Patents by Inventor Hong-Jyh Li

Hong-Jyh Li 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: 7417248
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transistor and a structure thereof, wherein a very shallow region having a high dopant concentration of germanium is implanted into a channel region of a transistor at a low energy level, forming an amorphous germanium implantation region in a top surface of the workpiece, and forming a crystalline germanium implantation region beneath the amorphous germanium implantation region. The workpiece is annealed using a low-temperature anneal to convert the amorphous germanium region to a crystalline state while preventing a substantial amount of diffusion of germanium further into the workpiece, also removing damage to the workpiece caused by the implantation process. The resulting structure includes a crystalline germanium implantation region at the top surface of a channel, comprising a depth below the top surface of the workpiece of about 120 ? or less. The transistor has increased mobility and a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20080116523
    Abstract: A CMOS device with transistors having different gate dielectric materials and a method of manufacture thereof. An aluminum-based material is used as a gate dielectric material of a PMOS device, and a hafnium-based material is used as a gate dielectric material of an NMOS device. A thin layer of silicon a few monolayers or a sub-monolayer thick is formed over the gate dielectric materials, before forming the gates. The thin layer of silicon bonds with the gate dielectric material and pins the work function of the transistors. A gate material that may comprise a metal in one embodiment is deposited over the thin layer of silicon. A CMOS device having a symmetric Vt for the PMOS and NMOS FETs is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7368356
    Abstract: A transistor and method of manufacture thereof. A semiconductor workpiece is doped before depositing a gate dielectric material. Using a separate anneal process or during subsequent anneal processes used to manufacture the transistor, dopant species from the doped region of the workpiece are outdiffused into the gate dielectric, creating a doped gate dielectric. The dopant species fill vacancies in the atomic structure of the gate dielectric, resulting in a transistor having increased speed, reduced power consumption, and improved voltage stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7344934
    Abstract: A CMOS device with transistors having different gate dielectric materials and a method of manufacture thereof. An aluminum-based material is used as a gate dielectric material of a PMOS device, and a hafnium-based material is used as a gate dielectric material of an NMOS device. A thin layer of silicon a few monolayers or a sub-monolayer thick is formed over the gate dielectric materials, before forming the gates. The thin layer of silicon bonds with the gate dielectric material and pins the work function of the transistors. A gate material that may comprise a metal in one embodiment is deposited over the thin layer of silicon. A CMOS device having a symmetric Vt for the PMOS and NMOS FETs is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20080023777
    Abstract: A dielectric material layer is formed over a workpiece, a metal layer is formed over the dielectric material layer, and a semiconductive material layer is formed over the metal layer. The workpiece is heated, causing a top portion of the metal layer to interact with the semiconductive material layer and causing a bottom portion of the metal layer to diffuse into the dielectric material layer. The metal layer portion that interacts with the semiconductive material layer forms a silicide, and the diffused metal layer portion forms a high dielectric constant gate material having a graded concentration of the metal from the metal layer. At least the semiconductive material layer and the dielectric material layer are patterned to form a gate and a gate dielectric of a transistor device. A source region and a drain region are formed in the workpiece proximate the gate and gate dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7312137
    Abstract: A transistor and a structure thereof, wherein a very shallow region having a high dopant concentration of germanium is implanted into a channel region of a transistor at a low energy level, forming an amorphous germanium implantation region in a top surface of the workpiece, and forming a crystalline germanium implantation region beneath the amorphous germanium implantation region. The workpiece is annealed using a low-temperature anneal to convert the amorphous germanium region to a crystalline state while preventing a substantial amount of diffusion of germanium further into the workpiece, also removing damage to the workpiece caused by the implantation process. The resulting structure includes a crystalline germanium implantation region at the top surface of a channel, comprising a depth below the top surface of the workpiece of about 120 ? or less. The transistor has increased mobility and a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7291526
    Abstract: A dielectric material layer is formed over a workpiece, a metal layer is formed over the dielectric material layer, and a semiconductive material layer is formed over the metal layer. The workpiece is heated, causing a top portion of the metal layer to interact with the semiconductive material layer and causing a bottom portion of the metal layer to diffuse into the dielectric material layer. The metal layer portion that interacts with the semiconductive material layer forms a silicide, and the diffused metal layer portion forms a high dielectric constant gate material having a graded concentration of the metal from the metal layer. At least the semiconductive material layer and the dielectric material layer are patterned to form a gate and a gate dielectric of a transistor device. A source region and a drain region are formed in the workpiece proximate the gate and gate dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7282773
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a substrate including isolation regions and active regions, and a high-k dielectric layer proximate the substrate. The high-k dielectric layer comprises a mixture formed by annealing at least one high-k material and at least one metal to oxidize the metal. The semiconductor device comprises a gate electrode proximate the high-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignees: Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hong-Jyh Li, Mark Gardner
  • Patent number: 7253050
    Abstract: Methods of forming CMOS devices and structures thereof. A workpiece is provided having a first region and a second region. A high k gate dielectric material is formed over the workpiece. A first gate material comprising a first metal is formed over the high k gate dielectric material. The first gate material in the second region is implanted with a material different than the first metal to form a second gate material comprising a second metal. The work function of the CMOS device is set by the material selection of the gate materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hongfa Luan, Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7235822
    Abstract: A transistor and method of manufacturing thereof having stressed material layers formed in the channel to increase the speed and improve performance of the transistor. A layer of silicon and carbon is epitaxially grown in the channel region. A thin semiconductor material may be formed over the layer of silicon and carbon, and a stressed semiconductor layer may be epitaxially grown prior to forming the layer of silicon and carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20070141797
