Patents by Inventor Chung-Chiang WU

Chung-Chiang WU 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: 11538805
    Abstract: A structure includes a semiconductor substrate including a first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region, a first transistor in the first semiconductor region, and a second transistor in the second semiconductor region. The first transistor includes a first gate dielectric over the first semiconductor region, a first work function layer over and contacting the first gate dielectric, and a first conductive region over the first work function layer. The second transistor includes a second gate dielectric over the second semiconductor region, a second work function layer over and contacting the second gate dielectric, wherein the first work function layer and the second work function layer have different work functions, and a second conductive region over the second work function layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuan-Chang Chiu, Chia-Ching Lee, Chien-Hao Chen, Hung-Chin Chung, Hsien-Ming Lee, Chi On Chui, Hsuan-Yu Tung, Chung-Chiang Wu
  • Patent number: 11532509
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate electrode on a semiconductor region, recessing the gate electrode to generate a recess, performing a first deposition process to form a first metallic layer on the gate electrode and in the recess, wherein the first deposition process is performed using a first precursor, and performing a second deposition process to form a second metallic layer on the first metallic layer using a second precursor different from the first precursor. The first metallic layer and the second metallic layer comprise a same metal. The method further incudes forming a dielectric hard mask over the second metallic layer, and forming a gate contact plug penetrating through the dielectric hard mask. The gate contact plug contacts a top surface of the second metallic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Po-Cheng Chen, Kuo-Chan Huang, Pin-Hsuan Yeh, Wei-Chin Lee, Hsien-Ming Lee, Chien-Hao Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20220367261
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate electrode on a semiconductor region, recessing the gate electrode to generate a recess, performing a first deposition process to form a first metallic layer on the gate electrode and in the recess, wherein the first deposition process is performed using a first precursor, and performing a second deposition process to form a second metallic layer on the first metallic layer using a second precursor different from the first precursor. The first metallic layer and the second metallic layer comprise a same metal. The method further incudes forming a dielectric hard mask over the second metallic layer, and forming a gate contact plug penetrating through the dielectric hard mask. The gate contact plug contacts a top surface of the second metallic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Po-Cheng Chen, Kuo-Chan Huang, Pin-Hsuan Yeh, Wei-Chin Lee, Hsien-Ming Lee, Chien-Hao Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20220367263
    Abstract: A method includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, depositing a seed layer in the opening, wherein first portions of the seed layer have a first concentration of impurities, exposing the first portions of the seed layer to a plasma, wherein after exposure to the plasma the first portions have a second concentration of impurities that is less than the first concentration of impurities, and filling the opening with a conductive material to form a conductive feature. In an embodiment, the seed layer includes tungsten, and the conductive material includes tungsten. In an embodiment, the impurities include boron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Chia-Ching Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Publication number: 20220359193
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a first work-function layer and a second work-function layer in a first device region and a second device region, respectively, and depositing a first fluorine-blocking layer and a second fluorine-blocking layer in the first device region and the second device region, respectively. The first fluorine-blocking layer is over the first work-function layer, and the second fluorine-blocking layer is over the second work-function layer. The method further includes removing the second fluorine-blocking layer, and forming a first metal-filling layer over the first fluorine-blocking layer, and a second metal-filling layer over the second work-function layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Chung-Chiang Wu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Hsuan-Yu Tung, Da-Yuan Lee
  • Publication number: 20220359296
    Abstract: A dummy gate electrode and a dummy gate dielectric are removed to form a recess between adjacent gate spacers. A gate dielectric is deposited in the recess, and a barrier layer is deposited over the gate dielectric. A first work function layer is deposited over the barrier layer. A first anti-reaction layer is formed over the first work function layer, the first anti-reaction layer reducing oxidation of the first work function layer. A fill material is deposited over the first anti-reaction layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Hsin-Han Tsai, Shih-Hang Chiu, Tsung-Ta Tang, Chung-Chiang Wu, Hung-Chin Chung, Hsien-Ming Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Jian-Hao Chen, Chien-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Chia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20220336285
