Patents by Inventor Chun-I Tsai

Chun-I Tsai 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: 20240413020
    Abstract: A method includes forming a contact spacer on a sidewall of an inter-layer dielectric, wherein the contact spacer encircles a contact opening, forming a silicide region in the opening and on a source/drain region, depositing an adhesion layer extending into the contact opening, and performing a treatment process, so that the contact spacer is treated. The treatment process is selected from the group consisting of an oxidation process, a carbonation process, and combinations thereof. The method further includes depositing a metal barrier over the adhesion layer, depositing a metallic material to fill the contact opening, and performing a planarization process to remove excess portions of the metallic material over the inter-layer dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Min-Hsiu Hung, Chun-I Tsai, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Syun-Ming Jang, Wei-Jen Lo, Wei-Jung Lin, Yu-Ting Wen, Kai-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 12148659
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a barrier layer is formed along a sidewall. A portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is etched back by a wet etching process. After etching back the portion of the barrier layer, an underlying dielectric welding layer is exposed. A conductive material is formed along the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ken-Yu Chang, Chun-I Tsai, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
  • Publication number: 20240363353
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a gate structure over a fin that protrudes above a substrate; forming a source/drain region over the fin adjacent to the gate structure; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over the source/drain region around the gate structure; forming an opening in the ILD layer to expose the source/drain region; forming a silicide region and a barrier layer successively in the openings over the source/drain region, where the barrier layer includes silicon nitride; reducing a concentration of silicon nitride in a surface portion of the barrier layer exposed to the opening; after the reducing, forming a seed layer on the barrier layer; and forming an electrically conductive material on the seed layer to fill the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Yu-Chen Ko, Chi-Yuan Chen, Ya-Yi Cheng, Chun-I Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Syun-Ming Jang, Wei-Jen Lo
  • Publication number: 20240355740
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over a conductive feature, and etching the dielectric layer to form an opening. The conductive feature is exposed through the opening. The method further includes forming a tungsten liner in the opening, wherein the tungsten liner contacts sidewalls of the dielectric layer, depositing a tungsten layer to fill the opening, and planarizing the tungsten layer. Portions of the tungsten layer and the tungsten liner in the opening form a contact plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Feng-Yu Chang, Sheng-Hsuan Lin, Shu-Lan Chang, Kai-Yi Chu, Meng-Hsien Lin, Pei-Hsuan Lee, Pei Shan Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chun-I Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Syun-Ming Jang, Wei-Jen Lo
  • Publication number: 20240355741
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming capping layers configured to prevent the migration of out-diffused cobalt atoms into upper metallization layers In some embodiments, the method includes depositing a cobalt diffusion barrier layer on a liner-free conductive structure that includes ruthenium, where depositing the cobalt diffusion barrier layer includes forming the cobalt diffusion barrier layer self-aligned to the liner-free conductive structure. The method also includes depositing, on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer, a stack with an etch stop layer and dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the stack to expose the cobalt diffusion barrier layer. Finally, the method includes forming a conductive structure on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuen-Shin LIANG, Chun-I TSAI, Chih-Wei CHANG, Chun-Hsien HUANG, Hung-Yi HUANG, Keng-Chu LIN, Ken-Yu CHANG, Sung-Li WANG, Chia-Hung CHU, Hsu-Kai CHANG
  • Publication number: 20240297074
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a barrier layer is formed along a sidewall. A portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is etched back. After etching back the portion of the barrier layer, an upper portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is smoothed. A conductive material is formed along the barrier layer and over the smoothed upper portion of the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Yu Shih Wang, Chun-I Tsai, Shian Wei Mao, Ken-Yu Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
  • Patent number: 12057397
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming capping layers configured to prevent the migration of out-diffused cobalt atoms into upper metallization layers In some embodiments, the method includes depositing a cobalt diffusion barrier layer on a liner-free conductive structure that includes ruthenium, where depositing the cobalt diffusion barrier layer includes forming the cobalt diffusion barrier layer self-aligned to the liner-free conductive structure. The method also includes depositing, on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer, a stack with an etch stop layer and dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the stack to expose the cobalt diffusion barrier layer. Finally, the method includes forming a conductive structure on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuen-Shin Liang, Chun-I Tsai, Chih-Wei Chang, Chun-Hsien Huang, Hung-Yi Huang, Keng-Chu Lin, Ken-Yu Chang, Sung-Li Wang, Chia-Hung Chu, Hsu-Kai Chang
  • Publication number: 20240249977
    Abstract: A metal adhesion layer may be formed on a bottom and a sidewall of a trench prior to formation of a metal plug in the trench. A plasma may be used to modify the phase composition of the metal adhesion layer to increase adhesion between the metal adhesion layer and the metal plug. In particular, the plasma may cause a shift or transformation of the phase composition of the metal adhesion layer to cause the metal adhesion layer to be composed of a (111) dominant phase. The (111) dominant phase of the metal adhesion layer increases adhesion between the metal adhesion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Pei-Wen WU, Chun-I TSAI, Chi-Cheng HUNG, Jyh-Cherng SHEU, Yu-Sheng WANG, Ming-Hsing TSAI
  • Publication number: 20240213016
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first conductive feature on a bottom surface of an opening through a dielectric layer. The forming the first conductive feature leaves seeds on sidewalls of the opening. A treatment process is performed on the seeds to form treated seeds. The treated seeds are removed with a cleaning process. The cleaning process may include a rinse with deionized water. A second conductive feature is formed to fill the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Cheng-Wei Chang, Min-Hsiu Hung, Chun-I Tsai, Ken-Yu Chang, Yi-Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 12020981
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a barrier layer is formed along a sidewall. A portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is etched back. After etching back the portion of the barrier layer, an upper portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is smoothed. A conductive material is formed along the barrier layer and over the smoothed upper portion of the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu Shih Wang, Chun-I Tsai, Shian Wei Mao, Ken-Yu Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
  • Publication number: 20240170381
    Abstract: In some implementations, one or more semiconductor processing tools may form a metal cap on a metal gate. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may form one or more dielectric layers on the metal cap. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may form a recess to the metal cap within the one or more dielectric layers. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may perform a bottom-up deposition of metal material on the metal cap to form a metal plug within the recess and directly on the metal cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Chun-Hsien HUANG, Peng-Fu HSU, Yu-Syuan CAI, Min-Hsiu HUNG, Chen-Yuan KAO, Ken-Yu CHANG, Chun-I TSAI, Chia-Han LAI, Chih-Wei CHANG, Ming-Hsing TSAI
  • Patent number: 11955329
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first conductive feature on a bottom surface of an opening through a dielectric layer. The forming the first conductive feature leaves seeds on sidewalls of the opening. A treatment process is performed on the seeds to form treated seeds. The treated seeds are removed with a cleaning process. The cleaning process may include a rinse with deionized water. A second conductive feature is formed to fill the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Wei Chang, Min-Hsiu Hung, Chun-I Tsai, Ken-Yu Chang, Yi-Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 11955379
    Abstract: A metal adhesion layer may be formed on a bottom and a sidewall of a trench prior to formation of a metal plug in the trench. A plasma may be used to modify the phase composition of the metal adhesion layer to increase adhesion between the metal adhesion layer and the metal plug. In particular, the plasma may cause a shift or transformation of the phase composition of the metal adhesion layer to cause the metal adhesion layer to be composed of a (111) dominant phase. The (111) dominant phase of the metal adhesion layer increases adhesion between the metal adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Wen Wu, Chun-I Tsai, Chi-Cheng Hung, Jyh-Cherng Sheu, Yu-Sheng Wang, Ming-Hsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 11929314
    Abstract: In some implementations, one or more semiconductor processing tools may form a metal cap on a metal gate. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may form one or more dielectric layers on the metal cap. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may form a recess to the metal cap within the one or more dielectric layers. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may perform a bottom-up deposition of metal material on the metal cap to form a metal plug within the recess and directly on the metal cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsien Huang, Peng-Fu Hsu, Yu-Syuan Cai, Min-Hsiu Hung, Chen-Yuan Kao, Ken-Yu Chang, Chun-I Tsai, Chia-Han Lai, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20230402366
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a source/drain region disposed in the substrate, a silicide structure disposed on the source/drain region, a first dielectric layer disposed over the substrate, a conductive contact disposed in the first dielectric layer and over the silicide structure, a second dielectric layer disposed over the first dielectric layer, a via contact disposed in the second dielectric layer and connected to the conductive contact, and a first metal surrounding the via contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuen-Shin LIANG, Chia-Hung CHU, Po-Chin CHANG, Hsu-Kai CHANG, Kuan-Kan HU, Ken-Yu CHANG, Hung-Yi HUANG, Harry CHIEN, Wei-Yip LOH, Chun-I TSAI, Hong-Mao LEE, Sung-Li WANG, Pinyen LIN, Chuan-Hui SHEN
  • Publication number: 20230369109
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a barrier layer is formed along a sidewall. A portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is etched back. After etching back the portion of the barrier layer, an upper portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is smoothed. A conductive material is formed along the barrier layer and over the smoothed upper portion of the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Yu Shih Wang, Chun-I Tsai, Shian Wei Mao, Ken-Yu Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
  • Patent number: 11817384
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an interconnect structure and a method for forming an interconnect structure. The method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming a bottom metal line in a first interlayer dielectric layer, forming a second interlayer dielectric layer over the bottom metal line, exposing a top surface of the bottom metal line, increasing a total surface area of the exposed top surface of the bottom metal line, forming a conductive via over the bottom metal line, and forming a top metal line over the conductive via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Shuen-Shin Liang, Ken-Yu Chang, Hung-Yi Huang, Chien Chang, Chi-Hung Chuang, Kai-Yi Chu, Chun-I Tsai, Chun-Hsien Huang, Chih-Wei Chang, Hsu-Kai Chang, Chia-Hung Chu, Keng-Chu Lin, Sung-Li Wang
  • Patent number: 11798843
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a barrier layer is formed along a sidewall. A portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is etched back. After etching back the portion of the barrier layer, an upper portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is smoothed. A conductive material is formed along the barrier layer and over the smoothed upper portion of the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu Shih Wang, Chun-I Tsai, Shian Wei Mao, Ken-Yu Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
  • Publication number: 20230268228
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a barrier layer is formed along a sidewall. A portion of the barrier layer along the sidewall is etched back by a wet etching process. After etching back the portion of the barrier layer, an underlying dielectric welding layer is exposed. A conductive material is formed along the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Ken-Yu Chang, Chun-I Tsai, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
  • Publication number: 20230268173
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first conductive feature on a bottom surface of an opening through a dielectric layer. The forming the first conductive feature leaves seeds on sidewalls of the opening. A treatment process is performed on the seeds to form treated seeds. The treated seeds are removed with a cleaning process. The cleaning process may include a rinse with deionized water. A second conductive feature is formed to fill the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Cheng-Wei Chang, Min-Hsiu Hung, Chun-I Tsai, Ken-Yu Chang, Yi-Ying Liu