Patents by Inventor Ming-Han Lee

Ming-Han 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).

  • Patent number: 11652055
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a lower conductive wire within a first dielectric layer over a substrate. A second dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer. A conductive via is over the lower conductive wire and within the second dielectric layer. A conductive liner layer lines sidewalls of the via. A barrier layer lines sidewalls of the conductive liner layer and lines sidewalls of the second dielectric layer. The conductive liner layer is laterally separated from the second dielectric layer by the barrier layer. The conductive liner layer vertically extends between sidewalls of the barrier layer from a bottom surface of the conductive via to a top surface of the lower conductive wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Wei Li, Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 11640940
    Abstract: An interconnection structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The interconnection structure includes a first portion of a conductive layer, and the conductive layer includes one or more graphene layers. The first portion of the conductive layer includes a first interface portion and a second interface portion opposite the first interface portion, and each of the first and second interface portion includes a metal disposed between adjacent graphene layers. The structure further includes a second portion of the conductive layer disposed adjacent the first portion of the conductive layer, and the second portion of the conductive layer includes a third interface portion and a fourth interface portion opposite the third interface portion. Each of the third and fourth interface portion includes the metal disposed between adjacent graphene layers. The structure further includes a dielectric material disposed between the first and second portions of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Wei Li, Yu-Chen Chan, Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20230118565
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method that includes depositing a metal layer onto a substrate, subtractive patterning the metal layer into first metal lines, and forming at least one second metal line between two adjacent ones of the first metal lines using a damascene process. The first metal lines have a different metallization structure from the at least one second metal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Shih-Kang Fu, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 11605591
    Abstract: An interconnection structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The structure includes a dielectric material and a conductive feature extending through the dielectric material. The conductive feature includes a conductive material and has a first top surface. The structure further includes a dummy conductive feature disposed adjacent the conductive feature in the dielectric material, and the dummy conductive feature has a second top surface substantially co-planar with the first top surface. An air gap is formed in the dummy conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Wei Li, Guanyu Luo, Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee
  • Patent number: 11605558
    Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate, a dielectric layer over the substrate, and metallic features over the dielectric layer; and forming an organic blocking layer (OBL) over the dielectric layer and between lower portions of the metallic features. The OBL covers sidewall surfaces of the lower portions, but not upper portions, of the metallic features. The method further includes depositing a dielectric barrier layer over top surfaces of the metallic features and over the sidewall surfaces of the upper portions of the metallic features, wherein at least a portion of a top surface of the OBL is not covered by the dielectric barrier layer; forming an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer between the metallic features and above the OBL; and removing the OBL, leaving an air gap above the dielectric layer, below the dielectric barrier layer and the IMD layer, and laterally between the lower portions of the metallic features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Lung Chung, Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee
  • Publication number: 20230073811
    Abstract: Interconnect structures and method of forming the same are disclosed herein. An exemplary interconnect structure includes a first contact feature in a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second contact feature over the first contact feature, a barrier layer between the second dielectric layer and the second contact feature, and a liner between the barrier layer and the second contact feature. An interface between the first contact feature and the second contact feature includes the liner but is free of the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Hsin-Ping Chen, Yung-Hsu Wu, Chia-Tien Wu, Min Cao, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue, Shin-Yi Yang
  • Publication number: 20230066891
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a dielectric layer, and a graphene conductive structure. The dielectric layer is disposed on the substrate, and has an inner lateral surface that is perpendicular to the substrate. The graphene conductive structure is formed in the dielectric layer and has at least one graphene layer extending in a direction parallel to the inner lateral surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsu-Chun KUO, Shin-Yi YANG, Yu-Chen CHAN, Shu-Wei LI, Meng-Pei LU, Ming-Han LEE
  • Publication number: 20230062416
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a trench in a dielectric structure; forming a spacer layer on a lateral surface of the dielectric structure exposed by the trench; after forming the spacer layer, forming a first electrically conductive feature in the trench; removing at least portion of the dielectric structure to form a recess; forming an etch stop layer in the recess and over the first electrically conductive feature; and after forming the etch stop layer, depositing a dielectric layer in the recess and over the first electrically conductive feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chieh-Han WU, Hwei-Jay CHU, An-Dih YU, Tzu-Hui WEI, Cheng-Hsiung TSAI, Chung-Ju LEE, Shin-Yi YANG, Ming-Han LEE
  • Publication number: 20230064444
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor structure includes: providing a substrate with a contact feature thereon; forming a dielectric layer on the substrate; etching the dielectric layer to form an interconnect opening exposing the contact feature; forming a metal layer on the dielectric layer and outside of the contact feature; and forming a graphene conductive structure on the metal layer, the graphene conductive structure filling the interconnect opening, being electrically connected to the contact feature, and having at least one graphene layer that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ching-Fu YEH, Chin-Lung CHUNG, Shu-Wei LI, Yu-Chen CHAN, Shin-Yi YANG, Ming-Han LEE
  • Publication number: 20230062128
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and methods of forming the same are described. In some embodiments, the structure includes a first dielectric layer and one or more first conductive features disposed in the first dielectric layer. The one or more first conductive features includes a first metal. The structure further includes a plurality of graphene layers disposed on each of the one or more first conductive features, the plurality of graphene layers include a second metal intercalated therebetween, and the second metal is different from the first metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Shu-Wei LI, Yu-Chen CHAN, Shin-Yi YANG, Ming-Han LEE, Shau-Lin SHUE
  • Patent number: 11594483
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a via, a first dielectric layer, a first graphene layer, a metal line, and a second graphene layer. The via is over the semiconductor substrate. The first dielectric layer laterally surrounds the via. The first graphene layer extends along a top surface of the via. The metal line is over the via and is in contact with the first graphene layer. The second graphene layer peripherally encloses the metal line and the first graphene layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20230037554
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises at least one two-dimensional (2D) conductive structure; a dielectric layer disposed on the 2D conductive structure; and at least one interconnect structure disposed in the dielectric layer and extending into the 2D conductive structure, wherein the interconnect structure laterally connects to at least one edge of the 2D conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: SHU-WEI LI, YU-CHEN CHAN, MENG-PEI LU, SHIN-YI YANG, MING-HAN LEE
  • Publication number: 20230042548
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first source/drain structure, a second source/drain structure, a stack of channel structures, and a gate structure. The stack of channel structures and the gate structure are between the first and second source/drain structures. The gate structure surrounds the stack of channel structures. A first conductive wire overlies and is spaced from the semiconductor device. The first conductive wire includes a first stack of conductive layers. A first conductive contact extends through a dielectric layer from the first conductive wire to the first source/drain structure. The first conductive contact is on a back-side of the first source/drain structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 11551967
    Abstract: Vias and methods of making the same. The vias including a middle portion located in a via opening in an interconnect-level dielectric layer, a top portion including a top head that extends above the via opening and extends laterally beyond upper edges of the via opening and a bottom portion including a bottom head that extends below the via opening and extends laterally beyond lower edges of the via opening. The via may be formed from a refractory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Meng-Pei Lu, Ming-Han Lee, Shin-Yi Yang, Tz-Jun Kuo
  • Patent number: 11545389
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a dielectric layer over a substrate and a contact structure embedded in the dielectric layer. The contact structure includes a diffusion barrier contacting the dielectric layer, the diffusion barrier including a titanium (Ti)-containing alloy. The contact structure further includes a liner on the diffusion barrier, the liner including a noble metal. The contact structure further includes a conductive plug on the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Kang Fu, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20220415798
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a lower conductive wire within a first dielectric layer over a substrate. A second dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer. A conductive via is over the lower conductive wire and within the second dielectric layer. A conductive liner layer lines sidewalls of the via. A barrier layer lines sidewalls of the conductive liner layer and lines sidewalls of the second dielectric layer. The conductive liner layer is laterally separated from the second dielectric layer by the barrier layer. The conductive liner layer vertically extends between sidewalls of the barrier layer from a bottom surface of the conductive via to a top surface of the lower conductive wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Shu-Wei Li, Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 11532549
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer arranged over a substrate. A first interconnect conductive structure extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer. A first capping layer is arranged over the first interconnect conductive structure, and a second capping layer is arranged over the first capping layer. The first capping layer includes a first two-dimensional material that is different than a second two-dimensional material of the second capping layer. An etch stop layer is arranged over the first interconnect dielectric layer and the second capping layer. The integrated chip further includes a second interconnect dielectric layer arranged over the etch stop layer and a second interconnect conductive structure extending through the second interconnect dielectric layer and the etch stop layer to contact the first interconnect conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Wei Li, Yu-Chen Chan, Shin-Yi Yang, Ming-Han Lee
  • Patent number: 11532547
    Abstract: Interconnect structures and methods of forming the same are provided. An interconnect structure according to the present disclosure includes a first conductive feature in a first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature aligned with and over the first conductive feature, a first insulation layer over the first dielectric layer and the second conductive feature, a second dielectric layer over the first insulating layer, and a contact via through the first insulation layer and the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiung Tsai, Ming-Han Lee, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20220384336
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a dielectric layer, a via, a first graphene layer, and a metal line. The dielectric layer is over the semiconductor substrate. The via extends through the dielectric layer. The first graphene layer extends along a top surface of the via. The metal line spans the first graphene layer. The metal line has a line width decreasing as a distance from the first graphene layer increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin-Yi YANG, Ming-Han LEE, Shau-Lin SHUE
  • Publication number: 20220375791
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first underlying metal line and a second underlying metal line in a first dielectric layer over a substrate. The semiconductor device includes a first metal feature and a second metal feature in a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. The first metal feature is over and connected to the first underlying metal line, and the second metal feature is over and connected to the second underlying metal line. The first metal feature has a first dimension, the second metal feature has a second dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension. The first metal feature includes a first metal having a first mean free path, the second metal feature includes a second metal having a second mean free path, and the second mean free path is greater than the first mean free path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Guanyu LUO, Shin-Yi YANG, Ming-Han LEE, Shau-Lin SHUE