Patents by Inventor Yeur-Luen Tu

Yeur-Luen Tu 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: 11955496
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image sensor having a photodiode surrounded by a back-side deep trench isolation (BDTI) structure, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, a plurality of pixel regions is disposed within an image sensing die and respectively comprises a photodiode configured to convert radiation into an electrical signal. The photodiode comprises a photodiode doping column with a first doping type surrounded by a photodiode doping layer with a second doping type that is different than the first doping type. A BDTI structure is disposed between adjacent pixel regions and extending from the back-side of the image sensor die to a position within the photodiode doping layer. The BDTI structure comprises a doped liner with the second doping type and a dielectric fill layer. The doped liner lines a sidewall surface of the dielectric fill layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Kuo-Hwa Tzeng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11929379
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a method for forming an integrated chip, the method includes forming a through substrate via (TSV) in a first substrate. The TSV continuously extends from a first surface of the first substrate to a second surface of the first substrate. A conductive contact is formed on the second surface of the first substrate. The conductive contact comprises a first conductive layer disposed on the TSV. An upper conductive layer is formed between the conductive contact and the TSV. The upper conductive layer comprises a silicide of a conductive material of the first conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Ying Tsai, Cheng-Ta Wu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11916091
    Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) image sensor and a method of forming the same are provided. A device includes a substrate and a plurality of photosensitive regions in the substrate. The substrate has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The device further includes an interconnect structure on the first side of the substrate, and a plurality of recesses on the second side of the substrate. The plurality of recesses extend into a semiconductor material of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Wen Hsu, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu, U-Ting Chen, Shu-Ting Tsai, Hsiu-Yu Cheng
  • Patent number: 11894408
    Abstract: A device includes two BSI image sensor elements and a third element. The third element is bonded in between the two BSI image sensor elements using element level stacking methods. Each of the BSI image sensor elements includes a substrate and a metal stack disposed over a first side of the substrate. The substrate of the BSI image sensor element includes a photodiode region for accumulating an image charge in response to radiation incident upon a second side of the substrate. The third element also includes a substrate and a metal stack disposed over a first side of the substrate. The metal stacks of the two BSI image sensor elements and the third element are electrically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ping-Yin Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen, Pin-Nan Tseng
  • Patent number: 11855159
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a method for forming a thin semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate without implantation radiation and/or plasma damage. In some embodiments, a device layer is epitaxially formed on a sacrificial substrate and an insulator layer is formed on the device layer. The insulator layer may, for example, be formed with a net charge that is negative or neutral. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates. The sacrificial substrate is removed, and the device layer is cyclically thinned until the device layer has a target thickness. Each thinning cycle comprises oxidizing a portion of the device layer and removing oxide resulting from the oxidizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuo-Hwa Tzeng, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11855109
    Abstract: A system and method for forming pixels in an image sensor is provided. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an image sensor including a first pixel region and a second pixel region in a substrate, the first pixel region being adjacent to the second pixel region. A first anti-reflection coating is over the first pixel region, the first anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a first wavelength range of incident light. A second anti-reflection coating is over the second pixel region, the second anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a second wavelength range of incident light that is different from the first wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD
    Inventors: Yen-Chang Chu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230387170
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image sensor having a photodiode surrounded by a back-side deep trench isolation (BDTI) structure, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, a plurality of pixel regions is disposed within an image sensing die and respectively comprises a photodiode configured to convert radiation into an electrical signal. The photodiode comprises a photodiode doping column with a first doping type surrounded by a photodiode doping layer with a second doping type that is different than the first doping type. A BDTI structure is disposed between adjacent pixel regions and extending from the back-side of the image sensor die to a position within the photodiode doping layer. The BDTI structure comprises a doped liner with the second doping type and a dielectric fill layer. The doped liner lines a sidewall surface of the dielectric fill layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Kuo-Hwa Tzeng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11830764
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20230377948
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20230299105
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an image sensor integrated chip. The image sensor integrated chip includes a substrate having a pixel region arranged between one or more trenches formed by sidewalls of the substrate. One or more dielectric materials are arranged along the sidewalls of the substrate forming the one or more trenches. A conductive material is disposed within the one or more trenches. The conductive material is electrically coupled to an interconnect disposed within a dielectric arranged on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Keng-Yu Chou, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20230275097
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer comprises a handle wafer. A first oxide layer is disposed over the handle wafer. A device layer is disposed over the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer is disposed between the first oxide layer and the device layer, wherein the first oxide layer has a first etch rate for an etch process and the second oxide layer has a second etch rate for the etch process, and wherein the second etch rate is greater than the first etch rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11705470
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a photodetector arranged within a substrate. The substrate has surfaces defining one or more protrusions arranged along a first side of the substrate over the photodetector. One or more isolation structures are arranged within one or more trenches defined by sidewalls of the substrate arranged on opposing sides of the photodetector. The one or more trenches extend from the first side of the substrate to within the substrate. The one or more isolation structures respectively include a reflective medium configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Keng-Yu Chou, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11676969
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer comprises a handle wafer. A first oxide layer is disposed over the handle wafer. A device layer is disposed over the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer is disposed between the first oxide layer and the device layer, wherein the first oxide layer has a first etch rate for an etch process and the second oxide layer has a second etch rate for the etch process, and wherein the second etch rate is greater than the first etch rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11610808
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer and method for manufacturing thereof are provided. The semiconductor wafer includes a handling substrate and a silicon layer over the handling substrate and having a {111} facet at an edge of a top surface of the silicon layer. The a defect count on the top surface of the silicon layer is less than about 15 each semiconductor wafer. The method includes the following operations: a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is provided, wherein the SOI substrate has a handling substrate, a silicon layer over the handling substrate, and a silicon germanium layer over the silicon layer; and the silicon germanium layer is etched at a first temperature with hydrochloric acid to expose a first surface of the silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Cheng, Cheng-Ta Wu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Ching-Pei Su, Tung-I Lin
  • Patent number: 11611005
    Abstract: A photo-sensitive device includes a uniform layer, a gradated buffer layer over the uniform layer, a silicon layer over the gradated buffer layer, a photo-sensitive light-sensing region in the uniform layer and the silicon layer, a device layer on the silicon layer, and a carrier wafer bonded to the device layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Cheng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Cheng-Ta Wu, Xiaomeng Chen, Yen-Chang Chu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11594597
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a semiconductor device, a polysilicon isolation structure, and a first and second insulator liner. The semiconductor device is disposed on a frontside of a substrate. The polysilicon isolation structure continuously surrounds the semiconductor device and extends from the frontside of the substrate towards a backside of the substrate. The first insulator liner and second insulator liner respectively surround a first outermost sidewall and a second outermost sidewall of the polysilicon isolation structure. The substrate includes a monocrystalline facet arranged between the first and second insulator liners. A top of the monocrystalline facet is above bottommost surfaces of the polysilicon isolation structure, the first insulator liner, and the second insulator liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Cheng, Cheng-Ta Wu, Po-Wei Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Yu-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 11545513
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes forming a plurality of trenches in a semiconductor substrate, where the trenches extend into the semiconductor substrate from a back-side of the semiconductor substrate. An epitaxial layer comprising a dopant is formed on lower surfaces of the trenches, sidewalls of the trenches, and the back-side of the semiconductor substrate, where the dopant has a first doping type. The dopant is driven into the semiconductor substrate to form a first doped region having the first doping type along the epitaxial layer, where the first doped region separates a second doped region having a second doping type opposite the first doping type from the sidewalls of the trenches and from the back-side of the semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer is formed over the back-side of the semiconductor substrate, where the dielectric layer fill the trenches to form back-side deep trench isolation structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Cheng, Shyh-Fann Ting, Yen-Ting Chiang, Yeur-Luen Tu, Min-Ying Tsai
  • Publication number: 20220359273
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11495489
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20220352308
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a semiconductor device, a polysilicon isolation structure, and a first and second insulator liner. The semiconductor device is disposed on a frontside of a substrate. The polysilicon isolation structure continuously surrounds the semiconductor device and extends from the frontside of the substrate towards a backside of the substrate. The first insulator liner and second insulator liner respectively surround a first outermost sidewall and a second outermost sidewall of the polysilicon isolation structure. The substrate includes a monocrystalline facet arranged between the first and second insulator liners. A top of the monocrystalline facet is above bottommost surfaces of the polysilicon isolation structure, the first insulator liner, and the second insulator liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Cheng, Cheng-Ta Wu, Po-Wei Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Yu-Chun Chang