Patents by Inventor Kai-Shiang KUO

Kai-Shiang KUO 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).

  • Publication number: 20240079270
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, and forming a barrier layer in the opening. A combined liner layer is formed over the barrier layer by first forming a first liner layer over the barrier layer, and forming a second liner layer over the first liner layer, such that the first liner layer and the second liner layer intermix. A conductive material layer is formed over the combined liner layer, and a thermal process is performed to reflow the conductive material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Huei-Wen Hsieh, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Sheng Chen, Wen-Hsuan Chen
  • Patent number: 11854878
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, and forming a barrier layer in the opening. A combined liner layer is formed over the barrier layer by first forming a first liner layer over the barrier layer, and forming a second liner layer over the first liner layer, such that the first liner layer and the second liner layer intermix. A conductive material layer is formed over the combined liner layer, and a thermal process is performed to reflow the conductive material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventors: Huei-Wen Hsieh, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Sheng Chen, Wen-Hsuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20230369500
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 11777035
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Publication number: 20230068398
    Abstract: In some implementations, one or more semiconductor processing tools may form a via within a substrate of a semiconductor device. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may deposit a ruthenium-based liner within the via. The one or more semiconductor processing tools may deposit, after depositing the ruthenium-based liner, a copper plug within the via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Yao-Min LIU, Ming-Yuan GAO, Ming-Chou CHIANG, Shu-Cheng CHIN, Huei-Wen HSIEH, Kai-Shiang KUO, Yen-Chun LIN, Cheng-Hui WENG, Chun-Chieh LIN, Hung-Wen SU
  • Publication number: 20220367265
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, and forming a barrier layer in the opening. A combined liner layer is formed over the barrier layer by first forming a first liner layer over the barrier layer, and forming a second liner layer over the first liner layer, such that the first liner layer and the second liner layer intermix. A conductive material layer is formed over the combined liner layer, and a thermal process is performed to reflow the conductive material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicants: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huei-Wen Hsieh, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Sheng Chen, Wen-Hsuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20220367262
    Abstract: An opening is formed through a dielectric material layer to physically expose a top surface of a conductive material portion in, or over, a substrate. A metallic nitride liner is formed on a sidewall of the opening and on the top surface of the conductive material portion. A metallic adhesion layer including an alloy of copper and at least one transition metal that is not copper is formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic nitride liner. A copper fill material portion may be formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic adhesion layer. The metallic adhesion layer is thermally stable, and remains free of holes during subsequent thermal processes, which may include reflow of the copper fill material portion. An additional copper fill material portion may be optionally deposited after a reflow process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Lun TSAI, Huei-Wen HSIEH, Chun-Sheng CHEN, Kai-Shiang KUO, Jen-Wei LIU, Cheng-Hui WENG, Chun-Chien LIN, Hung-Wen SU
  • Publication number: 20220328690
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 11430692
    Abstract: An opening is formed through a dielectric material layer to physically expose a top surface of a conductive material portion in, or over, a substrate. A metallic nitride liner is formed on a sidewall of the opening and on the top surface of the conductive material portion. A metallic adhesion layer including an alloy of copper and at least one transition metal that is not copper is formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic nitride liner. A copper fill material portion may be formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic adhesion layer. The metallic adhesion layer is thermally stable, and remains free of holes during subsequent thermal processes, which may include reflow of the copper fill material portion. An additional copper fill material portion may be optionally deposited after a reflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Cheng-Lun Tsai, Huei-Wen Hsieh, Chun-Sheng Chen, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Jen-Wei Liu, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11374127
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 11328952
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for surrounding dielectric layers. The insert layer may be applied between two dielectric layers. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chou, Chih-Chien Chi, Chung-Chi Ko, Yao-Jen Chang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Tze-Liang Lee, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Publication number: 20220037203
    Abstract: An opening is formed through a dielectric material layer to physically expose a top surface of a conductive material portion in, or over, a substrate. A metallic nitride liner is formed on a sidewall of the opening and on the top surface of the conductive material portion. A metallic adhesion layer including an alloy of copper and at least one transition metal that is not copper is formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic nitride liner. A copper fill material portion may be formed on an inner sidewall of the metallic adhesion layer. The metallic adhesion layer is thermally stable, and remains free of holes during subsequent thermal processes, which may include reflow of the copper fill material portion. An additional copper fill material portion may be optionally deposited after a reflow process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Lun TSAI, Huei-Wen HSIEH, Chun-Sheng CHEN, Kai-Shiang KUO, Jen-Wei LIU, Cheng-Hui WENG, Chun-Chieh LIN, Hung-Wen SU
  • Publication number: 20210202310
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, and forming a barrier layer in the opening. A combined liner layer is formed over the barrier layer by first forming a first liner layer over the barrier layer, and forming a second liner layer over the first liner layer, such that the first liner layer and the second liner layer intermix. A conductive material layer is formed over the combined liner layer, and a thermal process is performed to reflow the conductive material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Huei-Wen Hsieh, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Cheng-Hui Weng, Chun-Sheng Chen, Wen-Hsuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20210074581
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for surrounding dielectric layers. The insert layer may be applied between two dielectric layers. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chou, Chih-Chien Chi, Chung-Chi Ko, Yao-Jen Chang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Tze-Liang Lee, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 10840134
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for surrounding dielectric layers. The insert layer may be applied between two dielectric layers. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chou, Chih-Chien Chi, Chung-Chi Ko, Yao-Jen Chang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Tze-Liang Lee, Jun-yi Ruan
  • Publication number: 20200357922
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 10727350
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Publication number: 20190252246
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for surrounding dielectric layers. The insert layer may be applied between two dielectric layers. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chou, Chih-Chien Chi, Chung-Chi Ko, Yao-Jen Chang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Tze-Liang Lee, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 10269627
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for surrounding dielectric layers. The insert layer may be applied between two dielectric layers. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chou, Chih-Chien Chi, Chung-Chi Ko, Yao-Jen Chang, Chen-Yuan Kao, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Tze-Liang Lee, Jun-Yi Ruan
  • Patent number: 10199500
    Abstract: A device, structure, and method are provided whereby an insert layer is utilized to provide additional support for weaker and softer dielectric layer. The insert layer may be applied between two weaker dielectric layers or the insert layer may be used with a single layer of dielectric material. Once formed, trenches and vias are formed within the composite layers, and the insert layer will help to provide support that will limit or eliminate undesired bending or other structural motions that could hamper subsequent process steps, such as filling the trenches and vias with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Chih-Chien Chi, Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Kai-Shiang Kuo, Po-Cheng Shih, Jun-Yi Ruan