Patents by Inventor Chun-Feng Nieh

Chun-Feng Nieh 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: 10714344
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to methods for forming a mask for patterning a feature in semiconductor processing. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer. Forming the mask includes depositing a first layer over the dielectric layer; implanting in a first implant process a dopant species through a patterned material and into the first layer at a first energy; after implanting in the first implant process, implanting in a second implant process the dopant species through the patterned material and into the first layer at a second energy greater than the first energy; and forming mask portions of the mask comprising selectively removing portions of the first layer that are not implanted with the dopant species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Shun Chang, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang
  • Patent number: 10714598
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, fin structures each having an upper portion and a lower portion, are formed. The lower portion is embedded in an isolation insulating layer disposed over a substrate and the upper portion protrudes the isolation insulating layer. A gate dielectric layer is formed over the upper portion of each of the fin structures. A conductive layer is formed over the gate dielectric layer. A cap layer is formed over the conductive layer. An ion implantation operation is performed on the fin structures with the cap layer. The ion implantation operation is performed multiple times using different implantation angles to introduce ions into one side surface of each of the fin structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsan-Chun Wang, Chun-Feng Nieh, Chiao-Ting Tai
  • Publication number: 20200203507
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, fin structures each having an upper portion and a lower portion, are formed. The lower portion is embedded in an isolation insulating layer disposed over a substrate and the upper portion protrudes the isolation insulating layer. A gate dielectric layer is formed over the upper portion of each of the fin structures. A conductive layer is formed over the gate dielectric layer. A cap layer is formed over the conductive layer. An ion implantation operation is performed on the fin structures with the cap layer. The ion implantation operation is performed multiple times using different implantation angles to introduce ions into one side surface of each of the fin structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Tsan-Chun WANG, Chun-Feng NIEH, Chiao-Ting TAI
  • Publication number: 20200135469
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes performing a first implantation process on a semiconductor substrate to form a deep p-well region, performing a second implantation process on the semiconductor substrate with a diffusion-retarding element to form a co-implantation region, and performing a third implantation process on the semiconductor substrate to form a shallow p-well region over the deep p-well region. The co-implantation region is spaced apart from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate by a portion of the shallow p-well region, and the dee p-well region and the shallow p-well region are joined with each other. An n-type Fin Field-Effect Transistor (FinFET) is formed, with the deep p-well region and the shallow p-well region acting as a well region of the n-type FinFET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Sih-Jie Liu, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20200135736
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a fin structure and an isolation layer formed on the substrate and adjacent to the fin structure. The semiconductor device includes a gate structure formed on at least a portion of the fin structure and the isolation layer. The semiconductor device includes an epitaxial layer including a strained material that provides stress to a channel region of the fin structure. The epitaxial layer has a first region and a second region, in which the first region has a first doping concentration of a first doping agent and the second region has a second doping concentration of a second doping agent. The first doping concentration is greater than the second doping concentration. The epitaxial layer is doped by ion implantation using phosphorous dimer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Yu-Chang LIN, Chun-Feng NIEH, Huicheng CHANG, Hou-Yu CHEN, Yong-Yan LU
  • Publication number: 20200058505
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to methods for forming a mask for patterning a feature in semiconductor processing. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer. Forming the mask includes depositing a first layer over the dielectric layer; implanting in a first implant process a dopant species through a patterned material and into the first layer at a first energy; after implanting in the first implant process, implanting in a second implant process the dopant species through the patterned material and into the first layer at a second energy greater than the first energy; and forming mask portions of the mask comprising selectively removing portions of the first layer that are not implanted with the dopant species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Tien-Shun Chang, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20200051865
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a fin extending along a first direction on a semiconductor substrate and forming a sacrificial gate electrode structure extending along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction over the fin. The sacrificial gate electrode structure comprises a sacrificial gate dielectric layer and a sacrificial gate electrode layer disposed over the sacrificial gate dielectric layer. Opposing gate sidewall spacers are formed extending along the second direction, on opposing sides of the sacrificial gate electrode layer. The sacrificial gate electrode layer is removed to form a gate space. Fluorine is implanted into the gate sidewall spacers after removing the gate electrode layer by performing a first fluorine implantation. The sacrificial gate dielectric layer is removed and a high-k gate dielectric layer is formed in the gate space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Tsan-Chun WANG, Chun-Feng NIEH, Chiao-Ting TAI
  • Publication number: 20200051864
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a fin extending along a first direction on a semiconductor substrate and forming a sacrificial gate electrode structure extending along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction over the fin. The sacrificial gate electrode structure comprises a sacrificial gate dielectric layer and a sacrificial gate electrode layer disposed over the sacrificial gate dielectric layer. Opposing gate sidewall spacers are formed extending along the second direction, on opposing sides of the sacrificial gate electrode layer. The sacrificial gate electrode layer is removed to form a gate space. Fluorine is implanted into the gate sidewall spacers after removing the gate electrode layer by performing a first fluorine implantation. The sacrificial gate dielectric layer is removed and a high-k gate dielectric layer is formed in the gate space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Tsan-Chun WANG, Chun-Feng NIEH, Chiao-Ting TAI
  • Publication number: 20200020772
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor structure over a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes implanting carbon into the semiconductor structure. The method further includes implanting gallium into the semiconductor structure. In addition, the method includes heating the semiconductor structure after the implanting of carbon and gallium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsan-Chun WANG, Chiao-Ting TAI, Che-Fu CHIU, Chun-Feng NIEH
  • Patent number: 10529861
    Abstract: FinFET structures and methods of forming the same are disclosed. A device includes a semiconductor fin. A gate stack is on the semiconductor fin. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric on the semiconductor fin and a gate electrode on the gate dielectric. The gate electrode and the gate dielectric have top surfaces level with one another. A first inter-layer dielectric (ILD) is adjacent the gate stack over the semiconductor fin. The first ILD exerts a compressive strain on the gate stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chang Lin, Wei-Ting Chien, Chun-Feng Nieh, Wen-Li Chiu, Huicheng Chang, Chun-Sheng Liang
  • Patent number: 10515966
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a fin structure and an isolation layer formed on the substrate and adjacent to the fin structure. The semiconductor device includes a gate structure formed on at least a portion of the fin structure and the isolation layer. The semiconductor device includes an epitaxial layer including a strained material that provides stress to a channel region of the fin structure. The epitaxial layer has a first region and a second region, in which the first region has a first doping concentration of a first doping agent and the second region has a second doping concentration of a second doping agent. The first doping concentration is greater than the second doping concentration. The epitaxial layer is doped by ion implantation using phosphorous dimer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Chang Lin, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang, Hou-Yu Chen, Yong-Yan Lu
  • Patent number: 10510619
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes following operations. A plurality of fin structures and a plurality of trenches are formed over a semiconductor substrate, wherein the fin structures are spaced apart by the trenches, and the fin structures are covered by a mask layer. A dielectric layer is formed over the substrate, wherein the dielectric layer is in the plurality of trenches. The dielectric layer is annealed. A plurality of dopants in the dielectric layer are formed when the fin structures are covered by the mask layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Chang Lin, Shih-Hsiang Chiu, Tien-Shun Chang, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang
  • Patent number: 10460940
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to methods for forming a mask for patterning a feature in semiconductor processing. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer. Forming the mask includes depositing a first layer over the dielectric layer; implanting in a first implant process a dopant species through a patterned material and into the first layer at a first energy; after implanting in the first implant process, implanting in a second implant process the dopant species through the patterned material and into the first layer at a second energy greater than the first energy; and forming mask portions of the mask comprising selectively removing portions of the first layer that are not implanted with the dopant species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Shun Chang, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20190312143
    Abstract: An embodiment is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a fin on a substrate. A gate structure is formed over the fin. A recess is formed in the fin proximate the gate structure. A gradient doped region is formed in the fin with a p-type dopant. The gradient doped region extends from a bottom surface of the recess to a vertical depth below the recess in the fin. A source/drain region is formed in the recess and on the gradient doped regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyun-Hao LIN, Chun-Feng NIEH, Huicheng CHANG, Yu-Chang LIN
  • Publication number: 20190287802
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to methods for forming a mask for patterning a feature in semiconductor processing. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer. Forming the mask includes depositing a first layer over the dielectric layer; implanting in a first implant process a dopant species through a patterned material and into the first layer at a first energy; after implanting in the first implant process, implanting in a second implant process the dopant species through the patterned material and into the first layer at a second energy greater than the first energy; and forming mask portions of the mask comprising selectively removing portions of the first layer that are not implanted with the dopant species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Shun CHANG, Chun-Feng NIEH, Huicheng CHANG
  • Publication number: 20190252192
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure comprises heating a solid material to form a gaseous substance; ionizing the gaseous substance to produce a first type of ions; and implanting the first type of ions into a semiconductor substrate. The method can achieve better abruptness, better shallow junction depth, and better sheet resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: TSAN-CHUN WANG, CHIAO-TING TAI, CHE-FU CHIU, CHUN-FENG NIEH
  • Patent number: 10326003
    Abstract: A finFET device and methods of forming a finFET device are provided. The method includes forming a first gate spacer is formed over a dummy gate of a fin field effect transistor (finFET). The method also includes performing a carbon plasma doping of the first gate spacer. The method also includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions, where a source/drain region is disposed on opposite sides of the dummy gate. The method also includes removing dummy gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chen, Huicheng Chang, Liang-Yin Chen, Chun-Feng Nieh, Li-Ting Wang, Wan-Yi Kao, Chia-Ling Chan
  • Publication number: 20190157163
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes following operations. A plurality of fin structures and a plurality of trenches are formed over a semiconductor substrate, wherein the fin structures are spaced apart by the trenches, and the fin structures are covered by a mask layer. A dielectric layer is formed over the substrate, wherein the dielectric layer is in the plurality of trenches. The dielectric layer is annealed. A plurality of dopants in the dielectric layer are formed when the fin structures are covered by the mask layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: YU-CHANG LIN, SHIH-HSIANG CHIU, TIEN-SHUN CHANG, CHUN-FENG NIEH, HUICHENG CHANG
  • Publication number: 20190088498
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacture are provided. In some embodiments a divergent ion beam is utilized to implant ions into a capping layer, wherein the capping layer is located over a first metal layer, a dielectric layer, and an interfacial layer over a semiconductor fin. The ions are then driven from the capping layer into one or more of the first metal layer, the dielectric layer, and the interfacial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Tsan-Chun Wang, Chun-Feng Nieh
  • Publication number: 20190067458
    Abstract: A finFET device and methods of forming a finFET device are provided. The method includes depositing a dummy gate over and along sidewalls of a fin extending upwards from a semiconductor substrate, forming a first gate spacer along a sidewall of the dummy gate, and plasma-doping the first gate spacer with carbon to form a carbon-doped gate spacer. The method further includes forming a source/drain region adjacent a channel region of the fin and diffusing carbon from the carbon-doped gate spacer into a first region of the fin to provide a first carbon-doped region. The first carbon-doped region is disposed between at least a portion of the source/drain region and the channel region of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Yu-Chang Lin, Chun-Feng Nieh, Huicheng Chang, Wei-Ting Chien, Chih-Pin Tsao, Hou-Ju Li, Tien-Shun Chang