Patents by Inventor Chi On Chui

Chi On Chui 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: 20260206268
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first channel region disposed in a first device region over a substrate; a first gate dielectric layer disposed over the first channel region; and a gate electrode disposed over the first gate dielectric layer. The first gate dielectric layer includes a first dipole dopant and a second dipole dopant. The first dipole dopant along a thickness direction of the first gate dielectric layer has a first concentration peak, and the second dipole dopant along the thickness direction of the first gate dielectric layer has a second concentration peak. The second concentration peak is located between the first concentration peak and an upper surface of the first gate dielectric layer. The second concentration peak is offset from the upper surface of the first gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2026
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Inventors: Te-Yang Lai, Hsueh-Ju Chen, Tsung-Da Lin, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12672298
    Abstract: A method includes forming a fin extending from a substrate; forming an first isolation region along opposing sidewalls of the fin; forming a gate structure over the fin; forming an epitaxial source/drain region in the fin adjacent the gate structure; forming an etch stop layer over the epitaxial source/drain region and over the gate structure; forming a protection layer over the etch stop layer, the protection layer including silicon oxynitride; and forming a second isolation material over the protection layer, wherein forming the second isolation material reduces a nitrogen concentration of the protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Che-Hao Chang, Yung-Cheng Lu, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12672312
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device includes forming first epitaxial stack comprising a first sacrificial layer and a first channel layer over a substrate; forming a second epitaxial stack comprising a second sacrificial layer and a second channel layer over the first epitaxial stack; etching a recess in the first and second epitaxial stacks, wherein the recess exposes end surfaces of the first and second channel layers; performing a first ion implantation process to form a first lightly doped region; performing a second ion implantation process to form a second lightly doped region, wherein a tilt angle of the second ion implantation process is greater than a tilt angle of the first ion implantation process; forming first and second source/drain epitaxial features in the recess; and replacing the first and the second sacrificial layers with a high-k/metal gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Syuan Siao, Chien-Yu Lin, Meng-Han Chou, Su-Hao Liu, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20260182014
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure includes forming an IL to surround each semiconductor channel layer at first and second device regions, forming a HK dielectric layer over the IL, forming a tuning layer over the HK dielectric layer, the tuning layer comprising elements for devices having a first conductivity, forming a dipole layer over the tuning layer at the first and second device regions, wherein the tuning layer and the dipole layer are sequentially formed in a processing chamber without breaking the vacuum, and the dipole layer comprises elements suitable for devices having the first conductivity type, removing the dipole layer over the semiconductor channel layers at the second device region, subjecting the tuning layer to a thermal treatment to drive elements from the tuning layer into the HK dielectric layer at the first device region, removing the dipole layer and the tuning layer over the semiconductor channel layers at the first device region, and forming a gate electrode laye
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2025
    Publication date: June 25, 2026
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan CHEN, Pei Ying LAI, Cheng-Hao HOU, Chi On CHUI, Jia-Yun XU
  • Patent number: 12666690
    Abstract: A method includes a number of operations. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over a source/drain region on a substrate. A source/drain contact extending through the ILD layer to electrically connect with the source/drain region is formed. An air gap extending through the ILD layer is formed. An implantation energy absorption dielectric layer is formed over the ILD layer. An implantation process is performed on the implantation energy absorption dielectric layer, wherein the implantation process causes the ILD layer expands to seal the air gap. A first implant-free dielectric layer is formed over the implantation energy absorption dielectric layer. A second implant-free dielectric layer is formed over the first implant-free dielectric layer. A source/drain via extending through the second implant-free dielectric layer, the first implant-free dielectric layer, and the implantation energy absorption dielectric layer to the source/drain contact is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Ju Chen, Te-Jui Yen, Liang-Yin Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12666632
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first electrode, and depositing a dielectric layer over the first electrode. The dielectric layer has a first dielectric constant and a first thickness. A dielectric capping layer is deposited over the dielectric layer. The dielectric capping layer has a second dielectric constant higher than the first dielectric constant, and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The method further includes forming a second electrode over the dielectric capping layer, forming a first contact plug electrically connecting to the first electrode, and forming a second contact plug electrically connecting to the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-Hung Tsai, Chun-Hsiu Chiang, Cheng-Hao Hou, Da-Yuan Lee, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12666685
