Patents by Inventor Cheng-Hsuan Wu

Cheng-Hsuan Wu 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: 20230189422
    Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a droplet generator with a nozzle and a piezoelectric structure coupled to the nozzle. The generator outputs groups of droplets. A control system applies a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric structure while the nozzle outputs the group of droplets. The waveform causes the droplets of the group to have a spread of velocities that results in the droplets coalescing into a single droplet prior to being irradiated by the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Huan CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
  • Publication number: 20230067967
    Abstract: In a method of inspecting an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source, during an idle mode, a borescope mounted on a fixture is inserted through a first opening into a chamber of the EUV radiation source. The borescope includes a connection cable attached at a first end to a camera. The fixture includes an extendible section mounted from a first side on a lead screw, and the camera of the borescope is mounted on a second side, opposite to the first side, of the extendible section. The extendible section is extended to move the camera inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source. One or more images are acquired by the camera from inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source at one or more viewing positions. The one or more acquired images are analyzed to determine an amount of tin debris deposited inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chiao-Hua CHENG, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Wei-Chun YEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Yu-Fa LO, Li-Jui CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Kuang SUN, Yu-Huan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20230058753
    Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide techniques and apparatuses for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source that includes a backsplash-prevention system to reduce, minimize, and/or prevent the formation of tin (Sn) build-up in a tunnel structure of a collector flow ring that might otherwise be caused by the accumulation of Sn satellites. This reduces backsplash of Sn onto a collector of the EUV radiation source, increases the operational life of the collector (e.g., by increasing the time duration between cleaning and/or replacement of the collector), reduces downtime of the EUV radiation source, and/or enables the performance of the EUV radiation source to be sustained for longer time durations (e.g., by reducing, minimizing, and/or preventing the rate of Sn contamination of the collector), among other examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Cheng-Hao LAI, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
  • Patent number: 11576250
    Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide techniques and apparatuses for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source that includes a backsplash-prevention system to reduce, minimize, and/or prevent the formation of tin (Sn) build-up in a tunnel structure of a collector flow ring that might otherwise be caused by the accumulation of Sn satellites. This reduces backsplash of Sn onto a collector of the EUV radiation source, increases the operational life of the collector (e.g., by increasing the time duration between cleaning and/or replacement of the collector), reduces downtime of the EUV radiation source, and/or enables the performance of the EUV radiation source to be sustained for longer time durations (e.g., by reducing, minimizing, and/or preventing the rate of Sn contamination of the collector), among other examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hao Lai, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20230010810
    Abstract: A system and a method for supplying target material in an EUV light source are provided. The system for supplying a target material comprises a priming assembly, a refill assembly and a droplet generator assembly. The priming is configured to transform the target material from a solid state to a liquid state. The refill assembly is in fluid communication with the priming assembly and configured to receive the target material in the liquid state from the priming assembly. Further, the refill assembly includes a purifier configured to purify the target material in the liquid state. The droplet generator assembly is configured to supply the target material in the liquid state from the refill assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: HSIN-FENG CHEN, MING-HSUN TSAI, LI-JUI CHEN, SHANG-CHIEH CHIEN, HENG-HSIN LIU, CHENG-HAO LAI, YU-HUAN CHEN, WEI-SHIN CHENG, YU-KUANG SUN, CHENG-HSUAN WU, YU-FA LO, CHIAO-HUA CHENG
  • Patent number: 11553581
    Abstract: A method for using an extreme ultraviolet radiation source is provided. The method includes assembling a first droplet generator onto a port of a vessel; ejecting a target droplet from the first droplet generator to a zone of excitation in front of a collector; emitting a laser toward the zone of excitation, such that the target droplet is heated by the laser to generate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation; stopping the ejection of the target droplet; after stopping the ejection of the target droplet, disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel; after disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel, inserting a cleaning device into the vessel through the port; and cleaning the collector by using the cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chiao-Hua Cheng, Hsin-Feng Chen, Yu-Fa Lo, Yu-Kuang Sun, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Huan Chen, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Cheng-Hao Lai, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Li-Jui Chen, Sheng-Kang Yu
  • Publication number: 20230006114
    Abstract: An optoelectronic package structure and a method of manufacturing an optoelectronic package structure are provided. The optoelectronic package structure includes a photonic component. The photonic component has an electrical connection region, a blocking region and a region for accommodating a device. The blocking region is located between the electrical connection region and the region for accommodating a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsuan WU, Chang-Yu LIN, Yu-Sheng HUANG
  • Patent number: 11537053
    Abstract: Some implementations herein include a detection circuit and a fast and accurate in-line method for detecting blockage on a droplet generator head of an extreme ultraviolet exposure tool without impacting the flow of droplets of a target material through the droplet generator head. In some implementations described herein, the detection circuit includes a switch circuit that is configured in an open configuration, in which the switch is electrically open between two electrode elements. When an accumulation of the target material occurs across two or more electrode elements on the droplet generator head, the accumulation functions as a switch that closes the detection circuit. A controller may detect closure of the detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiao-Hua Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Huan Chen, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Cheng-Hao Lai, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Li-Jui Chen, Sheng-Kang Yu
  • Publication number: 20220408538
    Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide techniques and apparatuses for inspecting interior surfaces of a vessel of a radiation source for an accumulation of a target material. An inspection tool, including a laser-scanning system and a motor system supported by an elongated supported member, may be inserted into the vessel to generate an accurate three-dimensional profile of the interior surfaces. Use of the inspection tool is efficient, with short setup and scan times that substantially reduce a duration associated with evaluating the interior surfaces of the vessel for the accumulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Jou-Hsuan LU, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Ko-Ching HOU, Jyun-Yan CHUANG, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Kuang SUN, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
  • Patent number: 11533799
