Patents Examined by Sun Mi Kim King
  • Patent number: 10937863
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a plurality of suspended nanowires and a gate structure present on a channel region portion of the plurality of suspended nanowires. The gate structure has a uniform length extending from an upper surface of the gate structure to the base of the gate structure. The semiconductor device further includes a dielectric spacer having a uniform composition in direct contact with the gate structure. Source and drain regions are present on source and drain region portions of the plurality of suspended nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Pouya Hashemi, Ali Khakifirooz, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 10930792
    Abstract: To offer a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor having excellent characteristics and high reliability and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device without variation. The summary is to include an inverted-staggered (bottom-gate structure) thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn is used for a semiconductor layer and a buffer layer is provided between the semiconductor layer and source and drain electrode layers. An ohmic contact is formed by intentionally providing a buffer layer containing In, Ga, and Zn and having a higher carrier concentration than the semiconductor layer between the semiconductor layer and the source and drain electrode layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hidekazu Miyairi, Akiharu Miyanaga, Kengo Akimoto, Kojiro Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 10923614
    Abstract: A photodiode that multiplies a charge generated by photoelectric conversion in an avalanche region includes: a p? type semiconductor layer having interfaces; an n+ type semiconductor region located inside the p? type semiconductor layer and in contact with the interface; an n+ type semiconductor region located inside the p? type semiconductor layer and connected to the n+ type semiconductor region; and a p type semiconductor region located between the n+ type semiconductor region and the interface, wherein the n+ type semiconductor region, the n+ type semiconductor region, and the p type semiconductor region each have a higher impurity concentration than the p? type semiconductor layer, the avalanche region is a region between the n+ type semiconductor region and the p type semiconductor region inside the p? type semiconductor layer, and the n+ type semiconductor region has a smaller area than the n+ type semiconductor region in planar view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Sakata, Manabu Usuda, Mitsuyoshi Mori, Yutaka Hirose, Yoshihisa Kato
  • Patent number: 10910481
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body and an insulated gate contact on a surface of the semiconductor body over an active channel in the semiconductor device. The insulated gate contact includes a channel mobility enhancement layer on the surface of the semiconductor body, a diffusion barrier layer over the channel mobility enhancement layer, and a dielectric layer over the diffusion barrier layer. By using the channel mobility enhancement layer in the insulated gate contact, the mobility of the semiconductor device is improved. Further, by using the diffusion barrier layer, the integrity of the gate oxide is retained, resulting in a robust semiconductor device with a low on-state resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jenner Lichtenwalner, Lin Cheng, John Williams Palmour
  • Patent number: 10910214
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: providing a substrate that includes a surface exposing a first film containing silicon, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen and having an oxygen atom concentration higher than a silicon atom concentration, which is higher than a carbon atom concentration, which is equal to or higher than a nitrogen atom concentration; and changing a composition of a surface of the first film so that the nitrogen atom concentration becomes higher than the carbon atom concentration on the surface of the first film, by supplying a plasma-excited nitrogen-containing gas to the surface of the first film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: KOKUSAI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Hashimoto, Masanori Nakayama, Masaya Nagato, Tatsuru Matsuoka, Hiroki Tamashita, Takafumi Nitta, Satoshi Shimamoto
  • Patent number: 10908499
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to two-dimensional conformal optically-fed phased arrays and methods for manufacturing the same. The method includes providing a wafer substrate, depositing a first cladding layer on the wafer substrate, and depositing a core layer on the first cladding layer. The method further includes photolithographically patterning the core layer to provide a plurality of optical waveguide cores, and depositing a second cladding layer on the core layer to cover the plurality of optical waveguide cores to provide a plurality of optical waveguides. In addition, the method includes forming a plurality of antennas on the second cladding layer, each antenna of the plurality of antennas located near a termination of a corresponding optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides, and providing a plurality of photodiodes on the second cladding layer, each photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes connected to a corresponding antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Phase Sensitive Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Shouyuan Shi, Dennis Prather, Peng Yao, Janusz Murakowski
  • Patent number: 10886405
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first source/drain region, a second source/drain region, a channel doping region, a gate structure, a first well and a second well. The second source/drain region is disposed opposite to the first source/drain region. The channel doping region is disposed between the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region. The gate structure is disposed on the channel doping region. The first well has a first portion disposed under the first source/drain region. The second well is disposed opposite to the first well and separated from the second source/drain region. The first source/drain region, the second source/drain region and the channel doping region have a first conductive type. The first well and the second well have a second conductive type different from the first conductive type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chen, Yao-Wen Chang, Chu-Yung Liu, I-Chen Yang, Hsin-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 10870576
    Abstract: A semiconductor sensor, comprising a gas-sensing device and an integrated circuit is provided. The gas-sensing device includes a substrate having a sensing area and an interconnection area in the vicinity of the sensing area, an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer formed above the substrate in the sensing area and in the interconnection area, and an interconnect structure formed in the interconnection area; further includes a sensing electrode, a second TiO2-patterned portion, and a second Pt-patterned portion on the second TiO2-patterned portion in the sensing area. The interconnect structure includes a tungsten layer buried in the IMD layer, wherein part of a top surface of the tungsten layer is exposed by at least a via. The interconnect structure further includes a platinum layer formed in said at least the via, a TiO2 layer formed on the IMD layer, a first TiO2-patterned portion and a first Pt-patterned portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Hu, Chia-Wei Lee, Chang-Sheng Hsu, Weng-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 10868144
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices including semiconductor junctions and semiconductor field effect transistors that exploit the straining of semiconductor materials to improve device performance are provided. Also described are methods for making semiconductor structures. Dislocation defect-free epitaxial grown structures that are embedded into a semiconductor base are provided. The epitaxial structures can extend beyond the surface of the semiconductor base and terminate at a faceted structure. The epitaxial structures are formed using a multilayer growth process that provides for continuous transitions between adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Runling Li, Haifeng Zhou
  • Patent number: 10818668
    Abstract: A high-k dielectric metal trench capacitor and improved isolation and methods of manufacturing the same is provided. The method includes forming at least one deep trench in a substrate, and filling the deep trench with sacrificial fill material and a poly material. The method further includes continuing with CMOS processes, comprising forming at least one transistor and back end of line (BEOL) layer. The method further includes removing the sacrificial fill material from the deep trenches to expose sidewalls, and forming a capacitor plate on the exposed sidewalls of the deep trench. The method further includes lining the capacitor plate with a high-k dielectric material and filling remaining portions of the deep trench with a metal material, over the high-k dielectric material. The method further includes providing a passivation layer on the deep trench filled with the metal material and the high-k dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger A. Booth, Jr., Kangguo Cheng, Joseph Ervin, Chengwen Pei, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 10818703
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a photocatalytic layer and an organic compound layer in contact with the photocatalytic layer over a substrate having a light transmitting property; forming an element forming layer over the substrate having the light transmitting property with the photocatalytic layer and the organic compound layer in contact with the photocatalytic layer interposed therebetween; and separating the element forming layer from the substrate having the light transmitting property after the photocatalytic layer is irradiated with light through the substrate having the light transmitting property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Morisue, Yasuhiro Jinbo, Gen Fujii, Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 10811546
    Abstract: A process of depositing zirconium oxide (ZrO2) layers possessing dual properties of anti-reflection and passivation of silicon surfaces, including passivation of n-type and p-type silicon substrates. To grow a ZrO2 anti-reflection passivation layer, a precursor layer of zirconium oxide is spun on a silicon surface then dried, pyrolyzed and fired at suitable contact firing conditions, avoiding additional deposition. Thermal annealing in a hydrogen environment improves passivation quality of ZrO2 layer to a level 3-4 times higher than that of fired films alone. ZrO2 dielectric passivation layers exhibit improved passivation quality after illumination due to photo-enhanced passivation and higher passivation quality at higher thermal budget suitable for screen printed metal contact firing, unlike standard PECVD deposited passivation layers. The method is adaptable for fabrication of silicon solar cells and other structures utilizing passivated layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Prathap Pathi, Rani Kalpana, Vandana, Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, Chandra Mohan Singh Rauthan, Parakram Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 10804138
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of: providing a first dielectric layer having a metal layer therein; forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the metal layer; forming a metal oxide layer on the second dielectric layer; performing a first etching process by using a chlorine-based etchant to remove part of the metal oxide layer to forma via opening and expose the second dielectric layer; forming a block layer on sidewalls of the metal oxide layer and a top surface of the second dielectric layer; and performing a second etching process by using a fluorine-based etchant to remove part of the block layer and part of the second dielectric layer for exposing a top surface of the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Kuo, Yu-Tsung Lai, Jiunn-Hsiung Liao
  • Patent number: 10770448
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first masking layer and second masking layer over a substrate. The first masking layer includes an opening over an active area and a spacer in the substrate, and the second masking layer blocks a portion of the opening in the first masking layer. The method includes performing an etching process, using the first masking layer and the second masking layer as an etching mask, to form a contact opening which exposes a portion of the active area and a portion of the spacer, and forming a contact plug in the contact opening and over the exposed portion of the active area and the exposed portion of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 10714473
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin-type pattern extending in a first direction, a device isolation film surrounding the fin-type pattern, while exposing an upper portion of the fin-type pattern, a gate electrode extending on the device isolation film and the fin-type pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a gate isolation film isolating the gate electrode in the second direction, and including a first material and on the device isolation film, an interlayer insulating film filling a side surface of the fin-type pattern and including a second material different from the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Song, Yoon Suk Kim, Kyu Baik Chang, Ui Hui Kwon, Yo Han Kim, Jong Chol Kim, Chang Wook Jeong
  • Patent number: 10714570
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a plurality of suspended nanowires and a gate structure present on a channel region portion of the plurality of suspended nanowires. The gate structure has a uniform length extending from an upper surface of the gate structure to the base of the gate structure. The semiconductor device further includes a dielectric spacer having a uniform composition in direct contact with the gate structure. Source and drain regions are present on source and drain region portions of the plurality of suspended nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Pouya Hashemi, Ali Khakifirooz, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 10680098
    Abstract: An LDMOS device in FinFET technology is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a first region substantially surrounded by a second region of different polarity. The device further includes a first fin in the first region, extending into the second region, the first fin including a doped source region connected with a first local interconnect. The device further includes a second fin in the second region, including a doped drain region connected with a second local interconnect. The device further includes a third fin parallel with the first and second fins including a doped drain region connected with the second local interconnect. The device further includes a gate over the first fin at the border between the first and second regions. A first current path runs over the first and second fins. A second current path runs over and perpendicular to the first fin towards the third fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: IMEC vzw
    Inventors: Shih-Hung Chen, Dimitri Linten, Geert Hellings
  • Patent number: 10658330
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a standardized carrier. A semiconductor wafer includes a plurality of semiconductor die and a base semiconductor material. The semiconductor wafer is singulated through a first portion of the base semiconductor material to separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die are disposed over the standardized carrier. A size of the standardized carrier is independent from a size of the semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the standardized carrier and around the semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die while leaving the encapsulant devoid of the interconnect structure. The semiconductor device is singulated through the encapsulant. Encapsulant remains disposed on a side of the semiconductor die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Joon Han, Il Kwon Shim, Yaojian Lin, Pandi C. Marimuthu
  • Patent number: 10640368
    Abstract: A semiconductor sensor, comprising a gas-sensing device and an integrated circuit electrically connected to the gas-sensing device, is provided. The gas-sensing device includes a substrate having a sensing area and an interconnection area in the vicinity of the sensing area, an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer formed above the substrate in the sensing area and in the interconnection area, and an interconnect structure formed in the interconnection area. The interconnect structure includes a tungsten layer buried in the IMD layer, wherein part of a top surface of the tungsten layer is exposed by at least a via. The interconnect structure further includes a platinum layer formed in said at least the via, wherein the platinum (Pt) layer directly contacts the top surface of the tungsten layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Hu, Chia-Wei Lee, Chang-Sheng Hsu, Weng-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 10639747
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light emitting element includes: providing a wafer that includes a substrate having a first principal face and a second principal face, a dielectric multilayer film disposed on the first principal face, and a semiconductor structure disposed on the second principal face; forming modified regions in the substrate by focusing a laser beam inside the substrate via the dielectric multilayer film, and allowing cracks to form from the modified regions to the dielectric multilayer film; subsequent to forming the modified regions in the substrate, removing regions of the dielectric multilayer film that contain cracks; and cleaving the wafer along regions where cracks were formed in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Inoue, Yoshitaka Sumitomo