    Abstract: A method includes providing first and second channel layers in NMOS and PMOS regions respectively of a substrate; depositing a first layer comprising hafnium oxide over the first and second channel layers; forming a first dipole pattern over the second channel layer and not over the first channel layer; driving a first metal from the first dipole pattern into the first layer by annealing; removing the first dipole pattern; depositing a second layer comprising hafnium oxide over the first layer and over the first and second channel layers; forming a second dipole pattern over the second layer and the first channel layer and not over the second channel layer; driving a second metal from the second dipole pattern into the second layer by annealing; removing the second dipole pattern; and depositing a third layer comprising hafnium oxide over the second layer and over the first and the second channel layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan Chang, Te-Yang Lai, Kuei-Lun Lin, Xiong-Fei Yu, Chi On Chui, Tsung-Da Lin, Cheng-Hao Hou
  • Publication number: 20260173467
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a device including a first high-k gate dielectric on a first channel region of a first semiconductor feature, the first high-k gate dielectric being a crystalline layer with a grain size in a range of 10 ? to 200 ?. The device also includes a first gate electrode on the first high-k gate dielectric. The device also includes a source region and a drain region on opposite sides of the first gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2026
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Inventors: Te-Yang Lai, Chun-Yen Peng, Tsung-Da Lin, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20260173491
    Abstract: During the formation of the gate structures of a semiconductor device, dipole layers comprising different dipole-forming elements and/or having different thicknesses are formed on the gate dielectric material in different regions of the semiconductor device. A dipole drive-in process (e.g., a thermal process) is performed next to drive the dipole-forming elements of the dipole layers into the gate dielectric material. The dipole-forming elements driven into the gate dielectric material form dipoles with certain element of the gate dielectric material. The dipoles are used to adjust the threshold voltages of the gate structures, and to achieve different threshold voltages for gate structures formed in the different regions of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2025
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Inventors: Yao-Teng Chuang, Tsung-Da Lin, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12660578
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a first material on a sidewall surface of a recess in a substrate, wherein the first material is a conductive material; after depositing the first material, depositing a second material on a bottom surface of the recess using a plasma-assisted deposition process; and after depositing the second material, removing the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Ting Ko, Sung-En Lin, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12648191
    Abstract: Transistor gate isolation structures and methods of forming the same are provided. In an embodiment, a device includes: an isolation region; a first gate structure on the isolation region; a second gate structure on the isolation region; and a gate isolation structure between the first gate structure and the second gate structure in a first cross-section, an upper portion of the gate isolation structure having a first concentration of an element, a lower portion of the gate isolation structure having a second concentration of the element, the first concentration different from the second concentration, the lower portion extending continuously along a sidewall of the first gate structure, beneath the upper portion, and along a sidewall of the second gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Fong Lin, Wen-Kai Lin, Zhen-Cheng Wu, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20260150280
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes forming a multi-layer stack including alternating layers of an isolation material and a semiconductor material, patterning the multi-layer stack to form a first channel structure in a first region of the multi-layer stack, where the first channel structure includes the semiconductor material, depositing a memory film layer over the first channel structure, etching a first trench extending through a second region of the multi-layer stack to form a first dummy bit line and a first dummy source line in the second region, where the first dummy bit line and first dummy source line each include the semiconductor material, and replacing the semiconductor material of the first dummy bit line and the first dummy source line with a conductive material to form a first bit line and a first source line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 28, 2026
    Inventors: Bo-Feng Young, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui, Chun-Chieh Lu, Yu-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20260143718
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a first dielectric layer over the substrate; a memory cell over the substrate in a first region of the semiconductor device, where the memory cell includes a first ferroelectric structure in the first dielectric layer, where the first ferroelectric structure includes a first bottom electrode, a first top electrode, and a first ferroelectric layer in between; and a tunable capacitor over the substrate in a second region of the semiconductor device, where the tunable capacitor includes a second ferroelectric structure, where the second ferroelectric structure includes a second bottom electrode, a second top electrode, and a second ferroelectric layer in between, where at least a portion of the second ferroelectric structure is in the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2026
    Publication date: May 21, 2026
    Inventors: Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui, Chenchen Jacob Wang
  • Patent number: 12635143
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes a first gate structure over a substrate, the first gate structure including a first gate electrode over a first side of a first gate dielectric; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed over a second side of the first gate dielectric opposite the first side; a second gate structure disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the second gate structure including a second gate electrode and a second gate dielectric, the second gate dielectric at least laterally surrounding the second gate electrode; and a semiconductor film disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and at least laterally surrounding the second gate structure, wherein at least one of the first gate dielectric or the second gate dielectric is a memory film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chia-En Huang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20260136593
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method of forming is provided. The semiconductor structure includes nanostructures separated from one another and stacked over a substrate, a gate stack wrapping around the nanostructures, and a dielectric fin structure laterally spaced apart from the nanostructures by the gate stack. The dielectric fin structure include a lining layer and a fill layer nested within the lining layer. The lining layer is made of a carbon-containing dielectric material, and a carbon concentration of the lining layer varies in a direction from the gate stack to the lining layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2026
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Inventors: Wei-Jin Li, Che-Hao Chang, Chi On Chui, Yung-Cheng Lu, Wen-Kai Lin
  • Publication number: 20260136603
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a fin over a substrate, the fin comprising alternately stacking first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers, removing the first semiconductor layers to form spaces each between the second semiconductor layers, forming a gate dielectric layer wrapping around each of the second semiconductor layers, forming a fluorine-containing layer on the gate dielectric layer, performing an anneal process to drive fluorine atoms from the fluorine-containing layer into the gate dielectric layer, removing the fluorine-containing layer, and forming a metal gate on the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2026
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi LEE, Shan-Mei LIAO, Kuo-Feng YU, Da-Yuan LEE, Weng CHANG, Chi On CHUI
  • Publication number: 20260122989
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a device having nanostructures on a substrate, the nanostructures including a channel region. The device also includes a gate dielectric layer wrapping around each of the nanostructures. The device also includes a first work function tuning layer on the gate dielectric layer, the first work function tuning layer including a first n-type work function metal, aluminum, and carbon, the first n-type work function metal having a work function value less than titanium. The device also includes a glue layer on the first work function tuning layer. The device also includes and a fill layer on the glue layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2024
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20260123300
    Abstract: A method includes removing a first dummy gate structure to form a recess around a first nanostructure and a second nanostructure; depositing a sacrificial layer in the recess with a flowable chemical vapor deposition (CVD); and patterning the sacrificial layer to leave a portion of the sacrificial layer between the first nanostructure and the second nanostructure. The method further include depositing a first work function metal in first recess; removing the first work function metal and the portion of the sacrificial layer from the recess; depositing a second work function metal in the recess, wherein the second work function metal is of an opposite type than the first work function metal; and depositing a fill metal over the second work function metal in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2025
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Jia-Ming Lin, Kun-Yu Lee, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12615795
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin structure, a metal gate stack, a barrier structure and an epitaxial source/drain region. The fin structure is over a substrate. The metal gate stack is across the fin structure. The barrier structure is on opposite sides of the metal gate stack. The barrier structure comprises one or more passivation layers and one or more barrier layers, and the one or more passivation layers have a material different from a material of the one or more barrier layers. The epitaxial source/drain region is over the barrier structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Ming Lung, Chung-Ting Ko, Ting-Hsiang Chang, Sung-En Lin, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20260114009
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes alternately forming a plurality of channel layers and a plurality of sacrificial layers over a substrate. The method also includes forming a source/drain trench through the channel layers and the sacrificial layers. The method also includes replacing the sacrificial layers with a plurality of dummy oxide layers. Sidewalls of the dummy oxide layers are substantially aligned with sidewalls of the channel layers. The method also includes selectively forming a plurality of inner spacers on the sidewalls of the dummy oxide layers through the source/drain trench. The method also includes replacing the dummy oxide layers with a gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Publication date: April 23, 2026
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ka-Hing FUNG, Huiling SHANG, Chi On CHUI