Patents by Inventor Chun-Fu CHENG
Chun-Fu CHENG 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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Publication number: 20250151283Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a stack of alternating insulating layers and first conductive layers disposed over a substrate; a plurality of memory cell strings penetrating the stack over the substrate, each memory cell string comprising a central portion extending through the stack, a semiconductor layer surrounding the central portion, and a ferroelectric layer surrounding the semiconductor layer, and the central portion comprising a channel isolation structure and a second conductive layer and a third conductive layer at two sides of the channel isolation structure; and a plurality of cell isolation structures penetrating the conductive layers and the insulating layers over the substrate and disposed between two memory cell strings, each cell isolation structure comprising a top portion and a bottom portion adjoined to the top portion and different from the top portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2025Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: YU-CHIEN CHIU, MENG-HAN LIN, CHUN-FU CHENG, HAN-JONG CHIA, CHUNG-WEI WU, ZHIQIANG WU
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Publication number: 20250151305Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device that includes channel layers vertically stacked over a substrate, a gate structure engaging the channel layers, a source/drain (S/D) formation assistance region partially embedded in the substrate and under a bottommost one of the channel layers, and an S/D epitaxial feature interfacing both the S/D formation assistance region and lateral ends of the channel layers. The S/D formation assistance region includes a semiconductor seed layer embedded in an isolation layer. The isolation layer separates the semiconductor seed layer from physically contacting the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2025Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: Wei Ju Lee, Zhiqiang Wu, Chung-Wei Wu, Chun-Fu Cheng
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Patent number: 12250822Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional memory device includes first and second stacking structures, isolation pillars, gate dielectric layers, channel layers and conductive pillars. The stacking structures are laterally spaced apart from each other. The stacking structures respectively comprises alternately stacked insulating layers and conductive layers. The isolation pillars laterally extend between the stacking structures. The isolation pillars further protrude into the stacking structures, and a space between the stacking structures is divided into cell regions. The gate dielectric layers are respectively formed in one of the cell regions, and cover opposing sidewalls of the stacking structures and sidewalls of the isolation pillars. The channel layers respectively cover an inner surface of one of the gate dielectric layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Feng-Cheng Yang, Sheng-Chen Wang, Yu-Chien Chiu, Han-Jong Chia
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Patent number: 12211790Abstract: The present disclosure describes a semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate, a first vertical structure and a second vertical structure formed over the substrate, and a conductive rail structure between the first and second vertical structures. A top surface of the conductive rail structure can be substantially coplanar with top surfaces of the first and the second vertical structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2023Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi-Bo Liao, Wei Ju Lee, Cheng-Ting Chung, Hou-Yu Chen, Chun-Fu Cheng, Kuan-Lun Cheng
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Patent number: 12199170Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a stack of first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers over a substrate, etching the stack to form a source/drain (S/D) recess in exposing the substrate, and forming an S/D formation assistance region in the S/D recess. The S/D formation assistance region is partially embedded in the substrate and includes a semiconductor seed layer embedded in an isolation layer. The isolation layer electrically isolates the semiconductor seed layer from the substrate. The method also includes epitaxially growing an S/D feature in the S/D recess from the semiconductor seed layer. The S/D feature is in physical contact with the second semiconductor layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Wei Ju Lee, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20240429279Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor nanostructure over the substrate, a gate dielectric layer wrapping around the semiconductor nanostructure and a gate electrode over the gate dielectric layer. The semiconductor nanostructure includes a plurality of first strips extending along a first direction and a plurality of second strips along a second direction, and wherein the second direction crosses the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2023Publication date: December 26, 2024Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Meng-Yu LIN, Chun-Fu CHENG
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Publication number: 20240389338Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional memory device includes first and second stacking structures, isolation pillars, gate dielectric layers, channel layers and conductive pillars. The stacking structures are laterally spaced apart from each other. The stacking structures respectively comprises alternately stacked insulating layers and conductive layers. The isolation pillars laterally extend between the stacking structures. The isolation pillars further protrude into the stacking structures, and a space between the stacking structures is divided into cell regions. The gate dielectric layers are respectively formed in one of the cell regions, and cover opposing sidewalls of the stacking 10 structures and sidewalls of the isolation pillars. The channel layers respectively cover an inner surface of one of the gate dielectric layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2024Publication date: November 21, 2024Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Feng-Cheng Yang, Sheng-Chen Wang, Yu-Chien Chiu, Han-Jong Chia
