Patents by Inventor Keng-Ying Liao
Keng-Ying Liao 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: 11527543Abstract: The present disclosure describes a patterning process for a strap region in a memory cell for the removal of material between polysilicon lines. The patterning process includes depositing a first hard mask layer in a divot formed on a top portion of a polysilicon layer interposed between a first polysilicon gate structure and a second polysilicon gate; depositing a second hard mask layer on the first hard mask layer. The patterning process also includes performing a first etch to remove the second hard mask layer and a portion of the second hard mask layer from the divot, performing a second etch to remove the second hard mask layer from the divot; and performing a third etch to remove the polysilicon layer not covered by the first and second hard mask layers to form a separation between the first polysilicon gate structure and the second polysilicon structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yen-Jou Wu, Chih-Ming Lee, Keng-Ying Liao, Ping-Pang Hsieh, Su-Yu Yeh, Hsin-Hui Lin, Yu-Liang Wang
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Publication number: 20220367495Abstract: The present disclosure describes a patterning process for a strap region in a memory cell for the removal of material between polysilicon lines. The patterning process includes depositing a first hard mask layer in a divot formed on a top portion of a polysilicon layer interposed between a first polysilicon gate structure and a second polysilicon gate; depositing a second hard mask layer on the first hard mask layer. The patterning process also includes performing a first etch to remove the second hard mask layer and a portion of the second hard mask layer from the divot; performing a second etch to remove the second hard mask layer from the divot; and performing a third etch to remove the polysilicon layer not covered by the first and second hard mask layers to form a separation between the first polysilicon gate structure and the second polysilicon structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yen-Jou WU, Chih-Ming LEE, Keng-Ying LIAO, Ping-Pang Hsieh, Su-Yu YEH, Hsin-Hui LIN, Yu-Liang WANG
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Publication number: 20220367559Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over a first surface of a semiconductor layer, the dielectric layer including a metallization layer. The method includes forming an opening to expose a portion of the dielectric layer. The method includes forming a buffer oxide layer lining the opening. The method includes forming, according to a patternable layer, a recess in the buffer oxide layer partially extending from a second surface of the buffer oxide layer. The method includes removing the patternable layer. The method includes extending the recess through the buffer oxide layer and a portion of the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the metallization layer. The method includes filling the recess with a conductive material to form a pad structure configured to provide electrical connection to the metallization layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Keng-Ying Liao, Huai-jen Tung, Chih Wei Sung, Po-Zen Chen, Yu-chien Ku, Yu-Chu Lin, Chi-Chung Jen, Yen-Jou Wu, Tsun-Kai Tsao, Yung-Lung Yang
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Patent number: 11502123Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over a first surface of a semiconductor layer, the dielectric layer including a metallization layer. The method includes forming an opening to expose a portion of the dielectric layer. The method includes forming a buffer oxide layer lining the opening. The method includes forming, according to a patternable layer, a recess in the buffer oxide layer partially extending from a second surface of the buffer oxide layer. The method includes removing the patternable layer. The method includes extending the recess through the buffer oxide layer and a portion of the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the metallization layer. The method includes filling the recess with a conductive material to form a pad structure configured to provide electrical connection to the metallization layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Keng-Ying Liao, Huai-Jen Tung, Chih Wei Sung, Po-zen Chen, Yu-Chien Ku, Yu-Chu Lin, Chi-Chung Jen, Yen-Jou Wu, Tsun-kai Tsao, Yung-Lung Yang
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Publication number: 20220359606Abstract: A device is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of pixels disposed over a first surface of a semiconductor layer. The device includes a device layer disposed over the first surface. The device includes metallization layers disposed over the device layer. One of the metallization layers, closer to the first surface than any of other ones of the metallization layers, includes at least one conductive structure. The device includes an oxide layer disposed over a second surface of the semiconductor layer, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, the oxide layer also lining a recess that extends through the semiconductor layer. The device includes a spacer layer disposed between inner sidewalls of the recess and the oxide layer. The device includes a pad structure extending through the oxide layer and the device layer to be in physical contact with the at least one conductive structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company LimitedInventors: Keng-Ying Liao, Huai-jen Tung, Chih Wei Sung, Po-zen Chen, Yu-chien Ku, Yu-Chu Lin, Chi-Chung Jen, Yen-Jou Wu, S.S. Wang
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Publication number: 20220359598Abstract: An image sensor structure includes a semiconductor device, a plurality of image sensing elements formed in the semiconductor substrate, an interconnect structure formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a composite grid structure over the semiconductor substrate. The composite grid structure includes a tungsten grid, an oxide grid over the tungsten grid, and an adhesion enhancement grid spacing the tungsten grid from the oxide grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Chin-Yu LIN, Keng-Ying LIAO, Su-Yu YEH, Po-Zen CHEN, Huai-Jen TUNG, Hsien-Li CHEN
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Publication number: 20220359760Abstract: A flash memory device and method of making the same are disclosed. The flash memory device is located on a substrate and includes a floating gate electrode, a tunnel dielectric layer located between the substrate and the floating gate electrode, a smaller length control gate electrode and a control gate dielectric layer located between the floating gate electrode and the smaller length control gate electrode. The length of a major axis of the smaller length control gate electrode is less than a length of a major axis of the floating gate electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Yu-Chu LIN, Chi-Chung JEN, Yi-Ling LIU, Wen-Chih CHIANG, Keng-Ying LIAO, Huai-Jen TUNG
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Publication number: 20220359781Abstract: A method includes forming image sensors in a semiconductor substrate. A first alignment mark is formed close to a front side of the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes performing a backside polishing process to thin the semiconductor substrate, forming a second alignment mark on the backside of the semiconductor substrate, and forming a feature on the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The feature is formed using the second alignment mark for alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Chih Wei Sung, Chung-Bin Tseng, Keng-Ying Liao, Yen-Jou Wu, Po-Zen Chen, Su-Yu Yeh, Ching-Chung Su
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Publication number: 20220352192Abstract: A MOSFET device and method of making, the device including a floating gate layer formed within a trench in a substrate, a tunnel dielectric layer located on sidewalls and a bottom of the trench, a control gate dielectric layer located on a top surface of the floating gate layer, a control gate layer located on a top surface of the control gate dielectric layer and sidewall spacers located on sidewalls of the control gate dielectric layer and the control gate layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Chi-Chung JEN, Yu-Chu Lin, Y. C. Kuo, Wen-Chih Chiang, Keng-Ying Liao, Huai-Jen Tung
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Publication number: 20220285558Abstract: A flash memory device and method of making the same are disclosed. The flash memory device is located on a substrate and includes a floating gate electrode, a tunnel dielectric layer located between the substrate and the floating gate electrode, a smaller length control gate electrode and a control gate dielectric layer located between the floating gate electrode and the smaller length control gate electrode. The length of a major axis of the smaller length control gate electrode is less than a length of a major axis of the floating gate electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2021Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Yu-Chu LIN, Chi-Chung JEN, Yi-Ling LIU, Wen-Chih CHIANG, Keng-Ying LIAO, Huai-jen TUNG
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Publication number: 20220277933Abstract: A wafer treatment system is provided. The wafer treatment system includes a wafer treatment chamber defining a treatment area within which a wafer is treated. The wafer treatment system includes a gas injection system. The gas injection system includes a gas injector configured to inject a first gas, used for treatment of the wafer, into the treatment area. A first gas tube is configured to conduct the first gas at a first temperature to the gas injector. The gas injection system includes a heating enclosure enclosing the gas injector. A second gas tube is configured to conduct a heated gas to the heating enclosure to increase an enclosure temperature at the heating enclosure to a second enclosure temperature. A temperature of the first gas is increased in the gas injector from the first temperature to a second temperature due to the second enclosure temperature at the heating enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2021Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Po Hsun CHEN, Chun Wei CHOU, Keng-Ying LIAO, Tzu-Pin LIN, Tai Chin WU, Su-Yu YEH, Po-Zen CHEN
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Patent number: 11430909Abstract: A method includes forming image sensors in a semiconductor substrate. A first alignment mark is formed close to a front side of the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes performing a backside polishing process to thin the semiconductor substrate, forming a second alignment mark on the backside of the semiconductor substrate, and forming a feature on the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The feature is formed using the second alignment mark for alignment.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chih Wei Sung, Chung-Bin Tseng, Keng-Ying Liao, Yen-Jou Wu, Po-Zen Chen, Su-Yu Yeh, Ching-Chung Su
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Publication number: 20220216315Abstract: A method includes depositing a gate dielectric film over a substrate. A floating gate layer and a control gate layer are deposited over the gate dielectric film. The control gate layer is patterned to form a control gate over the floating gate layer. A top portion of the floating gate layer is patterned. A spacer structure is formed on a sidewall of the control gate and over a remaining portion of the floating gate layer. The remaining portion of the floating gate layer is patterned to form a bottom portion of a floating gate. A ratio of the bottom width of the bottom portion to the middle width of the bottom portion is in a range between about 103% and about 108%. The gate dielectric film is patterned form a gate dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Chu LIN, Chi-Chung JEN, Chia-Ming PAN, Su-Yu YEH, Keng-Ying LIAO, Chih-Wei SUNG
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Patent number: 11282931Abstract: A memory device includes a floating gate, a control gate, a spacer structure, a dielectric layer, and an erase gate. The floating gate is above a substrate. The floating gate has a curved sidewall. The control gate is above the floating gate. The spacer structure is in contact with the control gate and the floating gate. The spacer structure is spaced apart from the curved sidewall of the floating gate. The dielectric layer is in contact with the spacer structure and the curved sidewall of the floating gate. The erase gate is above the dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Chu Lin, Chi-Chung Jen, Chia-Ming Pan, Su-Yu Yeh, Keng-Ying Liao, Chih-Wei Sung
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Publication number: 20220077217Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer, a plurality of dielectric patterns and a conductive pad. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The dielectric layer is disposed at the first surface of the substrate, and the substrate is disposed between the dielectric layer and the second surface of the substrate. The dielectric patterns are disposed on the dielectric layer and between the first surface and the second surface of the substrate. The conductive pad is inserted between the plurality of dielectric patterns and extended into the dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Chien Ku, Huai-Jen Tung, Keng-Ying Liao, Yi-Hung Chen, Shih-Hsun Hsu, Yi-Fang Yang
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Publication number: 20220059556Abstract: A MOSFET device and method of making, the device including a floating gate layer formed within a trench in a substrate, a tunnel dielectric layer located on sidewalls and a bottom of the trench, a control gate dielectric layer located on a top surface of the floating gate layer, a control gate layer located on a top surface of the control gate dielectric layer and sidewall spacers located on sidewalls of the control gate dielectric layer and the control gate layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Chi-Chung JEN, Yu-Chu LIN, Y.C. KUO, Wen-Chih CHIANG, Keng-Ying LIAO, Huai-Jen TUNG
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Publication number: 20220028993Abstract: A flash memory device includes a floating gate electrode formed within a substrate semiconductor layer having a doping of a first conductivity type, a pair of active regions formed within the substrate semiconductor layer, having a doping of a second conductivity type, and laterally spaced apart by the floating gate electrode, an erase gate electrode formed within the substrate semiconductor layer and laterally offset from the floating gate electrode, and a control gate electrode that overlies the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode may be formed in a first opening in the substrate semiconductor layer, and the erase gate electrode may be formed in a second opening in the substrate semiconductor layer. Multiple instances of the flash memory device may be arranged as a two-dimensional array of flash memory cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Yu-Chu Lin, Chia-Ming Pan, Chi-Chung Jen, Wen-Chih Chiang, Keng-Ying Liao, Huai-jen Tung
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Publication number: 20210408023Abstract: The present disclosure describes a patterning process for a strap region in a memory cell for the removal of material between polysilicon lines. The patterning process includes depositing a first hard mask layer in a divot formed on a top portion of a polysilicon layer interposed between a first polysilicon gate structure and a second polysilicon gate; depositing a second hard mask layer on the first hard mask layer. The patterning process also includes performing a first etch to remove the second hard mask layer and a portion of the second hard mask layer from the divot, performing a second etch to remove the second hard mask layer from the divot; and performing a third etch to remove the polysilicon layer not covered by the first and second hard mask layers to form a separation between the first polysilicon gate structure and the second polysilicon structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2020Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Y.J. WU, Chih-Ming LEE, Keng-Ying LIAO, Ping-Pang Hsieh, Su-Yu YEH, H.H. LIN, Y.L. WANG
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Patent number: 11183572Abstract: A flash memory device includes a floating gate electrode formed within a substrate semiconductor layer having a doping of a first conductivity type, a pair of active regions formed within the substrate semiconductor layer, having a doping of a second conductivity type, and laterally spaced apart by the floating gate electrode, an erase gate electrode formed within the substrate semiconductor layer and laterally offset from the floating gate electrode, and a control gate electrode that overlies the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode may be formed in a first opening in the substrate semiconductor layer, and the erase gate electrode may be formed in a second opening in the substrate semiconductor layer. Multiple instances of the flash memory device may be arranged as a two-dimensional array of flash memory cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company LimitedInventors: Yu-Chu Lin, Chia-Ming Pan, Chi-Chung Jen, Wen-Chih Chiang, Keng-Ying Liao, Huai-jen Tung
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Patent number: 11177308Abstract: CMOS sensors and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The CMOS sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of dielectric patterns, a first conductive element and a second conductive element. The semiconductor substrate has a pixel region and a circuit region. The dielectric patterns are disposed between the first portion and the second portion, wherein top surfaces of the plurality of dielectric patterns are lower than top surfaces of the first and second portions. The first conductive element is disposed below the plurality of dielectric patterns. The second conductive element inserts between the plurality of dielectric patterns to electrically connect the first conductive element.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Chien Ku, Huai-Jen Tung, Keng-Ying Liao, Yi-Hung Chen, Shih-Hsun Hsu, Yi-Fang Yang