Patents by Inventor Chia-Shiung Tsai

Chia-Shiung Tsai 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: 10781098
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes receiving a first substrate including a first dielectric layer disposed over the first substrate and a first conductive structure surrounded by the first dielectric layer; receiving a second substrate including a second dielectric layer disposed over the second substrate and a second conductive structure surrounded by the second dielectric layer; bonding the first dielectric layer with the second dielectric layer; and bonding the first conductive structure with the second conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Hua Lin, Ping-Yin Liu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Alexander Kalnitsky
  • Patent number: 10777649
    Abstract: A quantum nano-tip (QNT) thin film, such as a silicon nano-tip (SiNT) thin film, for flash memory cells is provided to increase erase speed. The QNT thin film includes a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer arranged over the first dielectric layer. Further, the QNT thin film includes QNTs arranged over the first dielectric layer and extending into the second dielectric layer. A ratio of height to width of the QNTs is greater than 50 percent. A QNT based flash memory cell and a method for manufacture a SiNT based flash memory cell are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsu-Hui Su, Chih-Ming Chen, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Chung-Yi Yu, Szu-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 10756222
    Abstract: A photo-sensitive device includes a uniform layer, a gradated buffer layer over the uniform layer, a silicon layer over the gradated buffer layer, a photo-sensitive light-sensing region in the uniform layer and the silicon layer, a device layer on the silicon layer, and a carrier wafer bonded to the device layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Cheng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Cheng-Ta Wu, Xiaomeng Chen, Yen-Chang Chu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20200266205
    Abstract: A device comprises a control gate structure and a memory gate structure over a substrate, a charge storage layer formed between the control gate structure and the memory gate structure, a first spacer along a sidewall of the memory gate structure, a second spacer along a sidewall of the control gate structure, an oxide layer over a top surface of the memory gate structure, a top spacer over the oxide layer, a first drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the memory gate structure and a second drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the control gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Wei Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10748967
    Abstract: Embodiments of forming an image sensor with organic photodiodes are provided. Trenches are formed in the organic photodiodes to increase the PN junction interfacial area, which improves the quantum efficiency (QE) of the photodiodes. The organic P-type material is applied in liquid form to fill the trenches. A mixture of P-type materials with different work function values and thickness can be used to meet the desired work function value for the photodiodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Wei Liang, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hsing-Lien Lin
  • Publication number: 20200258989
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a method for forming a thin semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate without implantation radiation and/or plasma damage. In some embodiments, a device layer is epitaxially formed on a sacrificial substrate and an insulator layer is formed on the device layer. The insulator layer may, for example, be formed with a net charge that is negative or neutral. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates. The sacrificial substrate is removed, and the device layer is cyclically thinned until the device layer has a target thickness. Each thinning cycle comprises oxidizing a portion of the device layer and removing oxide resulting from the oxidizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuo-Hwa Tzeng, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20200251653
    Abstract: A memory structure includes a first dielectric layer, having a first top surface, over a conductive structure. A first opening in the first dielectric layer exposes an area of the conductive structure, and has an interior sidewall. A first electrode structure, having a first portion and a second portion, is over the exposed area of the conductive structure. The second portion extends upwardly along the interior sidewall. A resistance variable layer is disposed over the first electrode. A second electrode structure, having a third portion and a fourth portion, is over the resistance variable layer. The third portion has a second top surface below the first top surface of the first dielectric layer. The fourth portion extends upwardly along the resistance variable layer. A second opening is defined by the second electrode structure. At least a part of a second dielectric layer is disposed in the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Fu-Ting Sung, Ching-Pei Hsieh, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 10727097
    Abstract: The mechanisms for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer for a hybrid bonding are provided. The method for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer for a hybrid bonding includes providing a semiconductor wafer, and the semiconductor wafer has a conductive pad embedded in an insulating layer. The method also includes performing a plasma process to a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and metal oxide is formed on a surface of the conductive structure. The method further includes performing a cleaning process using a cleaning solution to perform a reduction reaction with the metal oxide, such that metal-hydrogen bonds are formed on the surface of the conductive structure. The method further includes transferring the semiconductor wafer to a bonding chamber under vacuum for hybrid bonding. The mechanisms for a hybrid bonding and a integrated system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chau Chen, Chih-Hui Huang, Yeur-Luen Tu, Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiao-Meng Chen
  • Publication number: 20200227369
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming an integrated chip in which a group III-V device is bonded to a substrate, as well as the resulting integrated chip. In some embodiments, the method includes: forming a chip including an epitaxial stack, a metal structure on the epitaxial stack, and a diffusion layer between the metal structure and the epitaxial stack; bonding the chip to a substrate so the metal structure is between the substrate and the epitaxial stack; and performing an etch into the epitaxial stack to form a mesa structure with sidewalls spaced from sidewalls of the diffusion layer. The metal structure may, for example, be a metal bump patterned before the bonding or may, for example, be a metal layer that is on an etch stop layer and that protrudes through the etch stop layer to the diffusion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Jhih-Bin Chen, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Ming Chyi Liu, Eugene Chen
  • Patent number: 10683204
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and methods of formation are provided. The semiconductor arrangement includes a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS). A via opening is formed through a substrate, first dielectric layer and a first plug of the MEMS. The first plug comprises a first material, where the first material has an etch selectivity different than an etch selectivity of the first dielectric layer. The different etch selectivity of first plug allows the via opening to be formed relatively quickly and with a relatively high aspect ratio and desired a profile, as compared to forming the via opening without using the first plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chung-Yen Chou, Lee-Chuan Tseng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Ru-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20200168791