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate dielectric on a semiconductor region, depositing a work-function layer over the gate dielectric, depositing a silicon layer over the work-function layer, and depositing a glue layer over the silicon layer. The work-function layer, the silicon layer, and the glue layer are in-situ deposited. The method further includes depositing a filling-metal over the glue layer; and performing a planarization process, wherein remaining portions of the glue layer, the silicon layer, and the work-function layer form portions of a gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Hsin-Han Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Cheng-Lung Hung, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20220336619
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacture are provided. In some embodiments a treatment process is utilized to treat a work function layer. The treatment prevents excessive oxidation of the work function layer during subsequent processing steps, such as application of a subsequent photoresist material, thereby allowing the work function layer to be thinner than otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Hung-Chin Chung, Chung-Chiang Wu, Hsuan-Yu Tung, Kuan-Chang Chiu, Chien-Hao Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20220328316
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacture are provided. In an embodiment a metal layer is formed over a substrate using a fluorine-free deposition process, a nucleation layer is formed over the metal layer using a fluorine included deposition process, and a fill material is formed to fill an opening and form a gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Jung-Shiung Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Wei-Fan Liao, Han-Ti Hsiaw
  • Patent number: 11437280
    Abstract: A dummy gate electrode and a dummy gate dielectric are removed to form a recess between adjacent gate spacers. A gate dielectric is deposited in the recess, and a barrier layer is deposited over the gate dielectric. A first work function layer is deposited over the barrier layer. A first anti-reaction layer is formed over the first work function layer, the first anti-reaction layer reducing oxidation of the first work function layer. A fill material is deposited over the first anti-reaction layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Hsin-Han Tsai, Shih-Hang Chiu, Tsung-Ta Tang, Chung-Chiang Wu, Hung-Chin Chung, Hsien-Ming Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Jian-Hao Chen, Chien-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Chia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 11430652
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a first work-function layer and a second work-function layer in a first device region and a second device region, respectively, and depositing a first fluorine-blocking layer and a second fluorine-blocking layer in the first device region and the second device region, respectively. The first fluorine-blocking layer is over the first work-function layer, and the second fluorine-blocking layer is over the second work-function layer. The method further includes removing the second fluorine-blocking layer, and forming a first metal-filling layer over the first fluorine-blocking layer, and a second metal-filling layer over the second work-function layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Chung-Chiang Wu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Hsuan-Yu Tung, Da-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 11430698
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate dielectric on a semiconductor region, depositing a work-function layer over the gate dielectric, depositing a silicon layer over the work-function layer, and depositing a glue layer over the silicon layer. The work-function layer, the silicon layer, and the glue layer are in-situ deposited. The method further includes depositing a filling-metal over the glue layer; and performing a planarization process, wherein remaining portions of the glue layer, the silicon layer, and the work-function layer form portions of a gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Han Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Cheng-Lung Hung, Weng Chang, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20220262685
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a pre-deposition treatment of materials utilized in metal gates of different transistors on a semiconductor substrate. In an embodiment, a method includes exposing a first metal-containing layer of a first device and a second metal-containing layer of a second device to a reactant to form respective monolayers on the first and second metal-containing layers. The first and second devices are on a substrate. The first device includes a first gate structure including the first metal-containing layer. The second device includes a second gate structure including the second metal-containing layer different from the second metal-containing layer. The monolayers on the first and second metal-containing layers are exposed to an oxidant to provide a hydroxyl group (—OH) terminated surface for the monolayers. Thereafter, a third metal-containing layer is formed on the —OH terminated surfaces of the monolayers on the first and second metal-containing layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Yen Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Tai-Wei Hwang, Hung-Chin Chung, Wei-Chin Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su, Yin-Chuan Chuang, Kuan-Ting Liu
