Patents by Inventor Kang-Min Kuo

Kang-Min 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).

  • Patent number: 11854789
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods for forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure over a substrate and forming a sealing layer surrounding the dummy gate structure. The method includes forming a spacer covering the sealing layer and removing the dummy gate structure to form a trench. The method further includes forming an interfacial layer and a gate dielectric layer. The method further includes forming a capping layer over the gate dielectric layer and partially oxidizing the capping layer to form a capping oxide layer. The method further includes forming a work function metal layer over the capping oxide layer and forming a gate electrode layer over the work function metal layer. In addition, a bottom surface of the capping oxide layer is higher than a bottom surface of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo, Cheng-Wei Lian
  • Publication number: 20230378253
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a work function layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the work function layer. The semiconductor device structure also includes a halogen source layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the halogen source layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 11728376
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a work function layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the work function layer. The semiconductor device structure also includes a halogen source layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the halogen source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 11694924
    Abstract: A device includes an isolation structure, a source/drain epi-layer, a contact, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer. The isolation structure is embedded in a substrate. The source/drain epi-layer is embedded in the substrate and is in contact with the isolation structure. The contact is over the source/drain epi-layer. The first dielectric layer wraps the contact. The second dielectric layer is between the contact and the first dielectric layer. The first and second dielectric layers include different materials, and a portion of the source/drain epi-layer is directly between a bottom portion of the second dielectric layer and a top portion of the isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Jia Hsieh, Long-Jie Hong, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Publication number: 20220310595
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods for forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure over a substrate and forming a sealing layer surrounding the dummy gate structure. The method includes forming a spacer covering the sealing layer and removing the dummy gate structure to form a trench. The method further includes forming an interfacial layer and a gate dielectric layer. The method further includes forming a capping layer over the gate dielectric layer and partially oxidizing the capping layer to form a capping oxide layer. The method further includes forming a work function metal layer over the capping oxide layer and forming a gate electrode layer over the work function metal layer. In addition, a bottom surface of the capping oxide layer is higher than a bottom surface of the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei LIN, Chih-Lin WANG, Kang-Min KUO, Cheng-Wei LIAN
  • Patent number: 11362089
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and method for forming the same are provided. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor structure includes forming a first gate dielectric layer over a substrate and forming a first capping layer over the first gate dielectric layer. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor structure includes oxidizing the first capping layer to form a first capping oxide layer and forming a first work function metal layer over the first capping oxide layer. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor structure includes forming a first gate electrode layer over the first work function metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo, Cheng-Wei Lian
  • Patent number: 11251088
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an active area having source and drain regions and a channel region between the source and drain regions, an isolation structure surrounding the active area, and a gate structure over the channel region of the active area and over the isolation structure, wherein the isolation structure has a first portion under the gate structure and a second portion free from coverage by the gate structure, and a top of the first portion of the isolation structure is lower than a top of the second portion of the isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Long-Jie Hong, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Publication number: 20210384294
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a work function layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the work function layer. The semiconductor device structure also includes a halogen source layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the halogen source layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Publication number: 20210335662
    Abstract: A device includes an isolation structure, a source/drain epi-layer, a contact, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer. The isolation structure is embedded in a substrate. The source/drain epi-layer is embedded in the substrate and is in contact with the isolation structure. The contact is over the source/drain epi-layer. The first dielectric layer wraps the contact. The second dielectric layer is between the contact and the first dielectric layer. The first and second dielectric layers include different materials, and a portion of the source/drain epi-layer is directly between a bottom portion of the second dielectric layer and a top portion of the isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Jia HSIEH, Long-Jie HONG, Chih-Lin WANG, Kang-Min KUO
  • Patent number: 11152462
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductive substrate, a first semiconductive fin and a second semiconductive fin extending upwards from the semiconductive substrate, an isolation structure at least partially between the first semiconductive fin and the second semiconductive fin, a first semiconductive raised portion and a second semiconductive raised portion. The first semiconductive raised portion extends upwards from the semiconductive substrate, is buried under the isolation structure, and is between the first semiconductive fin and the second semiconductive fin. A top surface of the first semiconductive fin is higher than a top surface of the first semiconductive raised portion. The second semiconductive raised portion extends upwards from the semiconductive substrate, is buried under the isolation structure, and is between the first semiconductive raised portion and the second semiconductive fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cong-Min Fang, Kang-Min Kuo, Shi-Min Wu
  • Patent number: 11121217
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a fin structure is formed over a substrate. The fin structure has a channel region and a source/drain region. A gate structure is formed over the channel region of the fin structure. A first source/drain etching is performed to recess the source/drain region of the fin structure. After the first source/drain etching, a second source/drain etching is performed to further recess the source/drain region of the fin structure. After the second source/drain etching, a third source/drain etching is performed to further recess the source/drain region of the fin structure, thereby forming a source/drain recess. One or more epitaxial layers are formed in the source/drain recess. The first source/drain etching is isotropic etching and the second source/drain etching is anisotropic etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lung Chen, Kang-Min Kuo, Long-Jie Hong
  • Patent number: 11101344
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a work function layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the work function layer. The semiconductor device structure also includes a halogen source layer. The gate dielectric layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the halogen source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 11094579
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes depositing a mask layer over a substrate. The method includes etching the substrate to define a first opening. The method includes depositing a sacrificial material in the first opening. The method includes depositing a dielectric liner along sidewalls of the first opening, wherein a bottom surface of the dielectric liner contacts the sacrificial material. The method includes removing the sacrificial material. The method includes etching the substrate to enlarge the first opening to define a second opening. The second opening includes a first portion extending a first depth from the dielectric material in a first direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate, and a second portion extending in a second direction, parallel to the top surface of the substrate. The method includes removing the dielectric liner. The method includes filling the second opening with a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yen-Bin Huang, Chien-Mao Chen, Yu-Hsuan Kuo, Shih-Kai Fan, Chia-Hung Lai, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 11081571
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The method includes forming a dummy fin structure, and forming a mask layer covering the dummy fin structure. The method also includes removing a portion of the mask layer and a top portion of the dummy fin structure by a first etching operation to form an etched mask layer, wherein the dummy fin structure has a protruding portion protruding from a top surface of the etched mask layer after the first etching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung Chen, Kang-Min Kuo, Wen-Hsin Chan
  • Patent number: 11063039
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate having a first source region, a second source region, a first drain region, and a second drain region. The semiconductor device structure includes a first gate structure over the substrate and between the first source region and the first drain region. The semiconductor device structure includes a second gate structure over the substrate and between the second source region and the second drain region. A first thickness of the first gate structure is greater than a second thickness of the second gate structure. A first gate width of the first gate structure is less than a second gate width of the second gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cong-Min Fang, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 11056384
    Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a substrate, an epi-layer, a first etch stop layer, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer, a second etch stop layer, a protective layer, a liner, a silicide cap and a contact plug. The substrate has a first portion and a second portion. The epi-layer is disposed in the first portion. The first etch stop layer is disposed on the second portion. The ILD layer is disposed on the first etch stop layer. The second etch stop layer is disposed on the ILD layer, in which the first etch stop layer, the ILD layer and the second etch stop layer form a sidewall surrounding the first portion. The protective layer is disposed on the sidewall. The liner is disposed on the protective layer. The silicide cap is disposed on the epi-layer. The contact plug is disposed on the silicide cap and surrounded by the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Jia Hsieh, Long-Jie Hong, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 10872892
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first transistor structure and a second transistor structure on a substrate, wherein source/drain structures of the first transistor structure and the second transistor structure are merged. The first and second transistor structures are separated by etching the source/drain structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lung Chen, Long-Jie Hong, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 10867852
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device including a substrate, a gate structure, a dielectric layer, an etch stop layer, and an adhesion layer. The gate structure is formed over the substrate. The dielectric layer is formed aside the gate structure. The adhesion layer overlays a top surface of the gate structure and extends to a first top surface of the dielectric layer. The etch stop layer is over the adhesion layer and in contact with a second top surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Ruei Yeh, Wen-Hsin Chan, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 10868133
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a metal gate electrode structure and an insulating layer over the semiconductor substrate. The insulating layer surrounds the metal gate electrode structure. The method includes nitrifying a first top portion of the metal gate electrode structure to form a metal nitride layer over the metal gate electrode structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Ruei Yeh, Chih-Lin Wang, Kang-Min Kuo
  • Publication number: 20200343360
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The method includes forming a dummy fin structure, and forming a mask layer covering the dummy fin structure. The method also includes removing a portion of the mask layer and a top portion of the dummy fin structure by a first etching operation to form an etched mask layer, wherein the dummy fin structure has a protruding portion protruding from a top surface of the etched mask layer after the first etching operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung CHEN, Kang-Min KUO, Wen-Hsin CHAN