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: 20240063061
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate dielectric on a semiconductor region, depositing a work-function layer over the gate dielectric, depositing a silicon layer over the work-function layer, and depositing a glue layer over the silicon layer. The work-function layer, the silicon layer, and the glue layer are in-situ deposited. The method further includes depositing a filling-metal over the glue layer; and performing a planarization process, wherein remaining portions of the glue layer, the silicon layer, and the work-function layer form portions of a gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Hsin-Han Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Cheng-Lung Hung, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11908695
    Abstract: A method may include forming a dummy dielectric layer over a substrate, and forming a dummy gate over the dummy dielectric layer. The method may also include forming a first spacer adjacent the dummy gate, and removing the dummy gate to form a cavity, where the cavity is defined at least in part by the first spacer. The method may also include performing a plasma treatment on portions of the first spacer, where the plasma treatment causes a material composition of the portions of the first spacer to change from a first material composition to a second material composition. The method may also include etching the portions of the first spacer having the second material composition to remove the portions of the first spacer having the second material composition, and filling the cavity with conductive materials to form a gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Han Chen, Tsung-Ju Chen, Ta-Hsiang Kung, Xiong-Fei Yu, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11908893
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes source and drain regions, a channel region between the source and drain regions, and a gate structure over the channel region. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric over the channel region, a work function metal layer over the gate dielectric and comprising iodine, and a fill metal over the work function metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11901439
    Abstract: Improved inner spacers for semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Che-Hao Chang, Chi On Chui, Yung-Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11901362
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a channel region; a gate dielectric layer on the channel region; a first work function tuning layer on the gate dielectric layer, the first work function tuning layer including a n-type work function metal; a barrier layer on the first work function tuning layer; a second work function tuning layer on the barrier layer, the second work function tuning layer including a p-type work function metal, the p-type work function metal different from the n-type work function metal; and a fill layer on the second work function tuning layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11901411
    Abstract: An embodiment is a semiconductor device including a first channel region over a semiconductor substrate, a second channel region over the first channel region, a first gate stack over the semiconductor substrate and surrounding the first channel region and the second channel region, a first inner spacer extending from the first channel region to the second channel region and along a sidewall of the first gate stack, a second inner spacer extending from the first channel region to the second channel region and along a sidewall of the first inner spacer, the second inner spacer having a different material composition than the first inner spacer, and a first source/drain region adjacent the first channel region, the second channel region, and the second inner spacer, the first and second inner spacers being between the first gate stack and the first source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-Feng Young, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11903221
    Abstract: A device includes a first transistor over a substrate, a second transistor disposed over the first transistor, and a memory element disposed over the second transistor. The second transistor includes a channel layer, a gate dielectric layer surrounding a sidewall of the channel layer, and a gate electrode surrounding a sidewall of the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chenchen Wang, Chun-Chieh Lu, Chi On Chui, Yu-Ming Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong
  • Patent number: 11901450
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device includes a substrate and first and second spacers on the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack between the first and second spacers. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer having a first portion formed on the substrate and a second portion formed on the first and second spacers. The first portion includes a crystalline material and the second portion comprises an amorphous material. The gate stack further includes a gate electrode on the first and second portions of the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semicondutor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ming Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Ziwei Fang, Bo-Feng Young, Chi On Chui, Chih-Yu Chang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 11894438
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a field effect transistor (FET). The FET includes a first channel, a first source and a first drain; a second channel, a second source and a second drain; and a gate structure disposed over the first and second channels. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode layer. The first source includes a first crystal semiconductor layer and the second source includes a second crystal semiconductor layer. The first source and the second source are connected by an alloy layer made of one or more Group IV element and one or more transition metal elements. The first crystal semiconductor layer is not in direct contact with the second crystal semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yee-Chia Yeo, Sung-Li Wang, Chi On Chui, Jyh-Cherng Sheu, Hung-Li Chiang, I-Sheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20240038872
    Abstract: Gate profile tuning techniques are disclosed herein. An exemplary gate profile tuning method includes forming a gate structure over a channel layer. The gate structure includes a dummy gate and gate spacers disposed along sidewalls of the dummy gate. The method further includes partially removing the dummy gate to form a gate opening that defines a gate profile. The gate profile is then modified by treating portions of the gate spacers (for example, by oxygen plasma treatment) and removing the treated portions of the gate spacers (for example, by oxide removal). After removing a remainder of the dummy gate to expose the channel layer, a gate stack of the gate structure is formed in the gate opening. The gate stack has a funnel-shaped profile. In some embodiments, a width of the gate stack above the channel layer is greater than a width of the gate stack below the channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Cheng-I Lin, Hao-Ming Tang, Shu-Han Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240030354
    Abstract: A device includes a first channel layer, a second channel layer, a gate structure, a source/drain epitaxial structure, and a source/drain contact. The first channel layer and the second channel layer are arranged above the first channel layer in a spaced apart manner over a substrate. The gate structure surrounds the first and second channel layers. The source/drain epitaxial structure is connected to the first and second channel layers. The source/drain contact is connected to the source/drain epitaxial structure. The second channel layer is closer to the source/drain contact than the first channel layer is to the source/drain contact, and the first channel layer is thicker than the second channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Ru LIN, Shu-Han CHEN, Yi-Shao LI, Chun-Heng CHEN, Chi On CHUI
  • Publication number: 20240021482
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor fin protruding higher than top surfaces of isolation regions. The isolation regions extend into a semiconductor substrate. The method further includes etching a portion of the semiconductor fin to form a trench, filling the trench with a first dielectric material, wherein the first dielectric material has a first bandgap, and performing a recessing process to recess the first dielectric material. A recess is formed between opposing portions of the isolation regions. The recess is filled with a second dielectric material. The first dielectric material and the second dielectric material in combination form an additional isolation region. The second dielectric material has a second bandgap smaller than the first bandgap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Chung-Ting Ko, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240021697
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack over an active region of a substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a first work function layer over the gate dielectric layer. The first work function layer includes a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers arranged in an alternating manner over the gate dielectric layer. The plurality of first layers include a first material. The plurality of second layers include a second material different from the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240021693
    Abstract: A semiconductor device a method of forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a fin extending from a substrate and forming a gate dielectric layer along a top surface and sidewalls of the fin. A first thickness of the gate dielectric layer along the top surface of the fin is greater than a second thickness of the gate dielectric layer along the sidewalls of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Kuei-Lun Lin, Yen-Fu Chen, Po-Ting Lin, Chia-Yuan Chang, Xiong-Fei Yu, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240021667
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first capacitor electrode; forming a first oxygen-blocking layer on the first capacitor electrode; forming an capacitor insulator layer on the first oxygen-blocking layer; forming a second oxygen-blocking layer on the capacitor insulator layer; forming a second capacitor electrode on the second oxygen-blocking layer; and forming a first contact plug that is electrically coupled to the first capacitor electrode and a second contact plug that is electrically coupled to the second capacitor electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Cheng-Hao Hou, Shin-Hung Tsai, Da-Yuan Lee, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240021706
    Abstract: A method includes performing an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process to form a dielectric layer on a wafer. The ALD process comprises an ALD cycle includes pulsing calypso ((SiCl3)2CH2), purging the calypso, pulsing ammonia, and purging the ammonia. The method further includes performing a wet anneal process on the dielectric layer, and performing a dry anneal process on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Che-Hao Chang, Chi On Chui, Yung-Cheng Lu, Szu-Ying Chen
  • Publication number: 20240021680
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dummy gate stack over a semiconductor region, forming epitaxial source/drain regions on opposite sides of the dummy gate stack, removing the dummy gate stack to form a trench, depositing a gate dielectric layer extending into the trench, and depositing a work-function layer over the gate dielectric layer. The work-function layer comprises a seam therein. A silicon-containing layer is deposited to fill the seam. A planarization process is performed to remove excess portions of the silicon-containing layer, the work-function layer, and the gate dielectric layer. Remaining portions of the silicon-containing layer, the work-function layer, and the gate dielectric layer form a gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240014077
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate stack on a semiconductor region, etching the gate stack to form a first trench separating the gate stack into a first gate stack portion and a second gate stack portion, and forming a gate isolation region filling the first trench. The gate isolation region includes a silicon nitride liner, and a silicon oxide filling-region overlapping a first bottom portion of the silicon nitride liner. The method further includes etching the gate stack to form a second trench and to reveal a protruding semiconductor fin, and etching the protruding semiconductor fin to extend the second trench into the bulk semiconductor substrate. A fin isolation region is formed to fill the second trench. The fin isolation region includes a silicon oxide liner, and a silicon nitride filling-region overlapping a second bottom portion of the silicon oxide liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Bo-Cyuan Lu, Hsin-Che Chiang, Tai-Chun Huang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20240014279
    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: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    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: 20240015982
    Abstract: A device includes a memory layer over a substrate; a first source/drain structure and a second source/drain structure on the memory layer, wherein the first source/drain structure and the second source drain structure each include a first source/drain layer on the memory layer; a second source/drain layer on the first source/drain layer, wherein the second source/drain layer is different from the first source/drain layer; and a metal layer on the second source/drain layer; and a channel region extending on the memory layer from the first source/drain layer of the first source/drain structure to the first source/drain layer of the second source/drain structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Bo-Feng Young, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui