Patents by Inventor Chi On Chui

Chi On Chui 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: 11923360
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a pair of semiconductor fins, a dummy fin structure, a gate structure, a plurality of source/drain structures, a crystalline hard mask layer, and an amorphous hard mask layer. The pair of semiconductor fins extend upwardly from the substrate. The dummy fin structure extends upwardly above the substrate and is laterally between the pair of semiconductor fins. The gate structure extends across the pair of semiconductor fins and the dummy fin structure. The source/drain structures are above the pair of semiconductor fins and on either side of the gate structure. The crystalline hard mask layer extends upwardly from the dummy fin and has an U-shaped cross section. The amorphous hard mask layer is in the first hard mask layer, wherein the amorphous hard mask layer having an U-shaped cross section conformal to the U-shaped cross section of the crystalline hard mask layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-Yu Lee, Chun-Yao Wang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240071767
    Abstract: A method includes removing a dummy gate stack to form a trench between gate spacers, depositing a gate dielectric extending into the trench, and performing a first treatment process on the gate dielectric. The first treatment process is performed using a fluorine-containing gas. A first drive-in process is then performed to drive fluorine in the fluorine-containing gas into the gate dielectric. The method further includes performing a second treatment process on the gate dielectric, wherein the second treatment process is performed using the fluorine-containing gas, and performing a second drive-in process to drive fluorine in the fluorine-containing gas into the gate dielectric. After the second drive-in process, conductive layers are formed to fill the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Hsueh-Ju Chen, Chi On Chui, Tsung-Da Lin, Pei Ying Lai, Chia-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 11915979
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a high-k gate dielectric layer over and along sidewalls of a semiconductor fin. The method further includes depositing an n-type work function metal layer over the high-k gate dielectric layer and performing a passivation treatment on the high-k gate dielectric layer through the n-type work function metal layer. The passivation treatment comprises a remote plasma process. The method further includes depositing a fill metal over the n-type work function metal layer to form a metal gate stack over the high-k gate dielectric layer. The metal gate stack comprising the n-type work function metal layer and the fill metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei Ying Lai, Chia-Wei Hsu, Cheng-Hao Hou, Xiong-Fei Yu, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11916124
    Abstract: A device includes a first nanostructure; a second nanostructure over the first nanostructure; a first high-k gate dielectric disposed around the first nanostructure; a second high-k gate dielectric being disposed around the second nanostructure; and a gate electrode over the first high-k gate dielectric and the second high-k gate dielectric. A portion of the gate electrode between the first nanostructure and the second nanostructure comprises a first portion of a p-type work function metal filling an area between the first high-k gate dielectric and the second high-k gate dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Ji-Cheng Chen, Cheng-Lung Hung, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11916132
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing are presented in which inner spacers for nanostructures are manufactured. In embodiments a dielectric material is deposited for the inner spacer and then treated. The treatment may add material and cause an expansion in volume in order to close any seams that can interfere with subsequent processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Hung Cheng Lin, Che-Hao Chang, Yung-Cheng Lu, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11915937
    Abstract: A method includes forming a plurality of nanostructures over a substrate; etching the plurality of nanostructures to form recesses; forming source/drain regions in the recesses; removing first nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures leaving second nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures; depositing a gate dielectric over and around the second nanostructures; depositing a protective material over the gate dielectric; performing a fluorine treatment on the protective material; removing the protective material; depositing a first conductive material over the gate dielectric; and depositing a second conductive material over the first conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Mao-Lin Huang, Lung-Kun Chu, Huang-Lin Chao, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11916114
    Abstract: A device includes a first nanostructure; a second nanostructure over the first nanostructure; a first high-k gate dielectric around the first nanostructure; a second high-k gate dielectric around the second nanostructure; and a gate electrode over the first and second high-k gate dielectrics. The gate electrode includes a first work function metal; a second work function metal over the first work function metal; and a first metal residue at an interface between the first work function metal and the second work function metal, wherein the first metal residue has a metal element that is different than a metal element of the first work function metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240063061
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate dielectric on a semiconductor region, depositing a work-function layer over the gate dielectric, depositing a silicon layer over the work-function layer, and depositing a glue layer over the silicon layer. The work-function layer, the silicon layer, and the glue layer are in-situ deposited. The method further includes depositing a filling-metal over the glue layer; and performing a planarization process, wherein remaining portions of the glue layer, the silicon layer, and the work-function layer form portions of a gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Hsin-Han Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Cheng-Lung Hung, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11908695
    Abstract: A method may include forming a dummy dielectric layer over a substrate, and forming a dummy gate over the dummy dielectric layer. The method may also include forming a first spacer adjacent the dummy gate, and removing the dummy gate to form a cavity, where the cavity is defined at least in part by the first spacer. The method may also include performing a plasma treatment on portions of the first spacer, where the plasma treatment causes a material composition of the portions of the first spacer to change from a first material composition to a second material composition. The method may also include etching the portions of the first spacer having the second material composition to remove the portions of the first spacer having the second material composition, and filling the cavity with conductive materials to form a gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Han Chen, Tsung-Ju Chen, Ta-Hsiang Kung, Xiong-Fei Yu, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11908893