    Abstract: A method of making a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) device includes forming a bottom conductive layer. The method includes forming an anti-ferromagnetic layer over the bottom conductive layer and forming a tunnel layer over the anti-ferromagnetic layer. The method includes forming a free magnetic layer, having a magnetic moment aligned in a direction that is adjustable by applying an electromagnetic field, over the tunnel layer, wherein the anti-ferromagnetic layer, the tunnel layer and the free magnetic layer are part of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) unit. The method includes forming a top conductive layer over the free magnetic layer. The method includes performing at least one lithographic process to remove portions of the bottom conductive layer, the MTJ unit and the top conductive layer that is uncovered by a photoresist layer. The method includes removing a portion of a sidewall of the MTJ unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Chern-Yow HSU, Shih-Chang LIU, Chia-Shiung TSAI
  • Patent number: 10665449
    Abstract: A method includes performing a plasma activation on a surface of a first package component, removing oxide regions from surfaces of metal pads of the first package component, and performing a pre-bonding to bond the first package component to a second package component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin-Hua Huang, Ping-Yin Liu, Hung-Hua Lin, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Yuan-Chih Hsieh, Lan-Lin Chao, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 10665600
    Abstract: A device comprises a control gate structure and a memory gate structure over a substrate, a charge storage layer formed between the control gate structure and the memory gate structure, a first spacer along a sidewall of the memory gate structure, a second spacer along a sidewall of the control gate structure, an oxide layer over a top surface of the memory gate structure, a top spacer over the oxide layer, a first drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the memory gate structure and a second drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the control gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Wei Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10665456
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure comprises a substrate comprising an interlayer dielectric (ILD) and a silicon layer disposed over the ILD, wherein the ILD comprises a conductive structure disposed therein, a dielectric layer disposed over the silicon layer, and a conductive plug electrically connected with the conductive structure and extended from the dielectric layer through the silicon layer to the ILD, wherein the conductive plug has a length extending from the dielectric layer to the ILD and a width substantially consistent along the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Pei Chou, Chen-Fa Lu, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10658474
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a method for forming a thin semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate without implantation radiation and/or plasma damage. In some embodiments, a device layer is epitaxially formed on a sacrificial substrate and an insulator layer is formed on the device layer. The insulator layer may, for example, be formed with a net charge that is negative or neutral. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates. The sacrificial substrate is removed, and the device layer is cyclically thinned until the device layer has a target thickness. Each thinning cycle comprises oxidizing a portion of the device layer and removing oxide resulting from the oxidizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuo-Hwa Tzeng, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 10643964
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming an integrated chip in which a group III-V device is bonded to a substrate, as well as the resulting integrated chip. In some embodiments, the method includes: forming a chip including an epitaxial stack, a metal structure on the epitaxial stack, and a diffusion layer between the metal structure and the epitaxial stack; bonding the chip to a substrate so the metal structure is between the substrate and the epitaxial stack; and performing an etch into the epitaxial stack to form a mesa structure with sidewalls spaced from sidewalls of the diffusion layer. The metal structure may, for example, be a metal bump patterned before the bonding or may, for example, be a metal layer that is on an etch stop layer and that protrudes through the etch stop layer to the diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jhih-Bin Chen, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Ming Chyi Liu, Eugene Chen
  • Publication number: 20200135541
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 10629811
    Abstract: A memory structure includes a first dielectric layer, having a first top surface, over a conductive structure. A first opening in the first dielectric layer exposes an area of the conductive structure, and has an interior sidewall. A first electrode structure, having a first portion and a second portion, is over the exposed area of the conductive structure. The second portion extends upwardly along the interior sidewall. A resistance variable layer is disposed over the first electrode. A second electrode structure, having a third portion and a fourth portion, is over the resistance variable layer. The third portion has a second top surface below the first top surface of the first dielectric layer. The fourth portion extends upwardly along the resistance variable layer. A second opening is defined by the second electrode structure. At least a part of a second dielectric layer is disposed in the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Ting Sung, Ching-Pei Hsieh, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20200119272
    Abstract: A manufacture includes a first electrode having an upper surface and a side surface, a resistance variable film over the first electrode, and a second electrode over the resistance variable film. The resistance variable film extends along the upper surface and the side surface of the first electrode. The second electrode has a side surface. A portion of the side surface of the first electrode and a portion of the side surface of the second electrode sandwich a portion of the resistance variable film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Ching-Pei Hsieh, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Chern-Yow Hsu, Fu-Ting Sung, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20200119026
    Abstract: A method includes forming first and second gate stacks over a substrate. Each of the first and second gate stacks includes a tunneling dielectric layer, a floating gate over the tunneling dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer over the floating gate, and a control gate over the middle dielectric layer. A conductive layer is formed over the first and second gate stacks. The conductive layer is etched to form a erase gate between the first and second gate stacks. Etching the conductive layer is performed such that a top surface of the erase gate is not higher than a top surface of the control gate and such that the top surface of the erase gate is at least partially curved inwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming WU, Wei-Cheng WU, Yuan-Tai TSENG, Shih-Chang LIU, Chia-Shiung TSAI, Ru-Liang LEE, Harry-Hak-Lay CHUANG