    Abstract: A system and a method for supplying target material in an EUV light source are provided. The system for supplying a target material comprises a priming assembly, a refill assembly and a droplet generator assembly. The priming is configured to transform the target material from a solid state to a liquid state. The refill assembly is in fluid communication with the priming assembly and configured to receive the target material in the liquid state from the priming assembly. Further, the refill assembly includes a purifier configured to purify the target material in the liquid state. The droplet generator assembly is configured to supply the target material in the liquid state from the refill assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Feng Chen, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Li-Jui Chen, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Cheng-Hao Lai, Yu-Huan Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Chiao-Hua Cheng
  • Patent number: 11528797
    Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a droplet generator with a nozzle and a piezoelectric structure coupled to the nozzle. The generator outputs groups of droplets. A control system applies a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric structure while the nozzle outputs the group of droplets. The waveform causes the droplets of the group to have a spread of velocities that results in the droplets coalescing into a single droplet prior to being irradiated by the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hao Lai, Yu-Huan Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Chiao-Hua Cheng, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20220365442
    Abstract: Some implementations herein include a detection circuit and a fast and accurate in-line method for detecting blockage on a droplet generator head of an extreme ultraviolet exposure tool without impacting the flow of droplets of a target material through the droplet generator head. In some implementations described herein, the detection circuit includes a switch circuit that is configured in an open configuration, in which the switch is electrically open between two electrode elements. When an accumulation of the target material occurs across two or more electrode elements on the droplet generator head, the accumulation functions as a switch that closes the detection circuit. A controller may detect closure of the detection circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chiao-Hua CHENG, Yu-Kuang SUN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Huan CHEN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Cheng-Hao LAI, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Li-Jui CHEN, Sheng-Kang YU
  • Publication number: 20220334495
    Abstract: Impurities in a liquefied solid fuel utilized in a droplet generator of an extreme ultraviolet photolithography system are removed from vessels containing the liquefied solid fuel. Removal of the impurities increases the stability and predictability of droplet formation which positively impacts wafer yield and droplet generator lifetime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Hao LAI, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shih-Yu TU, Jou-Hsuan LU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
  • Publication number: 20220338335
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modularized vessel droplet generator assembly (MGDVA) including a droplet generator assembly (DGA). Under a normal operation, the liquid fuel moves along an operation pathway extending through the DGA to eject or discharge the liquid fuel (e.g., liquid tin) from a nozzle of the DGA into a vacuum chamber. The liquid fuel in the vacuum chamber is then exposed to a laser generating an extreme ultra-violet (EUV) light. Under a service operation, the operation pathway is closed and a service pathway extending through the DGA is opened. A gas is introduced into the service pathway forming a gas-liquid interface between the gas and the liquid fuel. The gas-liquid interface is driven to an isolation valve directly adjacent to the DGA. In other words, the gas pushes back the liquid fuel to the isolation valve. Once the gas-liquid interface reaches the isolation valve, the isolation valve is closed isolating the DGA from the liquid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Wei-Shin CHENG, Cheng-Hao LAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Jou-Hsuan LU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
  • Publication number: 20220334496
    Abstract: A particle removal device, along with methods of using such, are described. The device includes a handheld module having a body. A first one or more channels and a second one or more channels are formed in the body. The body includes a nozzle, and the handheld module is configured to provide suction by the nozzle and to inject an ionized fluid stream by the nozzle. The body further includes a handle attached to the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20220338334
    Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a droplet generator with a nozzle and a piezoelectric structure coupled to the nozzle. The generator outputs groups of droplets. A control system applies a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric structure while the nozzle outputs the group of droplets. The waveform causes the droplets of the group to have a spread of velocities that results in the droplets coalescing into a single droplet prior to being irradiated by the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Huan CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
  • Publication number: 20220304131
    Abstract: A method for using an extreme ultraviolet radiation source is provided. The method includes assembling a first droplet generator onto a port of a vessel; ejecting a target droplet from the first droplet generator to a zone of excitation in front of a collector; emitting a laser toward the zone of excitation, such that the target droplet is heated by the laser to generate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation; stopping the ejection of the target droplet; after stopping the ejection of the target droplet, disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel; after disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel, inserting a cleaning device into the vessel through the port; and cleaning the collector by using the cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chiao-Hua CHENG, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Yu-Fa LO, Yu-Kuang SUN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Huan CHEN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Cheng-Hao LAI, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Li-Jui CHEN, Sheng-Kang YU
  • Patent number: 11442365
    Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become energized and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. A collector reflects the extreme ultraviolet radiation toward a photolithography target. The photolithography system isolates a source of droplets from oxidants to prevent the oxidation of the nozzle or the formation of metal oxides on the nozzle, both of which can adversely affect an ability of the nozzle to generate a sufficient amount of droplets and/or direct the droplets in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang Sun, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Yu-Huan Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Cheng-Hao Lai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Chiao-Hua Cheng, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20220276572
    Abstract: A photolithographic apparatus includes a droplet generator, a droplet generator maintenance system, and a controller communicating with the droplet generator maintenance system. The droplet generator maintenance system operatively communicates with the droplet generator, a coolant distribution unit, a gas supply unit, and a supporting member. The gas supply unit includes a heat exchange assembly and an air heating assembly. The coolant distribution unit is configured to control the temperature of the droplet generator within the acceptable droplet generator range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Huan CHEN, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN
  • Publication number: 20220271019
    Abstract: A semiconductor package structure and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package structure are provided. The semiconductor package structure includes a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The first electronic device has an active surface and a lateral surface angled with the active surface, and the lateral surface includes a first portion and a second portion that is non-coplanar with the first portion. The second electronic device is disposed on the active surface of the first electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Yu LIN, Cheng-Hsuan WU