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Publication number: 20240379803Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor channel over the substrate, and a second semiconductor channel over the substrate and laterally separated from the first semiconductor channel. A gate structure covers and wraps around the first semiconductor channel and the second semiconductor channel. A first source/drain region abuts the first semiconductor channel on a first side of the gate structure, and a second source/drain region abuts the second semiconductor channel on the first side of the gate structure. An isolation structure is under and between the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region, and includes a first isolation region in contact with bottom surfaces of the first and second source/drain regions, and a second isolation region in contact with sidewalls of the first and second source/drain regions, and extending from a bottom surface of the first isolation region to upper surfaces of the first and second source/drain regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2024Publication date: November 14, 2024Inventors: Wei Ju LEE, Zhi-Chang LIN, Chun-Fu CHENG, Chung-Wei WU, Zhiqiang WU
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Publication number: 20240339355Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of fabricating a semiconductor structure that includes forming a dummy gate structure over a substrate, forming a first spacer on a sidewall of the dummy gate structure and a second spacer on the first spacer, forming a source/drain structure on the substrate, removing the second spacer, forming a dielectric structure over the source/drain structure, replacing the dummy gate structure with a metal gate structure and a capping structure on the metal gate structure, and forming an opening in the dielectric structure. The opening exposes the source/drain structure. The method further includes forming a dummy spacer on a sidewall of the opening, forming a contact structure in the opening, and removing the dummy spacer to form an air gap between the contact structure and the metal gate structure. The contact structure is in contact with the source/drain structure in the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Yu LIN, Zhiqiang WU, Chung-Wei WU, Chun-Fu CHENG
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Publication number: 20240313052Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to forming a nanosheet multi-channel device with an additional spacing layer and a hard mask layer. The additional spacing layer provides a space for an inner spacer above the topmost channel. The hard mask layer functions as an etch stop during metal gate etch back, providing improve gate height control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Shin-Jiun KUANG, Meng-Yu LIN, Chung-Wei WU, Chun-Fu CHENG
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Patent number: 12040222Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of fabricating a semiconductor structure that includes forming a dummy gate structure over a substrate, forming a first spacer on a sidewall of the dummy gate structure and a second spacer on the first spacer, forming a source/drain structure on the substrate, removing the second spacer, forming a dielectric structure over the source/drain structure, replacing the dummy gate structure with a metal gate structure and a capping structure on the metal gate structure, and forming an opening in the dielectric structure. The opening exposes the source/drain structure. The method further includes forming a dummy spacer on a sidewall of the opening, forming a contact structure in the opening, and removing the dummy spacer to form an air gap between the contact structure and the metal gate structure. The contact structure is in contact with the source/drain structure in the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Yu Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Patent number: 12034044Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to forming a nanosheet multi-channel device with an additional spacing layer and a hard mask layer. The additional spacing layer provides a space for an inner spacer above the topmost channel. The hard mask layer functions as an etch stop during metal gate etch back, providing improve gate height control.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Shin-Jiun Kuang, Meng-Yu Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu
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Patent number: 12009408Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes channel members vertically stacked over a substrate, a gate structure engaging the channel members, a gate spacer layer disposed on sidewalls of the gate structure, an epitaxial feature abutting the channel members, an inner spacer layer interposing the gate structure and the epitaxial feature, and a semiconductor layer interposing the inner spacer layer and the epitaxial feature.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Wei Ju Lee, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20240186323Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of transistors and a vertical local interconnection. The transistors include a plurality of gate components, a plurality of front-side source/drain epitaxies and a plurality of back-side source/drain epitaxies, wherein the front-side source/drain epitaxies are closer to a front-side side of the integrated circuit than the back-side source/drain epitaxies. The vertical local interconnection connects a first connected-one of the front-side source/drain epitaxies with a second connected-one of the back-side source/drain epitaxies. A covered-one of the gate components is located between the first connected-one and the second connected-one, the covered-one comprises an front-side portion, a back-side portion and a covered portion connecting the front-side portion with the back-side portion, and the vertical local interconnection crosses the covered portion and exposes the front-side portion and the back-side portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2023Publication date: June 6, 2024Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Yu LIN, Chun-Fu CHENG, Hsiang-Hung HUANG
