Patents Examined by Mounir S Amer
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Patent number: 12376371Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first dummy gate structure and a second dummy gate structure over a fin; forming a first dielectric layer around the first dummy gate structure and around the second dummy gate structure; removing the first dummy gate structure and the second dummy gate structure to form a first recess and a second recess in the first dielectric layer, respectively; forming a gate dielectric layer in the first recess and the second recess; forming a first work function layer over the gate dielectric layer in the first and the second recesses; removing the first work function layer from the first recess; converting a surface layer of the first work function layer in the second recess into an oxide; and forming a second work function layer in the first recess over the gate dielectric layer and in the second recess over the oxide.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2024Date of Patent: July 29, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shao-Jyun Wu, Sheng-Liang Pan
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Patent number: 12365987Abstract: A method includes forming a film on a substrate by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times, the cycle including non-simultaneously performing: (a) forming a first layer by supplying a precursor to the substrate; and (b) forming a second layer by supplying a reactant to the substrate and modifying the first layer. The (a) includes: (a-1) supplying the precursor to the substrate from a first supply part while supplying an inert gas at a first flow rate, and supplying an inert gas at a second flow rate from a second supply part; and (a-2) supplying the precursor to the substrate while supplying the inert gas at a third flow rate from the first supply part, or supplying the precursor from the first supply part while stopping the supply of the inert gas, and supplying the inert gas at a fourth flow rate from the second supply part.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: KOKUSAI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroaki Hiramatsu, Shinya Ebata
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Patent number: 12369374Abstract: A method and structure for providing a two-step defect reduction bake, followed by a high-temperature epitaxial layer growth. In various embodiments, a semiconductor wafer is loaded into a processing chamber. While the semiconductor wafer is loaded within the processing chamber, a first pre-epitaxial layer deposition baking process is performed at a first pressure and first temperature. In some cases, after the first pre-epitaxial layer deposition baking process, a second pre-epitaxial layer deposition baking process is then performed at a second pressure and second temperature. In some embodiments, the second pressure is different than the first pressure. By way of example, after the second pre-epitaxial layer deposition baking process and while at a growth temperature, a precursor gas may then be introduced into the processing chamber to deposit an epitaxial layer over the semiconductor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICODUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsuji Ueno, Ming-Hua Yu, Chan-Lon Yang
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Patent number: 12369331Abstract: An electronic device comprising a semiconductor memory is provided. The semiconductor memory includes a substrate including a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, the cell region including a first cell region and a second cell region, the first cell region being disposed closer to the peripheral circuit region than the second cell region; second lines disposed over the first lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction; memory cells positioned at intersections between the first lines and the second lines in the cell region; a first insulating layer positioned between the first lines, between the second line, or both, in the first cell region; and a second insulating layer positioned between the first lines and between the second lines in the second cell region. A dielectric constant of the first insulating layer is smaller than that of the second insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2021Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Hwang Yeon Kim
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Patent number: 12369332Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a first word line and a second word line adjacent to the first word line. The first word line and the second word line both extend along a first direction. A first memory cell is over the first word line and a second memory cell is over the second word line. A first bit line extends over the first memory cell, over the second memory cell, and along a second direction transverse to the first direction. A first dielectric layer is arranged between the first memory cell and the second memory cell. The first dielectric layer extends in a first closed loop to form and enclose a first void within the first dielectric layer. The first void laterally separates the first memory cell from the second memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2024Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yuan-Tai Tseng
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Patent number: 12369503Abstract: A dielectric isolation layer having a planar top surface is formed over a substrate. A first electrode and a second electrode are formed over the planar top surface. An insulating matrix layer is formed around the first electrode and the second electrode. A phase change material (PCM) line is formed over the insulating matrix layer. A first end portion of the PCM line contacts a top surface of the first electrode and a second end portion of the PCM line contacts a top surface of the second electrode. A dielectric encapsulation layer is formed on sidewalls of the PCM line and over the PCM line and over a top surface of the insulating matrix layer. A heater line is formed prior to, or after, formation of the PCM line. The heater line underlies the PCM line or overlies the PCM line. A PCM switch device may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company LimitedInventors: Tsung-Hsueh Yang, Chang-Chih Huang, Fu-Ting Sung, Kuo-Chyuan Tzeng
