Patents by Inventor Hsueh Wen Tsau

Hsueh Wen Tsau 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: 11211465
    Abstract: One or more semiconductor devices are provided. The semiconductor device comprises a gate body, a conductive prelayer over the gate body, at least one inhibitor film over the conductive prelayer and a conductive layer over the at least one inhibitor film, where the conductive layer is tapered so as to have a top portion width that is greater than the bottom portion width. One or more methods of forming a semiconductor device are also provided, where an etching process is performed to form a tapered opening such that the tapered conductive layer is formed in the tapered opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Mrunal A. Khaderbad, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Chia-Ching Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Hsiao-Kuan Wei, Chih-Chang Hung, Huicheng Chang, Weng Chang
  • Publication number: 20210367076
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having gate structures with tunable threshold voltages are provided. Various geometries of device structure can be varied to tune the threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from tops of fins to tops of gate structures can be varied to tune threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from outermost sidewalls of gate structures to respective nearest sidewalls of nearest fins to the respective outermost sidewalls (which respective gate structure overlies the nearest fin) can be varied to tune threshold voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Wei-Chin Lee, Shih-Hang Chiu, Chia-Ching Lee, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Cheng-Yen Tsai, Cheng-Lung Hung, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Publication number: 20210305376
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a gate stack over the substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer, a first metal-containing layer, a silicon-containing layer, a second metal-containing layer, and a gate electrode layer sequentially stacked over the substrate. The silicon-containing layer is between the first metal-containing layer and the second metal-containing layer, and the silicon-containing layer is thinner than the second metal-containing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Wen TSAU, Chun-I WU, Ziwei FANG, Huang-Lin CHAO, I-Ming CHANG, Chung-Liang CHENG, Chih-Cheng LIN
  • Patent number: 11127836
    Abstract: Gate structures and methods of forming the gate structures are described. In some embodiments, a method includes forming source/drain regions in a substrate, and forming a gate structure between the source/drain regions. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer over the substrate, a work function tuning layer over the gate dielectric layer, a metal-containing compound over the work function tuning layer, and a metal over the metal-containing compound, wherein the metal-containing compound comprises the metal as an element of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Chia-Ching Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Patent number: 11094828
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having gate structures with tunable threshold voltages are provided. Various geometries of device structure can be varied to tune the threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from tops of fins to tops of gate structures can be varied to tune threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from outermost sidewalls of gate structures to respective nearest sidewalls of nearest fins to the respective outermost sidewalls (which respective gate structure overlies the nearest fin) can be varied to tune threshold voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Wei-Chin Lee, Shih-Hang Chiu, Chia-Ching Lee, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Cheng-Yen Tsai, Cheng-Lung Hung, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Publication number: 20210183858
    Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) device includes a first plurality of semiconductor layers over a substrate, a first gate dielectric layer and a first gate electrode. The first gate electrode includes a first fill metal layer and a work function metal layer disposed between the first gate dielectric layer and the first fill metal layer. The IC device further includes a second plurality of semiconductor layers over the substrate, a second gate dielectric layer and a second gate electrode. The second gate electrode includes a second fill metal layer directly contacting the second gate dielectric layer. A top surface of the second fill metal layer extends above a topmost layer of the second plurality of semiconductor layers. The material of the semiconductor layers has a midgap. The work function metal layer has a work function lower than the midgap. The fill metal layer has a work function higher than the midgap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Mrunal A Khaderbad, Ziwei Fang, Keng-Chu Lin, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Patent number: 11038029
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes providing a substrate and an insulating layer over the substrate. The insulating layer has a trench partially exposing the substrate. The method includes forming a gate dielectric layer in the trench. The method includes forming a first metal-containing layer over the gate dielectric layer. The method includes forming a silicon-containing layer over the first metal-containing layer. The method includes forming a second metal-containing layer over the silicon-containing layer. The method includes forming a gate electrode layer in the trench and over the second metal-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Wen Tsau, Chun-I Wu, Ziwei Fang, Huang-Lin Chao, I-Ming Chang, Chung-Liang Cheng, Chih-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20210134667
    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: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Chia-Ching Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Patent number: 10985265
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming an interfacial layer on the semiconductor layer, forming a first gate dielectric layer on the interfacial layer, introducing fluorine on the first gate dielectric layer, annealing the first gate dielectric layer, forming a second gate dielectric layer on the first gate dielectric layer, introducing fluorine on the second gate dielectric layer, annealing the second gate dielectric layer, and forming a gate stack structure on the second gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Liang Cheng, I-Ming Chang, Hsiang-Pi Chang, Hsueh-Wen Tsau, Ziwei Fang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 10978357
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor arrangement includes forming a fin. A diffusion process is performed to diffuse a first dopant into the channel region of the fin. A first gate electrode is formed over the channel region of the fin after the first dopant is diffused into the channel region of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: I-Ming Chang, Chung-Liang Cheng, Hsiang-Pi Chang, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Ziwei Fang
  • Publication number: 20210057550
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming an interfacial layer on the semiconductor layer, forming a first gate dielectric layer on the interfacial layer, introducing fluorine on the first gate dielectric layer, annealing the first gate dielectric layer, forming a second gate dielectric layer on the first gate dielectric layer, introducing fluorine on the second gate dielectric layer, annealing the second gate dielectric layer, and forming a gate stack structure on the second gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Liang CHENG, I-Ming CHANG, Hsiang-Pi CHANG, Hsueh-Wen TSAU, Ziwei FANG, Huang-Lin CHAO
  • Publication number: 20210036123
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming first and second dummy gates over a substrate. The method includes removing the first and second dummy gates to define first and second openings. The method includes depositing a continuous gate dielectric layer in the first opening and the second opening. The method includes depositing a continuous capping layer on the gate dielectric layer, wherein the capping layer includes TaC. The method further includes depositing a continuous barrier layer on the capping layer, wherein the barrier layer includes TaC and a second material. The method includes depositing a first work function layer over the barrier layer in the first opening. The method includes depositing a second work function layer over the barrier layer in the second opening. The method includes depositing a continuous metal layer over each of the first work function layer and the second work function layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Hsueh Wen TSAU
  • Patent number: 10867848
    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: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Chia-Ching Lee, Cheng-Lung Hung, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Patent number: 10818767
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a gate dielectric layer on the substrate. The gate dielectric layer includes a single metal oxide layer. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode stack on the gate dielectric layer. The gate electrode stack includes a metal filling line. The gate electrode stack includes a work function layer covering the sidewall and the bottom surface of the metal filling line. The gate electrode stack includes a capping layer in contact with the gate dielectric layer between sidewalls of the gate dielectric layer and sidewalls of the work function layer. The capping layer includes TaC and at least one of TiN or TaN. The gate electrode stack includes a barrier layer interposed between the capping layer and the sidewalls of the work function layer. The barrier layer comprises TaC and WN, and the barrier layer is in contact with the capping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Publication number: 20200321252
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having gate structures with tunable threshold voltages are provided. Various geometries of device structure can be varied to tune the threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from tops of fins to tops of gate structures can be varied to tune threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from outermost sidewalls of gate structures to respective nearest sidewalls of nearest fins to the respective outermost sidewalls (which respective gate structure overlies the nearest fin) can be varied to tune threshold voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Wei-Chin Lee, Shih-Hang Chiu, Chia-Ching Lee, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Cheng-Yen Tsai, Cheng-Lung Hung, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Publication number: 20200321279
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Patent number: 10741400
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of fins on a substrate, and a metal gate structure disposed on the plurality of fins. The metal gate structure includes a work function metal layer over the plurality of fins, a metal layer on the work function metal layer, and a metal oxide layer on the metal layer. A first portion of the metal oxide layer is formed within an area between adjacent fins from among the plurality of tins. An example benefit includes reduced diffusion of unwanted and/or detrimental elements from the first metal layer into its underlying layers and consequently, the reduction of the negative impact of these unwanted and/or detrimental elements on the semiconductor device performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh Wen Tsau, Chia-Ching Lee, Chung-Chiang Wu, Da-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 10700010
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Patent number: 10692770
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having gate structures with tunable threshold voltages are provided. Various geometries of device structure can be varied to tune the threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from tops of fins to tops of gate structures can be varied to tune threshold voltages. In some examples, distances from outermost sidewalls of gate structures to respective nearest sidewalls of nearest fins to the respective outermost sidewalls (which respective gate structure overlies the nearest fin) can be varied to tune threshold voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Wu, Wei-Chin Lee, Shih-Hang Chiu, Chia-Ching Lee, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Cheng-Yen Tsai, Cheng-Lung Hung, Da-Yuan Lee, Ching-Hwanq Su
  • Publication number: 20200176328
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor arrangement includes forming a fin. A diffusion process is performed to diffuse a first dopant into the channel region of the fin. A first gate electrode is formed over the channel region of the fin after the first dopant is diffused into the channel region of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: I-Ming CHANG, Chung-Liang Cheng, Hsiang-Pi Chang, Hsueh Wen Tsau, Ziwei Fang