Patents by Inventor Keng-Yu Chou

Keng-Yu Chou 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: 11705470
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a photodetector arranged within a substrate. The substrate has surfaces defining one or more protrusions arranged along a first side of the substrate over the photodetector. One or more isolation structures are arranged within one or more trenches defined by sidewalls of the substrate arranged on opposing sides of the photodetector. The one or more trenches extend from the first side of the substrate to within the substrate. The one or more isolation structures respectively include a reflective medium configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Keng-Yu Chou, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11699718
    Abstract: A BSI image sensor includes a substrate including a front side and a back side opposite to the front side, a pixel sensor disposed in the substrate, and a color filter disposed over the pixel sensor. The pixel sensor includes a plurality of first micro structures disposed over the back side of the substrate. The color filter includes a plurality of second micro structures disposed over the back side of the substrate. The first micro structures are arranged symmetrically to a first axial, and the second micro structures are arranged symmetrically to a second axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Chieh Chiang, Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Wen-Hau Wu, Jhy-Jyi Sze, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11670647
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first phase detection autofocus (PDAF) photodetector and a second PDAF photodetector in a substrate. A first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) diffuser is disposed along a back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the first PDAF photodetector. The first EMR diffuser is spaced a first distance from a first side of the first PDAF photodetector and a second distance less than the first distance from a second side of the first PDAF photodetector. A second EMR diffuser is disposed along the back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the second PDAF photodetector. The second EMR diffuser is spaced a third distance from a first side of the second PDAF photodetector and a fourth distance less than the third distance from a second side of the second PDAF photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11658196
    Abstract: A BSI image sensor includes a substrate including a front side and a back side opposite to the front side, a plurality of pixel sensors, an isolation grid disposed in the substrate and separating the plurality of pixel sensors from each other, a reflective grid disposed over the isolation grid on the back side of the substrate, an a low-n grid disposed over the back side of the substrate and overlapping the reflective grid from a top view. A width of the low-n grid is greater than a width of the reflective grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Chen-Jong Wang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11646340
    Abstract: A BSI image sensor includes a substrate including a front side and a back side opposite to the front side, a pixel sensor disposed in the substrate, an isolation structure surrounding the pixel sensor and disposed in the substrate, a dielectric layer disposed over the pixel sensor on the front side of the substrate, and a plurality of conductive structures disposed in the dielectric layer and arranged to align with the isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Hau Wu, Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20220359583
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a CMOS image sensor disposed on a substrate. A plurality of pixel regions comprising a plurality of photodiodes, respectively, are configured to receive radiation that enters a back-side of the substrate. A boundary deep trench isolation (BDTI) structure is disposed at boundary regions of the pixel regions, and includes a first set of BDTI segments extending in a first direction and a second set of BDTI segments extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to laterally surround the photodiode. The BDTI structure comprises a first material. A pixel deep trench isolation (PDTI) structure is disposed within the BDTI structure and overlies the photodiode. The PDTI structure comprises a second material that differs from the first material, and includes a first PDTI segment extending in the first direction such that the first PDTI segment is surrounded by the BDTI structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220336518
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards an image sensor including a wavelength tunable narrow band filter, as well as methods for forming the image sensor. In some embodiments, the image sensor includes a substrate, a first photodetector, a second photodetector, and a filter. The first and second photodetectors neighbor in the substrate. The filter overlies the first and second photodetectors and includes a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, and a first interlayer between the first and second DBRs. A thickness of the first interlayer has a first thickness value overlying the first photodetector and a second thickness value overlying the second photodetector. In some embodiments, the filter is limited to a single interlayer. In other embodiments the filter further includes a second interlayer defining columnar structures embedded in the first interlayer and having a different refractive index than the first interlayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220328535
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an image sensor integrated chip. The image sensor integrated chip includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The substrate has one or more sidewalls defining a trench extending along opposing sides of a pixel region having a first width. An isolation structure including one or more dielectric materials is disposed within the trench. The isolation structure has a second width. An image sensing element and a focal region are disposed within the pixel region. The focal region is configured to receive incident radiation along the second side of the substrate. A ratio of the second width to the first width is in a range of between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.2, so that the focal region is completely confined between interior sidewall of the isolation structure facing the image sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Keng-Yu Chou, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20220320173
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an image sensor device including a first image sensor element and a second image sensor element disposed within a substrate. An interconnect structure is disposed along a front-side surface of the substrate and comprises a plurality of conductive wires, a plurality of conductive vias, and a first absorption structure. The first image sensor element is configured to generate electrical signals from electromagnetic radiation within a first range of wavelengths. The second image sensor element is configured to generate electrical signals from the electromagnetic radiation within a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range of wavelengths. The second image sensor element is laterally adjacent to the first image sensor element. Further, the first image sensor element overlies the first absorption structure and is spaced laterally between opposing sidewalls of the first absorption structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Wen-Hau Wu, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Chien Yu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220302194
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a substrate and a pixel. The pixel includes a photodetector. The photodetector is in the substrate. The integrated chip further includes a first inner trench isolation structure and an outer trench isolation structure that extend into the substrate. The first inner trench isolation structure laterally surrounds the photodetector in a first closed loop. The outer trench isolation structure laterally surrounds the first inner trench isolation structure along a boundary of the pixel in a second closed loop and is laterally separated from the first inner trench isolation structure. Further, the integrated chip includes a scattering structure that is defined, at least in part, by the first inner trench isolation structure and that is configured to increase an angle at which radiation impinges on the outer trench isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11404468