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Patent number: 12363967Abstract: A nanowire device having a plurality of internal spacers and a method for forming said internal spacers are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a nanowire stack disposed above a substrate, the nanowire stack having a plurality of vertically-stacked nanowires, a gate structure wrapped around each of the plurality of nanowires, defining a channel region of the device, the gate structure having gate sidewalls, a pair of source/drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region; and an internal spacer on a portion of the gate sidewall between two adjacent nanowires, internal to the nanowire stack. In an embodiment, the internal spacers are formed by depositing spacer material in dimples etched adjacent to the channel region. In an embodiment, the dimples are etched through the channel region. In another embodiment, the dimples are etched through the source/drain region.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2023Date of Patent: July 15, 2025Assignee: Sony Group CorporationInventors: Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani, Anand S. Murthy, Mark Armstrong, Rafael Rios, Abhijit Jayant Pethe, Willy Rachmady
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Patent number: 12364043Abstract: An image sensor device includes a substrate, photosensitive pixels, an interconnect structure, a dielectric layer, and a light blocking element. The photosensitive pixels are in the substrate. The interconnect structure is over a first side of the substrate. The dielectric layer is over a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate. The light blocking element has a first portion extending over a top surface of the dielectric layer and a second portion extending in the dielectric layer. The second portion of the light blocking element laterally surrounds the photosensitive pixels.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: July 15, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Feng-Chien Hsieh, Yun-Wei Cheng, Wei-Li Hu, Kuo-Cheng Lee, Ying-Hao Chen
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Patent number: 12364006Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a set of transistors including a set of active regions, a set of power rails, a first set of conductors and a first conductor. The set of active regions extends in a first direction, and is on a first level. The set of power rails extends in the first direction and is on a second level. The set of power rails has a first width. The first set of conductors extends in the first direction, is on the second level, and overlaps the set of active regions. The first set of conductors has a second width. The first conductor extends in the first direction, is on the second level and is between the first set of conductors. The first conductor has the first width, electrically couples a first transistor of the set of transistors to a second transistor of the set of transistors.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: July 15, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chih-Yu Lai, Chih-Liang Chen
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Patent number: 12356726Abstract: Semiconductor devices may include standard cells arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. Both the first and second directions may be parallel to an upper surface of the substrate. Each of the standard cells may include semiconductor elements. The semiconductor device may also include filler cells between two standard cells, and each of the filler cells may include a filler active region and a filler contact connected to the filler active region and may extend in the first direction. The semiconductor device may further include a lower wiring pattern electrically connected to at least one of the semiconductor elements and may extend into at least one of the filler cells in the second direction, and the filler contacts may include wiring filler contacts lower than the lower wiring pattern and connected to at least one of the lower wiring pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2023Date of Patent: July 8, 2025Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sungok Lee, Sangdo Park, Jun Seomun, Bonghyun Lee
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Patent number: 12356874Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a first electrode, a second electrode, an insulating layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including an opening having an inclined sidewall, a variable resistance layer formed in the opening, and a liner interposed between the variable resistance layer and the insulating layer and between the variable resistance layer and the first electrode. The variable resistance layer includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface facing the first electrode and having a first area, the second surface facing the second electrode and having a second area different from the first area. The variable resistance layer maintains an amorphous state during a program operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 8, 2025Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Jun Ku Ahn, Gwang Sun Jung, Jong Ho Lee, Uk Hwang
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Patent number: 12349493Abstract: A semiconductor device, a back-side deep trench isolation (BDTI) structure of a semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor device, comprising: a pixel region disposed within a substrate and comprising an image sensing element configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal; and one or more BDTI structures extending from a first-side of the substrate to positions within the substrate; wherein the one or more of BDTI structures comprise one or more ferroelectric materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Ming-Shiang Lin, Tzung-Yi Tsai, Wan-Lin Chiang, Hong-Ping Luo, Kuo-Yu Wu, Tse-Hua Lu
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Patent number: 12349495Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of wirings each having a damascene structure on a semiconductor layer, wherein the plurality of wirings includes a first wiring and a second wiring adjacent to each other, wherein the first wiring includes, along a direction in which the first wiring extends, a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein a width of the third portion is larger than each of a width of the first portion and a width of the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junya Tamaki, Takafumi Miki, Ryo Yoshida, Atsushi Kanome, Kosuke Asano, Takehiro Toyoda, Masaki Kurihara
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Patent number: 12342736Abstract: An electronic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a memory component configured to store a resistive state. The memory component includes a layered region arranged in direct contact with the first electrode and a bulk region arranged in direct contact with the second electrode. The layered region includes a plurality of first layers made of a first material and a plurality of second layers made of a second material alternatingly arranged with one another. The first material is a phase-change material and the second material is a non-phase-change material. The bulk region is a continuous mass made of a third material that is different than the first material and the second material, and the bulk region is in direct contact with at least two of the first layers and at least one of the second layers of the layered region.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 24, 2025Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Matthew Joseph BrightSky, Cheng-Wei Cheng, Guy M. Cohen, Robert L. Bruce, Asit Ray, Wanki Kim
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Patent number: 12341096Abstract: A system-in-package apparatus includes a semiconductive bridge that uses bare-die pillars to couple with a semiconductive device such as a processor die. The apparatus achieves a thin form factor.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 24, 2025Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Georg Seidemann, Thomas Wagner, Andreas Wolter, Bernd Waidhas
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Patent number: 12334338Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first film on a substrate. The method further includes performing a first process of forming a concave portion in the first film and forming a second film on a surface of the first film that is exposed in the concave portion by using a first gas containing a carbon element and a fluorine element. The method further includes performing a second process of exposing the second film to a second gas containing a hydrogen element or a fluid generated from the second gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2022Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventors: Takaya Ishino, Atsushi Takahashi, Kazunori Zaima
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Patent number: 12322665Abstract: An integrated circuit, IC, comprising one or more DC blocking modules connected to a respective input/output, IO, pin of the IC, each DC blocking module comprising: a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the respective IO pin and a second terminal connected to a node of the circuitry of the IC; and an electrostatic discharge, ESD, protection circuit connected in parallel to the capacitor, the ESD protection circuit comprising: a conduction path connected between the first terminal of the capacitor and the second terminal of the capacitor; and a control terminal configured to receive a control signal to switch the ESD protection circuit between: an operational mode in which the conduction path is in a non-conducting state and provides ESD protection to the capacitor; and a test mode in which the conduction path is in a conducting state and short circuits the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Denizhan Karaca, Gijs Jan de Raad, Marcus van der Vossen, Eric Thomas
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Patent number: 12324269Abstract: An apparatus and method for a detector are disclosed. The apparatus disclosed contains a non-absorbing layer shaped as one or more pyramids, one or more collector regions, an absorber layer disposed between the one or more collector regions and the non-absorbing layer, a first electrical contact, and a second electrical contact, wherein the absorber layer is configured to absorb photons of incident light and generate minority electrical carriers and majority electrical carriers, wherein the one or more collector regions are electrically connected with the absorber layer and with the first electrical contact for extracting the minority electrical carriers, and the absorber layer is electrically connected with the one or more collector regions and with the second electrical contact to extract the majority electrical carriers.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: HRL LABORATORIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Yap, Rajesh D. Rajavel, Sarabjit Mehta
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Patent number: 12324328Abstract: A display device includes: a through hole; a line region surrounding the through hole; a display region surrounding the line region; first to fourth layer lines which are located in the line region and at different layers; auxiliary layer lines which are located below the first layer lines or on the fourth layer lines; pixels located in the display region; first signal lines which are electrically connected to the pixels and are along a first direction; and second signal lines which are electrically connected to the pixels and are along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the auxiliary layer lines electrically connected to one of the second signal lines.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Chul Kim, Ji-Eun Kang, Han-Wook Hwang
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Patent number: 12322744Abstract: A light detection device includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate forms an APD and a temperature compensation diode so as to be spaced apart from each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a main surface. The semiconductor substrate includes a peripheral carrier absorbing portion surrounding the APD when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the first main surface and configured to absorb carriers located at the periphery. A part of the peripheral carrier absorbing portion is located between the APD and the temperature compensation diode when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the main surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventor: Hironori Sonobe