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Publication number: 20240186388Abstract: Semiconductor device includes a substrate having a plurality of fins formed from the substrate, a first source/drain feature comprising a first epitaxial layer in contact with a first fin of the plurality of fins, and a second epitaxial layer formed over the first epitaxial layer, the second epitaxial layer comprising a first facet and a second facet connecting to the first facet, a second source/drain feature disposed adjacent to the first source/drain feature, the second source/drain feature comprising a first epitaxial layer in contact with a second fin of the plurality of fins a second epitaxial layer formed over the first epitaxial layer of the second source/drain feature, the second epitaxial layer of the second source/drain feature comprising a third facet and a fourth facet connecting to the third facet, and a third epitaxial layer comprising a first center portion disposed above and in contact with the first facet and the second facet, and a second center portion disposed above and in contact with thType: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2024Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Wei Ju LEE, Chun-Fu CHENG, Chung-Wei WU, Zhiqiang WU
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Publication number: 20240113173Abstract: In one example aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a device. The device includes an active region on a semiconductor substrate. The active region extends along a first direction. The device also includes a gate structure on the active region. The gate structure extends along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Moreover, the gate structure engages with a channel on the active region. The device further includes a source/drain feature on the active region and connected to the channel. A projection of the source/drain feature onto the semiconductor substrate resembles a hexagon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Wei Ju Lee, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Patent number: 11929409Abstract: Semiconductor device includes a substrate having multiple fins formed from a substrate, a first source/drain feature comprising a first epitaxial layer in contact with a first fin, a second epitaxial layer formed on the first epitaxial layer, and a third epitaxial layer formed on the second epitaxial layer, the third epitaxial layer comprising a center portion and an edge portion that is at a different height than the center portion; a fourth epitaxial layer formed on the third epitaxial layer, a second source/drain feature adjacent the first source/drain feature, comprising a first epitaxial layer in contact with a second fin, a second epitaxial layer formed on the first epitaxial layer of the second source/drain feature, a third epitaxial layer formed on the second epitaxial layer of the second source/drain feature, the third epitaxial layer comprising a center portion and an edge portion that is at a different height than the center portion of the third epitaxial layer of the second source/drain feature; aType: GrantFiled: October 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Wei Ju Lee, Chun-Fu Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20240072115Abstract: A device includes: a complementary transistor including: a first transistor having a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region; and a second transistor stacked on the first transistor, and having a third source/drain region and a fourth source/drain region, the third source/drain region overlapping the first source/drain region, the fourth source/drain region overlapping the second source/drain region. The device further includes: a first source/drain contact electrically coupled to the third source/drain region; a second source/drain contact electrically coupled to the second source/drain region; a gate isolation structure adjacent the first and second transistors; and an interconnect structure electrically coupled to the first source/drain contact and the second source/drain contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Wei-Xiang You, Wei-De Ho, Hsin Yang Hung, Meng-Yu Lin, Hsiang-Hung Huang, Chun-Fu Cheng, Kuan-Kan Hu, Szu-Hua Chen, Ting-Yun Wu, Wei-Cheng Tzeng, Wei-Cheng Lin, Cheng-Yin Wang, Jui-Chien Huang, Szuya Liao
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Publication number: 20240072136Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a metal rail, and a first source/drain contact and a second source/drain contact. The first transistor has a gate structure, a first source/drain feature, and a second source/drain feature. The first source/drain feature and the second source/drain feature are on opposite sides of the gate structure. The second transistor has the gate structure, a third source/drain feature directly over the first source/drain feature, and a fourth source/drain feature directly over the second source/drain feature. The metal rail extends in an X-direction and adjacent to the gate structure in a Y-direction. The first source/drain contact and the second source/drain contact each has an L-shape in a Y-Z cross-sectional view. The first source/drain contact electrically connects the first source/drain feature to the metal rail. The second source/drain contact electrically connects the fourth source/drain feature to the metal rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Yu LIN, Chun-Fu CHENG, Hsiang-Hung HUANG
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Publication number: 20240014042Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin, first source/drain regions, second source/drain regions, a first nanosheet, a second nanosheet and a metal gate structure. The fin extends in a first direction and protrudes above an insulator. The first source/drain regions are over the fin. The second source/drain regions are over the first source/drain regions. The first nanosheet extends in the first direction between the first source/drain regions. The second nanosheet extends in the first direction between the second source/drain regions. The metal gate structure is over the fin and between the first source/drain regions. The metal gate structure extends in a second direction different from the first direction from a first sidewall to a second sidewall. A first distance in the second direction between the first nanosheet and the first sidewall is smaller than a second distance in the second direction between the first nanosheet and the second sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2022Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Yu Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Cheng-Yin Wang, Yi-Bo Liao, Szuya Liao