process to the first dielectric layer, resulting in first trenches over the source/drain electrodes; filling the first trenches with a second dielectric layer that has a different material than the first dielectric layer; removing the first etch mask; performing a second etching process including isotropic etching to the first area of the first dielectric layer, resulting in a second trench above a first one of the source/drain electrodes; depositing a metal layer into at least the second trench; and performing a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process to the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Meng-Huan Jao, Lin-Yu Huang, Sheng-Tsung Wang, Huan-Chieh Su, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11784233
    Abstract: An IC structure includes a source epitaxial structure, a drain epitaxial structure, a first silicide region, a second silicide region, a source contact, a backside via rail, a drain contact, and a front-side interconnection structure. The first silicide region is on a front-side surface, a first sidewall of the source epitaxial structure, and a second sidewall of the source epitaxial structure. The second silicide region is on a front-side surface of the drain epitaxial structure. The source contact is in contact with the first silicide region and has a protrusion extending past a backside surface of the source epitaxial structure. The backside via rail is in contact with the protrusion of the source contact. The drain contact is in contact with the second silicide region. The front-side interconnection structure is on a front-side surface of the source contact and a front-side surface of the drain contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Huan-Chieh Su, Li-Zhen Yu, Chun-Yuan Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Shang-Wen Chang, Yi-Hsun Chiu, Pei-Yu Wang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230317566
    Abstract: A device includes a stack of semiconductor nanostructures, a gate structure wrapping around the semiconductor nanostructures, a source/drain region abutting the gate structure and the stack, a contact structure on the source/drain region, a backside dielectric layer under the stack, and a via structure extending from the contact structure to a top surface of the backside dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yun Ju FAN, Huan-Chieh SU, Chun-Yuan CHEN, Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Patent number: 11777003
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes an epitaxial region having a front side and a backside. The semiconductor structure includes an amorphous layer formed over the backside of the epitaxial region, wherein the amorphous layer includes silicon. The semiconductor structure includes a first silicide layer formed over the amorphous layer. The semiconductor structure includes a first metal contact formed over the first silicide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Chuan Chiu, Huan-Chieh Su, Pei-Yu Wang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chun-Yuan Chen, Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Yu-Ming Lin, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11769696
    Abstract: During a front side process of a wafer, a hard mask layer is formed under a metal portion of a semiconductor device, and an epitaxial layer is deposited to form epitaxial portions of the semiconductor device. In a back side process of the wafer to cut the epitaxial layer, the metal portion is covered and protected by the hard mask layer from damages during etching of the epitaxial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Yuan Chen, Li-Zhen Yu, Huan-Chieh Su, Lo-Heng Chang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230298943
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure has a frontside and a backside. The semiconductor structure includes an isolation structure at the backside; one or more transistors at the frontside, wherein the one or more transistors have source/drain epitaxial features; two metal plugs through the isolation structure and contacting two of the source/drain electrodes from the backside; and a dielectric liner filling a space between the two metal plugs, wherein the dielectric liner partially or fully surrounds an air gap between the two metal plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Chun-Yuan Chen, Huan-Chieh Su, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Yu-Ming Lin, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230299167
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods of forming the same are provided. A semiconductor structure according to one embodiment includes first nanostructures, a first gate structure wrapping around each of the first nanostructures and disposed over an isolation structure, and a backside gate contact disposed below the first nanostructures and adjacent to the isolation structure. A bottom surface of the first gate structure is in direct contact with the backside gate contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Huan-Chieh Su, Chun-Yuan Chen, Lo-Heng Chang, Li-Zhen Yu, Lin-Yu Huang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11749728
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dummy gate structure over a substrate; forming a source/drain structure over the substrate; replacing the dummy gate structure with a metal gate structure; forming a protection cap over the metal gate structure; forming a source/drain contact over the source/drain structure; performing a selective deposition process to form a first etch stop layer on the protection cap, in which the selective deposition process has a faster deposition rate on the protection cap than on the source/drain contact; depositing a second etch stop layer over the first etch stop layer the source/drain contact; etching the second etch stop layer to form an opening; and forming a via contact in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Yu-Ming Lin, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230275154
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanostructure and an epitaxial semiconductor material portion are formed on a front surface of a substrate, and a planarization dielectric layer is formed thereabove. Recess cavities are formed to expose a first active region and the epitaxial semiconductor material portion. A metallic cap structure is formed on the first active region, and a sacrificial metallic material portion is formed on the epitaxial semiconductor material portion. A connector via cavity is formed by anisotropically etching the sacrificial metallic material portion and an underlying portion of the epitaxial semiconductor material portion while the metallic cap structure is masked with a hard mask layer. A connector via structure is formed in the connector via cavity. Front-side metal interconnect structures are formed on the connector via structure and the metallic cap structure, and a backside via structure is formed through the substrate on the connector via structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Lin-Yu Huang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230275155
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanostructure and an epitaxial semiconductor material portion are formed on a front surface of a substrate, and a planarization dielectric layer is formed thereabove. Recess cavities are formed to expose a first active region and the epitaxial semiconductor material portion. A metallic cap structure is formed on the first active region, and a sacrificial metallic material portion is formed on the epitaxial semiconductor material portion. A connector via cavity is formed by anisotropically etching the sacrificial metallic material portion and an underlying portion of the epitaxial semiconductor material portion while the metallic cap structure is masked with a hard mask layer. A connector via structure is formed in the connector via cavity. Front-side metal interconnect structures are formed on the connector via structure and the metallic cap structure, and a backside via structure is formed through the substrate on the connector via structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Lin-Yu Huang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11742385
