Patents by Inventor Hsiao-Wen Lee

Hsiao-Wen Lee 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: 20230119370
    Abstract: A semiconductor device in a first area includes first non-planar semiconductor structures separated with a first distance, and a first isolation region including a first layer and a second layer that collectively embed a lower portion of each of the first non-planar semiconductor structures. At least one of the first layer or second layer of the first isolation region is in a cured state. The semiconductor device in a second area includes second non-planar semiconductor structures separated with a second distance, and a second isolation region including a first layer and a second layer that collectively embed a lower portion of each of the second non-planar semiconductor structures. At least one of the first or second layer of the second isolation region is in a cured state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Li-Jung Kuo, Chen-Ping Chen, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20230061497
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric fin over a substrate between a first semiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin. The first and second semiconductor fins, and the dielectric fin all extend along a first lateral direction. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure that extends along a second lateral direction and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions overlay the first and second semiconductor fins, respectively, and separate from each other with the dielectric fin. The method includes removing upper sidewall portions of the dielectric fin. The method includes replacing the first and second portions of the dummy gate structure with a first and second active gate structures, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao LIN, Chieh-Ning Feng, Hsiao Wen Lee, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20230069198
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of channel layers vertically spaced from one another. The semiconductor device includes a gate structure wrapping around each of the plurality of channel layers. The semiconductor device includes an epitaxial structure electrically coupled to the plurality of channel layers. The epitaxial structure contacts a sidewall, a portion of a top surface, and a portion of a bottom surface of each of the plurality of channel layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20230067425
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first plurality of channel layers. The first plurality of channel layers extend along a first direction. The semiconductor device includes a second plurality of channel layers. The second plurality of channel layers also extend along the first direction. The semiconductor de123329-vice includes a first dielectric fin structure that also extends along the first direction. The semiconductor device includes a first gate structure that extends along a second direction. The first gate structure comprises a first portion that wraps around each of the first plurality of channel layers and a second portion that wraps around each of the second plurality of channel layers. The first dielectric fin structure separates the first and second portions from each other. The first gate structure comprises a third portion that connects the first and second portions to each other and is vertically disposed below the first dielectric fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Chen-Yui Yang, Hsiao Wen Lee, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20230065476
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device includes forming a fin structure that extends along a first direction and comprises a plurality of sacrificial layers and a plurality of channel layers alternately stacked on top of one another. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure, over the fin structure, that extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method includes forming a gate spacer extending along respective upper sidewall portions of the dummy gate structure, thereby defining a first distance between a bottom surface of the gate spacer and a top surface of a topmost one of the plurality of channel layers. The first distance is either zero or similar to a second distance that separates neighboring ones of the plurality of channel layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20230063039
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device includes forming a first fin structure, a second fin structure, and a third fin structure over a substrate. The first through third fin structures all extend along a first lateral direction, and the second fin structure is disposed between the first and third fin structures. The method includes forming a mold by filling up trenches between neighboring ones of the first through third fin structures with a first dielectric material. The method includes cutting the second fin structure by removing an upper portion of the second fin structure. The method includes replacing the upper portion of the second fin structure with a second dielectric material to form a dielectric cut structure. The method includes recessing the mold to expose upper portions of the first fin structure and the third fin structure, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Cheng-Tien Chu, Chi-Wei Yang, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin, Jr-Jung Lin
  • Publication number: 20230068279
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an active gate structure extending along a first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes an inactive gate structure also extending along the first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes a first epitaxial structure disposed between the active gate structure and the inactive gate structure along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction. The active gate structure wraps around each of a plurality of channel layers that extend along the second direction, and the inactive gate structure straddles a semiconductor cladding layer that continuously extends along a first sidewall of the first epitaxial structure and across the plurality of channel layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20230060742
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first stack structure, a second stack structure, and a third stack structure. Each of the stack structure includes semiconductor layers vertically spaced from one another. The first, second, and third stack structures all extend along a first lateral direction. The second stack structure is disposed between the first and third stack structures. The semiconductor device includes a first gate structure that extends along a second lateral direction and wraps around each of the semiconductor layers. The semiconductor layers of the first stack structure are coupled with respective source/drain structures. The semiconductor layers of the second stack structure are coupled with respective source/drain structures. The semiconductor layers of the third stack structure are coupled with a dielectric passivation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chih-Han Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Hsiao Wen Lee
  • Publication number: 20230063087
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth fin structure. The second fin structure is separated from each of the first and third fin structures by a first distance, the fifth fin structure is separated from each of the fourth and sixth fin structures by the first distance, and the third fin structure is separated from the fourth fin structure by a second distance greater than the first distance. The method includes forming a first dummy gate structure overlaying the first through third fin structures, and a second dummy gate structure overlaying the fourth through sixth fin structures; forming a number of source/drain structures that are coupled to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth fin structures, respectively; and replacing the third fin structure with a first dielectric structure, and replacing the fourth fin structure with a second dielectric structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Chieh-Ning Feng, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20230069279
