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).

  • Patent number: 11545507
    Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate, word line layers, insulating layers, and memory cells. The word line layers are stacked above the substrate. The insulating layers are stacked above the substrate respectively alternating with the word line layers. The memory cells are distributed along a stacking direction of the word line layers and the insulating layers perpendicularly to a major surface of the substrate. Each memory cell includes a source line electrode and a bit line electrode, a first oxide semiconductor layer, and a second oxide semiconductor layer. The first oxide semiconductor layer is peripherally surrounded by one of the word line layers, the source line electrode, and the bit line electrode. The second oxide semiconductor layer is disposed between the one of the word line layers and the first oxide semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Kuo-Chang Chiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang
  • Patent number: 11545201
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a memory cell, an integrated chip comprising a memory cell, and a method of operating a memory device. In some embodiments, the memory cell comprises a data-storage element having a variable resistance and a unipolar selector electrically coupled in series with the data-storage element. The memory cell is configured to be written by a writing voltage with a single polarity applying across the data-storage element and the unipolar selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Chih Lai
  • Publication number: 20220384486
    Abstract: A first conductive pillar is formed. A plurality of second conductive pillars are formed at different sides of the first conductive pillar. A plurality of dielectric pillars are respectively formed between the first conductive pillar and the plurality of second conductive pillars. A channel layer is formed to continuously surround the first conductive pillar, the plurality of second conductive pillars and the plurality of dielectric pillars. A memory material layer is formed to surround the channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang, Hung-Chang Sun, Kuo-Chang Chiang
  • Publication number: 20220384470
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a stack structure disposed on the substrate, a plurality of dielectric isolation segments extending through the stack structure, and a plurality of memory cell structures. The stack structure includes a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of conductive layers alternatingly stacked in a Z direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The memory cell structures are disposed in the stack structure, and are separated from one another by the dielectric isolation segments. Each of the memory cell structures includes a pair of conductive segments each penetrating the stack structure in the Z direction, a dielectric separation segment separating the conductive segments, a conductive channel segment enclosing side surfaces of the conductive segments and the dielectric separation segment, and a memory segment enclosing side surface of the conductive channel segment and being connected between the stack structure and the conductive segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Wei JIANG, Sheng-Chih LAI, Chung-Te LIN
  • Publication number: 20220384487
    Abstract: A device includes a dielectric layer, a conductive layer, electrode layers and an oxide semiconductor layer. The dielectric layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The conductive layer is disposed on the first surface of the dielectric layer. The electrode layers are disposed on the second surface of the dielectric layer. The oxide semiconductor layer is disposed in between the second surface of the dielectric layer and the electrode layers, wherein the oxide semiconductor layer comprises a material represented by formula 1 (InxSnyTizMmOn). In formula 1, 0<x<1, 0?y<1, 0<z<1, 0<m<1, 0<n<1, and M represents at least one metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Chang Sun, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang, Yu-Wei Jiang, Kuo-Chang Chiang
  • Patent number: 11515229
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a circuit substrate, a die, a frame structure, a heat sink lid and conductive balls. The die is disposed on a front surface of the circuit substrate and electrically connected with the circuit substrate. The die includes two first dies disposed side by side and separate from each other with a gap between two facing sidewalls of the two first dies. The frame structure is disposed on the front surface of the circuit substrate and surrounding the die. The heat sink lid is disposed on the die and the frame structure. The head sink lid has a slit that penetrates through the heat sink lid in a thickness direction and exposes the gap between the two facing sidewalls of the two first dies. The conductive balls are disposed on the opposite surface of the circuit substrate and electrically connected with the die through the circuit substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Lai, Chien-Chia Chiu, Chen-Hua Yu, Der-Chyang Yeh, Cheng-Hsien Hsieh, Li-Han Hsu, Tsung-Shu Lin, Wei-Cheng Wu, Yu-Chen Hsu
  • Publication number: 20220375949
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a one-time program memory device that includes a source-line arranged over a bottom dielectric layer. Further, a bit-line is arranged directly over the source-line in a first direction. A channel isolation structure is arranged between the source-line and the bit-line. A channel structure is also arranged between the source-line and the bit-line and is arranged beside the channel isolation structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A vertical gate electrode extends in the first direction from the bottom dielectric layer to the bit-line and is arranged beside the channel isolation structure in the second direction. The one-time program memory device further includes a gate dielectric layer arranged between the vertical gate electrode and the bit-line, the source-line, and the channel structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 11508753
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a ferroelectric memory device. The ferroelectric memory device includes a pair of source/drain regions disposed in a substrate. A gate dielectric is disposed over the substrate and between the source/drain regions. A gate electrode is disposed on the gate dielectric. A polarization switching structure is disposed on the gate electrode. A pair of sidewall spacers is disposed over the substrate and along opposite sidewalls of the gate electrode and the polarization switching structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo-Feng Young, Chung-Te Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin, Sheng-Chih Lai, Chih-Yu Chang, Han-Jong Chia
  • Publication number: 20220367795
    Abstract: A method includes forming a bottom electrode, forming a dielectric layer, forming a Phase-Change Random Access Memory (PCRAM) region in contact with the dielectric layer, and forming a top electrode. The dielectric layer and the PCRAM region are between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. A filament is formed in the dielectric layer. The filament is in contact with the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventor: Sheng-Chih Lai
  • Publication number: 20220366954
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method of forming a memory device. The method includes forming a lower part of an interconnect structure over a substrate and forming a unipolar selector over the lower part of the interconnect structure. The method further comprises forming a data-storage element over the unipolar selector and electrically coupled in series with the unipolar selector, the data-storage element having a variable resistance. The method further comprises generating an external magnetic field by a magnetic field generator to pre-set the data-storage element to a first data state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventor: Sheng-Chih Lai
  • Publication number: 20220352184
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a method of forming a ferroelectric memory device. In the method, a pair of source/drain regions is formed in a substrate. A gate dielectric and a gate electrode are formed over the substrate and between the pair of source/drain regions. A polarization switching structure is formed directly on a top surface of the gate electrode. By arranging the polarization switching structure directly on the gate electrode, smaller pad size can be realized, and more flexible area ratio tuning can be achieved compared to arranging the polarization switching structure under the gate electrode with the aligned sidewall and same lateral dimensions. In addition, since the process of forming gate electrode can endure higher annealing temperatures, such that quality of the ferroelectric structure is better controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Bo-Feng Young, Chung-Te Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin, Sheng-Chih Lai, Chih-Yu Chang, Han-Jong Chia
  • Publication number: 20220336475
    Abstract: A memory array includes a plurality of memory cells stacked up along a first direction. Each of the memory cells include a memory stack, connecting lines, and insulating layers. The memory stack includes a first dielectric layer, a channel layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, a charge trapping layer disposed on the channel layer, a second dielectric layer disposed on the charge trapping layer, and a gate layer disposed in between the channel layer and the second dielectric layer. The connecting lines are extending along the first direction and covering side surfaces of the memory stack. The insulating layers are extending along the first direction, wherein the insulating layers are located aside the connecting lines and covering the side surfaces of the memory stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin
  • Publication number: 20220336498
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin
  • Publication number: 20220338336
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Wei-Chih LAI, Han-Lung CHANG, Bo-Tsun LIU, Li-Jui CHEN, Po-Chung CHENG
  • Publication number: 20220328560
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a bipolar selector having independently tunable threshold voltages, as well as a memory cell comprising the bipolar selector and a memory array comprising the memory cell. In some embodiments, the bipolar selector comprises a first unipolar selector and a second unipolar selector. The first and second unipolar selectors are electrically coupled in parallel with opposite orientations and may, for example, be diodes or some other suitable unipolar selectors. By placing the first and second unipolar selectors in parallel with opposite orientations, the first unipolar selector independently defines a first threshold voltage of the bipolar selector and the second unipolar selector independently defines a second threshold voltage of the bipolar selector. As a result, the first and second threshold voltages can be independently tuned by adjusting parameters of the first and second unipolar selectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin, Min Cao, Randy Osborne
  • Publication number: 20220320420
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) structure includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), and a top electrode which contacts an end of the MTJ. The top electrode includes a top electrode upper portion and a top electrode lower portion. The width of the top electrode upper portion is larger than the width of the top electrode lower portion. A bottom electrode contacts another end of the MTJ. The top electrode, the MTJ and the bottom electrode form an MRAM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lai, Yi-Syun Chou, Ko-Wei Lin, Pei-Hsun Kao, Wei Chen, Chia-Fu Cheng, Chun-Yao Yang, Chia-Chang Hsu
  • Publication number: 20220320119
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chung-Te Lin
  • Publication number: 20220285384
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    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
  • Publication number: 20220285395
    Abstract: 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/drain
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11437393
    Abstract: A memory array includes a plurality of memory cells stacked up along a first direction. Each of the memory cells include a memory stack, connecting lines, and insulating layers. The memory stack includes a first dielectric layer, a channel layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, a charge trapping layer disposed on the channel layer, a second dielectric layer disposed on the charge trapping layer, and a gate layer disposed in between the channel layer and the second dielectric layer. The connecting lines are extending along the first direction and covering side surfaces of the memory stack. The insulating layers are extending along the first direction, wherein the insulating layers are located aside the connecting lines and covering the side surfaces of the memory stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chih Lai, Chung-Te Lin