Patents by Inventor Kai Tak Lam
Kai Tak Lam 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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Patent number: 12174545Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become a plasma and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. The photolithography system senses contamination of a collector mirror by the tin droplets and adjusts the flow of a buffer fluid to reduce the contamination.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Kuo-An Liu, Chieh Hsieh, Shang-Chieh Chien, Gwan-Sin Chang, Kai Tak Lam, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20240389215Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2024Publication date: November 21, 2024Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Cho-Ying Lin, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Hsiang Chen, Chieh Hsieh, Sheng-Kang Yu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Kai Tak Lam, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20240379593Abstract: Methods and semiconductor structures are provided. A semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of transistors, an interconnect structure electrically coupled to the plurality of transistors, a metal feature disposed over the interconnect structure and electrically isolated from the plurality of transistors, an insulation layer disposed over the metal feature, and a first redistribution feature and a second redistribution feature disposed over the insulation layer. A space between the first redistribution feature and the second redistribution feature is disposed directly over at least a portion of the metal feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2024Publication date: November 14, 2024Inventors: Kuo-An Liu, Wen-Chiung Tu, Yuan-Yang Hsiao, Kai Tak Lam, Chen-Chiu Huang, Zhiqiang Wu, Dian-Hau Chen
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Patent number: 12096544Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Cho-Ying Lin, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Hsiang Chen, Chieh Hsieh, Sheng-Kang Yu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Kai Tak Lam, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Patent number: 12087714Abstract: Methods and semiconductor structures are provided. A semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of transistors, an interconnect structure electrically coupled to the plurality of transistors, a metal feature disposed over the interconnect structure and electrically isolated from the plurality of transistors, an insulation layer disposed over the metal feature, and a first redistribution feature and a second redistribution feature disposed over the insulation layer. A space between the first redistribution feature and the second redistribution feature is disposed directly over at least a portion of the metal feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kuo-An Liu, Wen-Chiung Tu, Yuan-Yang Hsiao, Kai Tak Lam, Chen-Chiu Huang, Zhiqiang Wu, Dian-Hau Chen
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Publication number: 20240097011Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure over a substrate, wherein the fin structure comprises first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers alternately stacked over a substrate; forming a dummy gate structure over the fin structure; removing a portion of the fin structure uncovered by the dummy gate structure; performing a selective etching process to laterally recess the first semiconductor layers, including injecting a hydrogen-containing gas from a first gas source of a processing tool to the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers; and injecting an F2 gas from a second gas source of the processing tool to the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers; forming inner spacers on opposite end surfaces of the laterally recessed first semiconductor layers of the fin structure; and replacing the dummy gate structure and the first semiconductor layers with a metal gate structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Han-Yu LIN, Fang-Wei LEE, Kai-Tak LAM, Raghunath PUTIKAM, Tzer-Min SHEN, Li-Te LIN, Pinyen LIN, Cheng-Tzu YANG, Tzu-Li LEE, Tze-Chung LIN
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Patent number: 11855192Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure including a plurality of first semiconductor layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers alternately stacked over a substrate. A dummy gate structure is formed across the fin structure. The exposed second portions of the fin structure are removed. A selective etching process is performed, using a gas mixture including a hydrogen-containing gas and a fluorine-containing gas, to laterally recess the first semiconductor layers. Inner spacers are formed on opposite end surfaces of the laterally recessed first semiconductor layers. Source/drain epitaxial structures are formed on opposite end surfaces of the second semiconductor layers. The dummy gate structure is removed to expose the first portion of the fin structure. The laterally recessed first semiconductor layers are removed. A gate structure is formed to surround each of the second semiconductor layers.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Han-Yu Lin, Fang-Wei Lee, Kai-Tak Lam, Raghunath Putikam, Tzer-Min Shen, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin, Cheng-Tzu Yang, Tzu-Li Lee, Tze-Chung Lin
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Patent number: 11822259Abstract: A method of extreme ultraviolet lithography includes: generating within a source vessel extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light by striking a stream of droplets of target material shot across the source vessel with pulses from a laser to create a plasma from which EUV light is emitted; directing the generated EUV light out of the source vessel through an intermediate focus cap along a pathway toward a reticle of a scanner; creating a longitudinal mechanical wave extending across the pathway; and exposing a photoresist layer on a semiconductor substrate to pattern a circuit layout by the generated EUV light.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, LTD.Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Shang-Chieh Chien, Kai Tak Lam, Sheng-Kang Yu
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Publication number: 20230367225Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become a plasma and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. The photolithography system senses contamination of a collector mirror by the tin droplets and adjusts the flow of a buffer fluid to reduce the contamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Tai-Yu CHEN, Sagar Deepak KHIVSARA, Kuo-An LIU, Chieh HSIEH, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Gwan-Sin CHANG, Kai Tak LAM, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Chung-Wei WU, Zhiqiang WU
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Publication number: 20230333491Abstract: A method of extreme ultraviolet lithography includes: generating within a source vessel extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light by striking a stream of droplets of target material shot across the source vessel with pulses from a laser to create a plasma from which EUV light is emitted; directing the generated EUV light out of the source vessel through an intermediate focus cap along a pathway toward a reticle of a scanner; creating a longitudinal mechanical wave extending across the pathway; and exposing a photoresist layer on a semiconductor substrate to pattern a circuit layout by the generated EUV light.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2022Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Shang-Chieh Chien, Kai Tak Lam, Sheng-Kang Yu
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Publication number: 20230317829Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, a fin, and a semiconductor layer. The fin is over the substrate, the semiconductor layer is over the fin, the substrate and the fin are made of different materials, and the fin and the semiconductor layer are made of different materials. The method includes forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor layer and the fin. The method includes forming a semiconductor structure over a sidewall of the dielectric layer. The method includes removing a first top portion of the dielectric layer over a top surface of the semiconductor layer. The method includes forming a gate over the semiconductor layer, the dielectric layer, and the semiconductor structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2022Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Zhiqiang WU, Kuo-An LIU, Kai Tak LAM, Meng-Yu LIN, Chun-Fu CHENG, Chieh-Chun CHIANG, Chun-Hsiang FAN
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Patent number: 11768437Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become a plasma and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. The photolithography system senses contamination of a collector mirror by the tin droplets and adjusts the flow of a buffer fluid to reduce the contamination.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Kuo-An Liu, Chieh Hsieh, Shang-Chieh Chien, Gwan-Sin Chang, Kai Tak Lam, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20230284366Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Tai-Yu CHEN, Cho-Ying LIN, Sagar Deepak KHIVSARA, Hsiang CHEN, Chieh HSIEH, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Kai Tak LAM, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Zhiqiang WU
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Publication number: 20230145953Abstract: Methods and semiconductor structures are provided. A semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of transistors, an interconnect structure electrically coupled to the plurality of transistors, a metal feature disposed over the interconnect structure and electrically isolated from the plurality of transistors, an insulation layer disposed over the metal feature, and a first redistribution feature and a second redistribution feature disposed over the insulation layer. A space between the first redistribution feature and the second redistribution feature is disposed directly over at least a portion of the metal feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Kuo-An Liu, Wen-Chiung Tu, Yuan-Yang Hsiao, Kai Tak Lam, Chen-Chiu Huang, Zhiqiang Wu, Dian-Hau Chen
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Patent number: 11647578Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Cho-Ying Lin, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Hsiang Chen, Chieh Hsieh, Sheng-Kang Yu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Kai Tak Lam, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20230065403Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Tai-Yu CHEN, Cho-Ying LIN, Sagar Deepak KHIVSARA, Hsiang CHEN, Chieh HSIEH, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Kai Tak LAM, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Zhiqiang WU
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Publication number: 20220350257Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become a plasma and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. The photolithography system senses contamination of a collector mirror by the tin droplets and adjusts the flow of a buffer fluid to reduce the contamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Tai-Yu CHEN, Sagar Deepak KHIVSARA, Kuo-An LIU, Chieh HSIEH, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Gwan-Sin CHANG, Kai Tak LAM, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Chung-Wei WU, Zhiqiang WU
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Patent number: 11392040Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become a plasma and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. The photolithography system senses contamination of a collector mirror by the tin droplets and adjusts the flow of a buffer fluid to reduce the contamination.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tai-Yu Chen, Sagar Deepak Khivsara, Kuo-An Liu, Chieh Hsieh, Shang-Chieh Chien, Gwan-Sin Chang, Kai Tak Lam, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
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Publication number: 20220173224Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure including a plurality of first semiconductor layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers alternately stacked over a substrate. A dummy gate structure is formed across the fin structure. The exposed second portions of the fin structure are removed. A selective etching process is performed, using a gas mixture including a hydrogen-containing gas and a fluorine-containing gas, to laterally recess the first semiconductor layers. Inner spacers are formed on opposite end surfaces of the laterally recessed first semiconductor layers. Source/drain epitaxial structures are formed on opposite end surfaces of the second semiconductor layers. The dummy gate structure is removed to expose the first portion of the fin structure. The laterally recessed first semiconductor layers are removed. A gate structure is formed to surround each of the second semiconductor layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC Nanjing Company LimitedInventors: Han-Yu LIN, Fang-Wei LEE, Kai-Tak LAM, Raghunath PUTIKAM, Tzer-Min SHEN, Li-Te LIN, Pinyen LIN, Cheng-Tzu YANG, Tzu-Li LEE, Tze-Chung LIN
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Patent number: 11282940Abstract: A semiconductor structure that includes a semiconductor fin disposed over a substrate, S/D features disposed over the semiconductor fin, and a metal gate stack interposed between the S/D features. The metal gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer disposed over the semiconductor fin, a capping layer disposed over the gate dielectric layer, and a gate electrode disposed over the capping layer, where the gate dielectric layer includes hafnium oxide with hafnium atoms and oxygen atoms arranged in a Pca21 space group.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Cheng-Ming Lin, Kai Tak Lam, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui, Ziwei Fang