Patents by Inventor Cheng-Yuan Tsai

Cheng-Yuan Tsai 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).

  • Patent number: 11862515
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a method of forming an integrated chip structure. The method may be performed by forming a plurality of interconnect layers within a first interconnect structure disposed over an upper surface of a first semiconductor substrate. An edge trimming process is performed to remove parts of the first interconnect structure and the first semiconductor substrate along a perimeter of the first semiconductor substrate. The edge trimming process results in the first semiconductor substrate having a recessed surface coupled to the upper surface by way of an interior sidewall disposed directly over the first semiconductor substrate. A dielectric capping structure is formed onto a sidewall of the first interconnect structure after performing the edge trimming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Hui Huang, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Kuo-Ming Wu, Sheng-Chan Li
  • Patent number: 11855109
    Abstract: A system and method for forming pixels in an image sensor is provided. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an image sensor including a first pixel region and a second pixel region in a substrate, the first pixel region being adjacent to the second pixel region. A first anti-reflection coating is over the first pixel region, the first anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a first wavelength range of incident light. A second anti-reflection coating is over the second pixel region, the second anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a second wavelength range of incident light that is different from the first wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD
    Inventors: Yen-Chang Chu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230413696
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method for forming an integrated chip. The method includes forming a bottom electrode over a substrate. A data storage layer is formed on the bottom electrode. A diffusion barrier layer is formed over the data storage layer. The diffusion barrier layer has a first diffusion activation temperature. A top electrode is formed over the diffusion barrier layer. The top electrode has a second diffusion activation temperature less than the first diffusion activation temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Albert Zhong, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hai-Dang Trinh, Shing-Chyang Pan
  • Publication number: 20230402487
    Abstract: A Deep Trench Isolation (DTI) structure is disclosed. The DTI structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure include a composite passivation layer. In some embodiments, the composite passivation layer includes a hole accumulation layer and a defect repairing layer. The defect repairing layer is disposed between the hole accumulation layer and a semiconductor substrate in which the DTI structure is formed. The defect repairing layer reduces lattice defects in the interface, thus, reducing the density of interface trap (DIT) at the interface. Reduced density of interface trap facilitates strong hole accumulation, thus increasing the flat band voltage. In some embodiments, the hole accumulation layer according to the present disclosure is enhanced by an oxidization treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bi-Shen LEE, Chia-Wei HU, Hai-Dang TRINH, Min-Ying TSAI, Ching I LI, Hsun-Chung KUANG, Cheng-Yuan TSAI
  • Patent number: 11844226
    Abstract: A method includes forming a bottom electrode layer, and depositing a first ferroelectric layer over the bottom electrode layer. The first ferroelectric layer is amorphous. A second ferroelectric layer is deposited over the first ferroelectric layer, and the second ferroelectric layer has a polycrystalline structure. The method further includes depositing a third ferroelectric layer over the second ferroelectric layer, with the third ferroelectric layer being amorphous, depositing a top electrode layer over the third ferroelectric layer, and patterning the top electrode layer, the third ferroelectric layer, the second ferroelectric layer, the first ferroelectric layer, and the bottom electrode layer to form a Ferroelectric Random Access Memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bi-Shen Lee, Yi Yang Wei, Hsing-Lien Lin, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hai-Dang Trinh
  • Publication number: 20230389453
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The structure includes a substrate and a data storage element over the substrate. The structure also includes a protective element extending into the data storage element. A bottom surface of the protective element is between a top surface of the data storage element and a bottom surface of the data storage element. The structure further includes a first electrode electrically connected to the data storage element and a second electrode electrically connected to the data storage element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hai-Dang TRINH, Hsing-Lien LIN, Cheng-Yuan TSAI
  • Publication number: 20230369023
    Abstract: A tunable plasma exclusion zone in semiconductor fabrication is provided. A semiconductor wafer is provided within a chamber of a plasma processing apparatus between a first plasma electrode and a second plasma electrode. A plasma is generated from a process gas within the chamber and an electric field between the first plasma electrode and the second plasma electrode. The plasma is at least partially excluded from an edge region of the semiconductor wafer by a plasma exclusion zone (PEZ) ring within the chamber. The plasma may be tuned toward a center of the semiconductor wafer by electrically coupling an electrode ring of the PEZ ring to a voltage potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Che Wei Yang, Chih Cheng Shih, Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Sheng-Chau Chen
  • Publication number: 20230369368
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first image sensing element and a second image sensing element arranged over a substrate. A first micro-lens is arranged over the first image sensing element, and a second micro-lens is arranged over the second image sensing element. A composite deep trench isolation structure is arranged between the first and second image sensing elements. The composite deep trench isolation structure includes a lower portion arranged over the substrate and an upper portion arranged over the lower portion. The lower portion includes a first material, and the upper portion includes a second material that has a lower reflectivity than the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Che Wei Yang, Sheng-Chan Li, Tsun-Kai Tsao, Chih-Cheng Shih, Sheng-Chau Chen, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230354613
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a memory device including a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode disposed over the semiconductor substrate, a ferroelectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the semiconductor substrate, and a first stressor layer separating the first electrode from the ferroelectric layer. The first stressor layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the ferroelectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Bi-Shen Lee, Tzu-Yu Lin, Yi-Yang Wei, Hai-Dang Trinh, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230345847