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a source/drain (S/D) feature; one or more channel semiconductor layers connected to the S/D feature; a gate structure engaging the one or more channel semiconductor layers; a first silicide feature at a frontside of the S/D feature; a second silicide feature at a backside of the S/D feature; and a dielectric liner layer at the backside of the S/D feature, below the second silicide feature, and spaced away from the second silicide feature by a first gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin-Yu Huang, Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230268403
    Abstract: A device includes semiconductor device structure includes a first dielectric layer. A first plurality of nanostructures are disposed on the first dielectric layer, with the first plurality of nanostructures overlying one another. A first source/drain region is disposed laterally adjacent to a first side of the first plurality of nanostructures. A second dielectric layer is on a first side of the first source/drain region. A front side source/drain contact is disposed on a second side of the first source/drain region that is opposite the first side, and a backside source/drain contact is disposed on the first side of the first source/drain region. The backside source/drain contact extends through the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Li-Zhen YU, Huan-Chieh SU, Chun-Yuan CHEN, Lin-Yu HUANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20230268277
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide semiconductor device structures. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device structure includes a gate dielectric layer, a gate electrode layer in contact with the gate dielectric layer, a first self-aligned contact (SAC) layer disposed over the gate electrode layer, an isolation layer disposed between the gate electrode layer and the first SAC layer, and a first sidewall spacer in contact with the gate dielectric layer, the isolation layer, and the first SAC layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Sheng-Tsung WANG, Lin-Yu HUANG, Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20230260897
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a source/drain (S/D) region, one or more dielectric layers over the S/D region, one or more semiconductor channel layers connected to the S/D region, an isolation structure under the S/D region and the one or more semiconductor channel layers, and a via under the S/D region and electrically connected to the S/D region. A lower portion of the via is surrounded by the isolation structure and an upper portion of the via extends vertically between the S/D region and the isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Chun-Yuan Chen, Huan-Chieh Su, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11728211
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The semiconductor device structure includes a device, a first conductive structure disposed over the device, and the first conductive structure includes a first sidewall having a first portion and a second portion. The semiconductor device structure further includes a first spacer layer disposed on the first portion, a second conductive structure disposed adjacent the first conductive structure, and the second conductive structure includes a second sidewall having a third portion and a fourth portion. The semiconductor device structure further includes a second spacer layer disposed on the third portion, and an air gap is formed between the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure. The second portion, the first spacer layer, the fourth portion, and the second spacer layer are exposed to the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Lin-Yu Huang, Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20230253325
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a strip structure having a front side and a back side. The integrated circuit includes a gate structure on the front side of the strip structure. The integrated circuit includes an isolation structure surrounding the strip structure. The integrated circuit includes a backside via in the isolation structure. The integrated circuit includes a contact over the strip structure, wherein a first portion of the contact extends into the isolation structure and contacts the backside via. The integrated circuit includes a backside power rail on the back side of the strip structure and in contact with the backside via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Shih-Wei PENG, Wei-Cheng LIN, Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Jiann-Tyng TZENG
  • Publication number: 20230253257
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are provided. A semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes channel members over a backside dielectric feature, a gate structure wrapping around the channel members, an epitaxial feature abutting the channel members, a first isolation feature disposed on a first sidewall of the gate structure and extending through the backside dielectric feature, and a second isolation feature disposed on a second sidewall of the gate structure and extending through the backside dielectric feature. A top surface of the first isolation feature is above a top surface of the second isolation feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Huan-Chieh SU, Chun-Yuan CHEN, Lo-Heng CHANG, Li-Zhen YU, Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Chih-Hao WANG, Kuan-Lun CHENG
  • Patent number: 11721623
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanostructure and an epitaxial semiconductor material portion are formed on a front surface of a substrate, and a planarization dielectric layer is formed thereabove. A first recess cavity is formed over a gate electrode, and a second recess cavity is formed over the epitaxial semiconductor material portion. The second recess cavity is vertically recessed to form a connector via cavity. A metallic cap structure is formed on the gate electrode in the first recess cavity, and a connector via structure is formed in the connector via cavity. Front-side metal interconnect structures are formed on the connector via structure and the metallic cap structure, and a backside via structure is formed through the substrate on the connector via structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Lin-Yu Huang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11715764
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The structure includes a substrate, a source/drain contact disposed over the substrate, a first dielectric layer disposed on the source drain contact, an etch stop layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, and a source/drain conductive layer disposed in the etch stop layer and the first dielectric layer. The structure further includes a spacer structure disposed in the etch stop layer and the first dielectric layer. The spacer structure surrounds a sidewall of the source/drain conductive layer and includes a first spacer layer having a first portion and a second spacer layer adjacent the first portion of the first spacer layer. The first portion of the first spacer layer and the second spacer layer are separated by an air gap. The structure further includes a seal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Lin-Yu Huang, Li-Zhen Yu, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang