Patents by Inventor KUN-MU LI

KUN-MU LI 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: 9922975
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first semiconductor fin, a first epitaxy structure, and at least two first dielectric fin sidewall structures. The first epitaxy structure is disposed on the first semiconductor fin. The first dielectric fin sidewall structures are disposed on opposite sidewalls of the first epitaxy structure. The first dielectric fin sidewall structures have different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing Lee, Kun-Mu Li, Ming-Hua Yu, Tsz-Mei Kwok
  • Publication number: 20180069123
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and an opening extending into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening is adjacent to the gate stack. A first silicon germanium region is disposed in the opening, wherein the first silicon germanium region has a first germanium percentage. A second silicon germanium region is over the first silicon germanium region. The second silicon germanium region comprises a portion in the opening. The second silicon germanium region has a second germanium percentage greater than the first germanium percentage. A silicon cap substantially free from germanium is over the second silicon germanium region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Chii-Horng Li, Tsz-Mei Kwok
  • Publication number: 20180012997
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and a silicon germanium region extending into the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the gate stack. The silicon germanium region has a top surface, with a center portion of the top surface recessed from edge portions of the top surface to form a recess. The edge portions are on opposite sides of the center portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Chii-Horng Li, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20180006039
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor fin, a second semiconductor fin, an n-type epitaxy structure, a p-type epitaxy structure, and a plurality of dielectric fin sidewall structures. The first semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate. The second semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the first semiconductor fin. The n-type epitaxy structure is disposed on the first semiconductor fin. The p-type epitaxy structure is disposed on the second semiconductor fin and separated from the n-type epitaxy structure. The dielectric fin sidewall structures are disposed on opposite sides of at least one of the n-type epitaxy structure and the p-type epitaxy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing LEE, Tsz-Mei KWOK, Ming-Hua YU, Kun-Mu LI
  • Patent number: 9853155
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and an opening extending into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening is adjacent to the gate stack. A first silicon germanium region is disposed in the opening, wherein the first silicon germanium region has a first germanium percentage. A second silicon germanium region is over the first silicon germanium region. The second silicon germanium region comprises a portion in the opening. The second silicon germanium region has a second germanium percentage greater than the first germanium percentage. A silicon cap substantially free from germanium is over the second silicon germanium region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chii-Horng Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Tsz-Mei Kwok
  • Patent number: 9806171
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and an opening extending into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening is adjacent to the gate stack. A first silicon germanium region is in the opening, wherein the first silicon germanium region has a first germanium percentage. A second silicon germanium region is over the first silicon germanium region, wherein the second silicon germanium region has a second germanium percentage higher than the first germanium percentage. A third silicon germanium region is over the second silicon germanium region, wherein the third silicon germanium region has a third germanium percentage lower than the second germanium percentage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsz-Mei Kwok, Kun-Mu Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Chii-Horng Li, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20170271478
    Abstract: A transistor device includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain recess is arranged in the semiconductor substrate alongside the gate structure. A doped silicon-germanium (SiGe) region is disposed within the source/drain recess and has a doping type which is opposite to that of the channel. An un-doped SiGe region is also disposed within the source/drain recess. The un-doped SiGe region underlies the doped SiGe region and comprises different germanium concentrations at different locations within the source/drain recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Tsz-Mei Kwok, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li, Chii-Horng Li, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 9768178
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor fin, a second semiconductor fin, an n-type epitaxy structure, a p-type epitaxy structure, and a plurality of dielectric fin sidewall structures. The first semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate. The second semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the first semiconductor fin. The n-type epitaxy structure is disposed on the first semiconductor fin. The p-type epitaxy structure is disposed on the second semiconductor fin and separated from the n-type epitaxy structure. The dielectric fin sidewall structures are disposed on opposite sides of at least one of the n-type epitaxy structure and the p-type epitaxy structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing Lee, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Ming-Hua Yu, Kun-Mu Li
  • Patent number: 9768302
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method of fabricating the semiconductor structure are disclosed herein. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a strain-inducing layer and an epitaxy structure. The strain-inducing layer is disposed on the substrate, and the epitaxy structure is embedded in the strain-inducing layer and not in contact with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Chih-Chiang Chang, Kun-Mu Li
  • Publication number: 20170263771
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and an opening extending into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening is adjacent to the gate stack. A first silicon germanium region is disposed in the opening, wherein the first silicon germanium region has a first germanium percentage. A second silicon germanium region is over the first silicon germanium region. The second silicon germanium region comprises a portion in the opening. The second silicon germanium region has a second germanium percentage greater than the first germanium percentage. A silicon cap substantially free from germanium is over the second silicon germanium region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Chii-Horng Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Tsz-Mei Kwok
  • Patent number: 9755077
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and a silicon germanium region extending into the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the gate stack. The silicon germanium region has a top surface, with a center portion of the top surface recessed from edge portions of the top surface to form a recess. The edge portions are on opposite sides of the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Chii-Horng Li, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20170243975
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transistor device having a strained source/drain region. In some embodiments, the transistor device has a gate structure arranged over a semiconductor substrate. The transistor device also has a strained source/drain region arranged within the semiconductor substrate along a side of the gate structure. The strained source/drain region includes a first layer and a second layer over the first layer. The first layer has a strain inducing component with a first concentration profile that decreases as a distance from the second layer decreases, and the second layer has the strain inducing component with a second non-zero concentration profile that is discontinuous with the first concentration profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Chii-Horng Li
  • Patent number: 9698243
    Abstract: A transistor device includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain recess is arranged in the semiconductor substrate alongside the gate structure. A doped silicon-germanium (SiGe) region is disposed within the source/drain recess and has a doping type which is opposite to that of the channel. An un-doped SiGe region is also disposed within the source/drain recess. The un-doped SiGe region underlies the doped SiGe region and comprises different germanium concentrations at different locations within the source/drain recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsz-Mei Kwok, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li, Chii-Horng Li, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 9691898
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transistor device having a strained source/drain region comprising a strained inducing material having a discontinuous germanium concentration profile. In some embodiments, the transistor device has a gate structure disposed onto a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain region having a strain inducing material is disposed along a side of the gate structure within a source/drain recess in the semiconductor substrate. The strain inducing material has a discontinuous germanium concentration profile along a line extending from a bottom surface of the source/drain recess to a top surface of the source/drain recess. The discontinuous germanium concentration profile provides improved strain boosting and dislocation propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Chii-Horng Li
  • Publication number: 20170179287
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure include a semiconductor substrate, a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate, and a recess extending into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the recess is adjacent to the gate stack. A silicon germanium region is disposed in the recess, wherein the silicon germanium region has a first p-type impurity concentration. A silicon cap substantially free from germanium is overlying the silicon germanium region. The silicon cap has a second p-type impurity concentration greater than the first p-type impurity concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Chii-Horng Li
  • Publication number: 20170170319
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and a silicon germanium region extending into the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the gate stack. The silicon germanium region has a top surface, with a center portion of the top surface recessed from edge portions of the top surface to form a recess. The edge portions are on opposite sides of the center portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Chii-Horng Li, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 9666686
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and an opening extending into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening is adjacent to the gate stack. A first silicon germanium region is disposed in the opening, wherein the first silicon germanium region has a first germanium percentage. A second silicon germanium region is over the first silicon germanium region. The second silicon germanium region comprises a portion in the opening. The second silicon germanium region has a second germanium percentage greater than the first germanium percentage. A silicon cap substantially free from germanium is over the second silicon germanium region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chii-Horng Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Tsz-Mei Kwok
  • Publication number: 20170133386
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor fin, a second semiconductor fin, an n-type epitaxy structure, a p-type epitaxy structure, and a plurality of dielectric fin sidewall structures. The first semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate. The second semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the first semiconductor fin. The n-type epitaxy structure is disposed on the first semiconductor fin. The p-type epitaxy structure is disposed on the second semiconductor fin and separated from the n-type epitaxy structure. The dielectric fin sidewall structures are disposed on opposite sides of at least one of the n-type epitaxy structure and the p-type epitaxy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Yi-Jing LEE, Tsz-Mei KWOK, Ming-Hua YU, Kun-Mu LI
  • Publication number: 20170133286
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a device region and a test region. In the device region, first fin spacers cover sidewalls of a first fin structure and have a first height, and a first epitaxy structure is disposed in the first fin structure, which a portion of the first epitaxy structure is above the first fin spacers and having a first width. In the test region, second fin spacers cover sidewalls of the second fin structure and have a second height, and the second height is greater than the first height. A second epitaxy structure is disposed in the second fin structure, and a portion of the second epitaxy structure is above the second fin spacers and having a second width, which the second width is less than the first width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang SUNG, Chih-Chiang CHANG, Kun-Mu LI
  • Publication number: 20170098648
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first semiconductor fin, a first epitaxy structure, and at least two first dielectric fin sidewall structures. The first epitaxy structure is disposed on the first semiconductor fin. The first dielectric fin sidewall structures are disposed on opposite sidewalls of the first epitaxy structure. The first dielectric fin sidewall structures have different heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Yi-Jing LEE, Kun-Mu LI, Ming-Hua YU, Tsz-Mei KWOK