Patents by Inventor HUANG-LIN CHAO

HUANG-LIN CHAO 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20230395433
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming N-type and P-type source/drain features using one patterned mask and one self-aligned mask to increase windows of error tolerance and provide flexibilities for source/drain features of various shapes and/or volumes. In some embodiments, after forming a first type of source/drain features, a self-aligned mask layer is formed over the first type of source/drain features without using photolithography process, thus, avoid damaging the first type of source/drain features in the patterning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Yao-Sheng Huang, I-Ming Chang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230386925
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with superlattice structures on a substrate with an embedded isolation structure is disclosed. The method includes forming an etch stop layer on a substrate, forming a superlattice structure on the etch stop layer, depositing an isolation layer on the superlattice structure, depositing a semiconductor layer on the isolation layer, forming a bi-layer isolation structure on the semiconductor layer, removing the substrate and the etch stop layer, etching the superlattice structure, the isolation layer, the semiconductor layer, and the bi-layer isolation structure to form a fin structure, and forming a gate-all-around structure on the fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Wei Lee, Pang-Yen Tsai, Tsungyu Hung, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230386938
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a transistor comprising a gate stack on a semiconductor substrate by, at least, forming a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming a dipole layer on the dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer on the dipole layer, forming a conductive work function layer on the second dielectric layer, forming a gate electrode layer on the conductive work function layer. The method also includes varying a distance between dipole inducing elements in the dipole layer and a surface of the semiconductor substrate by tuning a thickness of the first dielectric layer to adjust a threshold voltage of the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Huiching Chang, I-Ming Chang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230386915
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a contact plug by bottom-up metal growth. In one step, a substrate is etched to form a contact hole that exposes a silicon-containing feature in the substrate. In one step, a silicide layer is formed on the silicon-containing feature. In one step, a metal seed layer is formed over the silicide layer. In one step, a metal contact layer is deposited over the metal seed layer to form the contact plug in the contact hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Liang CHENG, Lin-Yu HUANG, Li-Zhen YU, Huang-Lin CHAO, Pinyen LIN
  • Publication number: 20230389335
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first and second transistors arranged over a substrate. The first transistor includes first channel structures extending between first and second source/drain regions. A first gate electrode is arranged between the first channel structures, and a first protection layer is arranged over a topmost one of the first channel structures. The second transistor includes second channel structures extending between the second source/drain region and a third source/drain region. A second gate electrode is arranged between the second channel structures, and a second protection layer is arranged over a topmost one of the second channel structures. The integrated chip further includes a first interconnect structure arranged between the substrate and the first and second channel structures, and a contact plug structure coupled to the second source/drain region and arranged above the first and second gate electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Sheng-Chau Chen, Chung-Liang Cheng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Yeong-Jyh Lin, Pinyen Lin, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 11830773
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with superlattice structures on a substrate with an embedded isolation structure is disclosed. The method includes forming an etch stop layer on a substrate, forming a superlattice structure on the etch stop layer, depositing an isolation layer on the superlattice structure, depositing a semiconductor layer on the isolation layer, forming a bi-layer isolation structure on the semiconductor layer, removing the substrate and the etch stop layer, etching the superlattice structure, the isolation layer, the semiconductor layer, and the bi-layer isolation structure to form a fin structure, and forming a gate-all-around structure on the fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Wei Lee, Pang-Yen Tsai, Tsungyu Hung, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230356356
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and an apparatus that can enhance the slurry oxidizability for a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. The method can include securing a substrate onto a carrier of a polishing system. The method can further include dispensing, via a feeder of the polishing system, a first slurry towards a polishing pad of the polishing system. The method can further include forming a second slurry by enhancing an oxidizability of the first slurry, and performing a polishing process, with the second slurry, on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hung Liao, Chen-Hao Wu, An-Hsuan Lee, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230343638
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure includes a gate structure formed over a substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a source/drain structure formed beside the gate structure. The semiconductor device structure further includes a contact structure formed over the source/drain structure. The semiconductor device structure also includes a first cap layer formed over the contact structure. The semiconductor device structure further includes a dielectric structure extending from a top surface of the first cap layer into the contact structure. The dielectric structure and the source/drain structure are separated by the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hung LIAO, Lin-Yu HUANG, Chia-Hao CHANG, Huang-Lin CHAO
  • Publication number: 20230298949
    Abstract: In-situ defect count detection in post chemical mechanical polishing (post-CMP) is provided. Post-CMP is performed, in-situ and according to a recipe, on a surface of a semiconductor wafer within a post-CMP chamber. A light signal is scanned over a target area of the surface of the semiconductor wafer and a reflected light signal reflected from the target area is detected. A defect count of defects present in the target area is determined based on the reflected light signal reflected from the target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Chun-Hung LIAO, Jeng-Chi LIN, Chi-Jen LIU, Liang-Guang CHEN, Huang-Lin CHAO
  • Publication number: 20230290641
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor. The method includes: forming a metal oxide layer over a gate structure over a substrate; forming a dielectric layer over the metal oxide layer; forming a metal layer over the metal oxide layer; and performing a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) operation to remove a portion of the dielectric layer and a portion of the metal layer, the CMP operation stopping at the metal oxide layer, wherein a slurry used in the CMP operation includes a ceria compound. The present disclosure also provides a method for planarizing a metal-dielectric surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: CHUN-HUNG LIAO, CHUNG-WEI HSU, TSUNG-LING TSAI, CHEN-HAO WU, AN-HSUAN LEE, SHEN-NAN LEE, TENG-CHUN TSAI, HUANG-LIN CHAO
  • Patent number: 11752592
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and an apparatus that can enhance the slurry oxidizability for a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. The method can include securing a substrate onto a carrier of a polishing system. The method can further include dispensing, via a feeder of the polishing system, a first slurry towards a polishing pad of the polishing system. The method can further include forming a second slurry by enhancing an oxidizability of the first slurry, and performing a polishing process, with the second slurry, on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hung Liao, Chen-Hao Wu, An-Hsuan Lee, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230282729
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dummy gate stack over a semiconductor region, forming a source/drain region on a side of the dummy gate stack, removing the dummy gate stack to form a trench, forming a gate dielectric layer extending into the trench and on the semiconductor region, and depositing a fist work-function layer over the gate dielectric layer. The work-function layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, molybdenum, and combinations thereof. The method further includes depositing a conductive filling layer over the first work-function layer, and performing a planarization process to remove excess portions of the conductive filling layer, the first work-function layer, and the gate dielectric layer to form a gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Lee, Chun-Da Liao, Cheng-Lung Hung, Yan-Ming Tsai, Harry Chien, Huang-Lin Chao, Weng Chang, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Chi On Chui
  • Publication number: 20230274982
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first fin, a second fin and a third fin therebetween. A first insulating structure includes a first insulating layer formed between the first and third fins, a capping structure covering the first insulating layer, a first insulating liner covering sidewall surfaces of the first insulating layer and the capping structure and a bottom surface of the first insulating layer, and a second insulating liner formed between the first insulating liner and the first fin and between the first insulating liner and the third fin. The second insulating structure includes a second insulating layer formed between the second fin and the third fin and a third insulating liner formed between the second insulating layer and the second fin and between the second insulating layer and the third fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chu-An LEE, Chen-Hao WU, Peng-Chung JANGJIAN, Chun-Wen HSIAO, Teng-Chun TSAI, Huang-Lin CHAO
  • Patent number: 11735470
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure includes a fin structure formed over a substrate. The structure also includes a gate structure formed across the fin structure. The structure also includes a source/drain structure formed beside the gate structure. The structure also includes a contact structure formed over the source/drain structure. The structure also includes a dielectric structure extending into the contact structure. The dielectric structure and the source/drain structure are separated by the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hung Liao, Lin-Yu Huang, Chia-Hao Chang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 11735483
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming N-type and P-type source/drain features using one patterned mask and one self-aligned mask to increase windows of error tolerance and provide flexibilities for source/drain features of various shapes and/or volumes. In some embodiments, after forming a first type of source/drain features, a self-aligned mask layer is formed over the first type of source/drain features without using photolithography process, thus, avoid damaging the first type of source/drain features in the patterning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yao-Sheng Huang, I-Ming Chang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230246080
    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 includes an oxide material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    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
  • Publication number: 20230238443
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device that is protected from the effects of an oxide on the metal gate layers of ferroelectric field effect transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ming LIN, Sai-Hooi YEONG, Ziwei FANG, Chi On CHUI, Huang-Lin CHAO
  • Patent number: 11710779
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device is provided that includes a first fin structure and a second fin structure extending from a substrate. The first fin structure is a first composition, and includes rounded corners. The second fin structure is a second composition, different than the first composition. A first interface layer is formed directly on the first fin structure including the rounded corners and a second interface layer directly on the second fin structure. The first interface layer is an oxide of the first composition and the second interface layer is an oxide of the second composition. A gate dielectric layer is formed over the first interface layer and the second interface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Liang Cheng, I-Ming Chang, Hsiang-Pi Chang, Yu-Wei Lu, Ziwei Fang, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Publication number: 20230207695
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device including a substrate and first and second spacers on the substrate. The semiconductor device also includes a gate stack between the first and second spacers. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer having a first portion formed on the substrate and a second portion formed on the first and second spacers; an internal gate formed on the first and second portions of the gate dielectric layer; a ferroelectric dielectric layer formed on the internal gate and in contact with the gate dielectric layer; and a gate electrode on the ferroelectric dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ming LIN, Sai-Hooi YEONG, Ziwei FANG, Chi On CHUI, Huang-Lin CHAO