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip. A first conductive structure overlies a substrate. A second conductive structure overlies the first conductive structure. A data storage structure is disposed between the first and second conductive structures. The data storage structure includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer. Respective bandgaps of the first, second, and third dielectric layers are different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Hai-Dang Trinh, Chii-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Tzu-Chung Tsai, Fa-Shen Jiang
  • Publication number: 20230320103
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes one or more interconnect dielectric layers arranged over a substrate. A bottom electrode is disposed over a conductive structure and extends through the one or more interconnect dielectric layers. A top electrode is disposed over the bottom electrode. A ferroelectric layer is disposed between and contacts the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The ferroelectric layer includes a first lower horizontal portion, a first upper horizontal portion arranged above the first lower horizontal portion, and a first sidewall portion coupling the first lower horizontal portion to the first upper horizontal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Hai-Dang Trinh, Yi Yang Wei, Bi-Shen Lee, Fa-Shen Jiang, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230317541
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip structure. The integrated chip structure includes a substrate and an interconnect structure on the substrate. The interconnect structure includes a plurality of interconnects disposed within a dielectric structure. A dielectric protection layer is along a sidewall of the interconnect structure and along a sidewall and a recessed surface of the substrate. A bottommost surface of the dielectric protection layer rests on the recessed surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Sheng-Chau Chen, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Kuo-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 11778931
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method for forming an integrated chip. The method includes forming a bottom electrode over a substrate. A data storage layer is formed on the bottom electrode. A diffusion barrier layer is formed over the data storage layer. The diffusion barrier layer has a first diffusion activation temperature. A top electrode is formed over the diffusion barrier layer. The top electrode has a second diffusion activation temperature less than the first diffusion activation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Albert Zhong, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hai-Dang Trinh, Shing-Chyang Pan
  • Publication number: 20230299105
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an image sensor integrated chip. The image sensor integrated chip includes a substrate having a pixel region arranged between one or more trenches formed by sidewalls of the substrate. One or more dielectric materials are arranged along the sidewalls of the substrate forming the one or more trenches. A conductive material is disposed within the one or more trenches. The conductive material is electrically coupled to an interconnect disposed within a dielectric arranged on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Keng-Yu Chou, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11758830
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a data storage element over the semiconductor substrate. The structure also includes an ion diffusion barrier element over the data storage element and a protective element extending along a sidewall of the ion diffusion barrier element. A bottom surface of the protective element is between a top surface of the data storage element and a bottom surface of the data storage element. The structure further includes a first electrode electrically connected to the data storage element and a second electrode electrically connected to the data storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hai-Dang Trinh, Hsing-Lien Lin, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230275064
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a processing tool. The processing tool includes a housing structure defining a chamber. A first plate is disposed in the chamber. A first plasma exclusion zone (PEZ) ring is disposed on the first plate. A second plate is disposed in the chamber and underlies the first plate. A second PEZ ring is disposed on the second plate. The second PEZ ring comprises a PEZ ring notch that extends inwardly from a circumferential edge of the second PEZ ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Sheng-Chau Chen, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230276721
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device. The RRAM device includes a first electrode over a substrate and a second electrode over the substrate. A data storage structure is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The data storage structure includes a first metal and a second metal. The first metal has a peak concentration at a first distance from the first electrode and the second metal has a peak concentration at a second distance from the first electrode. The first distance is different than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Hai-Dang Trinh, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hsing-Lien Lin, Wen-Ting Chu
  • Patent number: 11737280
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a memory device including a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode disposed over the semiconductor substrate, a ferroelectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the semiconductor substrate, and a first stressor layer separating the first electrode from the ferroelectric layer. The first stressor layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the ferroelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bi-Shen Lee, Tzu-Yu Lin, Yi-Yang Wei, Hai-Dang Trinh, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 11735635
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor structure, a dielectric layer, a metal-semiconductor compound film and a cover layer. The semiconductor structure has an upper surface and a lateral surface. The dielectric layer encloses the lateral surface of the semiconductor structure and exposes the upper surface of the semiconductor structure. The metal-semiconductor compound film is on the semiconductor structure, wherein the dielectric layer exposes a portion of a surface of the metal-semiconductor compound film. The cover layer encloses the portion of the surface of the metal-semiconductor compound film exposed by the dielectric layer, and exposes the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Han Tsao, Chih-Ming Chen, Han-Yu Chen, Szu-Yu Wang, Lan-Lin Chao, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 11721794
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing reflective structure is provided. The method includes the operations as follows. A metallization structure is received. A plurality of conductive pads are formed over the metallization structure. A plurality of dielectric stacks are formed over the conductive pads, respectively, wherein the thicknesses of the dielectric stacks are different. The dielectric stacks are isolated by forming a plurality of trenches over a plurality of intervals between each two adjacent dielectric stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Lin, Yao-Wen Chang, Chii-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Eugene I-Chun Chen, Tzu-Chung Tsai