Patents by Inventor Chih-Ning Chen

Chih-Ning Chen 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: 20240387623
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a substrate having a p-type well or an n-type well, a first base portion over the p-type well, a second base portion over the n-type well, a first plurality of channel members over the first base portion, a second plurality of channel members over the second base portion, an isolation feature disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion, and a deep isolation structure in the substrate disposed below the isolation feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jung-Chien Cheng, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240387740
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and a method for forming a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes multiple semiconductor nanostructures over a substrate and two epitaxial structures over the substrate. Each of the semiconductor nanostructures is between the epitaxial structures. The semiconductor device structure also includes a gate stack wrapped around the semiconductor nanostructures, and the gate stack has a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode. The semiconductor device structure further includes a dielectric stressor structure between the gate stack and the substrate. The gate dielectric layer extends along and beyond first opposite sidewalls of the dielectric stressor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Guan-Lin CHEN, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20240387288
    Abstract: Techniques described herein enable respective (different) types of metal silicide layers to be formed for p-type source/drain regions and n-type source/drain regions in a selective manner. For example, a p-type metal silicide layer may be selectively formed over a p-type source/drain region (e.g., such that the p-type metal silicide layer is not formed over the n-type source/drain region) and an n-type metal silicide layer may be formed over the n-type source/drain region (which may be selective or non-selective). This provides a low Schottky barrier height between the p-type metal silicide layer and the p-type source/drain region, as well as a low Schottky barrier height between the n-type metal silicide layer and the n-type source/drain region. This reduces the contact resistance for both p-type source/drain regions and n-type source/drain regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Wei-Yip LOH, Yan-Ming TSAI, Yi-Ning TAI, Raghunath PUTIKAM, Hung-Yi HUANG, Hung-Hsu CHEN, Chih-Wei CHANG
  • Publication number: 20240387539
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device includes forming a first fin structure including a first plurality of semiconductor layers vertically spaced from one another and over a substrate; forming a second fin structure including a second plurality of semiconductor layers vertically spaced from one another and over the substrate, the first and the second fin structures extend along a first lateral direction; forming a first dielectric structure extending into the substrate and parallel with the first and second fin structures, the second fin structure being separated from the first fin structure along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction, by a first distance; and forming a first gate structure that extends along the second lateral direction and wraps around each of the first plurality of semiconductor layers and each of the second plurality of semiconductor layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Chieh-Ning Feng, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20240387662
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and their manufacturing methods are disclosed herein, and more particularly to semiconductor devices including a transistor having gate all around (GAA) transistor structures and manufacturing methods thereof. The methods described herein allow for complex shapes (e.g., “L-shaped”) to be etched into a multi-layered stack to form fins used in the formation of active regions of the GAA nanostructure transistor structures. In some embodiments, the active regions may be formed with a first channel width and a first source/drain region having a first width and a second channel width and a second source/drain region having a second width that is less than the first width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 12148812
    Abstract: A device includes a first channel layer over a semiconductor substrate, a second channel layer over the first channel layer, and a third channel layer over the second channel layer. The channel layers each connects a first and a second source/drain along a first direction. The device also includes a first gate portion between the first and second channel layers; a second gate portion between the second and third channel layers; a first inner spacer between the first and second channel layers and between the first gate portion and the first source/drain; and a second inner spacer between the second and third channel layers and between the second gate portion and the first source/drain. The first and second gate portions have substantially the same gate lengths along the first direction. The first inner spacer has a width along the first direction that is greater than the second inner spacer has.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Chien Huang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chih-Hao Wang, Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen
  • Publication number: 20240379875
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes forming a first fin structure and a second fin structure over a substrate. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure over the first fin structure and the second fin structure, and removing a portion of the first fin structure and the second fin structure to form a first source/drain (S/D) recess and a second S/D recess. The method includes forming a first bottom layer in the first S/D recess and a second bottom layer in the second S/D recess, and forming a first dielectric liner layer over the first bottom layer. The method includes forming a first top layer over the first dielectric liner layer, and forming a first S/D structure over the first top layer and a second S/D structure over the second bottom layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hung CHANG, Zhi-Chang LIN, Shih-Cheng CHEN, Chien-Ning YAO, Tsung-Han CHUANG, Kai-Lin CHUANG, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20240379878
