Patents by Inventor Shih-Wei Sun

Shih-Wei Sun 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: 6492732
    Abstract: An interconnect structure has a substrate having devices already formed thereon. A dielectric layer covers over the substrate. A conductive structure having at least two substructure separated by an air gap is formed on the dielectric layer. A capping layer covers the conductive structure and the air gap. The capping layer at a portion above the air gap also fills into the air gap by a predetermined distance. The air gap may also extend into the dielectric layer to have a greater height. An etching stop layer is formed on the capping layer. An inter-metal dielectric layer is formed on the etching stop layer. The inter-metal dielectric layer, the etching stop layer and the capping layer are patterned to form an opening that exposes a top surface of the conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ellis Lee, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6492256
    Abstract: An interconnect structure has a substrate having devices already formed thereon. A dielectric layer covers over the substrate. A conductive structure having at least two substructure separated by an air gap is formed on the dielectric layer. A capping layer covers the conductive structure and the air gap. The capping layer at a portion above the air gap also fills into the air gap by a predetermined distance. The air gap may also extend into the dielectric layer to have a greater height. An etching stop layer is formed on the capping layer. An inter-metal dielectric layer is formed on the etching stop layer. The inter-metal dielectric layer, the etching stop layer and the capping layer are patterned to form an opening that exposes a top surface of the conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ellis Lee, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20020163082
    Abstract: An interconnect structure has a substrate having devices already formed thereon. A dielectric layer covers over the substrate. A conductive structure having at least two substructure separated by an air gap is formed on the dielectric layer. A capping layer covers the conductive structure and the air gap. The capping layer at a portion above the air gap also fills into the air gap by a predetermined distance. The air gap may also extend into the dielectric layer to have a greater height. An etching stop layer is formed on the capping layer. An inter-metal dielectric layer is formed on the etching stop layer. The inter-metal dielectric layer, the etching stop layer and the capping layer are patterned to form an opening that exposes a top surface of the conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Ellis Lee, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20020130417
    Abstract: An improved dual damascene structure is provided for use in the wiring-line structures of multi-level interconnects in integrated circuit. In this dual damascane structures, low-K (low dielectric constant) dielectric materials are used to form both the dielectric layers and the etch-stop layer between the metal interconnects in the IC device. With this feature, the dual damascene structure can prevent high parasite capacitance to occur therein that would otherwise cause large RC delay to the signals being transmitted through the metal interconnects and thus degrade the performance of the IC device. With the dual damascence structure, such parasite capacitance can be reduced, thus assuring the performance of the IC device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Tri-Rung Yew, Yimin Huang, Water Lur, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6362101
    Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing a component includes providing an oxide layer and forming at least one via through the oxide layer. A tungsten layer is formed within the via and over the oxide layer. A first chemical mechanical polishing step is carried out on a polishing pad using a first slurry having an oxidizing component and having a pH of approximately 2 to approximately 4 to remove the tungsten layer from over the oxide layer. A second chemical mechanical polishing step is carried out on the polishing pad using a second slurry having a pH of approximately 2 to approximately 4 to polish scratches out of the oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Sheng Yang, Juan-Yuan Wu, Water Lur, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20020030033
    Abstract: A method for depositing dielectric material into gaps between wiring lines in the formation of a semiconductor device includes the formation of a cap layer and the formation of gaps into which high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDPCVD) dielectric material is deposited. First and second antireflective coatings may be formed on the wiring line layer, the first and second antireflective coatings being made from different materials. Both antireflective coatings and the wiring line layer are etched through to form wiring lines separated by gaps. The gaps between wiring lines may be filled using high density plasma chemical vapor deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Chih-Chien Liu, Ta-Shan Tseng, W.B. Shieh, J.Y. Wu, Water Lur, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6350672
    Abstract: A multilevel interconnect structure is formed which uses air as a dielectric between wiring lines and which is compatible with the presence of unlanded vias in the interconnect structure. A layer of carbon is deposited over an insulating surface and then a pattern for trenches is formed in the surface of the layer of carbon. Metal is deposited in the trenches and over the layer of carbon and then a chemical mechanical polishing process is used to define wiring lines. An ashing or etch back process is performed on the carbon layer to recess its surface below the surfaces of the wiring lines. An oxide capping layer is provided over the recessed surface of the carbon and the wiring lines, for example using HSQ and curing, and then the carbon layer is consumed through the capping layer using an oxidation process. Air replaces the sacrificial carbon layer during the consumption reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20010027014
    Abstract: A method fabricating an interconnect. A sacrificial layer is formed on a substrate. The sacrificial is patterned for form an opening, followed by filling the opening with a metal interconnect. The sacrificial layer is removed, and a barrier layer is formed to cover the metal interconnect and the substrate. The barrier layer is conformal to the surface profile of the substrate having a metal interconnect thereon. A dielectric layer is formed on the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: SHIH-WEI SUN
  • Publication number: 20010016412
    Abstract: An interconnect structure has a substrate having devices already formed thereon. A dielectric layer covers over the substrate. A conductive structure having at least two substructure separated by an air gap is formed on the dielectric layer. A capping layer covers the conductive structure and the air gap. The capping layer at a portion above the air gap also fills into the air gap by a predetermined distance. The air gap may also extend into the dielectric layer to have a greater height. An etching stop layer is formed on the capping layer. An inter-metal dielectric layer is formed on the etching stop layer. The inter-metal dielectric layer, the etching stop layer and the capping layer are patterned to form an opening that exposes a top surface of the conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Ellis Lee, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20010014533
    Abstract: A method fabricating salicide. A substrate having a conductive line is provided. An oxide layer is formed on the conductive line and the substrate. A spacer is formed on the oxide layer over a sidewall of the spacer. The oxide layer is etched to leave a recess surface between the spacer and the conductive line, so as to expose the substrate and a top surface of the conductive line. A metal layer is formed to cover the conductive line and extends on the recessed surface of the oxide layer. The metal layer is converted into a metal silicide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: SHIH-WEI SUN
  • Patent number: 6265780
    Abstract: An improved dual damascene structure is provided for use in the wiring-line structures of multi-level interconnects in integrated circuit. In this dual damascene structure, low-K (low dielectric constant) dielectric materials are used to form both the dielectric layers and the etch-stop layers between the metal interconnects in the IC device. With this feature, the dual damascene structure can prevent high parasite capacitance to occur therein that would otherwise cause large RC delay to the signals being transmitted through the metal interconnects and thus degrade the performance of the IC device. With the dual damascene structure, such parasite capacitance can be reduced, thus assuring the performance of the IC device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Tri-Rung Yew, Yimin Huang, Water Lur, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20010005625
    Abstract: A multilevel interconnect structure is formed which uses air as a dielectric between wiring lines and which is compatible with the presence of unlanded vias in the interconnect structure. A layer of carbon is deposited over an insulating surface and then a pattern for trenches is formed in the surface of the layer of carbon. Metal is deposited in the trenches and over the layer of carbon and then a chemical mechanical polishing process is used to define wiring lines. An ashing or etch back process is performed on the carbon layer to recess its surface below the surfaces of the wiring lines. An oxide capping layer is provided over the recessed surface of the carbon and the wiring lines, for example using HSQ and curing, and then the carbon layer is consumed through the capping layer using an oxidation process. Air replaces the sacrificial carbon layer during the consumption reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6245380
    Abstract: A method of forming bonding pad commences by forming a conformal barrier layer on a provided inter-metal dielectric layer. A first metal layer is formed on the barrier layer to partially fill the trench. A thin glue layer is formed on the first metal layer. A second metal layer is formed on the glue layer to fill the trench. The second metal layer, the glue layer, the first metal layer and the barrier layer are partially removed to expose the dielectric layer. A bonding pad structure is thus formed in the trench. The bonding pad structure comprises a first metal pad and a second metal pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Sun, Wen-Yi Hsieh, Water Lur, Kun-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 6242346
    Abstract: An integrated circuit including a dielectric layer over a substrate and a via formed through the dielectric layer exposing a conductive region in the substrate. A first conductive layer is formed over the dielectric layer and within the via. Etching through a portion of the first conductive layer is carried out to form first and second individual conducting regions separated from one another by a first exposed portion of the dielectric layer having a first width. A second conductive layer is formed over the first and second individual conducting regions, over the first exposed portion of the dielectric layer, and filling any unfilled via regions. Etching the second conducting layer is carried out to expose a portion of the dielectric layer for a second time and to V form first and second wiring lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6242296
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an embedded DRAM. A word line and a gate are formed in a memory region and a logic circuitry region on the substrate. An etching stop layer is formed over the substrate and a cell array of the memory region is fabricated within a dielectric layer. Using the etching stop layer as a stop point, the dielectric layer in the logic circuitry region is removed. The etching stop layer in the logic circuitry region is removed to expose the gate and the substrate. A high-energy threshold adjust implantation is performed through the gate to form a retrograde channel profile in the substrate. A source/drain region is formed in the substrate beside the gate in the logic circuitry region and a salicide is formed on the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Sun
  • Publication number: 20010002335
    Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing a component includes providing an oxide layer and forming at least one via through the oxide layer. A tungsten layer is formed within the via and over the oxide layer. A first chemical mechanical polishing step is carried out on a polishing pad using a first slurry having an oxidizing component and having a pH of approximately 2 to approximately 4 to remove the tungsten layer from over the oxide layer. A second chemical mechanical polishing step is carried out on the polishing pad using a second slurry having a pH of approximately 2 to approximately 4 to polish scratches out of the oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: MING-SHENG YANG, JUAN-YUAN WU, WATER LUR, SHIH-WEI SUN
  • Patent number: 6238972
    Abstract: The capacitor of a DRAM cell is formed by depositing a layer of doped polysilicon, patterning the layer of doped polysilicon to define the extent of the capacitor's lower electrode and then depositing a first layer of hemispherical-grained silicon (HSG-Si) on the layer of doped polysilicon. Growth of the first layer of HSG-Si is interrupted and then a second layer of HSG-Si is grown. In one aspect, growth of the first layer of HSG-Si may be interrupted by either cooling the deposition substrate or stopping deposition for a period of time and then reinitiating deposition to provide a second layer of HSG-Si on the surface of the electrode. The interruption of the growth of the first layer, whether by cooling or by delay, is sufficient if the reinitiated growth initiates in a manner that is independent of the first process; i.e., the second layer of HSG-Si grows independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tri-Rung Yew, Water Lur, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6214671
    Abstract: A method of forming a dual gate structure provides a substrate, in which a first well with a first conductive type and a second well with a second conductive type are formed. An isolation structure is formed between the first well and the second well. A gate oxide layer is formed on the substrate. A polysilicon layer is formed on the gate oxide layer. A part of the polysilicon layer positioned on the first well is doped to become a first type polysilicon layer. Another part of the polysilicon layer positioned on the second well is doped to become a second type polysilicon layer. An undoped polysilicon layer is formed on the doped polysilicon layer. A part of the undoped polysilicon and a part of the doped polysilicon layer are removed to form a first gate on the first well and a second gate on the second well. Spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the first gate and on the second gate. Source/drain regions are formed in the substrate beside the first gate and the second gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6203863
    Abstract: A method of gap filling by using HDPCVD. On a substrate having a conductive structure, a first oxide layer is formed to protect the conductive structure. While forming the first oxide layer no bias is applied. An argon flow with a high speed of etching/deposition is provided to form a second oxide layer. While forming the second oxide layer a triangular or trapezium profile is formed due to an etching effect to the corner. An argon flow with a low speed of etching/deposition is provided to form a third oxide layer. The gap filling is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Chien Liu, Juan-Yuan Wu, Water Lur, Shih-Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6200629
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a capacitor includes the steps of forming a dielectric layer over a substrate, and then forming at least one contact within the dielectric layer. Next, a first metal layer is formed on the dielectric layer and an electromigration layer is formed on the first metal layer. A patterned capacitor dielectric layer is formed on the electromigration layer in a capacitor area. A second metal layer is then formed over the substrate and defined; a portion of second metal serving as an upper electrode of the capacitor is therefore formed on the electromigration layer. A portion of the second metal layer on the contact serves as a portion of the via of the interconnects. The electromigration layer is self-alignedly patterned when patterning the second metal layer, and a portion of the electromigration layer serves as a lower electrode of the capacitor. The electromigration layer on the contact in the via area is used to prevent electromigration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Sun