  • Patent number: 11404312
    Abstract: A method includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, depositing a seed layer in the opening, wherein first portions of the seed layer have a first concentration of impurities, exposing the first portions of the seed layer to a plasma, wherein after exposure to the plasma the first portions have a second concentration of impurities that is less than the first concentration of impurities, and filling the opening with a conductive material to form a conductive feature. In an embodiment, the seed layer includes tungsten, and the conductive material includes tungsten. In an embodiment, the impurities include boron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Chia-Ching Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Publication number: 20220238715
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor fin, and a gate stack on sidewalls and a top surface of the semiconductor fin. The gate stack includes a high-k dielectric layer, a work-function layer overlapping a bottom portion of the high-k dielectric layer, and a blocking layer overlapping a second bottom portion of the work-function layer. A low-resistance metal layer overlaps and contacts the work-function layer and the blocking layer. The low-resistance metal layer has a resistivity value lower than second resistivity values of both of the work-function layer and the blocking layer. A gate spacer contacts a sidewall of the gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Po-Cheng Chen, Kuo-Chan Huang, Hung-Chin Chung, Hsien-Ming Lee, Chien-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 11387344
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacture are provided. In some embodiments a treatment process is utilized to treat a work function layer. The treatment prevents excessive oxidation of the work function layer during subsequent processing steps, such as application of a subsequent photoresist material, thereby allowing the work function layer to be thinner than otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Hung-Chin Chung, Chung-Chiang Wu, Hsuan-Yu Tung, Kuan-Chang Chiu, Chien-Hao Chen, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20220216201
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first semiconductor fin in a substrate, forming a metal gate structure over the first semiconductor fin, removing a portion of the metal gate structure to form a first recess in the metal gate structure that is laterally separated from the first semiconductor fin by a first distance, wherein the first distance is determined according to a first desired threshold voltage associated with the first semiconductor fin, and filling the recess with a dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Chih-Chang Hung, I-Wei Yang, Shu-Yuan Ku, Cheng-Lung Hung, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Patent number: 11380549
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacture are provided. In an embodiment a metal layer is formed over a substrate using a fluorine-free deposition process, a nucleation layer is formed over the metal layer using a fluorine included deposition process, and a fill material is formed to fill an opening and form a gate stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Shiung Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Wei-Fan Liao, Han-Ti Hsiaw
  • Patent number: 11322411
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a pre-deposition treatment of materials utilized in metal gates of different transistors on a semiconductor substrate. In an embodiment, a method includes exposing a first metal-containing layer of a first device and a second metal-containing layer of a second device to a reactant to form respective monolayers on the first and second metal-containing layers. The first and second devices are on a substrate. The first device includes a first gate structure including the first metal-containing layer. The second device includes a second gate structure including the second metal-containing layer different from the second metal-containing layer. The monolayers on the first and second metal-containing layers are exposed to an oxidant to provide a hydroxyl group (—OH) terminated surface for the monolayers. Thereafter, a third metal-containing layer is formed on the —OH terminated surfaces of the monolayers on the first and second metal-containing layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yen Tsai, Chung-Chiang Wu, Tai-Wei Hwang, Hung-Chin Chung, Wei-Chin Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su, Yin-Chuan Chuang, Kuan-Ting Liu
  • Publication number: 20220123124
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices having improved gate electrode structures and methods of forming the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a gate structure over a semiconductor substrate, the gate structure including a high-k dielectric layer; an n-type work function layer over the high-k dielectric layer; an anti-reaction layer over the n-type work function layer, the anti-reaction layer including a dielectric material; a p-type work function layer over the anti-reaction layer, the p-type work function layer covering top surfaces of the anti-reaction layer; and a conductive cap layer over the p-type work function layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Shih-Hang Chiu, Chung-Chiang Wu, Jo-Chun Hung, Wei-Cheng Wang, Kuan-Ting Liu, Chi On Chui