Patents by Inventor Chi-Wen Liu

Chi-Wen Liu 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: 20210098609
    Abstract: Devices and structures that include a gate spacer having a gap or void are described along with methods of forming such devices and structures. In accordance with some embodiments, a structure includes a substrate, a gate stack over the substrate, a contact over the substrate, and a spacer disposed laterally between the gate stack and the contact. The spacer includes a first dielectric sidewall portion and a second dielectric sidewall portion. A void is disposed between the first dielectric sidewall portion and the second dielectric sidewall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 10964801
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, at least one active semiconductor fin, at least one first dummy semiconductor fin, and at least one second dummy semiconductor fin. The active semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate. The first dummy semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate. The second dummy semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and between the active semiconductor fin and the first dummy semiconductor fin. A top surface of the first dummy semiconductor fin and a top surface of the second dummy semiconductor fin are curved in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Li, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 10930784
    Abstract: FETs and methods for forming FETs are disclosed. A structure comprises a substrate, a gate dielectric and a gate electrode. The substrate comprises a fin, and the fin comprises an epitaxial channel region. The epitaxial channel has a major surface portion of an exterior surface. The major surface portion comprising at least one lattice shift, and the at least one lattice shift comprises an inward or outward shift relative to a center of the fin. The gate dielectric is on the major surface portion of the exterior surface. The gate electrode is on the gate dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lien Huang, Chun-Hsiang Fan, Tung Ying Lee, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20210050247
    Abstract: A method for forming FinFETs comprises forming a plurality of first fins and a plurality of second fins over a substrate and embedded in isolation regions, depositing a first photoresist layer over the substrate, removing the first photoresist layer over an n-type region, applying a first ion implantation process to the first isolation regions, wherein dopants with a first polarity type are implanted in the first isolation regions, depositing a second photoresist layer over the substrate, removing the second photoresist layer over a p-type region, applying a second ion implantation process to the second isolation regions, wherein dopants with a second polarity type are implanted in the second isolation regions, applying an annealing process to the isolation regions and recessing the first isolation regions and the second isolation regions through an etching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Lien Huang, Chi-Kang Liu, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 10868150
    Abstract: Devices and structures that include a gate spacer having a gap or void are described along with methods of forming such devices and structures. In accordance with some embodiments, a structure includes a substrate, a gate stack over the substrate, a contact over the substrate, and a spacer disposed laterally between the gate stack and the contact. The spacer includes a first dielectric sidewall portion and a second dielectric sidewall portion. A void is disposed between the first dielectric sidewall portion and the second dielectric sidewall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 10861937
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a fin active region formed on a semiconductor substrate and spanning between a first sidewall of a first shallow trench isolation (STI) feature and a second sidewall of a second STI feature; an anti-punch through (APT) feature of a first type conductivity; and a channel material layer of the first type conductivity, disposed on the APT feature and having a second doping concentration less than the first doping concentration. The APT feature is formed on the fin active region, spans between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and has a first doping concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Peng, Ling-Yen Yeh, Chi-Wen Liu, Chih-Sheng Chang, Yee-Chia Yeo
  • Patent number: 10861791
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a contact region present in the semiconductor substrate, and a silicide present on a textured surface of the contact region. A plurality of sputter ions is present between the silicide and the contact region. Since the surface of the contact region is textured, the contact area provided by the silicide is increased accordingly, thus the resistance of a interconnection structure in the semiconductor device is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Lin, Chi-Wen Liu, Horng-Huei Tseng
  • Patent number: 10854724
    Abstract: A method and structure for providing a GAA device. In some embodiments, a substrate including an insulating layer disposed thereon is provided. By way of example, a first metal portion is formed within the insulating layer. In various embodiments, a first lateral surface of the first metal portion is exposed. After exposure of the first lateral surface of the first metal portion, a first graphene layer is formed on the exposed first lateral surface. In some embodiments, the first graphene layer defines a first vertical plane parallel to the exposed first lateral surface. Thereafter, in some embodiments, a first nanobar is formed on the first graphene layer, where the first nanobar extends in a first direction normal to the first vertical plane defined by the first graphene layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Che-Wei Yang, Chi-Wen Liu, Hao-Hsiung Lin, Ling-Yen Yeh
  • Patent number: 10840126
    Abstract: A method for forming FinFETs comprises forming a plurality of first fins and a plurality of second fins over a substrate and embedded in isolation regions, depositing a first photoresist layer over the substrate, removing the first photoresist layer over an n-type region, applying a first ion implantation process to the first isolation regions, wherein dopants with a first polarity type are implanted in the first isolation regions, depositing a second photoresist layer over the substrate, removing the second photoresist layer over a p-type region, applying a second ion implantation process to the second isolation regions, wherein dopants with a second polarity type are implanted in the second isolation regions, applying an annealing process to the isolation regions and recessing the first isolation regions and the second isolation regions through an etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lien Huang, Chi-Kang Liu, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20200357885
    Abstract: Transistor structures and methods of forming transistor structures are provided. The transistor structures include alternating layers of a first epitaxial material and a second epitaxial material. In some embodiments, one of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material may be removed for one of an n-type or p-type transistor. A bottommost layer of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material maybe be removed, and sidewalls of one of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material may be indented or recessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Peng, Hung-Li Chiang, Yu-Lin Yang, Chih Chieh Yeh, Yee-Chia Yeo, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 10825907