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor channel over the substrate, a second semiconductor channel over the substrate and laterally offset from the first semiconductor channel, and a third semiconductor channel over the substrate and laterally offset from the second semiconductor channel. A first gate structure, a second gate structure, and a third gate structure are over and lateral surround the first, second, and third semiconductor channels, respectively. A first inactive fin is between the first gate structure and the second gate structure, and a second inactive fin is between the second gate structure and the third gate structure. A bridge conductor layer is over the first, second, and third gate structures, and the first and second inactive fins. A dielectric plug extends from an upper surface of the second inactive fin, through the bridge conductor layer, to at least an upper surface of the bridge conductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Shi-Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG, Kuan-Lun CHENG, Guan-Lin CHEN, Kuan-Ting PAN
  • Publication number: 20240379750
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a fin structure protruding above a substrate, where the fin structure comprises a fin and a layer stack overlying the fin, where the layer stack comprises alternating layers of a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material; forming a dummy gate structure over the fin structure; forming openings in the fin structure on opposing sides of the dummy gate structure, where the openings extend through the layer stack into the fin; forming a dielectric layer in bottom portions of the openings; and forming source/drain regions in the openings on the dielectric layer, where the source/drain regions are separated from the fin by the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Guan-Lin Chen, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Jung-Chien Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240379668
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and method of forming the same are provided. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes two first source/drain features and a first number of nanostructures that are stacked vertically one over another and extend lengthwise between the two first source/drain features. The second transistor includes two second source/drain features and a second number of nanostructures that are stacked vertically one over another and extend lengthwise between the two second source/drain features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Jung-Chien Cheng, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240379855
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes a stack of first channel members, a stack of second channel members disposed directly over the stack of first channel members, a bottom source/drain feature in contact with the stack of the first channel members, a separation layer disposed over the bottom source/drain feature, a top source/drain feature in contact with the stack of second channel members and disposed over the separation layer, and a frontside contact that extends through the top source/drain feature and the separation layer to be electrically coupled to the bottom source/drain feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang Lin, Shih-Cheng Chen, Jung-Hung Chang, Chien Ning Yao, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20240371877
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor structure includes first channel members vertically stacked, second channel members vertically stacked, a first source/drain feature abutting the first channel members, a second source/drain feature abutting the second channel members, a first gate structure engaging the first channel members, a second gate structure engaging the second channel members, a first metal interconnect layer disposed at a frontside of the semiconductor device, and a second metal interconnect layer disposed at a backside of the semiconductor device. The first and second gate structures are stacked vertically between the first and second metal interconnect layers. The exemplary semiconductor structure also includes an isolation structure stacked vertically between the first and second metal interconnect layers. The isolation structure includes an air gap stacked laterally between the first and second gate structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Jung-Chien Cheng, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240371934
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a first fin structure formed over the substrate. The semiconductor structure also includes an isolation structure formed around the first fin structure and a protection layer formed on the isolation structure. The semiconductor structure also includes first nanostructures formed over the first fin structure and a gate structure surrounding the first nanostructures. In addition, a bottom surface of the gate structure and the top surface of the isolation structure are separated by the protection layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Wen-Ting LAN, Guan-Lin CHEN, Shi-Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG, Ching-Wei TSAI, Kuan-Lun CHENG
  • Publication number: 20240363703
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a plurality of nanostructures, a gate stack surrounding the nanostructures, a first source/drain feature and a second source/drain feature adjoining a first side and a second side of the plurality of nanostructures, respectively, a first contact plug under and electrically connected to the first source/drain feature, a second contact plug over and electrically connected to the second source/drain feature, and an insulating layer surrounding the second contact plug and covering a top surface of the first source/drain feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hung CHANG, Lo Heng CHANG, Zhi-Chang LIN, Shih-Cheng CHEN, Chien-Ning YAO, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Patent number: 12132115
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and a method for forming a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes multiple semiconductor nanostructures over a substrate and two epitaxial structures over the substrate. Each of the semiconductor nanostructures is between the epitaxial structures, and the epitaxial structures are p-type doped. The semiconductor device structure also includes a gate stack wrapping around the semiconductor nanostructures. The semiconductor device structure further includes a dielectric stressor structure between the gate stack and the substrate. The epitaxial structures extend exceeding a top surface of the dielectric stressor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shi-Ning Ju, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Guan-Lin Chen, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20240355904
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide semiconductor device structures and methods of forming the same. The method includes depositing a spacer layer over an isolation region between adjacent fin structures, and the spacer layer is formed on sidewalls and tops of the fin structures. The method further includes forming a mask on the spacer layer between the fin structures, and the mask has a height substantially less than a height of the fin structures. The method further includes removing portions of the spacer layer and recessing the fin structures to form a spacer and to expose a portion of each fin structure, the spacer includes a first portion having a “U” shape disposed on the isolation region, and the portion of each fin structure has a top surface located at a level substantially below a top surface of the isolation region. The method further includes removing the mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Jung-Chien CHENG, Guan-Lin CHEN, Shi Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20240355908
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a first nanostructure channel above the substrate and a second nanostructure channel between the first nanostructure channel and the substrate. An inner spacer is between the first nanostructure channel and the second nanostructure channel. A gate structure abuts the first nanostructure channel, the second nanostructure channel and the inner spacer. A liner layer is between the inner spacer and the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Tsung-Han CHUANG, Zhi-Chang LIN, Shih-Cheng CHEN, Jung-Hung CHANG, Chien Ning YAO, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20240355901
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure includes forming a fin structure, and the fin structure has multiple sacrificial layers and multiple semiconductor layers laid out alternately. The method also includes forming a gate stack wrapped around the fin structure and forming a spacer layer extending along sidewalls of the fin structure and the gate stack. The method further includes partially removing the fin structure and the spacer layer to form a recess exposing side surfaces of the semiconductor layers and the sacrificial layers. A remaining portion of the spacer layer forms a gate spacer. In addition, the method includes forming an inner spacer layer along a sidewall and a bottom of the recess and partially removing the inner spacer layer using an isotropic etching process. Remaining portions of the inner spacer layers form multiple inner spacers. The method includes forming an epitaxial structure in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hung CHANG, Shih-Cheng CHEN, Chih-Hao WANG, Chia-Cheng TSAI, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Zhi-Chang LIN, Chien-Ning YAO, Tsung-Han CHUANG
  • Patent number: 12125877
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a fin structure protruding above a substrate, where the fin structure comprises a fin and a layer stack overlying the fin, where the layer stack comprises alternating layers of a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material; forming a dummy gate structure over the fin structure; forming openings in the fin structure on opposing sides of the dummy gate structure, where the openings extend through the layer stack into the fin; forming a dielectric layer in bottom portions of the openings; and forming source/drain regions in the openings on the dielectric layer, where the source/drain regions are separated from the fin by the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guan-Lin Chen, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Jung-Chien Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240347391
    Abstract: Self-aligned gate cutting techniques for multigate devices are disclosed herein that provide multigate devices having asymmetric metal gate profiles and asymmetric source/drain feature profiles. An exemplary multigate device has a channel layer, a metal gate that wraps a portion of the channel layer, and source/drain features disposed over a substrate. The channel layer extends along a first direction between the source/drain features. A first dielectric fin and a second dielectric fin are disposed over the substrate and configured differently. The channel layer extends along a second direction between the first dielectric fin and the second dielectric fin. The metal gate is disposed between the channel layer and the second dielectric fin. In some embodiments, the first dielectric fin is disposed on a first isolation feature, and the second dielectric fin is disposed on a second isolation feature. The first isolation feature and the second isolation feature are configured differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Guan-Lin Chen, Chih-Hao Wang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Shi Ning Ju, Jui-Chien Huang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng