Patents by Inventor Chih Lai
Chih Lai 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).
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Patent number: 12382639Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes: forming, over a substrate, a layer stack having alternating layers of a first conductive material and a first dielectric material; forming trenches extending vertically through the layer stack from an upper surface of the layer stack distal from the substrate to a lower surface of the layer stack facing the substrate; lining sidewalls and bottoms of the trenches with a memory film; forming a channel material over the memory film, the channel material including an amorphous material; filling the trenches with a second dielectric material after forming the channel material; forming memory cell isolation regions in the second dielectric material; forming source lines (SLs) and bit lines (BLs) that extend vertically in the second dielectric material on opposing sides of the memory cell isolation regions; and crystallizing first portions of the channel material after forming the SLs and BLs.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2023Date of Patent: August 5, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: TsuChing Yang, Hung-Chang Sun, Kuo Chang Chiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Yu-Wei Jiang
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Patent number: 12376310Abstract: A 3D memory array including multiple memory cells and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. Each memory cell includes a first isolation structure, source and drain electrodes, a gate layer, a channel layer and a memory layer. The source and drain electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the first isolation structure, and the source and drain electrodes comprise kink portions. The gate layer is disposed beside the source and drain electrodes and the first isolation structure. The channel layer is disposed between the gate layer and the source electrode, the first isolation structure and the drain electrode, and the channel layer extends between the source and drain electrodes and covers the kink portions of the source and drain electrodes. The memory layer is disposed between the gate layer and the channel layer and extends beside the gate layer and extends beyond the channel layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2022Date of Patent: July 29, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Tsuching Yang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
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Publication number: 20250231863Abstract: A memory circuit includes a first memory array comprising a plurality of first memory cells, the plurality of first memory cells configured to store a first data element; a second memory array comprising a plurality of second memory cells, the plurality of second memory cells configured to store a second data element; and a control circuit operatively coupled to both of the first memory array and the second memory array, and configured to provide a multiply-accumulate (MAC) value at least based on simultaneously multiplying a third data element by the first data element and multiplying the third data element by the second data element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2024Publication date: July 17, 2025Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chieh-Fang Chen, Chen-Jun Wu
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Patent number: 12363907Abstract: A memory device includes a multi-layer stack, a channel layer, a memory material layer and a memory material layer. The multi-layer stack includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of dielectric layers stacked alternately along a first direction. The memory material layer is disposed between the channel layer and each of the conductive layers and the dielectric layers. The conductive pillars extend in the first direction, wherein the at least three conductive pillars are aligned along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2023Date of Patent: July 15, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Tsuching Yang, Hung-Chang Sun, Kuo-Chang Chiang
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Patent number: 12363911Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a stacked structure disposed on the substrate. The stacked structure includes multiple alternately stacked insulating layers and gate members. A core structure is disposed in the stacked structure. The core structure includes a memory layer, a channel member, a contact member, and a liner member. The channel member is disposed on the memory layer. The contact member is disposed on the channel member. The liner member surrounds a portion of the core structure. The present disclosure also provides a method for fabricating the semiconductor structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2023Date of Patent: July 15, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12356628Abstract: A memory device includes transistor structures and memory arc wall structures. The memory arc wall structures are embedded in the transistor structures. The transistor structure includes a dielectric column, a source electrode and a drain electrode, a gate electrode layer and a channel wall structure. The source electrode and the drain electrode are located on opposite sides of the dielectric column. The gate electrode layer is around the dielectric column, the source electrode, and the drain electrode. The channel wall structure is extended from the source electrode to the drain electrode and surrounds the dielectric column. The channel wall structure is disposed between the gate electrode layer and the source electrode, between the gate electrode layer, and the drain electrode, and between the gate electrode layer and the dielectric column. The memory arc wall structure is extended on and throughout the channel wall structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2023Date of Patent: July 8, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Sheng-Chih Lai, Kuo-Chang Chiang, Tsuching Yang
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Patent number: 12349362Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for forming a memory device, including forming a plurality of word line stacks respectively including a plurality of word lines alternatingly stacked with a plurality of insulating layers over a semiconductor substrate, forming a data storage layer along opposing sidewalls of the word line stacks, forming a channel layer along opposing sidewalls of the data storage layer, forming an inner insulating layer between inner sidewalls of the channel layer and including a first dielectric material, performing an isolation cut process including a first etching process through the inner insulating layer and the channel layer to form an isolation opening, forming an isolation structure filling the isolation opening and including a second dielectric material, performing a second etching process through the inner insulating layer on opposing sides of the isolation structure to form source/drain openings, and forming source/drain contacts in the source/drainType: GrantFiled: June 14, 2023Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tsu Ching Yang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Yu-Wei Jiang, Kuo-Chang Chiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Chen-Jun Wu, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12342539Abstract: A memory device includes a stack of gate electrode layers and interconnect layers arranged over a substrate. A first memory cell that is arranged over the substrate includes a first source/drain conductive lines and a second source/drain conductive line extending vertically through the stack of gate electrode layers. A channel layer and a memory layer are arranged on outer sidewalls of the first and second source/drain conductive lines. A first barrier structure is arranged between the first and second source/drain conductive lines. A first protective liner layer separates the first barrier structure from each of the first and second source/drain conductive lines. A second barrier structure is arranged on an opposite side of the first source/drain conductive line and is spaced apart from the first source/drain conductive line by a second protective liner layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2023Date of Patent: June 24, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tsu Ching Yang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Yu-Wei Jiang, Kuo-Chang Chiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Chen-Jun Wu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12336180Abstract: A memory cell array is provided. The memory cell array includes: a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; a plurality of word lines electrically connected to the plurality of rows, respectively; a plurality of source lines electrically connected to the plurality of columns, respectively; and a plurality of bit lines electrically connected to the plurality of columns, respectively. A plurality of inactivated word lines are configured to be applied a bias voltage that is zero, and the plurality of source lines are configured to be applied a positive bias voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chen-Jun Wu, Sun Yi Chang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12336183Abstract: A method of forming a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) device includes: forming a layer stack over a substrate, where the layer stack includes alternating layers of a first dielectric material and a word line (WL) material; forming first trenches extending vertically through the layer stack; filling the first trenches, where filling the first trenches includes forming, in the first trenches, a ferroelectric material, a channel material over the ferroelectric material, and a second dielectric material over the channel material; after filling the first trenches, forming second trenches extending vertically through the layer stack, the second trenches being interleaved with the first trenches; and filling the second trenches, where filling the second trenches includes forming, in the second trenches, the ferroelectric material, the channel material over the ferroelectric material, and the second dielectric material over the channel material.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2024Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuching Yang, Hung-Chang Sun, Kuo Chang Chiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Yu-Wei Jiang
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Patent number: 12322726Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit package includes following operations. A padding layer is formed on a portion of a carrier. A first semiconductor die is placed on the padding layer and a second semiconductor die is placed on the carrier. The first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die are encapsulated with a first encapsulation layer. A first redistribution layer structure is formed over the first semiconductor die, the second semiconductor die and the first encapsulation layer. A third semiconductor die is placed on the first redistribution layer structure. The third semiconductor die is encapsulated with a second encapsulation layer. A second redistribution layer structure is formed over the third semiconductor die and the second encapsulation layer. The carrier is debonded. The padding layer is removed, and therefore, a recess is formed in the first encapsulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Hsien Hsieh, Li-Han Hsu, Wei-Cheng Wu, Der-Chyang Yeh, Wei-Chih Lai
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Patent number: 12317541Abstract: A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate, a semiconductor channel layer, a gate dielectric layer, a source terminal and a drain terminal. The semiconductor channel layer is disposed over and above the gate. The gate dielectric layer is disposed between the gate and the semiconductor channel layer. The source terminal and the drain terminal are disposed on the semiconductor channel layer. A contact plug is disposed on at least one of the source terminal and the drain terminal. A dielectric pattern surrounds the contact plug and covers the source terminal and the drain terminal. A gas barrier layer is disposed on the dielectric pattern and surrounding the contact plug.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: May 27, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12302484Abstract: A droplet generator for an extreme ultraviolet imaging tool includes a reservoir for a molten metal, and a nozzle having a first end connected to the reservoir and a second opposing end where molten metal droplets emerge from the nozzle. A gas inlet is connected to the nozzle, and an isolation valve is at the second end of the nozzle configured to seal the nozzle droplet generator from the ambient.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Wei-Chih Lai, Han-Lung Chang, Bo-Tsun Liu, Li-Jui Chen, Po-Chung Cheng
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Patent number: 12302562Abstract: A method includes forming a plurality of memory cells, which includes a plurality of first conductive lines over a substrate, charge-trapping layers coupled to the conductive lines, channel layers arranged adjacent to the charge-trapping layers, and a plurality of first filling regions arranged between the channel layers; etching the first filling regions to form first trenches; depositing a liner over upper surfaces of the charge-trapping layers and the channel layers and sidewalls of the first trenches; forming second filling regions in the first trenches; patterning the second filling regions to form second trenches; depositing a partition region in each of the second trenches; and removing the liner to expose the charge-trapping layers and the channel layers.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Kuo-Chang Chiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Tsuching Yang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12302583Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor (MFIS) memory device, as well as a method for forming the MFIS memory device. According to some embodiments of the MFIS memory device, a lower source/drain region and an upper source/drain region are vertically stacked. A semiconductor channel overlies the lower source/drain region and underlies the upper source/drain region. The semiconductor channel extends from the lower source/drain region to the upper source/drain region. A control gate electrode extends along a sidewall of the semiconductor channel and further along individual sidewalls of the lower and upper source/drain regions. A gate dielectric layer and a ferroelectric layer separate the control gate electrode from the semiconductor channel and the lower and upper source/drain regions.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2023Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 12288820Abstract: A transistor includes an insulating layer, a source region, a drain region, a channel layer, a ferroelectric layer, and a gate electrode. The source region and the drain region are respectively disposed on and in physical contact with two opposite sidewalls of the insulating layer. A thickness of the source region, a thickness of the drain region, and a thickness of the insulating layer are substantially the same. The channel layer is disposed on the insulating layer, the source region, and the drain region. The ferroelectric layer is disposed over the channel layer. The gate electrode is disposed on the ferroelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2023Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hung-Chang Sun, Sheng-Chih Lai, Yu-Wei Jiang, Kuo-Chang Chiang, TsuChing Yang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
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Publication number: 20250133774Abstract: A transistor including a channel layer including an oxide semiconductor material and methods of making the same. The transistor includes a channel layer having a first oxide semiconductor layer having a first oxygen concentration, a second oxide semiconductor layer having a second oxygen concentration and a third oxide semiconductor layer having a third oxygen concentration. The second oxide semiconductor layer is located between the first semiconductor oxide layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer. The second oxygen concentration is lower than the first oxygen concentration and the third oxygen concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2024Publication date: April 24, 2025Inventors: Kuo-Chang Chiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang, Yu-Wei Jiang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Neil Quinn Murray
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Publication number: 20250120091Abstract: A memory cell includes a thin film transistor over a semiconductor substrate, the thin film transistor including: a memory film contacting a word line; and an oxide semiconductor (OS) layer contacting a source line and a bit line, wherein the memory film is disposed between the OS layer and the word line, wherein the source line and the bit line each comprise a first conductive material touching the OS layer, and wherein the first conductive material has a work function less than 4.6. The memory cell further includes a dielectric material separating the source line and the bit line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2024Publication date: April 10, 2025Inventors: Kuo-Chang Chiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang, Yu-Wei Jiang
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Patent number: 12272750Abstract: A memory cell includes a ferroelectric (FE) material contacting a word line; and an oxide semiconductor (OS) layer contacting a source line and a bit line, wherein the FE material is disposed between the OS layer and the word line. The OS layer comprises: a first region adjacent the FE material, the first region having a first concentration of a semiconductor element; a second region adjacent the source line, the second region having a second concentration of the semiconductor element; and a third region between the first region and the second region, the third region having a third concentration of the semiconductor element, the third concentration is greater than the second concentration and less than the first concentration.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2023Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuo-Chang Chiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang, Yu-Wei Jiang
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Patent number: 12274087Abstract: A field effect transistor includes a substrate having a transistor forming region thereon; an insulating layer on the substrate; a first graphene layer on the insulating layer within the transistor forming region; an etch stop layer on the first graphene layer within the transistor forming region; a first inter-layer dielectric layer on the etch stop layer; a gate trench recessed into the first inter-layer dielectric layer and the etch stop layer within the transistor forming region; a second graphene layer on interior surface of the gate trench; a gate dielectric layer on the second graphene layer and on the first inter-layer dielectric layer; and a gate electrode on the gate dielectric layer within the gate trench.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lai, Shih-Min Chou, Nien-Ting Ho, Wei-Ming Hsiao, Li-Han Chen, Szu-Yao Yu, Chung-Yi Chiu