Patents by Inventor Hsin Liu
Hsin Liu 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: 20250147439Abstract: A method includes irradiating debris deposited in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system with laser, controlling one or more of a wavelength of the laser or power of the laser to selectively vaporize the debris and limit damage to the EUV) lithography system, and removing the vaporized debris.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chun-Han LIN, Chieh HSIEH, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Li-Jui CHEN
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Patent number: 12287572Abstract: A method includes: depositing a mask layer over a substrate; directing first radiation reflected from a central collector section of a sectional collector of a lithography system toward the mask layer according to a pattern; directing second radiation reflected from a peripheral collector section of the sectional collector toward the mask layer according to the pattern, wherein the peripheral collector section is vertically separated from the central collector section by a gap; forming openings in the mask layer by removing first regions of the mask layer exposed to the first radiation and second regions of the mask layer exposed to the second radiation; and removing material of a layer underlying the mask layer exposed by the openings.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheng Hung Tsai, Sheng-Kang Yu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Li-Jui Chen
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Publication number: 20250130100Abstract: An optical sensing device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The optical sensing device comprises a substrate, an optical acting area, a filter layer and a carbonized sidewall. The optical acting area is disposed on the substrate. The filter layer covers the optical acting area and selectively allows only a light beam with a specific wavelength to pass therethrough and be received by the optical acting area while blocking the light beams with other wavelengths. The carbonized sidewall covers the sidewall of the filter layer and a portion of the sidewall of the substrate to prevent the light beams with the other wavelengths from being received by the optical acting area through the sidewall of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2024Publication date: April 24, 2025Inventors: Yu-Hsin LIU, Guo-Quan WU, Chia-Jung CHIA
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Patent number: 12283557Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes an aluminum pad layer on a dielectric stack, a passivation layer covering the aluminum pad layer, and an aluminum shield layer including aluminum routing patterns disposed directly above an embedded memory area and embedded in the dielectric stack. The aluminum shield layer is electrically connected to the uppermost copper layer through a plurality of tungsten vias. The plurality of tungsten vias is embedded in the dielectric stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2023Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Aaron Chen, Chi Ren, Yi Hsin Liu
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Patent number: 12283512Abstract: A method includes: positioning a wafer on an electrostatic chuck of an apparatus; and securing the wafer to the electrostatic chuck by: securing a first wafer region of the wafer to a first chuck region of the electrostatic chuck by applying a first voltage at a first time. The method further includes securing a second wafer region of the wafer to a second chuck region of the electrostatic chuck by applying a second voltage at a second time different from the first time; and processing the wafer by the apparatus while the wafer is secured to the electrostatic chuck.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2023Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuang-Shiuan Deng, Fan-Chi Lin, Chueh-Chi Kuo, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20250123576Abstract: In a method of cleaning a lithography system, during idle mode, a stream of air is directed, through a first opening, into a chamber of a wafer table of an EUV lithography system. One or more particles is extracted by the directed stream of air from surfaces of one or more wafer chucks in the chamber of the wafer table. The stream of air and the extracted one or more particle are drawn, through a second opening, out of the chamber of the wafer table.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2024Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shih-Yu TU, Shao-Hua WANG, Yen-Hao LIU, Chueh-Chi KUO, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Patent number: 12277346Abstract: A memory system that is based on 3D NAND flash memory of a high capacity and/or capable of high performance is provided, which includes memory planes, each including a plane core and a specific set of resources. For each memory plane of the plurality of memory planes, the technology provides (i) a corresponding plane busy (PRDY) signal indicating a busy or a ready state of the specific set of recourses of the corresponding memory plane, and (ii) a corresponding plane in operation (PIO #) signal indicating an in operation or idle state of resources used by the plane core of the corresponding memory plane. Issuance of memory commands by a controller and execution of memory commands for a memory plane of the plurality of memory planes is selectively allowed or denied, based on status of one or more of the plurality of PRDY signals and the plurality of PIO # signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2023Date of Patent: April 15, 2025Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuo-Nan Hung, Nai-Ping Kuo, Chien-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20250114266Abstract: Wearable compression systems, which may comprise one or more or a plurality of actuator(s) embedded within a textile structure and may be configured to provide a compression function to a therapy target of an individual. Wearable compression systems may comprise a circuit or the like. Methods of operating a wearable compression system. Methods of designing (e.g., automatically designing) wearable compression systems. Methods of designing may comprise receiving a set of measurements, generating default dimensions, default number of actuators, and/or default actuator locations for a wearable compression system and/or a graphical representation of same, optionally modifying default dimensions, default number of actuators, and/or default actuator locations, updating the wearable compression system and/or graphical representation of same, and generating an instruction file. Methods of treating edema or symptoms of edema.