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards an image sensor including a wavelength tunable narrow band filter, as well as methods for forming the image sensor. In some embodiments, the image sensor includes a substrate, a first photodetector, a second photodetector, and a filter. The first and second photodetectors neighbor in the substrate. The filter overlies the first and second photodetectors and includes a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, and a first interlayer between the first and second DBRs. A thickness of the first interlayer has a first thickness value overlying the first photodetector and a second thickness value overlying the second photodetector. In some embodiments, the filter is limited to a single interlayer. In other embodiments the filter further includes a second interlayer defining columnar structures embedded in the first interlayer and having a different refractive index than the first interlayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220231066
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an image sensor, and a method for forming the image sensor, in which an inter-pixel trench isolation structure is defined by a low-transmission layer. In some embodiments, the image sensor comprises an array of pixels and the inter-pixel trench isolation structure. The array of pixels is on a substrate, and the pixels of the array comprise individual photodetectors in the substrate. The inter-pixel trench isolation structure is in the substrate. Further, the inter-pixel trench isolation structure extends along boundaries of the pixels, and individually surrounds the photodetectors, to separate the photodetectors from each other. The inter-pixel trench isolation structure is defined by a low-transmission layer with low transmission for incident radiation, such that the inter-pixel trench isolation structure has low transmission for incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Chin-Chia Kuo, Wen-Hau Wu, Hua-Mao Chen, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220216260
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes an image sensing element disposed within a substrate. A gate structure is disposed along a front-side of the substrate. A back-side of the substrate includes one or more first angled surfaces defining a central diffuser disposed over the image sensing element. The back-side of the substrate further includes second angled surfaces defining a plurality of peripheral diffusers laterally surrounding the central diffuser. The plurality of peripheral diffusers are a smaller size than the central diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Jen-Cheng Liu, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Ming-En Chen, Shyh-Fann Ting, Shuang-Ji Tsai, Wei-Chieh Chiang
  • Publication number: 20220173140
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first phase detection autofocus (PDAF) photodetector and a second PDAF photodetector in a substrate. A first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) diffuser is disposed along a back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the first PDAF photodetector. The first EMR diffuser is spaced a first distance from a first side of the first PDAF photodetector and a second distance less than the first distance from a second side of the first PDAF photodetector. A second EMR diffuser is disposed along the back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the second PDAF photodetector. The second EMR diffuser is spaced a third distance from a first side of the second PDAF photodetector and a fourth distance less than the third distance from a second side of the second PDAF photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220165769
    Abstract: A method for forming an image sensor package is provided. An image sensor chip is formed over a package substrate. A protection layer is formed overlying the image sensor chip. The protection layer has a planar top surface and a bottom surface lining and contacting structures under the protection layer. An opening is formed into the protection layer and spaced around a periphery of the image sensor chip. A light shielding material is filled in the opening to form an on-wafer shield structure having a sidewall directly contact the protection layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Wen-Hau Wu, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 11329083
    Abstract: An image sensor package is provided. The image sensor package comprises a package substrate, and an image sensor chip arranged over the package substrate. The integrated circuit device further comprises a protection layer overlying the image sensor chip having a planar top surface and a bottom surface lining and contacting structures under the protection layer, and an on-wafer shield structure spaced around a periphery of the image sensor chip. The height of the image sensor package can be reduced since a discrete cover glass or an infrared filter and corresponding intervening materials are no longer needed since being replaced by the build in protection layer. The size of the image sensor package can be reduced since a discrete light shield and corresponding intervening materials are no longer needed since being replaced by the build in on wafer light shield structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Hau Wu, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20220139983
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a photodetector disposed in a semiconductor substrate. A wave guide filter having a substantially planar upper surface is disposed over the photodetector. The wave guide filter includes a light filter disposed in a light filter grid structure. The light filter includes a first material that is translucent and has a first refractive index. The light filter grid structure includes a second material that is translucent and has a second refractive index less than the first refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Chien Yu, Ting-Cheng Chang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11276716
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first phase detection autofocus (PDAF) photodetector and a second PDAF photodetector in a substrate. A first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) diffuser is disposed along a back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the first PDAF photodetector. The first EMR diffuser is spaced a first distance from a first side of the first PDAF photodetector and a second distance less than the first distance from a second side of the first PDAF photodetector. A second EMR diffuser is disposed along the back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the second PDAF photodetector. The second EMR diffuser is spaced a third distance from a first side of the second PDAF photodetector and a fourth distance less than the third distance from a second side of the second PDAF photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220045117
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip structure. The integrated chip structure includes an image sensor disposed within a first substrate. A first band-pass filter and a second band-pass filter are disposed on the first substrate. A dielectric structure is disposed on the first substrate. The dielectric structure is laterally between the first band-pass filter and the second band-pass filter and laterally abuts the first band-pass filter and the second band-pass filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu
  • Patent number: 11233081
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a photodetector disposed in a semiconductor substrate. A wave guide filter having a substantially planar upper surface is disposed over the photodetector. The wave guide filter includes a light filter disposed in a light filter grid structure. The light filter includes a first material that is translucent and has a first refractive index. The light filter grid structure includes a second material that is translucent and has a second refractive index less than the first refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Chien Yu, Ting-Cheng Chang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang