Patents by Inventor Chi Ko

Chi Ko 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).

  • Patent number: 11894464
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a fin protruding above a substrate; forming a liner over the fin; performing a surface treatment process to convert an upper layer of the liner distal to the fin into a conversion layer, the conversion layer comprising an oxide or a nitride of the liner; forming isolation regions on opposing sides of the fin after the surface treatment process; forming a gate dielectric over the conversion layer after forming the isolation regions; and forming a gate electrode over the fin and over the gate dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko
  • Publication number: 20240014125
    Abstract: A method of an interconnect structure includes the following steps. A first etching stop layer, a first dielectric layer, a second etching stop layer, an insert layer and a second dielectric layer are deposited over the second etching stop layer are deposited over a substrate. The second dielectric layer, the insert layer, the second etching stop layer, the first dielectric layer and the first etching stop layer are patterned thereby forming a trench opening and a via hole. A conductive feature is filled in the trench opening and the via hole thereby forming a conductive line in the second dielectric layer and the insert layer and a via in the first etching stop layer and the first dielectric layer. A material of the insert layer is different from the second dielectric layer and the second etching stop layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chou, Chung-Chi Ko, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20230360907
    Abstract: A method includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a trench, and depositing a dielectric layer using an Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) cycle. The dielectric layer extends into the trench. The ALD cycle includes pulsing Hexachlorodisilane (HCD) to the semiconductor substrate, purging the HCD, pulsing triethylamine to the semiconductor substrate, and purging the triethylamine. An anneal process is then performed on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko
  • Publication number: 20230326746
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Publication number: 20230317448
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having dielectric features and methods of forming dielectric features are described herein. In some examples, the dielectric features are formed by an ALD process followed by a varying temperature anneal process. The dielectric features can have high density, low carbon concentration, and lower k-value. The dielectric features formed according to the present disclosure has improved resistance against etching chemistry, plasma damage, and physical bombardment in subsequent processes while maintaining a lower k-value for target capacitance efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Shu Ling Liao, Chung-Chi Ko, Wan-Yi Kao
  • Publication number: 20230275136
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of forming a low-k dielectric material, for example, a low-k gate spacer layer in a FinFET device. The low-k dielectric material may be formed using a precursor having a general chemical structure comprising at least one carbon atom bonded between two silicon atoms. A target k-value of the dielectric material may be achieved by controlling carbon concentration in the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko
  • Patent number: 11742201
    Abstract: A method includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a trench, and depositing a dielectric layer using an Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) cycle. The dielectric layer extends into the trench. The ALD cycle includes pulsing Hexachlorodisilane (HCD) to the semiconductor substrate, purging the HCD, pulsing triethylamine to the semiconductor substrate, and purging the triethylamine. An anneal process is then performed on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko
  • Patent number: 11715637
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having dielectric features and methods of forming dielectric features are described herein. In some examples, the dielectric features are formed by an ALD process followed by a varying temperature anneal process. The dielectric features can have high density, low carbon concentration, and lower k-value. The dielectric features formed according to the present disclosure has improved resistance against etching chemistry, plasma damage, and physical bombardment in subsequent processes while maintaining a lower k-value for target capacitance efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu Ling Liao, Chung-Chi Ko, Wan-Yi Kao
  • Publication number: 20230238360
    Abstract: A semiconductor package assembly and an electronic device are provided. The semiconductor package assembly includes a base, a system-on-chip (SOC) package, a memory package and a silicon capacitor die. The base has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The SOC package is disposed on the first surface of the base and includes a SOC die having pads and a redistribution layer (RDL) structure. The RDL structure is electrically connected to the SOC die by the pads. The memory package is stacked on the SOC package and includes a memory package substrate and a memory die. The memory package substrate has a top surface and a bottom surface. The memory die is electrically connected to the memory package substrate. The silicon capacitor die is disposed on and electrically connected to the second surface of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Li-Huan CHU, Kai-Che CHENG, Ming-Tsung LIN, Sheng-Feng LIU, Chi-Ko YU
  • Patent number: 11705327
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Publication number: 20230154852
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a dielectric layer over a substrate, and etching the dielectric layer to form an opening and to expose a first conductive feature underlying the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is formed using a precursor including nitrogen therein. The method further includes depositing a sacrificial spacer layer extending into the opening, and patterning the sacrificial spacer layer to remove a bottom portion of the sacrificial spacer layer. A vertical portion of the sacrificial spacer layer in the opening and on sidewalls of the dielectric layer is left to form a ring. A second conductive feature is formed in the opening. The second conductive feature is encircled by the ring, and is over and electrically coupled to the first conductive feature. At least a portion of the ring is removed to form an air spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Ming-Tsung Lee, Yi-Wen Pan, Tzu-Nung Lu, You-Lan Li, Chung-Chi Ko
