Patents by Inventor Hsien-Chin Lin

Hsien-Chin Lin 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: 20190157159
    Abstract: A device that includes a substrate; semiconductor fins extending from the substrate; an isolation structure over the substrate and laterally between the semiconductor fins; a liner layer between sidewalls of the semiconductor fins and the isolation structure; and an etch stop layer between the substrate and the isolation structure and laterally between the semiconductor fins. The etch stop layer includes a material different than that of the isolation structure and the liner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Ming-Chang Wen, Chang-Yun Chang, Hsien-Chin Lin, Hung-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 10224245
    Abstract: A method includes forming first and second fins of a finFET extending above a semiconductor substrate, with a shallow trench isolation (STI) region in between, and a distance between a top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. First and second fin extensions are provided on top and side surfaces of the first and second fins above the top surface of the STI region. Material is removed from the STI region, to increase the distance between the top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. A conformal stressor dielectric material is deposited over the fins and STI region. The conformal dielectric stressor material is reflowed, to flow into a space between the first and second fins above a top surface of the STI region, to apply stress to a channel of the finFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Pin Lin, Chien-Tai Chan, Hsien-Chin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin
  • Patent number: 9659776
    Abstract: First and second fins are formed extending from a substrate. A first layer is formed over the first fin. The first layer comprises a first dopant. A portion of the first layer is removed from a tip portion of the first fin. A second layer is formed over the second fin. The second layer comprises a second dopant. One of the first and second dopants is a p-type dopant, and the other of the first and second dopants is an n-type dopant. A portion of the second layer is removed from a tip portion of the second fin. A solid phase diffusion process is performed to diffuse the first dopant into a non-tip portion of the first fin, and to diffuse the second dopant into a non-tip portion of the second fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Kai Chen, Tsung-Hung Lee, Han-Pin Chung, Shih-Syuan Huang, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chien-Tai Chan, Kuang-Yuan Hsu, Hsien-Chin Lin, Ka-Hing Fung
  • Publication number: 20160260610
    Abstract: First and second fins are formed extending from a substrate. A first layer is formed over the first fin. The first layer comprises a first dopant. A portion of the first layer is removed from a tip portion of the first fin. A second layer is formed over the second fin. The second layer comprises a second dopant. One of the first and second dopants is a p-type dopant, and the other of the first and second dopants is an n-type dopant. A portion of the second layer is removed from a tip portion of the second fin. A solid phase diffusion process is performed to diffuse the first dopant into a non-tip portion of the first fin, and to diffuse the second dopant into a non-tip portion of the second fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Hung-Kai Chen, Tsung-Hung Lee, Han-Pin Chung, Shih-Syuan Huang, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chien-Tai Chan, Kuang-Yuan Hsu, Hsien-Chin Lin, Ka-Hing Fung
  • Publication number: 20160204255
    Abstract: A method includes forming first and second fins of a finFET extending above a semiconductor substrate, with a shallow trench isolation (STI) region in between, and a distance between a top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. First and second fin extensions are provided on top and side surfaces of the first and second fins above the top surface of the STI region. Material is removed from the STI region, to increase the distance between the top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. A conformal stressor dielectric material is deposited over the fins and STI region. The conformal dielectric stressor material is reflowed, to flow into a space between the first and second fins above a top surface of the STI region, to apply stress to a channel of the finFET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Pin LIN, Chien-Tai CHAN, Hsien-Chin LIN, Shyue-Shyh LIN
  • Patent number: 9373704
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing multiple-gate semiconductor devices is disclosed. An embodiment comprises multiple fins, wherein intra-fin isolation regions extend into the substrate less than inter-fin isolation regions. Regions of the multiple fins not covered by the gate stack are removed and source/drain regions are formed from the substrate so as to avoid the formation of voids between the fins in the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Li-Wen Weng, Chien-Tai Chan, Da-Wen Lin, Hsien-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 9362404
    Abstract: First and second fins are formed extending from a substrate. A first layer is formed over the first fin. The first layer comprises a first dopant. A portion of the first layer is removed from a tip portion of the first fin. A second layer is formed over the second fin. The second layer comprises a second dopant. One of the first and second dopants is a p-type dopant, and the other of the first and second dopants is an n-type dopant. A portion of the second layer is removed from a tip portion of the second fin. A solid phase diffusion process is performed to diffuse the first dopant into a non-tip portion of the first fin, and to diffuse the second dopant into a non-tip portion of the second fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Kai Chen, Tsung-Hung Lee, Han-Pin Chung, Shih-Syuan Huang, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chien-Tai Chan, Kuang-Yuan Hsu, Hsien-Chin Lin, Ka-Hing Fung
  • Patent number: 9349657
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device including, providing a substrate having a first region and a second region. Forming a dielectric layer over the substrate in the first region and the second region. Forming a sacrificial gate layer over the dielectric layer. Patterning the sacrificial gate layer and the dielectric layer to form gate stacks in the first and second regions. Forming an ILD layer within the gate stacks in the first and second regions. Removing the sacrificial gate layer in the first and second regions. Forming a protector over the dielectric layer in the first region; and thereafter removing the dielectric layer in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung Wang, Hsien-Chin Lin, Yuan-Ching Peng, Chia-Pin Lin, Fan-Yi Hsu, Ya-Jou Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9312179
    Abstract: A method includes forming first and second fins of a finFET extending above a semiconductor substrate, with a shallow trench isolation (STI) region in between, and a distance between a top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. First and second fin extensions are provided on top and side surfaces of the first and second fins above the top surface of the STI region. Material is removed from the STI region, to increase the distance between the top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. A conformal stressor dielectric material is deposited over the fins and STI region. The conformal dielectric stressor material is reflowed, to flow into a space between the first and second fins above a top surface of the STI region, to apply stress to a channel of the finFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan-Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Pin Lin, Chien-Tai Chan, Hsien-Chin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin
  • Publication number: 20150243739
    Abstract: First and second fins are formed extending from a substrate. A first layer is formed over the first fin. The first layer comprises a first dopant. A portion of the first layer is removed from a tip portion of the first fin. A second layer is formed over the second fin. The second layer comprises a second dopant. One of the first and second dopants is a p-type dopant, and the other of the first and second dopants is an n-type dopant. A portion of the second layer is removed from a tip portion of the second fin. A solid phase diffusion process is performed to diffuse the first dopant into a non-tip portion of the first fin, and to diffuse the second dopant into a non-tip portion of the second fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Kai Chen, Tsung-Hung Lee, Han-Pin Chung, Shih-Syuan Huang, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chien-Tai Chan, Kuang-Yuan Hsu, Hsien-Chin Lin, Ka-Hing Fung
  • Patent number: 9070624
    Abstract: A described method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. A first gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate and a sacrificial gate structure formed adjacent the first gate structure. The sacrificial gate structure may be used to form a metal gate structure using a replacement gate methodology. A dielectric layer is formed overlying the first gate structure and the sacrificial gate structure. The dielectric layer has a first thickness above a top surface of the first gate structure and a second thickness, less than the first thickness, above a top surface of the sacrificial gate structure. (See, e.g., FIGS. 5, 15, 26). Thus, a subsequent planarization process of the dielectric layer may not contact the first gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Yu Lu, Tung-Heng Hsieh, Kuo-Feng Yu, Chin-Shan Hou, Hsien-Chin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin
  • Patent number: 8994116
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming first and second fins over first and second regions of a substrate, forming first and second gate structures over the first and second fins, the first and second gate structures including first and second poly gates, forming an inter-level dielectric (ILD) over the substrate, performing a chemical mechanical polishing on the ILD to expose the first and second poly gates, forming a mask to protect the first poly gate of the first gate structure, removing the second poly gate thereby forming a first trench, removing the mask, partially removing the first poly gate thereby forming a second trench, forming a work function metal layer partially filling the first and second trenches, forming a fill metal layer filling a remainder of the first and second trenches, and removing the metal layers outside the first and second trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tian-Choy Gan, Hsien-Chin Lin, Chia-Pin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin, Li-Shiun Chen, Shin Hsien Liao
  • Publication number: 20150079753
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing multiple-gate semiconductor devices is disclosed. An embodiment comprises multiple fins, wherein intra-fin isolation regions extend into the substrate less than inter-fin isolation regions. Regions of the multiple fins not covered by the gate stack are removed and source/drain regions are formed from the substrate so as to avoid the formation of voids between the fins in the source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Li-Wen Weng, Chien-Tai Chan, Da-Wen Lin, Hsien-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 8895383