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2024Publication date: April 10, 2025Inventors: Hsin-Liu Kao, Heather Jin Hee Kim, Joan Stilling, Michael O'Dell
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Publication number: 20250110414Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide a reticle cleaning device and a method of use. The reticle cleaning device includes a support member configured for extension toward a reticle within an extreme ultraviolet lithography tool. The reticle cleaning device also includes a contact surface disposed at an end of the support member and configured to bond to particles contacted by the contact surface. The reticle cleaning device further includes a stress sensor configured to measure an amount of stress applied to the support member at the contact surface. During a cleaning operation in which the contact surface is moving toward the reticle, the stress sensor may provide an indication that the amount of stress applied to the support member satisfies a threshold. Based on satisfying the threshold, movement of the contact surface and/or the support member toward the reticle ceases to avoid damaging the reticle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2024Publication date: April 3, 2025Inventors: Che-Chang HSU, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Patent number: 12265336Abstract: An exposure tool is configured to remove contaminants and/or prevent contamination of mirrors and/or other optical components included in the exposure tool. In some implementations, the exposure tool is configured to flush and/or otherwise remove contaminants from an illuminator, a projection optics box, and/or one or more other subsystems of the exposure tool using a heated gas such as ozone (O3) or extra clean dry air (XCDA), among other examples. In some implementations, the exposure tool is configured to provide a gas curtain (or gas wall) that includes hydrogen (H2) or another type of gas to reduce the likelihood of contaminants reaching the mirrors included in the exposure tool. In this way, the mirrors and one or more other components of the exposure tool are cleaned and maintained in a clean environment in which radiation absorbing contaminants are controlled to increase the performance of the exposure tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kai-Chieh Chang, Che-Chang Hsu, Yen-Shuo Su, Chun-Lin Chang, Kai-Fa Ho, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Patent number: 12266337Abstract: Managing noise during an online conference session includes obtaining audio data from an endpoint participating in an online conference session. The audio data is derived from audio captured at the endpoint that includes musical sounds. The audio data is processed to identify a portion of the audio data in which a decibel level of the musical sounds is stable for a period of time. Non-musical noise present, if any, in the audio data with the musical sounds is identified and the non-musical noise is attenuated from the audio data to generate noise-reduced musical audio data. The noise-reduced musical audio data is transmitted for play out at one or more other endpoints participating in the online conference session.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2024Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Bjørn Winsvold, Eric Yi-hua Chen, Wei-Lien Hsu, Pi-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20250094082Abstract: A memory system that is based on 3D NAND flash memory of a high capacity and/or capable of high performance is provided, which includes memory planes, each including a plane core and a specific set of resources. For each memory plane of the plurality of memory planes, the technology provides (i) a corresponding plane busy (PRDY) signal indicating a busy or a ready state of the specific set of recourses of the corresponding memory plane, and (ii) a corresponding plane in operation (PIO #) signal indicating an in operation or idle state of resources used by the plane core of the corresponding memory plane. Issuance of memory commands by a controller and execution of memory commands for a memory plane of the plurality of memory planes is selectively allowed or denied, based on status of one or more of the plurality of PRDY signals and the plurality of PIO # signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2023Publication date: March 20, 2025Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuo-Nan HUNG, Nai-Ping KUO, Chien-Hsin LIU
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Patent number: 12254215Abstract: A memory device and a management method thereof are provided. The memory device includes a controller and at least one memory channel. The memory channel includes at least one memory chip. The at least one memory chip is commonly coupled to the controller through an interrupt signal wire. The at least one memory chip generates at least one local interrupt signal and performs a logic operation on the at least one local interrupt signal to generate a common interrupt signal. The interrupt signal wire is configured to transmit the common interrupt signal to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jia-Xing Lin, Nai-Ping Kuo, Shih-Chou Juan, Chien-Hsin Liu, Shunli Cheng