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the semiconductor device is disclosed. A sacrificial film is used to pattern a contact to a semiconductor structure, such as a contact to a source/drain region of a transistor. The contact may include a tapered profile along an axis parallel to the gate electrode such that an outermost width of the contact decreases as the contact extends away from the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Chih Chieh Yeh, Jeng-Ya David Yeh, Yuan-Hung Chiu, Chi-Wen Liu, Yee-Chia Yeo
  • Publication number: 20200343141
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first insulating structure, a second insulating structure, at least one first active semiconductor fin, and at least one second active semiconductor fin. The first insulating structure and the second insulating structure are disposed on the substrate. The first active semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and has a protruding portion protruding from the first insulating structure. The second active semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and has a protruding portion protruding from the second insulating structure. The protruding portion of the first active semiconductor fin and the protruding portion of the second active semiconductor fin have different heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Li, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20200303258
    Abstract: A method includes forming Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) regions in a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor strip between the STI regions. The method also include replacing a top portion of the semiconductor strip with a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer has a first germanium percentage higher than a second germanium percentage of the second semiconductor layer. The method also includes recessing the STI regions to form semiconductor fins, forming a gate stack over a middle portion of the semiconductor fin, and forming gate spacers on sidewalls of the gate stack. The method further includes forming fin spacers on sidewalls of an end portion of the semiconductor fin, recessing the end portion of the semiconductor fin, and growing an epitaxial region over the end portion of the semiconductor fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Ting-Hung Hsu, Chao-Hsiung Wang, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20200287041
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate stack on a middle portion of s semiconductor fin, and forming a first gate spacer on a sidewall of the gate stack. After the first gate spacer is formed, a template dielectric region is formed to cover the semiconductor fin. The method further includes recessing the template dielectric region. After the recessing, a second gate spacer is formed on the sidewall of the gate stack. The end portion of the semiconductor fin is etched to form a recess in the template dielectric region. A source/drain region is epitaxially grown in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20200279781
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a device includes first and second p-type transistors. The first transistor includes a first channel region including a first material of a first fin. The first transistor includes first and second epitaxial source/drain regions each in a respective first recess in the first material and on opposite sides of the first channel region. The first transistor includes a first gate stack on the first channel region. The second transistor includes a second channel region including a second material of a second fin. The second material is a different material from the first material. The second transistor includes third and fourth epitaxial source/drain regions each in a respective second recess in the second material and on opposite sides of the second channel region. The second transistor includes a second gate stack on the second channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 10763368
    Abstract: A device includes a first semiconductor strip, a first gate dielectric encircling the first semiconductor strip, a second semiconductor strip overlapping the first semiconductor strip, and a second gate dielectric encircling the second semiconductor strip. The first gate dielectric contacts the first gate dielectric. A gate electrode has a portion over the second semiconductor strip, and additional portions on opposite sides of the first and the second semiconductor strips and the first and the second gate dielectrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chi-Wen Liu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 10741646
    Abstract: Exemplary FET devices having 2D material layer active regions and methods of fabricating thereof are described. For example, a black phosphorus active region has a first thickness in the channel region and a second, greater, thickness in the source/drain (S/D) region. The BP in the S/D region has a sidewall that interfaces a contact disposed over the FET. A gate electrode is disposed over the channel region. In some embodiments, the sidewall has passivated edge. In some embodiments, the sidewall is nonlinear. In some embodiments, the stress layer is disposed over the 2D material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ling-Yen Yeh, Yee-Chia Yeo, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20200243327
    Abstract: A transistor based on topological insulators is provided. In an embodiment a topological insulator is used to form both the channel as well as the source/drain regions, wherein the channel has a first thickness such that the topological insulator material has properties of a semiconductor material and the source/drain regions have a second thickness such that the topological insulator has properties of a conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Sheng-Ting Fan, Pin-Shiang Chen, Chee Wee Liu, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 10727298
    Abstract: Transistor structures and methods of forming transistor structures are provided. The transistor structures include alternating layers of a first epitaxial material and a second epitaxial material. In some embodiments, one of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material may be removed for one of an n-type or p-type transistor. A bottommost layer of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material maybe be removed, and sidewalls of one of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material may be indented or recessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Peng, Hung-Li Chiang, Yu-Lin Yang, Chih Chieh Yeh, Yee-Chia Yeo, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 10727135
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first insulating structure, a second insulating structure, at least one first active semiconductor fin, and at least one second active semiconductor fin. The first insulating structure and the second insulating structure are disposed on the substrate. The first active semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and has a protruding portion protruding from the first insulating structure. The second active semiconductor fin is disposed on the substrate and has a protruding portion protruding from the second insulating structure. The protruding portion of the first active semiconductor fin and the protruding portion of the second active semiconductor fin have different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Li, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Chi-Wen Liu