  • Publication number: 20230154765
    Abstract: A method includes bonding a first wafer to a second wafer, and performing a trimming process on the first wafer. An edge portion of the first wafer is removed. After the trimming process, the first wafer has a first sidewall laterally recessed from a second sidewall of the second wafer. A protection layer is deposited and contacting a sidewall of the first wafer, which deposition process includes depositing a non-oxygen-containing material in contact with the first sidewall. The method further includes removing a horizontal portion of the protection layer that overlaps the first wafer, and forming an interconnect structure over the first wafer. The interconnect structure is electrically connected to integrated circuit devices in the first wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Chia Cheng Chou, Chung-Chi Ko, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 11640978
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of forming a low-k dielectric material, for example, a low-k gate spacer layer in a FinFET device. The low-k dielectric material may be formed using a precursor having a general chemical structure comprising at least one carbon atom bonded between two silicon atoms. A target k-value of the dielectric material may be achieved by controlling carbon concentration in the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko
  • Publication number: 20230057914
    Abstract: Methods of forming a semiconductor device structure are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an interconnect structure over a substrate. The forming the interconnect structure over the semiconductor device structure includes forming a dielectric layer, then performing an annealing process, then forming one or more openings in the dielectric layer, then performing a first ultraviolet (UV) curing process, and then forming conductive features in the one or more openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Yi-Wen PAN, You-Lan LI, Chung-Chi KO
  • Publication number: 20230008697
    Abstract: A millimeter wave radar apparatus determining a vital sign includes a microprocessor, a millimeter wave radar and an electrocardiogram machine. The millimeter wave radar is configured to detect a human body to obtain a plurality of wireless vital-sign signals. The microprocessor is configured to receive the wireless vital-sign signals. The electrocardiogram machine is configured to detect the human body to obtain a plurality of wired vital-sign signals. The microprocessor is configured to receive the wired vital-sign signals. After the microprocessor receives the wireless vital-sign signals and the wired vital-sign signals, the microprocessor is configured to output the wireless vital-sign signals and the wired vital-sign signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Chun-Chi KO, Yi-Chen TSAI
  • Publication number: 20230008729
    Abstract: A millimeter wave radar apparatus determining a fall posture is applied to a human body. The millimeter wave radar apparatus includes a microprocessor and a millimeter wave radar. The millimeter wave radar is electrically connected to the microprocessor. The millimeter wave radar is configured to transmit a radar wave to the human body. The millimeter wave radar is configured to receive a reflected radar wave reflected from the human body based on the radar wave. The microprocessor is configured to obtain a point cloud information based on the reflected radar wave. The microprocessor is configured to utilize the point cloud information to determine whether the human body is in the fall posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Chun-Chi KO, Hsin-Yen LEE
  • Publication number: 20230012128
    Abstract: A millimeter wave radar apparatus determining an obstacle on a railway is applied to the railway and the obstacle. The millimeter wave radar apparatus includes a user interface and a millimeter wave radar. The user interface is configured to control the millimeter wave radar. The millimeter wave radar is configured to transmit a radar wave to a predetermined range on the railway. The millimeter wave radar is configured to receive a reflected radar wave reflected from the predetermined range on the railway based on the radar wave. The user interface is configured to determine whether the obstacle is in the predetermined range on the railway based on the reflected radar wave. If the user interface determines that the obstacle is in the predetermined range on the railway, the user interface is configured to provide a warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Chun-Chi KO, Shih-Yun LIN, Tsai-Ling YU
  • Publication number: 20220406647
    Abstract: A structure includes a first conductive feature, a first etch stop layer over the first conductive feature, a dielectric layer over the first etch stop layer, and a second conductive feature in the dielectric layer and the first etch stop layer. The second conductive feature is over and contacting the first conductive feature. An air spacer encircles the second conductive feature, and sidewalls of the second conductive feature are exposed to the air spacer. A protection ring further encircles the second conductive feature, and the protection ring fully separates the second conductive feature from the air spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Chia Cheng Chou, Chung-Chi Ko, Tze-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20220367355
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first low-k dielectric layer having a first k value, and a second low-k dielectric layer having a second k value lower than the first k value. The second low-k dielectric layer is overlying the first low-k dielectric layer. A dual damascene structure includes a via with a portion in the first low-k dielectric layer, and a metal line over and joined to the via. The metal line includes a portion in the second low-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chao-Chun Wang, Chung-Chi Ko, Po-Cheng Shih
  • Publication number: 20220359376
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate, a transistor, a first dielectric layer, a metal contact, a first low-k dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a first metal feature. The transistor is over the substrate. The first dielectric layer is over the transistor. The metal contact is in the first dielectric layer and electrically connected to the transistor. The first low-k dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is over the first low-k dielectric layer and has a dielectric constant higher than a dielectric constant of the first low-k dielectric layer. The first metal feature extends through both second dielectric layer and the first low-k dielectric layer to the metal contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Wen PAN, Chung-Chi KO