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Publication number: 20250089311Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated device, including a substrate comprising a channel region; a gate structure disposed on the substrate over the channel region; a first doped region of a first doping type on a first side of the gate structure; a second doped region of the first doping type on a second side of the gate structure; a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure disposed on an opposite side of the first doped region from the gate structure and having a bottom surface at a first depth beneath a top surface of the substrate; a shallow-shallow trench isolation (SSTI) structure extending from the second doped region to the gate structure, the SSTI structure having a bottom surface at a second depth beneath the top surface of the substrate, where the second depth is less than the first depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2023Publication date: March 13, 2025Inventors: Hung-Chih Tsai, Liang-Yu Su, Ruey-Hsin Liu, Hsueh-Liang Chou, Ming-Ta Lei
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Publication number: 20250076770Abstract: In a method of generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation in a semiconductor manufacturing system one or more streams of a gas is directed, through one or more gas outlets mounted over a rim of a collector mirror of an EUV radiation source, to generate a flow of the gas over a surface of the collector mirror. The one or more flow rates of the one or more streams of the gas are adjusted to reduce an amount of metal debris deposited on the surface of the collector mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Che-Chang HSU, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Patent number: 12239834Abstract: Optoelectronic retinal prostheses transduce light into electrical current for neural stimulation. A novel optoelectronic pixel architecture is presented comprising a vertically integrated photo junction field-effect-transistor (Photo-JFET) and neural stimulating electrode. Experimental measurements demonstrate that optically addressed Photo-JFET pixels utilize phototransistive gain to produce a broad range of neural stimulation current and can effectively stimulate retinal neurons in vitro. The compact nature of the Photo-JFET pixel can enable high resolution retinal prostheses with a theoretical visual acuity ˜20/60 to help restore vision in patients with degenerative retinal diseases.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignees: NANOVISION BIOSCIENCES, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samir Damle, Yu-Hsin Liu, Nicholas W. Oesch, Yu-Hwa Lo
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Patent number: 12235586Abstract: Impurities in a liquefied solid fuel utilized in a droplet generator of an extreme ultraviolet photolithography system are removed from vessels containing the liquefied solid fuel. Removal of the impurities increases the stability and predictability of droplet formation which positively impacts wafer yield and droplet generator lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2023Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Hao Lai, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shih-Yu Tu, Jou-Hsuan Lu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Patent number: 12235136Abstract: A control method and a controller related to electromagnetic tracking are provided. In the method, a working position is determined, and the working position is the position at which a magnetic field sensor is located relative to a magnetic field emitter; an electrical characteristic of the magnetic field emitter or the magnetic field sensor is adjusted to a target characteristic corresponding to the working position. In this way, the positioning accuracy may be improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2022Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: Metal Industries Research & Development CentreInventors: Zong-Hsin Liu, Po-Chi Hu, I-Chiao Tsai, Chih-Chung Lin
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Patent number: 12235593Abstract: A system and method for dynamically controlling a temperature of a thermostatic reticle. A thermostatic reticle assembly that includes a reticle, temperature sensors located in proximity to the reticle, and one or more heating elements. A thermostat component that is in communication with the temperature sensors and the heating element monitors the current temperature of the reticle relative to a steady-state temperature. In response to the current temperature of the reticle being lower than the steady-state temperature, the heating elements are activated to preheat the reticle to the steady-state temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2023Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tzu-Jung Pan, Sheng-Kang Yu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Patent number: 12228863Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling an EUV light source includes a first temperature sensor, a signal processor, and a process controller. The first temperature sensor includes a portion inserted into a space surrounded by a plurality of vanes through a vane of the plurality of vanes, and obtains an ambient temperature that decreases with time as a function of tin contamination coating on the inserted portion. The signal processor determines an excess tin debris deposition on the vane based on the obtained chamber ambient temperature. The process controller activates a vane cleaning action upon being informed of the excess tin debris deposition by the signal processor, thereby improving availability of the EUV light source tool and reducing risks of tin pollution on other tools such as a reticle.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Cheng Hung Tsai, Sheng-Kang Yu, Heng-Hsin Liu, Li-Jui Chen, Shang-Chieh Chien