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes source and drain regions, a channel region between the source and drain regions, and a gate structure over the channel region. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric over the channel region, a work function metal layer over the gate dielectric and comprising iodine, and a fill metal over the work function metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11901439
    Abstract: Improved inner spacers for semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Che-Hao Chang, Chi On Chui, Yung-Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11901362
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a channel region; a gate dielectric layer on the channel region; a first work function tuning layer on the gate dielectric layer, the first work function tuning layer including a n-type work function metal; a barrier layer on the first work function tuning layer; a second work function tuning layer on the barrier layer, the second work function tuning layer including a p-type work function metal, the p-type work function metal different from the n-type work function metal; and a fill layer on the second work function tuning layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11901411
    Abstract: An embodiment is a semiconductor device including a first channel region over a semiconductor substrate, a second channel region over the first channel region, a first gate stack over the semiconductor substrate and surrounding the first channel region and the second channel region, a first inner spacer extending from the first channel region to the second channel region and along a sidewall of the first gate stack, a second inner spacer extending from the first channel region to the second channel region and along a sidewall of the first inner spacer, the second inner spacer having a different material composition than the first inner spacer, and a first source/drain region adjacent the first channel region, the second channel region, and the second inner spacer, the first and second inner spacers being between the first gate stack and the first source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-Feng Young, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11903221
    Abstract: A device includes a first transistor over a substrate, a second transistor disposed over the first transistor, and a memory element disposed over the second transistor. The second transistor includes a channel layer, a gate dielectric layer surrounding a sidewall of the channel layer, and a gate electrode surrounding a sidewall of the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chenchen Wang, Chun-Chieh Lu, Chi On Chui, Yu-Ming Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong
  • Patent number: 11901450
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device includes a substrate and first and second spacers on the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack between the first and second spacers. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer having a first portion formed on the substrate and a second portion formed on the first and second spacers. The first portion includes a crystalline material and the second portion comprises an amorphous material. The gate stack further includes a gate electrode on the first and second portions of the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semicondutor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ming Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Ziwei Fang, Bo-Feng Young, Chi On Chui, Chih-Yu Chang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 11894438
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a field effect transistor (FET). The FET includes a first channel, a first source and a first drain; a second channel, a second source and a second drain; and a gate structure disposed over the first and second channels. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode layer. The first source includes a first crystal semiconductor layer and the second source includes a second crystal semiconductor layer. The first source and the second source are connected by an alloy layer made of one or more Group IV element and one or more transition metal elements. The first crystal semiconductor layer is not in direct contact with the second crystal semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yee-Chia Yeo, Sung-Li Wang, Chi On Chui, Jyh-Cherng Sheu, Hung-Li Chiang, I-Sheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20240038872
    Abstract: Gate profile tuning techniques are disclosed herein. An exemplary gate profile tuning method includes forming a gate structure over a channel layer. The gate structure includes a dummy gate and gate spacers disposed along sidewalls of the dummy gate. The method further includes partially removing the dummy gate to form a gate opening that defines a gate profile. The gate profile is then modified by treating portions of the gate spacers (for example, by oxygen plasma treatment) and removing the treated portions of the gate spacers (for example, by oxide removal). After removing a remainder of the dummy gate to expose the channel layer, a gate stack of the gate structure is formed in the gate opening. The gate stack has a funnel-shaped profile. In some embodiments, a width of the gate stack above the channel layer is greater than a width of the gate stack below the channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Cheng-I Lin, Hao-Ming Tang, Shu-Han Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240030354
    Abstract: A device includes a first channel layer, a second channel layer, a gate structure, a source/drain epitaxial structure, and a source/drain contact. The first channel layer and the second channel layer are arranged above the first channel layer in a spaced apart manner over a substrate. The gate structure surrounds the first and second channel layers. The source/drain epitaxial structure is connected to the first and second channel layers. The source/drain contact is connected to the source/drain epitaxial structure. The second channel layer is closer to the source/drain contact than the first channel layer is to the source/drain contact, and the first channel layer is thicker than the second channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Ru LIN, Shu-Han CHEN, Yi-Shao LI, Chun-Heng CHEN, Chi On CHUI
  • Publication number: 20240021482
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor fin protruding higher than top surfaces of isolation regions. The isolation regions extend into a semiconductor substrate. The method further includes etching a portion of the semiconductor fin to form a trench, filling the trench with a first dielectric material, wherein the first dielectric material has a first bandgap, and performing a recessing process to recess the first dielectric material. A recess is formed between opposing portions of the isolation regions. The recess is filled with a second dielectric material. The first dielectric material and the second dielectric material in combination form an additional isolation region. The second dielectric material has a second bandgap smaller than the first bandgap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Chung-Ting Ko, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240021697
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack over an active region of a substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a first work function layer over the gate dielectric layer. The first work function layer includes a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers arranged in an alternating manner over the gate dielectric layer. The plurality of first layers include a first material. The plurality of second layers include a second material different from the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui