Patents by Inventor Chih-Wen Lee

Chih-Wen Lee 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: 20240154015
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin and a second fin protruding from a frontside of a substrate, forming a gate stack over the first and second fins, forming a dielectric feature dividing the gate stack into a first segment engaging the first fin and a second segment engaging the second fin, and growing a first epitaxial feature on the first fin and a second epitaxial feature on the second fin. The dielectric feature is disposed between the first and second epitaxial features. The method also includes performing an etching process on a backside of the substrate to form a backside trench, and forming a backside via in the backside trench. The backside trench exposes the dielectric feature and the first and second epitaxial features. The backside via straddles the dielectric feature and is in electrical connection with the first and second epitaxial features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Jui-Lin CHEN, Hsin-Wen SU, Chih-Ching WANG, Chen-Ming LEE, Chung-I YANG, Yi-Feng TING, Jon-Hsu HO, Lien-Jung HUNG, Ping-Wei WANG
  • Publication number: 20240145380
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer arranged over a substrate. An interconnect wire extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer, and a barrier structure is arranged directly over the interconnect wire. The integrated chip further includes an etch stop layer arranged over the barrier structure and surrounds outer sidewalls of the barrier structure. A second interconnect dielectric layer is arranged over the etch stop layer, and an interconnect via extends through the second interconnect dielectric layer, the etch stop layer, and the barrier structure to contact the interconnect wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai
  • Patent number: 11972975
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a masking structure with first openings over a semiconductor substrate and correspondingly forming metal layers in the first openings. The method also includes recessing the masking structure to form second openings between the metal layers and forming a sacrificial layer surrounded by a first liner in each of the second openings. In addition, after forming a second liner over the sacrificial layer in each of the second openings, the method includes removing the sacrificial layer in each of the second openings to form a plurality of air gaps therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chih-Wei Lu, Chung-Ju Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 11961768
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first transistor, which includes forming a first gate dielectric layer over a first channel region in a substrate and forming a first work-function layer over the first gate dielectric layer, wherein forming the first work-function layer includes depositing a work-function material using first process conditions to form the work-function material having a first proportion of different crystalline orientations and forming a second transistor, which includes forming a second gate dielectric layer over a second channel region in the substrate and forming a second work-function layer over the second gate dielectric layer, wherein forming the second work-function layer includes depositing the work-function material using second process conditions to form the work-function material having a second proportion of different crystalline orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ya-Wen Chiu, Da-Yuan Lee, Hsien-Ming Lee, Kai-Cyuan Yang, Yu-Sheng Wang, Chih-Hsiang Fan, Kun-Wa Kuok
  • Patent number: 11961761
    Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for mitigating pattern collapse are provided herein. For example, a semiconductor structure for mitigating pattern collapse is formed. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure includes an extreme low-k (ELK) dielectric region associated with a via or a metal line. For example, a first metal line portion and a second metal line portion are associated with a first lateral location and a second lateral location, respectively. In some embodiments, the first portion is formed based on a first stage of patterning and the second portion is formed based on a second stage of patterning. In this manner, pattern collapse associated with the semiconductor structure is mitigated, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Ting, Ya-Lien Lee, Chung-Wen Wu, Jeng-Shiou Chen
  • Publication number: 20240120200
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed herein. An exemplary method of forming a semiconductor device comprises receiving a structure including a substrate and a first hard mask over the substrate, the first hard mask having at least two separate portions; forming spacers along sidewalls of the at least two portions of the first hard mask with a space between the spacers; forming a second hard mask in the space; forming a first cut in the at least two portions of the first hard mask; forming a second cut in the second hard mask; and depositing a cut hard mask in the first cut and the second cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Pin-Ren Dai, Chih Wei Lu, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11955385
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first stack structure, a second stack structure, and a third stack structure. Each of the stack structure includes semiconductor layers vertically spaced from one another. The first, second, and third stack structures all extend along a first lateral direction. The second stack structure is disposed between the first and third stack structures. The semiconductor device includes a first gate structure that extends along a second lateral direction and wraps around each of the semiconductor layers. The semiconductor layers of the first stack structure are coupled with respective source/drain structures. The semiconductor layers of the second stack structure are coupled with respective source/drain structures. The semiconductor layers of the third stack structure are coupled with a dielectric passivation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chih-Han Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Hsiao Wen Lee
  • Patent number: 11942364
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming an interconnect. The method includes forming an etch stop layer (ESL) over a lower conductive structure and forming one or more dielectric layers over the ESL. A first patterning process is performed on the one or more dielectric layers to form interconnect opening and a second patterning process is performed on the one or more dielectric layers to increase a depth of the interconnect opening and expose an upper surface of the ESL. A protective layer is selectively formed on sidewalls of the one or more dielectric layers forming the interconnect opening. A third patterning process is performed to remove portions of the ESL that are uncovered by the one or more dielectric layers and the protective layer and to expose the lower conductive structure. A conductive material is formed within the interconnect opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Yu-Teng Dai, Wei-Hao Liao
  • Patent number: 11942529
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor layers vertically separated from one another. Each of the plurality of semiconductor layers extends along a first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes a gate structure that extends along a second lateral direction and comprises at least a lower portion that wraps around each of the plurality of semiconductor layers. The lower portion of the gate structure comprises a plurality of first gate sections that are laterally aligned with the plurality of semiconductor layers, respectively, and wherein each of the plurality of first gate sections has ends that each extend along the second lateral direction and present a first curvature-based profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chih-Han Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee
  • Publication number: 20240097007
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is described. An isolation region is disposed on the substrate. A plurality of channels extend through the isolation region from the substrate. The channels including an active channel and an inactive channel. A dummy fin is disposed on the isolation region and between the active channel and the inactive channel. An active gate is disposed over the active channel and the inactive channel, and contacts the isolation region. A dielectric material extends through the active gate and contacts a top of the dummy fin. The inactive channel is a closest inactive channel to the dielectric material. A long axis of the active channel extends in a first direction. A long axis of the active gate extends in a second direction. The active channel extends in a third direction from the substrate. The dielectric material is closer to the inactive channel than to the active channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Hsiao Wen Lee, Ya-Yi Tsai, Shu-Uei Jang, Chih-Han Lin, Shu-Yuan Ku
  • Publication number: 20240093357
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by modifying an electromagnetic field within a deposition chamber. In embodiments in which the deposition process is a sputtering process, the electromagnetic field may be modified by adjusting a distance between a first coil and a mounting platform. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by applying or removing power from additional coils that are also present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Wang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Chien Chi, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20240088022
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an integrated chip including a plurality of conductive structures over a substrate. A first dielectric layer is disposed laterally between the conductive structures. A spacer structure is disposed between the first dielectric layer and the plurality of conductive structures. An etch stop layer overlies the plurality of conductive structures. The etch stop layer is disposed on upper surfaces of the spacer structure and the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Yu-Teng Dai, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao
  • Patent number: 11923440
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming semiconductor fins on a substrate. A first dummy gate is formed over the semiconductor fins. A recess is formed in the first dummy gate, and the recess is disposed between the semiconductor fins. A dummy fin material is formed in the recess. A portion of the dummy fin material is removed to expose an upper surface of the first dummy gate and to form a dummy fin. A second dummy gate is formed on the exposed upper surface of the first dummy gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Chen-Ping Chen, Kuei-Yu Kao, Hsiao Wen Lee, Chih-Han Lin
  • Patent number: 11923293
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer arranged over a substrate. An interconnect wire extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer, and a barrier structure is arranged directly over the interconnect wire. The integrated chip further includes an etch stop layer arranged over the barrier structure and surrounds outer sidewalls of the barrier structure. A second interconnect dielectric layer is arranged over the etch stop layer, and an interconnect via extends through the second interconnect dielectric layer, the etch stop layer, and the barrier structure to contact the interconnect wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai
  • Patent number: 11915943
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a conductive feature disposed over a semiconductor substrate, a via disposed in a first interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over the conductive feature, and a metal-containing etch-stop layer (ESL) disposed on the via, where the metal-containing ESL includes a first metal and is resistant to etching by a fluorine-containing etchant. The semiconductor structure further includes a conductive line disposed over the metal-containing ESL, where the conductive line includes a second metal different from the first metal and is etchable by the fluorine-containing etchant, and where the via is configured to interconnect the conductive line to the conductive feature. Furthermore, the semiconductor structure includes a second ILD layer disposed over the first ILD layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Chih Wei Lu, Pin-Ren Dai, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 10967029
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of using extract of Cistanche tubulosa. The extract was used to prevent, slow down, or treat an eye disease caused by oxidative stress. The method includes administrating to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of the extract of Cistanche tubulosa to prevent, slow down, or treat an eye disease caused by oxidative stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Sinphar Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Wen Lee
  • Publication number: 20180117109
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of using extract of Cistanche tubulosa. The extract was used to prevent, slow down, or treat an eye disease caused by oxidative stress. The method includes administrating to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of the extract of Cistanche tubulosa to prevent, slow down, or treat an eye disease caused by oxidative stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Chih-Wen LEE
  • Publication number: 20160000847
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of using of extract of Cistanche tubulosa. The extract was used to prepare drugs or food for protecting eye cells. The extract has a good protective effect for eye cells, and can be further developed to drugs or food for preventing eye disease or slow downing the progress of eye disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventor: Chih-Wen LEE
  • Publication number: 20020173102
    Abstract: A method of forming multi-state mask ROM cells on a semiconductor substrate is disclosed. The method comprises following steps. Firstly, a pad oxide layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. Then the pad oxide layer is patterned so as to form a plurality of first coding oxide regions. Thereafter, another photoresist pattern is formed to define buried bit line regions. A plurality of predetermined buried bit line regions are defined amid the first coding oxide regions. Then, a first ion implant by implanting n-type impurities into the semiconductor substrate using the photoresist pattern as a mask. After stripping the photoresist pattern, a first thermal oxidation is performed to grow oxide layer and driving the n-type impurities into the semiconductor substrate. Three types of oxide layer are formed with different thickness. Thereafter, a conductive layer are formed and then patterned as word lines. Subsequently, a photoresist pattern is formed to define second coding region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Chih-Wen Lee, Pei-Pei Tzuoo
  • Patent number: D1026916
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hao-Jen Fang, Kung-Ju Chen, Wei-Yi Chang, Chun-Chieh Chen, Chih-Wen Chiang, Sheng-Hung Lee