Patents by Inventor Ken Lin

Ken Lin 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: 20210083048
    Abstract: A structure of a semiconductor device includes a substrate, an isolation structure, and a liner layer. The isolation structure is embedded in the substrate. The isolation structure has a bottom surface and a sidewall. The liner layer is between the substrate and the isolation. A first portion of the liner layer in contact with the sidewall of the isolation structure has a nitrogen concentration lower than a second portion of the liner layer in contact with the bottom surface of the isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Ming LIN, Shiu-Ko JANGJIAN, Chun-Che LIN, Ying-Lang WANG, Wei-Ken LIN, Chuan-Pu LIU
  • Patent number: 10950431
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Patent number: 10951574
    Abstract: A target object selection method, a server, and a computer storage medium are disclosed. The method includes selecting a first one candidate user meeting a first condition in a target area, the first condition characterizing a user who has appeared in the target area; extracting a first social relationship chain of the at least one candidate user in the target area, the social relationship chain comprising a first related user who has a social relationship with the candidate user; and selecting a first one target user in the target area based on the first social relationship chain and sending information to the first target user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheng Wang, Ken Lin, Tongqing Jiang, Haizheng Zhang, Meifei Ren, Hongyu Shen, Yuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20210057546
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20210020772
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin protruding above a substrate, the first fin having a PMOS region; forming a first gate structure over the first fin in the PMOS region; forming a first spacer layer over the first fin and the first gate structure; and forming a second spacer layer over the first spacer layer. The method further includes performing a first etching process to remove the second spacer layer from a top surface and sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; performing a second etching process to remove the first spacer layer from the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; and epitaxially growing a first source/drain material over the first fin in the PMOS region, the first source/drain material extending along the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li, Chih-Peng Hsu
  • Patent number: 10854713
    Abstract: A method includes forming a flowable dielectric layer in a trench of a substrate; curing the flowable dielectric layer; and annealing the cured flowable dielectric layer to form an insulation structure and a liner layer. The insulation structure is formed in the trench, the liner layer is formed between the insulation structure and the substrate, and the liner layer includes nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Ming Lin, Shiu-Ko Jangjian, Chun-Che Lin, Ying-Lang Wang, Wei-Ken Lin, Chuan-Pu Liu
  • Patent number: 10847634
    Abstract: Field effect transistor and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The field effect transistor includes a gate electrode, a contact etch stop layer (CESL), an inter layer dielectric (ILD) and a protection layer. The CESL includes SiCON and is disposed on a sidewall of the gate electrode. The IDL is laterally adjacent to the gate electrode. The protection layer covers the CESL and is disposed between the CESL and the ILD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-En Cheng, Chun-Te Li, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Patent number: 10833170
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20200321465
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: forming a semiconductor fin protruding from a substrate; depositing a spacer layer over the semiconductor fin; after the depositing the spacer layer over the semiconductor fin, implanting a first dopant in the spacer layer and depositing a dopant layer of the first dopant on the spacer layer in alternating repeating steps; removing the dopant layer; and performing a thermal anneal process to drive the first dopant into the semiconductor fin from the spacer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Chia-Ling Chan, Meng-Yueh Liu, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Patent number: 10797175
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin protruding above a substrate, the first fin having a PMOS region; forming a first gate structure over the first fin in the PMOS region; forming a first spacer layer over the first fin and the first gate structure; and forming a second spacer layer over the first spacer layer. The method further includes performing a first etching process to remove the second spacer layer from a top surface and sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; performing a second etching process to remove the first spacer layer from the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; and epitaxially growing a first source/drain material over the first fin in the PMOS region, the first source/drain material extending along the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li, Chih-Peng Hsu
  • Patent number: 10700197
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: forming a semiconductor fin protruding from a substrate; depositing a spacer layer over the semiconductor fin; after the depositing the spacer layer over the semiconductor fin, implanting a first dopant in the spacer layer and depositing a dopant layer of the first dopant on the spacer layer in alternating repeating steps; removing the dopant layer; and performing a thermal anneal process to drive the first dopant into the semiconductor fin from the spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ling Chan, Meng-Yueh Liu, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Patent number: 10658252
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a stop layer for planarization process therein and a method for forming the same is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: forming a trench in a substrate and between active areas; filling the trench with isolation layer; doping the isolation layer with an element to form a doped isolation region; annealing the doped isolation region; and planarizing the annealed and doped isolation region and measuring a planarization depth thereof. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the stop layer, the dielectric layer, and the active area are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Ming Lin, Wei-Ken Lin, Shiu-Ko JangJian, Chun-Che Lin
  • Publication number: 20200105620
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin extending from a substrate, forming a first gate stack over and along sidewalls of the first fin, forming a first spacer along a sidewall of the first gate stack, the first spacer including a first composition of silicon oxycarbide, forming a second spacer along a sidewall of the first spacer, the second spacer including a second composition of silicon oxycarbide, forming a third spacer along a sidewall of the second spacer, the third spacer including silicon nitride, and forming a first epitaxial source/drain region in the first fin and adjacent the third spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Tan, I-Hsieh Wong, Te-En Cheng, Yung-Hui Lin, Wei-Ken Lin, Wei-Yang Lee, Chih-Hung Nien
  • Publication number: 20200035809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20200006077
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor capping layer over a first fin in a first region of a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor capping layer, and forming an insulation material over the dielectric layer, an upper surface of the insulation material extending further away from the substrate than an upper surface of the first fin. The method further includes recessing the insulation material to expose a top portion of the first fin, and forming a gate structure over the top portion of the first fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Yin Wang, Hung-Ju Chou, Jiun-Ming Kuo, Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li
  • Patent number: 10504898
    Abstract: A fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The FinFET structure includes a first fin structure that protrudes from a first region of a substrate. A second fin structure protrudes from a second region of the substrate. Isolation regions cover lower portions of the first fin structure and the second fin structure and leave upper portions of the first fin structure and the second fin structure above the isolation regions. A first liner layer is positioned between the lower portion of the first fin structure and the isolation regions in the first region. A second liner layer covers the lower portion of the second fin structure and is positioned between the second fin structure and the isolation regions in the second region. The first liner layer and the second liner layer are formed of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yin Wang, Chien-Chih Lin, Chien-Tai Chan, Wei-Ken Lin, Chun-Te Li
  • Patent number: 10497577
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor capping layer over a first fin in a first region of a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor capping layer, and forming an insulation material over the dielectric layer, an upper surface of the insulation material extending further away from the substrate than an upper surface of the first fin. The method further includes recessing the insulation material to expose a top portion of the first fin, and forming a gate structure over the top portion of the first fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yin Wang, Hung-Ju Chou, Jiun-Ming Kuo, Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li
  • Patent number: 10490650
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20190305125
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin protruding above a substrate, the first fin having a PMOS region; forming a first gate structure over the first fin in the PMOS region; forming a first spacer layer over the first fin and the first gate structure; and forming a second spacer layer over the first spacer layer. The method further includes performing a first etching process to remove the second spacer layer from a top surface and sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; performing a second etching process to remove the first spacer layer from the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; and epitaxially growing a first source/drain material over the first fin in the PMOS region, the first source/drain material extending along the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li, Chih-Peng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20190279863
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao