Patents by Inventor Ying Keung Leung

Ying Keung Leung 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).

  • Publication number: 20220328644
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second source/drain (S/D) regions, a channel between the first and second S/D regions, a gate engaging the channel, and a contact feature connecting to the first S/D region. The contact feature includes first and second contact layers. The first contact layer has a conformal cross-sectional profile and is in contact with the first S/D region on at least two sides thereof. In embodiments, the first contact layer is in direct contact with three or four sides of the first S/D region so as to increase the contact area. The first contact layer includes one of a semiconductor-metal alloy, an III-V semiconductor, and germanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Carlos H. Diaz, Chung-Cheng Wu, Chia-Hao Chang, Chih-Hao Wang, Jean-Pierre Colinge, Chun-Hsiung Lin, Wai-Yi Lien, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20220319929
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a substantially undoped channel region includes forming a plurality of fins extending from a substrate. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of fins includes a portion of a substrate, a portion of a first epitaxial layer on the portion of the substrate, and a portion of a second epitaxial layer on the portion of the first epitaxial layer. The portion of the first epitaxial layer of each of the plurality of fins is oxidized, and a liner layer is formed over each of the plurality of fins. Recessed isolation regions are then formed adjacent to the liner layer. The liner layer may then be etched to expose a residual material portion (e.g., Ge residue) adjacent to a bottom surface of the portion of the second epitaxial layer of each of the plurality of fins, and the residual material portion is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Ching-Wei TSAI, Ying-Keung LEUNG
  • Publication number: 20220310826
    Abstract: Devices and structures that include a gate spacer having a gap or void are described along with methods of forming such devices and structures. In accordance with some embodiments, a structure includes a substrate, a gate stack over the substrate, a contact over the substrate, and a spacer disposed laterally between the gate stack and the contact. The spacer includes a first dielectric sidewall portion and a second dielectric sidewall portion. A void is disposed between the first dielectric sidewall portion and the second dielectric sidewall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20220310452
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises first semiconductor stack over a substrate, wherein the first semiconductor stack includes first semiconductor layers separated from each other and stacked up along a direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate; second semiconductor stack over the substrate, wherein the second semiconductor stack includes second semiconductor layers separated from each other and stacked up along the direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate; inner spacers between edge portions of the first semiconductor layers and between edge portions of the second semiconductor layers; and a bulk source/drain (S/D) feature between the first semiconductor stack and the second semiconductor stack, wherein the bulk S/D feature is separated from the substrate by a first air gap, and the bulk S/D feature is separated from the inner spacers by second air gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Xusheng Wu, Ying-Keung Leung, Huiling Shang
  • Publication number: 20220302277
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second source/drain (S/D) regions, a channel between the first and second S/D regions, a gate engaging the channel, and a contact feature connecting to the first S/D region. The contact feature includes first and second contact layers. The first contact layer has a conformal cross-sectional profile and is in contact with the first S/D region on at least two sides thereof. In embodiments, the first contact layer is in direct contact with three or four sides of the first S/D region so as to increase the contact area. The first contact layer includes one of a semiconductor-metal alloy, an III-V semiconductor, and germanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Carlos H. Diaz, Chung-Cheng Wu, Chia-Hao Chang, Chih-Hao Wang, Jean-Pierre Colinge, Chun-Hsiung Lin, Wai-Yi Lien, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11437513
    Abstract: A multi-gate semiconductor device is formed that provides a first fin element extending from a substrate. A gate structure extends over a channel region of the first fin element. The channel region of the first fin element includes a plurality of channel semiconductor layers each surrounded by a portion of the gate structure. A source/drain region of the first fin element is adjacent the gate structure. The source/drain region includes a first semiconductor layer, a dielectric layer over the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer over the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Ching-Wei Tsai, Carlos H. Diaz, Chih-Hao Wang, Wai-Yi Lien, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11437479
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate stack on a middle portion of s semiconductor fin, and forming a first gate spacer on a sidewall of the gate stack. After the first gate spacer is formed, a template dielectric region is formed to cover the semiconductor fin. The method further includes recessing the template dielectric region. After the recessing, a second gate spacer is formed on the sidewall of the gate stack. The end portion of the semiconductor fin is etched to form a recess in the template dielectric region. A source/drain region is epitaxially grown in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20220271165
    Abstract: A device includes a first semiconductor strip, a first gate dielectric encircling the first semiconductor strip, a second semiconductor strip overlapping the first semiconductor strip, and a second gate dielectric encircling the second semiconductor strip. The first gate dielectric contacts the first gate dielectric. A gate electrode has a portion over the second semiconductor strip, and additional portions on opposite sides of the first and the second semiconductor strips and the first and the second gate dielectrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11410887
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, which includes forming a first fin structure and a second fin structure over a substrate, which has a first trench positioned between the first and second fin structures. The method also includes forming a first dielectric layer within the first trench, recessing the first dielectric layer to expose a portion of the first fin structure, forming a first capping layer over the exposed portion of the first fin structure and the recessed first dielectric layer in the first trench, forming a second dielectric layer over the first capping layer in the first trench while the first capping layer covers the exposed portion of the first fin feature and removing the first capping layer from the first fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20220238661
    Abstract: A method including providing a device including a gate structure and a source/drain feature adjacent to the gate structure. An insulating layer (e.g., CESL, ILD) is formed over the source/drain feature. A trench is etched in the insulating layer to expose a surface of the source/drain feature. A semiconductor material is then formed in the etched trench on the surface of the source/drain feature. The semiconductor material is converted to a silicide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Xusheng WU, Chang-Miao LIU, Ying-Keung LEUNG, Huiling SHANG, Youbo LIN
  • Patent number: 11393926
    Abstract: A multi-gate semiconductor device having a fin element, a gate structure over the fin element, an epitaxial source/drain feature adjacent the fin element; a dielectric spacer interposing the gate structure and the epitaxial source/drain feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huan-Sheng Wei, Hung-Li Chiang, Chia-Wen Liu, Yi-Ming Sheu, Zhiqiang Wu, Chung-Cheng Wu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20220208983
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second source/drain (S/D) regions, a channel between the first and second S/D regions, a gate engaging the channel, and a contact feature connecting to the first S/D region. The contact feature includes first and second contact layers. The first contact layer has a conformal cross-sectional profile and is in contact with the first S/D region on at least two sides thereof. In embodiments, the first contact layer is in direct contact with three or four sides of the first S/D region so as to increase the contact area. The first contact layer includes one of a semiconductor-metal alloy, an III-V semiconductor, and germanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Carlos H. Diaz, Chung-Wei Wu, Chia-Hao Chang, Chih-Hao Wang, Jean-Pierre Colinge, Chun-Hsiung Lin, Wai-Yi Lien, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11367659
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a substantially undoped channel region includes forming a plurality of fins extending from a substrate. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of fins includes a portion of a substrate, a portion of a first epitaxial layer on the portion of the substrate, and a portion of a second epitaxial layer on the portion of the first epitaxial layer. The portion of the first epitaxial layer of each of the plurality of fins is oxidized, and a liner layer is formed over each of the plurality of fins. Recessed isolation regions are then formed adjacent to the liner layer. The liner layer may then be etched to expose a residual material portion (e.g., Ge residue) adjacent to a bottom surface of the portion of the second epitaxial layer of each of the plurality of fins, and the residual material portion is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Ching-Wei Tsai, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11355611
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a source/drain feature disposed over a substrate. The source/drain feature includes a first nanowire, a second nanowire disposed over the first nanowire, a cladding layer disposed over the first nanowire and the second nanowire and a spacer layer extending from the first nanowire to the second nanowire. The device also includes a conductive feature disposed directly on the source/drain feature such that the conductive feature physically contacts the cladding layer and the spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Ching-Fang Huang, Wen-Hsing Hsieh, Ying-Keung Leung, Chih-Hao Wang, Carlos H. Diaz
  • Publication number: 20220157953
    Abstract: Embodiments include a first set of fins having an emitter of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) disposed over the first set of fins, a second set of fins having a base of the BJT disposed over the second set of fins, and a third set of fins having a collector of the BJT disposed over the third set of fins. A first gate structure is disposed over the first set of fins adjacent to the emitter. A second gate structure is disposed over the second set of fins adjacent to the base. A third gate structure is disposed over the third set of fins adjacent to the collector. The first gate structure, second gate structure, and third gate structure are physically and electrically separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Ming-Shuan Li, Zi-Ang Su, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11335809
    Abstract: A device includes a first semiconductor strip, a first gate dielectric encircling the first semiconductor strip, a second semiconductor strip overlapping the first semiconductor strip, and a second gate dielectric encircling the second semiconductor strip. The first gate dielectric contacts the first gate dielectric. A gate electrode has a portion over the second semiconductor strip, and additional portions on opposite sides of the first and the second semiconductor strips and the first and the second gate dielectrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11302784
    Abstract: A method including providing a device including a gate structure and a source/drain feature adjacent to the gate structure. An insulating layer (e.g., CESL, ILD) is formed over the source/drain feature. A trench is etched in the insulating layer to expose a surface of the source/drain feature. A semiconductor material is then formed in the etched trench on the surface of the source/drain feature. The semiconductor material is converted to a silicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xusheng Wu, Chang-Miao Liu, Ying-Keung Leung, Huiling Shang, Youbo Lin
  • Patent number: 11276763
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second source/drain (S/D) regions, a channel between the first and second S/D regions, a gate engaging the channel, and a contact feature connecting to the first S/D region. The contact feature includes first and second contact layers. The first contact layer has a conformal cross-sectional profile and is in contact with the first S/D region on at least two sides thereof. In embodiments, the first contact layer is in direct contact with three or four sides of the first S/D region so as to increase the contact area. The first contact layer includes one of a semiconductor-metal alloy, an III-V semiconductor, and germanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Carlos H. Diaz, Chung-Cheng Wu, Chia-Hao Chang, Chih-Hao Wang, Jean-Pierre Colinge, Chun-Hsiung Lin, Wai-Yi Lien, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11239330
    Abstract: Embodiments include a first set of fins having an emitter of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) disposed over the first set of fins, a second set of fins having a base of the BJT disposed over the second set of fins, and a third set of fins having a collector of the BJT disposed over the third set of fins. A first gate structure is disposed over the first set of fins adjacent to the emitter. A second gate structure is disposed over the second set of fins adjacent to the base. A third gate structure is disposed over the third set of fins adjacent to the collector. The first gate structure, second gate structure, and third gate structure are physically and electrically separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Shuan Li, Zi-Ang Su, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11211498
    Abstract: A device includes isolation regions extending into a semiconductor substrate, with a substrate strip between opposite portions of the isolation regions having a first width. A source/drain region has a portion overlapping the substrate strip, wherein an upper portion of the source/drain region has a second width greater than the first width. The upper portion of the source/drain region has substantially vertical sidewalls. A source/drain silicide region has inner sidewalls contacting the vertical sidewalls of the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chi-Wen Liu, Chih-Hao Wang, Ying-Keung Leung