Patents by Inventor Fang-Wei Lee

Fang-Wei 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).

  • Patent number: 11973129
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device includes forming nanowire structures stacked over a substrate and spaced apart from one another, and forming a dielectric material surrounding the nanowire structures. The dielectric material has a first nitrogen concentration. The method also includes treating the dielectric material to form a treated portion. The treated portion of the dielectric material has a second nitrogen concentration that is greater than the first nitrogen concentration. The method also includes removing the treating portion of the dielectric material, thereby remaining an untreated portion of the dielectric material as inner spacer layers; and forming the gate stack surrounding nanowire structures and between the inner spacer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Chansyun David Yang, Fang-Wei Lee, Tze-Chung Lin, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin
  • Patent number: 11972974
    Abstract: An IC structure includes a transistor, a source/drain contact, a metal oxide layer, a non-metal oxide layer, a barrier structure, and a via. The transistor includes a gate structure and source/drain regions on opposite sides of the gate structure. The source/drain contact is over one of the source/drain regions. The metal oxide layer is over the source/drain contact. The non-metal oxide layer is over the metal oxide layer. The barrier structure is over the source/drain contact. The barrier structure forms a first interface with the metal oxide layer and a second interface with the non-metal oxide layer, and the second interface is laterally offset from the first interface. The via extends through the non-metal oxide layer to the barrier structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Li Wang, Shuen-Shin Liang, Yu-Yun Peng, Fang-Wei Lee, Chia-Hung Chu, Mrunal Abhijith Khaderbad, Keng-Chu Lin
  • Publication number: 20240097011
    Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure over a substrate, wherein the fin structure comprises first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers alternately stacked over a substrate; forming a dummy gate structure over the fin structure; removing a portion of the fin structure uncovered by the dummy gate structure; performing a selective etching process to laterally recess the first semiconductor layers, including injecting a hydrogen-containing gas from a first gas source of a processing tool to the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers; and injecting an F2 gas from a second gas source of the processing tool to the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers; forming inner spacers on opposite end surfaces of the laterally recessed first semiconductor layers of the fin structure; and replacing the dummy gate structure and the first semiconductor layers with a metal gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Han-Yu LIN, Fang-Wei LEE, Kai-Tak LAM, Raghunath PUTIKAM, Tzer-Min SHEN, Li-Te LIN, Pinyen LIN, Cheng-Tzu YANG, Tzu-Li LEE, Tze-Chung LIN
  • Publication number: 20240047272
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first fin structure and a second fin structure, a first dielectric layer disposed over the first fin structure, a second dielectric layer disposed over the second fin structure, a first gate electrode disposed over the first dielectric layer, and a second gate electrode disposed over the second dielectric layer. A thickness of the first dielectric layer and a thickness of the second dielectric layer are equal. The second fin structure includes an outer region and an inner region, and a Ge concentration in the outer portion is less than Ge concentration in the inner portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: I-MING CHANG, CHUNG-LIANG CHENG, HSIANG-PI CHANG, HUNG-CHANG SUN, YAO-SHENG HUANG, YU-WEI LU, FANG-WEI LEE, ZIWEI FANG, HUANG-LIN CHAO
  • Patent number: 11855192
    Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure including a plurality of first semiconductor layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers alternately stacked over a substrate. A dummy gate structure is formed across the fin structure. The exposed second portions of the fin structure are removed. A selective etching process is performed, using a gas mixture including a hydrogen-containing gas and a fluorine-containing gas, to laterally recess the first semiconductor layers. Inner spacers are formed on opposite end surfaces of the laterally recessed first semiconductor layers. Source/drain epitaxial structures are formed on opposite end surfaces of the second semiconductor layers. The dummy gate structure is removed to expose the first portion of the fin structure. The laterally recessed first semiconductor layers are removed. A gate structure is formed to surround each of the second semiconductor layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Fang-Wei Lee, Kai-Tak Lam, Raghunath Putikam, Tzer-Min Shen, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin, Cheng-Tzu Yang, Tzu-Li Lee, Tze-Chung Lin
  • Patent number: 11842927
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate including a first region and a second region, a first channel layer disposed in the first region and a second channel layer disposed in the second region, a first dielectric layer disposed on the first channel layer and a second dielectric layer disposed on the second channel layer, and a first gate electrode disposed on the first dielectric layer and a second gate electrode disposed on the second dielectric layer. The first channel layer in the first region includes Ge compound of a first Ge concentration, the second channel layer in the second region includes Ge compound of a second Ge concentration. The first Ge concentration in the first channel layer is greater than the second Ge concentration in the second channel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: I-Ming Chang, Chung-Liang Cheng, Hsiang-Pi Chang, Hung-Chang Sun, Yao-Sheng Huang, Yu-Wei Lu, Fang-Wei Lee, Ziwei Fang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 11830928
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a channel member suspended above a substrate, depositing a dielectric material layer wrapping around the channel member, performing an oxidation treatment to a surface portion of the dielectric material layer, selectively etching the surface portion of the dielectric material layer to expose sidewalls of the channel member, performing a nitridation treatment to remaining portions of the dielectric material layer and the exposed sidewalls of the channel member, thereby forming a nitride passivation layer partially wrapping around the channel member. The method also includes repeating the steps of performing the oxidation treatment and selectively etching until top and bottom surfaces of the channel member are exposed, removing the nitride passivation layer from the channel member, and forming a gate structure wrapping around the channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Chansyun David Yang, Tze-Chung Lin, Fang-Wei Lee, Fo-Ju Lin, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin
  • Publication number: 20230282520
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor fin protruding from the substrate, an isolation layer disposed above the substrate, a dielectric fin with a bottom portion embedded in the isolation layer, and a gate structure over top and sidewall surfaces of the semiconductor fin and the dielectric fin. The semiconductor fin has a first sidewall and a second sidewall facing away from the first sidewall. The isolation layer includes a first portion disposed on the first sidewall of the semiconductor fin and a second portion disposed on the second sidewall of the semiconductor fin. A top portion of the dielectric fin includes an air pocket with a top opening sealed by the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Yi-Ruei Jhan, Fang-Wei Lee, Tze-Chung Lin, Chao-Hsien Huang, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin, Akira Mineji
  • Publication number: 20230260797
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a feature in a dielectric layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate, the dielectric layer including silicon oxide, the feature extending downwardly from a top surface of the dielectric layer and including silicon, a nitride compound, a low-k dielectric material other than silicon oxide, or combinations thereof; and selectively etching the dielectric layer using an etchant composition to form a trench extending downwardly from the top surface of the dielectric layer, the etchant composition including a hydrogen halide and a nitrogen-containing compound represented by Formula (A), wherein R1, R2, R3 are each independently hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Chien KUANG, Fang-Wei LEE, Meng-Huan JAO, Huan-Chieh SU
  • Publication number: 20230215936
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device includes forming nanowire structures stacked over a substrate and spaced apart from one another, and forming a dielectric material surrounding the nanowire structures. The dielectric material has a first nitrogen concentration. The method also includes treating the dielectric material to form a treated portion. The treated portion of the dielectric material has a second nitrogen concentration that is greater than the first nitrogen concentration. The method also includes removing the treating portion of the dielectric material, thereby remaining an untreated portion of the dielectric material as inner spacer layers; and forming the gate stack surrounding nanowire structures and between the inner spacer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Yu LIN, Chansyun David YANG, Fang-Wei LEE, Tze-Chung LIN, Li-Te LIN, Pinyen LIN
  • Patent number: 11646234
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor fin protruding from the semiconductor substrate, and an isolation layer disposed above the semiconductor substrate. The isolation layer includes a first portion disposed on a first sidewall of the semiconductor fin and a second portion disposed on a second sidewall of the semiconductor fin. Top surfaces of the first and second portions of the isolation layer are leveled. The first portion of the isolation layer includes an air pocket. The semiconductor device also includes a dielectric fin with a bottom portion embedded in the second portion of the isolation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Yi-Ruei Jhan, Fang-Wei Lee, Tze-Chung Lin, Chao-Hsien Huang, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin, Akira Mineji
  • Publication number: 20230118700
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a fin on a semiconductor substrate. The fin includes channel layers and sacrificial layers stacked one on top of the other in an alternating fashion. The method also includes removing a portion of the fin to form a first opening and expose vertical sidewalls of the channel layers and the sacrificial layers, epitaxially growing a source/drain feature in the first opening from the exposed vertical sidewalls of the channel layers and the sacrificial layers, removing another portion of the fin to form a second opening to expose a vertical sidewall of the source/drain feature, depositing a dielectric layer in the second opening to cover the exposed vertical sidewall of the source/drain feature, and replacing the sacrificial layers with a metal gate structure in the second opening. The dielectric layer separates the source/drain feature from contacting the metal gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Chansyun David Yang, Tze-Chung Lin, Fang-Wei Lee, Fo-Ju Lin, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin
  • Patent number: 11605728
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device includes a first nanowire structure over a second nanowire structure, a gate stack wrapping around the first nanowire structure and the second nanowire structure, a source/drain feature adjoining the first nanowire structure and the second nanowire structure, a gate spacer layer over the first nanowire structure and between the gate stack and the source/drain feature, and an inner spacer layer between the first nanowire structure and the second nanowire structure and between the gate stack and the source/drain feature. The gate spacer layer has a first carbon concentration, the inner spacer has a second carbon concentration, and the second carbon concentration is lower than the first carbon concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Chansyun David Yang, Fang-Wei Lee, Tze-Chung Lin, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin
  • Publication number: 20230068619
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same. The method can include forming a fin structure over a substrate. The fin structure can include first and second sacrificial layers. The method can further include forming a recess structure in a first portion of the fin structure, selectively etching the first sacrificial layer of a second portion of the fin structure over the second sacrificial layer of the second portion of the fin structure, and forming an inner spacer layer over the etched first sacrificial layer with the second sacrificial layer of the second portion of the fin structure being exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hao Chang, Fo-Ju Lin, Fang-Wei Lee, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin
  • Publication number: 20230064393
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method that includes forming a fin structure with a stacked fin portion on a substrate. The stacked fin portion includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, in which the second semiconductor layer includes germanium. The method further includes etching the fin structure to form an opening and etching a portion of the second semiconductor layer with a fluorine-containing gas through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tze-Chung LIN, Han-Yu LIN, Fang-Wei LEE, Li-Te LIN, Pinyen LIN
  • Publication number: 20230030411
    Abstract: A fin field effect transistor device structure includes a fin structure formed over a substrate. The fin field effect transistor device structure also includes a source/drain epitaxial structure formed over the fin structure. The fin field effect transistor device structure also includes a contact structure with a concave top surface formed over the source/drain epitaxial structure. The fin field effect transistor device structure also includes a barrier layer conformally wrapped around the contact structure. The fin field effect transistor device structure also includes a via structure formed over the contact structure. The concave top surface of the contact structure is below the top surface of the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Hung CHU, Sung-Li WANG, Fang-Wei LEE, Jung-Hao CHANG, Mrunal Abhijith KHADERBAD, Keng-Chu LIN
  • Publication number: 20230017512
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method includes forming a fin structure including a fin bottom portion and a stacked fin portion on a substrate. The stacked fin portion includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, in which the first semiconductor layer includes germanium. The method further includes etching the fin structure to form an opening, delivering a primary etchant and a germanium-containing gas to the fin structure through the opening, and etching a portion of the second semiconductor layer in the opening with the primary etchant and the germanium-containing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tze-Chung LIN, Pinyen LIN, Fang-Wei LEE, Li-Te LIN, Han-yu LIN
  • Publication number: 20220367348
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit device. A transistor structure includes a gate electrode separated from a substrate by a gate dielectric and a pair of source/drain regions disposed within the substrate on opposite sides of the gate electrode. A lower conductive plug is disposed through a lower inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer and contacting a first source/drain region. A capping layer is disposed directly on the lower conductive plug. An upper inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer is disposed over the capping layer and the lower ILD layer. An upper conductive plug is disposed through the upper ILD layer and directly on the capping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Wei Chang, Sung-Li Wang, Yi-Ying Liu, Chia-Hung Chu, Fang-Wei Lee
  • Publication number: 20220336611
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method to form a semiconductor device with air inner spacers. The method includes forming a semiconductor structure on a first side of a substrate. The semiconductor structure includes a fin structure having multiple semiconductor layers on the substrate, an epitaxial structure on the substrate and in contact with the multiple semiconductor layers, a gate structure wrapped around the multiple semiconductor layers, and an inner spacer structure between the gate structure and the epitaxial structure. The method further includes removing a portion of the substrate from a second side of the substrate to expose the epitaxial structure and the inner spacer structure, forming an oxide layer on the epitaxial structure on the second side of the substrate, and removing a portion of the inner spacer structure to form an opening. The second side is opposite to the first side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fo-Ju LIN, Fang-Wei Lee, Chih-Long Chiang, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin
  • Patent number: 11476365
    Abstract: A method for forming a fin field effect transistor device structure includes forming a fin structure over a substrate. The method also includes forming a gate structure across the fin structure. The method also includes growing a source/drain epitaxial structure over the fin structure. The method also includes depositing a first dielectric layer surrounding the source/drain epitaxial structure. The method also includes forming a contact structure in the first dielectric layer over the source/drain epitaxial structure. The method also includes depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. The method also includes forming a hole in the second dielectric layer to expose the contact structure. The method also includes etching the contact structure to enlarge the hole in the contact structure. The method also includes filling the hole with a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Chu, Sung-Li Wang, Fang-Wei Lee, Jung-Hao Chang, Mrunal Abhijith Khaderbad, Keng-Chu Lin