    Abstract: A first gate dielectric of a first transistor is disposed over a workpiece in a first region, and a second gate dielectric of a second transistor is disposed over the workpiece in a second region. The second gate dielectric comprises a different material than the first gate dielectric. A first dopant-bearing metal comprising a first dopant is disposed in recessed regions of the workpiece proximate the first gate dielectric, and a second dopant-bearing metal comprising a second dopant is disposed in recessed regions of the workpiece proximate the second gate dielectric. A first doped region comprising the first dopant is disposed in the workpiece adjacent the first dopant-bearing metal. A second doped region comprising the second dopant is disposed in the workpiece adjacent the second dopant-bearing metal. The dopant-bearing metals and the doped regions comprise source and drain regions of the first and second transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20070131972
    Abstract: Methods of forming transistors and structures thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a semiconductor device including a workpiece, a gate dielectric disposed over the workpiece, and a thin layer of conductive material disposed over the gate dielectric. A layer of semiconductive material is disposed over the thin layer of conductive material. The layer of semiconductive material and the thin layer of conductive material comprise a gate electrode of a transistor. A source region and a drain region are formed in the workpiece proximate the gate dielectric. The thin layer of conductive material comprises a thickness of about 50 Angstroms or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20070111448
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices with transistors having different gate dielectric materials and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. One embodiment includes a semiconductor device including a workpiece, the workpiece including a first region and a second region proximate the first region. A first transistor is disposed in the first region of the workpiece, the first transistor having at least two first gate electrodes. A first gate dielectric is disposed proximate each of the at least two first gate electrodes, the first gate dielectric comprising a first material. A second transistor is disposed in the second region of the workpiece, the second transistor having at least two second gate electrodes. A second gate dielectric is disposed proximate each of the at least two second gate electrodes, the second gate dielectric comprising a second material. The second material is different than the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Hong-Jyh Li, Thomas Schulz
  • Patent number: 7138680
    Abstract: A memory device comprises a substrate including isolation regions and active regions, and a floating gate stack proximate the substrate. The floating gate stack comprises a first high-k dielectric layer proximate the substrate, a first metal layer proximate the first high-k dielectric layer, and a second high-k dielectric layer proximate the first metal layer. The memory device comprises a control gate electrode proximate the floating gate stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hong-Jyh Li, Mark Gardner
  • Publication number: 20060252238
    Abstract: A transistor and a structure thereof, wherein a very shallow region having a high dopant concentration of germanium is implanted into a channel region of a transistor at a low energy level, forming an amorphous germanium implantation region in a top surface of the workpiece, and forming a crystalline germanium implantation region beneath the amorphous germanium implantation region. The workpiece is annealed using a low-temperature anneal to convert the amorphous germanium region to a crystalline state while preventing a substantial amount of diffusion of germanium further into the workpiece, also removing damage to the workpiece caused by the implantation process. The resulting structure includes a crystalline germanium implantation region at the top surface of a channel, comprising a depth below the top surface of the workpiece of about 120 ? or less. The transistor has increased mobility and a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20060228875
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transistor and a structure thereof, wherein a very shallow region having a high dopant concentration of germanium is implanted into a channel region of a transistor at a low energy level, forming an amorphous germanium implantation region in a top surface of the workpiece, and forming a crystalline germanium implantation region beneath the amorphous germanium implantation region. The workpiece is annealed using a low-temperature anneal to convert the amorphous germanium region to a crystalline state while preventing a substantial amount of diffusion of germanium further into the workpiece, also removing damage to the workpiece caused by the implantation process. The resulting structure includes a crystalline germanium implantation region at the top surface of a channel, comprising a depth below the top surface of the workpiece of about 120 ? or less. The transistor has increased mobility and a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7094671
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transistor and a structure thereof, wherein a very shallow region having a high dopant concentration of germanium is implanted into a channel region of a transistor at a low energy level, forming an amorphous germanium implantation region in a top surface of the workpiece, and forming a crystalline germanium implantation region beneath the amorphous germanium implantation region. The workpiece is annealed using a low-temperature anneal to convert the amorphous germanium region to a crystalline state while preventing a substantial amount of diffusion of germanium further into the workpiece, also removing damage to the workpiece caused by the implantation process. The resulting structure includes a crystalline germanium implantation region at the top surface of a channel, comprising a depth below the top surface of the workpiece of about 120 ? or less. The transistor has increased mobility and a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20060131652
    Abstract: A method of forming transistors and structures thereof. A CMOS device includes high k gate dielectric materials. A PMOS device includes a gate that is implanted with an n type dopant. The NMOS device may be doped with either an n type or a p type dopant. The work function of the CMOS device is set by the material selection of the gate dielectric materials. A polysilicon depletion effect is reduced or avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20060134870
    Abstract: Methods of forming CMOS devices and structures thereof. A workpiece is provided having a first region and a second region. A high k gate dielectric material is formed over the workpiece. A first gate material comprising a first metal is formed over the high k gate dielectric material. The first gate material in the second region is implanted with a material different than the first metal to form a second gate material comprising a second metal. The work function of the CMOS device is set by the material selection of the gate materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Hongfa Luan, Hong-Jyh Li
  • Publication number: 20060125026
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a substrate including isolation regions and active regions, and a high-k dielectric layer proximate the substrate. The high-k dielectric layer comprises a mixture formed by annealing at least one high-k material and at least one metal to oxidize the metal. The semiconductor device comprises a gate electrode proximate the high-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventors: Hong-Jyh Li, Mark Gardner