Patents by Inventor Chen-Yuan Kao

Chen-Yuan Kao 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: 20170200612
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer has a first recess. The method includes forming a first conductive material layer over an inner wall and a bottom of the first recess. The first conductive material layer is partially filled in the first recess. The method includes performing a reflow process to convert the first conductive material layer into a first conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a second recess in the first recess. The method includes performing an electroplating process or an electroless plating process to form a second conductive layer over the first conductive layer so as to fill the second recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rueijer LIN, Chen-Yuan KAO, Chun-Chieh LIN, Huang-Yi HUANG
  • Publication number: 20170133324
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with an improved metal structure is described. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate having an upper surface, an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and an additional structure deposited over the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer over the substrate, at least two metal lines over the seed layer, and a dielectric material between adjacent metal lines. A barrier layer can be deposited over the at least two metal lines. Methods of making the semiconductor structures are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Jiun LIU, Chen-Yuan KAO, Hung-Wen SU, Ming-Hsing TSAI, Syun-Ming JANG
  • Patent number: 9632498
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of compensating for filling material losses in a semiconductor process. The computer-implemented method includes determining using a computer a pattern density difference between a first circuit pattern above a semiconductor substrate and a second circuit pattern adjacent to the first pattern. A dummy pattern is inserted between the first pattern and the second pattern so as to compensate for an estimated loss of filling material induced during electrochemical plating by the pattern density difference exceeding a threshold pattern density difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yi Chang, Liang-Yueh Ou Yang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20170081775
    Abstract: A method of plating a metal layer on a work piece includes exposing a surface of the work piece to a plating solution, and supplying a first voltage at a negative end of a power supply source to an edge portion of the work piece. A second voltage is supplied to an inner portion of the work piece, wherein the inner portion is closer to a center of the work piece than the edge portion. A positive end of the power supply source is connected to a metal plate, wherein the metal plate and the work piece are spaced apart from each other by, and are in contact with, the plating solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Minghsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 9601430
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a dielectric layer positioned on the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer has a first recess. The semiconductor device structure includes a conductive structure filling the first recess. The conductive structure includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is positioned over an inner wall and a bottom of the first recess. The first conductive layer has a second recess in the first recess. The second conductive layer fills the second recess. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer include cobalt. The second conductive layer further includes at least one of sulfur, chlorine, boron, phosphorus, or nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rueijer Lin, Chen-Yuan Kao, Chun-Chieh Lin, Huang-Yi Huang
  • Publication number: 20170058262
    Abstract: Applications in transfusion medicine requiring platelets, and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations require either platelets or enhancement of in vivo platelet biogenesis. Gene therapy applications of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) require effective and specific modification of HSPCs by DNA, RNA or other biological molecules. Here we disclose methods for the generation, and modification of megakaryocytic microparticles (MkMPs) or microvesicles, that can be used in the aforementioned transfusion and transplantation medicine applications and in gene therapy applications involving hematopoietic stem cells. The biological effects of modified or unmodified MkMPs have never been previously disclosed and thus, this invention claims all biological applications of MkMPs in in vivo therapeutic applications or ex vivo applications to produce various cells and cell parts, modify various target cells or deliver molecules including drugs to HSPCs and related cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Eleftherios Papoutsakis, Chen-Yuan Kao, Jinlin Jiang
  • Patent number: 9564398
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with an improved metal structure is described. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate having an upper surface, an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and an additional structure deposited over the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer over the substrate, at least two metal lines over the seed layer, and a dielectric material between adjacent metal lines. A barrier layer can be deposited over the at least two metal lines. Methods of making the semiconductor structures are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Jiun Liu, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Mingh-Hsing Tsai, Syun-Ming Jang
  • Patent number: 9518334
    Abstract: A method of plating a metal layer on a work piece includes exposing a surface of the work piece to a plating solution, and supplying a first voltage at a negative end of a power supply source to an edge portion of the work piece. A second voltage is supplied to an inner portion of the work piece, wherein the inner portion is closer to a center of the work piece than the edge portion. A positive end of the power supply source is connected to a metal plate, wherein the metal plate and the work piece are spaced apart from each other by, and are in contact with, the plating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Minghsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 9476135
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electro-chemical plating (ECP) process which utilizes a dummy electrode as a cathode to perform plating for sustained idle times to mitigate additive dissociation. The dummy electrode also allows for localized plating function to improve product gapfill, and decrease wafer non-uniformity. A wide range of electroplating recipes may be applied with this strategy, comprising current plating up to approximately 200 Amps, localized plating with a resolution of approximately 1 mm, and reverse plating to remove material from the dummy electrode accumulated during the dummy plating process and replenish ionic material within the electroplating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yi Chang, Liang-Yueh Ou Yang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20160099216
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a dielectric layer positioned on the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer has a first recess. The semiconductor device structure includes a conductive structure filling the first recess. The conductive structure includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is positioned over an inner wall and a bottom of the first recess. The first conductive layer has a second recess in the first recess. The second conductive layer fills the second recess. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer include cobalt. The second conductive layer further includes at least one of sulfur, chlorine, boron, phosphorus, or nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Rueijer LIN, Chen-Yuan KAO, Chun-Chieh LIN, Huang-Yi HUANG
  • Publication number: 20160064332
    Abstract: A method of forming a metal layer may include forming an opening in a substrate; forming a liner over sidewalls of the opening; filling the opening with a first metal; etching a top surface of the first metal to form a recessed top surface below a top surface of the substrate; and exposing the recessed top surface of the first metal to a solution, the solution containing a second metal different from the first metal, the exposing causing the recessed top surface of the first metal to attract the second metal to form a cap layer over the recessed top surface of the first metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Chih-Yi Chang, Liang-Yueh Ou Yang
  • Patent number: 9209073
    Abstract: Presented herein is a method for electrolessly forming a metal cap in a via opening, comprising bringing a via into contact with metal solution, the via disposed in an opening in a substrate, and forming a metal cap in the opening and in contact with the via, the metal cap formed by an electroless chemical reaction. A metal solution may be applied to the via to form the metal cap. The metal solution may comprises at least cobalt and the cap may comprise at least cobalt, and may optionally further comprise tungsten, and wherein the forming the cap comprises forming the cap to further comprise at least tungsten. The metal solution may further comprise at least hypophosphite or dimethylaminoborane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang-Yueh Ou Yang, Chih-Yi Chang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20140262800
    Abstract: Presented herein is a method of processing a device, comprising providing an electroplating bath having a leveler, the leveler having a total nitrogen-to-total carbon (TN/TOC) ratio of about 15% or less, bringing a substrate into contact with the electroplating bath, the substrate having a recess formed therein and electroplating the substrate to create a feature substantially free of voids in the substrate recess. Electroplating the substrate is performed for a time period about as long as an electrical response peak of the leveler, and optionally for at least 30 seconds. The leveler may optionally have at least one ingredient free of nitrogen and having a leveling functionality. One ingredient may be a benzene ring free of nitrogen. The leveler TN/TOC ratio is between about 3% and about 15%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Minghsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140262797
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electro-chemical plating (ECP) process which utilizes a dummy electrode as a cathode to perform plating for sustained idle times to mitigate additive dissociation. The dummy electrode also allows for localized plating function to improve product gapfill, and decrease wafer non-uniformity. A wide range of electroplating recipes may be applied with this strategy, comprising current plating up to approximately 200 Amps, localized plating with a resolution of approximately 1 mm, and reverse plating to remove material from the dummy electrode accumulated during the dummy plating process and replenish ionic material within the electroplating solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yi Chang, Liang-Yueh Ou Yang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20140264866
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with an improved metal structure is described. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate having an upper surface, an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and an additional structure deposited over the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer over the substrate, at least two metal lines over the seed layer, and a dielectric material between adjacent metal lines. A barrier layer can be deposited over the at least two metal lines. Methods of making the semiconductor structures are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Wen-Jiun Liu, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Mingh-Hsing Tsai, Syun-Ming Jang
  • Publication number: 20140277681
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of compensating for filling material losses in a semiconductor process. The computer-implemented method includes determining using a computer a pattern density difference between a first circuit pattern above a semiconductor substrate and a second circuit pattern adjacent to the first pattern. A dummy pattern is inserted between the first pattern and the second pattern so as to compensate for an estimated loss of filling material induced during electrochemical plating by the pattern density difference exceeding a threshold pattern density difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yi CHANG, Liang-Yueh Ou YANG, Chen-Yuan KAO, Hung-Wen SU
  • Publication number: 20140251814
    Abstract: A method of plating a metal layer on a work piece includes exposing a surface of the work piece to a plating solution, and supplying a first voltage at a negative end of a power supply source to an edge portion of the work piece. A second voltage is supplied to an inner portion of the work piece, wherein the inner portion is closer to a center of the work piece than the edge portion. A positive end of the power supply source is connected to a metal plate, wherein the metal plate and the work piece are spaced apart from each other by, and are in contact with, the plating solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Minghsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080290175
    Abstract: A layer-built body having hidden barcodes and figures thereof is disclosed in the invention, so as to allow barcode scanning devices to read the barcodes, the layer-built body comprising: a lenticular lens sheet divided into a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface has a plurality of convex lens-shaped optical structures disposed thereon; a patterned layer printed with trademarks or figures, and divided into a plurality of striped images; and at least a barcode layer printed with information about barcodes and divided into a plurality of striped images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicants: Alfred Lean-Foo CHEN, Shuo-Fang LIU, Chen-Yuan KAO
    Inventors: Alfred Lean-Foo Chen, Shuo-Fang Liu, Yuei-An Liou, Hsin-His Lai, Meng-Hsuan Lee, Ying-Hsiu Chen, Chen-Yuan Kao, Chang-Ching Chien, Jung-Hao Chi, Cheng-Yu Lu