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing multiple-gate semiconductor devices is disclosed. An embodiment comprises multiple fins, wherein intra-fin isolation regions extend into the substrate less than inter-fin isolation regions. Regions of the multiple fins not covered by the gate stack are removed and source/drain regions are formed from the substrate so as to avoid the formation of voids between the fins in the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Li-Wen Weng, Chien-Tai Chan, Da-Wen Lin, Hsien-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 8796095
    Abstract: Provided is a high-k metal gate structure formed over a semiconductor fin. A nitride layer is formed over the gate structure and the semiconductor fin, using two separate deposition operations, the first forming a very thin nitride film. Implantation operations may be carried out in between the two nitride film deposition operations. The first nitride film may be SiNx or SiCNx and the second nitride film is SiCNx. The nitride films may be combined to form low wet etch rate spacers enabling further processing operations to be carried out without damaging underlying structures and without requiring the formation of further dummy spacers. Further processing operations include epitaxial silicon/SiGe processing sequences and source/drain implanting operations carried out with the low etch rate spacers intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Pin Lin, Wen-Sheh Huang, Tian-Choy Gan, Chia-Lung Hung, Hsien-Chin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin
  • Publication number: 20140061817
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming first and second fins over first and second regions of a substrate, forming first and second gate structures over the first and second fins, the first and second gate structures including first and second poly gates, forming an inter-level dielectric (ILD) over the substrate, performing a chemical mechanical polishing on the ILD to expose the first and second poly gates, forming a mask to protect the first poly gate of the first gate structure, removing the second poly gate thereby forming a first trench, removing the mask, partially removing the first poly gate thereby forming a second trench, forming a work function metal layer partially filling the first and second trenches, forming a fill metal layer filling a remainder of the first and second trenches, and removing the metal layers outside the first and second trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tian-Choy Gan, Hsien-Chin Lin, Chia-Pin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin, Li-Shiun Chen, Shin Hsien Liao
  • Patent number: 8609495
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming first and second fins over first and second regions of a substrate, forming first and second gate structures over the first and second fins, the first and second gate structures including first and second poly gates, forming an inter-level dielectric (ILD) over the substrate, performing a chemical mechanical polishing on the ILD to expose the first and second poly gates, forming a mask to protect the first poly gate of the first gate structure, removing the second poly gate thereby forming a first trench, removing the mask, partially removing the first poly gate thereby forming a second trench, forming a work function metal layer partially filling the first and second trenches, forming a fill metal layer filling a remainder of the first and second trenches, and removing the metal layers outside the first and second trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tian-Choy Gan, Hsien-Chin Lin, Chia-Pin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin, Li-Shiun Chen, Shin Hsien Liao
  • Publication number: 20130157452
    Abstract: A described method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. A first gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate and a sacrificial gate structure formed adjacent the first gate structure. The sacrificial gate structure may be used to form a metal gate structure using a replacement gate methodology. A dielectric layer is formed overlying the first gate structure and the sacrificial gate structure. The dielectric layer has a first thickness above a top surface of the first gate structure and a second thickness, less than the first thickness, above a top surface of the sacrificial gate structure. (See, e.g., FIGS. 5, 15, 26). Thus, a subsequent planarization process of the dielectric layer may not contact the first gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. ("TSMC")
    Inventors: Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Yu Lu, Tung-Heng Hsieh, Kuo-Feng Yu, Chin-Shan Hou, Hsien-Chin Lin, Shyue-Shyh Lin
  • Patent number: 8426923
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing multiple-gate semiconductor devices is disclosed. An embodiment comprises multiple fins, wherein intra-fin isolation regions extend into the substrate less than inter-fin isolation regions. Regions of the multiple fins not covered by the gate stack are removed and source/drain regions are formed from the substrate so as to avoid the formation of voids between the fins in the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Li-Wen Weng, Chien-Tai Chan, Da-Wen Lin, Hsien-Chin Lin
  • Publication number: 20120322246
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device including, providing a substrate having a first region and a second region. Forming a dielectric layer over the substrate in the first region and the second region. Forming a sacrificial gate layer over the dielectric layer. Patterning the sacrificial gate layer and the dielectric layer to form gate stacks in the first and second regions. Forming an ILD layer within the gate stacks in the first and second regions. Removing the sacrificial gate layer in the first and second regions. Forming a protector over the dielectric layer in the first region; and thereafter removing the dielectric layer in the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung WANG, Hsien-Chin LIN, Yuan-Ching PENG, Chia-Pin LIN, Fan-Yi HSU, Ya-Jou HSIEH