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor fin extending along a first direction. The semiconductor device includes a second semiconductor fin also extending along the first direction. The semiconductor device includes a dielectric fin disposed between the first and second semiconductor fins, wherein the dielectric fin also extends along the first direction. The semiconductor device includes a gate structure extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the gate structure comprising a first portion and a second portion. A top surface of the dielectric fin is vertically above respective top surfaces of the first and second semiconductor fins. The first portion and the second portion are electrically isolated by the dielectric fin. The first portion of the gate structure overlays an edge portion of the first semiconductor fin, and the second portion of the gate structure overlays a non-edge portion of the second semiconductor fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Patent number: 11563105
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a gate structure extending along a first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes a source/drain structure disposed on one side of the gate structure along a second lateral direction, the second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes an air gap disposed between the gate structure and the source/drain structure along the second lateral direction, wherein the air gap is disposed over the source/drain structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Yu-Shan Cheng, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20230016605
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A plurality of fins is formed over a substrate. Dummy gates are formed patterned over the fins, each dummy gate having a spacer on sidewalls of the patterned dummy gates. Recesses are formed in the fins using the patterned dummy gates as a mask. A passivation layer is formed over the fins and in the recesses in the fins. The passivation layer is patterned to leave a remaining passivation layer only in some of the recesses in the fins. Source and drain regions are epitaxially formed only in the recesses in the fins without the remaining passivation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chao-Cheng Chen, Chih-Han Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Ming-Ching Chang, Chia-Hao Yu, Hsiao Wen Lee
  • Patent number: 11552195
    Abstract: A semiconductor device in a first area includes first non-planar semiconductor structures separated with a first distance, and a first isolation region including a first layer and a second layer that collectively embed a lower portion of each of the first non-planar semiconductor structures. At least one of the first layer or second layer of the first isolation region is in a cured state. The semiconductor device in a second area includes second non-planar semiconductor structures separated with a second distance, and a second isolation region including a first layer and a second layer that collectively embed a lower portion of each of the second non-planar semiconductor structures. At least one of the first or second layer of the second isolation region is in a cured state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Li-Jung Kuo, Chen-Ping Chen, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20220393018
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is described. An isolation region is disposed on the substrate. A plurality of channels extend through the isolation region from the substrate. The channels including an active channel and an inactive channel. A dummy fin is disposed on the isolation region and between the active channel and the inactive channel. An active gate is disposed over the active channel and the inactive channel, and contacts the isolation region. A dielectric material extends through the active gate and contacts a top of the dummy fin. The inactive channel is a closest inactive channel to the dielectric material. A long axis of the active channel extends in a first direction. A long axis of the active gate extends in a second direction. The active channel extends in a third direction from the substrate. The dielectric material is closer to the inactive channel than to the active channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Shih-Yao LIN, Hsiao Wen Lee, Ya-Yi Tsai, Shu-Uei Jang, Chih-Han Lin, Shu-Yuan Ku
  • Patent number: 11522073
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming semiconductor fins on a substrate. A first dummy gate is formed over the semiconductor fins. A recess is formed in the first dummy gate, and the recess is disposed between the semiconductor fins. A dummy fin material is formed in the recess. A portion of the dummy fin material is removed to expose an upper surface of the first dummy gate and to form a dummy fin. A second dummy gate is formed on the exposed upper surface of the first dummy gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chih-Han Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Kuei-Yu Kao, Hsiao Wen Lee
  • Publication number: 20220384356
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaged device that includes a first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer, formed over the first dielectric layer, that includes a device substrate and a via extending from the first dielectric layer and through the second dielectric layer; and a third dielectric layer, formed over the second dielectric layer, that includes a conductive pillar extending through the third dielectric layer, wherein the conductive pillar is electrically coupled to the via of the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Han-Ping PU, Hsiao-Wen LEE
  • Publication number: 20220367672
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming semiconductor fins on a substrate. A first dummy gate is formed over the semiconductor fins. A recess is formed in the first dummy gate, and the recess is disposed between the semiconductor fins. A dummy fin material is formed in the recess. A portion of the dummy fin material is removed to expose an upper surface of the first dummy gate and to form a dummy fin. A second dummy gate is formed on the exposed upper surface of the first dummy gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao LIN, Chen-Ping Chen, Kuei-Yu Kao, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20220352031
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may be formed by forming a first fin and a second fin in a first area and a second area of a substrate, respectively; which may be followed by forming of a first dummy gate structure and a second dummy gate structure straddling the first fin and second fin, respectively and forming a sacrificial layer extending along a bottom portion of the second dummy gate structure. The first dummy gate structure may be replaced with a first metal gate structure, while the second dummy gate structure and the sacrificial layer may be replaced with a second metal gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20220336662
    Abstract: A semiconductor device in a first area includes first non-planar semiconductor structures separated with a first distance, and a first isolation region including a first layer and a second layer that collectively embed a lower portion of each of the first non-planar semiconductor structures. At least one of the first layer or second layer of the first isolation region is in a cured state. The semiconductor device in a second area includes second non-planar semiconductor structures separated with a second distance, and a second isolation region including a first layer and a second layer that collectively embed a lower portion of each of the second non-planar semiconductor structures. At least one of the first or second layer of the second isolation region is in a cured state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Li-Jung Kuo, Chen-Ping Chen, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20220336625
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a gate structure extending along a first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes a source/drain structure disposed on one side of the gate structure along a second lateral direction, the second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes an air gap disposed between the gate structure and the source/drain structure along the second lateral direction, wherein the air gap is disposed over the source/drain structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Yu-Shan Cheng, Chao-Cheng Chen