Patents by Inventor Ya-Lien Lee

Ya-Lien 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: 11961761
    Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for mitigating pattern collapse are provided herein. For example, a semiconductor structure for mitigating pattern collapse is formed. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure includes an extreme low-k (ELK) dielectric region associated with a via or a metal line. For example, a first metal line portion and a second metal line portion are associated with a first lateral location and a second lateral location, respectively. In some embodiments, the first portion is formed based on a first stage of patterning and the second portion is formed based on a second stage of patterning. In this manner, pattern collapse associated with the semiconductor structure is mitigated, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Ting, Ya-Lien Lee, Chung-Wen Wu, Jeng-Shiou Chen
  • Publication number: 20240093357
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by modifying an electromagnetic field within a deposition chamber. In embodiments in which the deposition process is a sputtering process, the electromagnetic field may be modified by adjusting a distance between a first coil and a mounting platform. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by applying or removing power from additional coils that are also present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Wang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Chien Chi, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11908697
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a conductive plug over a substrate; a conductive feature over the conductive plug, wherein the conductive feature has a first sidewall, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a bottom surface; and a carbon-containing barrier layer having a first portion along the first sidewall of the conductive feature, a second portion along the second sidewall of the conductive feature, and a third portion along the bottom surface of the conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rueijer Lin, Ya-Lien Lee, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20240006234
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen
  • Patent number: 11851749
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by modifying an electromagnetic field within a deposition chamber. In embodiments in which the deposition process is a sputtering process, the electromagnetic field may be modified by adjusting a distance between a first coil and a mounting platform. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by applying or removing power from additional coils that are also present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Wang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Chien Chi, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11837500
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen
  • Publication number: 20230369224
    Abstract: A structure includes a first conductive feature in a first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; and a second conductive feature extending through the second dielectric layer to physically contact the first conductive feature, wherein the second conductive feature includes a metal adhesion layer over and physically contacting the first conductive feature; a barrier layer extending along sidewalls of the second dielectric layer; and a conductive filling material extending over the metal adhesion layer and the barrier layer, wherein a portion of the conductive filling material extends between the barrier layer and the metal adhesion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Chih-Yi Chang, Ming-Hsiao Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Chan, Ya-Lien Lee, Chien Chung Huang, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11810857
    Abstract: A structure includes a first conductive feature in a first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; and a second conductive feature extending through the second dielectric layer to physically contact the first conductive feature, wherein the second conductive feature includes a metal adhesion layer over and physically contacting the first conductive feature; a barrier layer extending along sidewalls of the second dielectric layer; and a conductive filling material extending over the metal adhesion layer and the barrier layer, wherein a portion of the conductive filling material extends between the barrier layer and the metal adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Chih-Yi Chang, Ming-Hsiao Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Chan, Ya-Lien Lee, Chien Chung Huang, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20230335499
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a dielectric layer over a substrate. A conductive body is disposed within the dielectric layer. The conductive body has a bottom surface continuously extending between opposing sidewalls. A first liner layer is disposed between the conductive body and the dielectric layer. The first liner layer extends along the opposing sidewalls of the conductive body. The first liner layer is laterally offset from a central region of the bottom surface of the conductive body by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Publication number: 20230299002
    Abstract: Various back end of line (BEOL) layer formation techniques described herein enable reduced contact resistance, reduced surface roughness, and/or increased semiconductor device performance for BEOL layers such as interconnects and/or metallization layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Shu-Cheng CHIN, Chih-Chien CHI, Hsin-Ying PENG, Jau-Jiun HUANG, Ya-Lien LEE, Kuan-Chia CHEN, Chia-Pang KUO, Yao-Min LIU
  • Patent number: 11742291
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a method for forming a semiconductor structure. The method includes forming a lower conductive structure within a first dielectric layer over a substrate. An upper dielectric structure is formed over the lower conductive structure. The upper dielectric structure comprises sidewalls defining an opening over the lower conductive structure. A first liner layer is selectively deposited along the sidewalls of the upper dielectric structure. A conductive body is formed within the opening and over the lower conductive structure. The conductive body has a bottom surface directly overlying a middle region of the lower conductive structure. The first layer is laterally offset from the middle region of the lower conductive structure by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Patent number: 11676898
    Abstract: A method includes forming an insulating layer over a conductive feature; etching the insulating layer to expose a first surface of the conductive feature; covering the first surface of the conductive feature with a sacrificial material, wherein the sidewalls of the insulating layer are free of the sacrificial material; covering the sidewalls of the insulating layer with a barrier material, wherein the first surface of the conductive feature is free of the barrier material, wherein the barrier material includes tantalum nitride (TaN) doped with a transition metal; removing the sacrificial material; and covering the barrier material and the first surface of the conductive feature with a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Huan-Yu Shih, Wen-Hsuan Chen, Cheng-Lun Tsai, Ya-Lien Lee, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su, Yao-Min Liu
  • Publication number: 20230107176
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a conductive plug over a substrate; a conductive feature over the conductive plug, wherein the conductive feature has a first sidewall, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a bottom surface; and a carbon-containing barrier layer having a first portion along the first sidewall of the conductive feature, a second portion along the second sidewall of the conductive feature, and a third portion along the bottom surface of the conductive feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Rueijer Lin, Ya-Lien Lee, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11527476
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method of forming the same are provided. A method includes depositing a dielectric layer over a conductive feature. The dielectric layer is patterned to form an opening therein. The opening exposes a first portion of the conductive feature. A first barrier layer is deposited on a sidewall of the opening. The first portion of the conductive feature remains exposed at the end of depositing the first barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yao-Min Liu, Chia-Pang Kuo, Chien Chung Huang, Chih-Yi Chang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su, Ming-Hsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 11527411
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a conductive plug over a substrate; a conductive feature over the conductive plug, wherein the conductive feature has a first sidewall, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a bottom surface; and a carbon-containing barrier layer having a first portion along the first sidewall of the conductive feature, a second portion along the second sidewall of the conductive feature, and a third portion along the bottom surface of the conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rueijer Lin, Ya-Lien Lee, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20220367376
    Abstract: A method includes forming an insulating layer over a conductive feature; etching the insulating layer to expose a first surface of the conductive feature; covering the first surface of the conductive feature with a sacrificial material, wherein the sidewalls of the insulating layer are free of the sacrificial material; covering the sidewalls of the insulating layer with a barrier material, wherein the first surface of the conductive feature is free of the barrier material, wherein the barrier material includes tantalum nitride (TaN) doped with a transition metal; removing the sacrificial material; and covering the barrier material and the first surface of the conductive feature with a conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Huan-Yu Shih, Wen-Hsuan Chen, Cheng-Lun Tsai, Ya-Lien Lee, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su, Yao-Min Liu
  • Publication number: 20220328347
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen
  • Publication number: 20220310526
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a method for forming a semiconductor structure. The method includes forming a lower conductive structure within a first dielectric layer over a substrate. An upper dielectric structure is formed over the lower conductive structure. The upper dielectric structure comprises sidewalls defining an opening over the lower conductive structure. A first liner layer is selectively deposited along the sidewalls of the upper dielectric structure. A conductive body is formed within the opening and over the lower conductive structure. The conductive body has a bottom surface directly overlying a middle region of the lower conductive structure. The first layer is laterally offset from the middle region of the lower conductive structure by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Publication number: 20220290291
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by modifying an electromagnetic field within a deposition chamber. In embodiments in which the deposition process is a sputtering process, the electromagnetic field may be modified by adjusting a distance between a first coil and a mounting platform. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by applying or removing power from additional coils that are also present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Wang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Chien Chi, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11398406
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen