Patents by Inventor Kuan-Liang Liu
Kuan-Liang Liu 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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Publication number: 20240094464Abstract: A semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure and a method for forming the SOI structure. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer on a first semiconductor layer. A second semiconductor layer is formed over an etch stop layer. A cleaning solution is provided to a first surface of the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer is bonded under the second semiconductor layer in an environment having a substantially low pressure. An index guiding layer may be formed over the second semiconductor layer. A third semiconductor layer is formed over the second semiconductor layer. A distance between a top of the third semiconductor layer and a bottom of the second semiconductor layer varies between a maximum distance and a minimum distance. A planarization process is performed on the third semiconductor layer to reduce the maximum distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Eugene I-Chun Chen, Kuan-Liang Liu, De-Yang Chiou, Yung-Lung Lin, Chia-Shiung Tsai
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Patent number: 11925033Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first and second transistors arranged over a substrate. The first transistor includes first channel structures extending between first and second source/drain regions. A first gate electrode is arranged between the first channel structures, and a first protection layer is arranged over a topmost one of the first channel structures. The second transistor includes second channel structures extending between the second source/drain region and a third source/drain region. A second gate electrode is arranged between the second channel structures, and a second protection layer is arranged over a topmost one of the second channel structures. The integrated chip further includes a first interconnect structure arranged between the substrate and the first and second channel structures, and a contact plug structure coupled to the second source/drain region and arranged above the first and second gate electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Sheng-Chau Chen, Chung-Liang Cheng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Yeong-Jyh Lin, Pinyen Lin, Huang-Lin Chao
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Patent number: 11887987Abstract: A circuit includes a base silicon layer, a base oxide layer, a first top silicon layer, a second top silicon layer, a first semiconductor device, and a second semiconductor device. The base oxide layer is formed over the base silicon layer. The first top silicon layer is formed over a first region of the base oxide layer and has a first thickness. The second top silicon layer is formed over a second region of the base oxide layer and has a second thickness less than the first thickness. The first semiconductor device is formed over the first top silicon layer and the second semiconductor device is formed over the second top silicon layer. The ability to fabricate a top silicon layers with differing thicknesses can provide a single substrate having devices with different characteristics, such as having both fully depleted and partially depleted devices on a single substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Gulbagh Singh, Kuan-Liang Liu, Wang Po-Jen, Kun-Tsang Chuang, Hsin-Chi Chen
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Publication number: 20240006311Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a first semiconductor layer, including a first trench isolation that extends through a portion of the first substrate layer; and a first interconnect structure, disposed over the first semiconductor layer. The second substrate includes a second semiconductor layer, including a plurality of semiconductor islands and surrounded by at least a second isolation penetrating the second semiconductor layer; a second interconnect structure, disposed over the second substrate layer and bonded to the first interconnect structure; and a dielectric layer, disposed over the second semiconductor layer opposite to the second interconnect structure. A method of manufacturing the semiconductor structure is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2022Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: KUAN-LIANG LIU, CHUNG-LIANG CHENG, YEN LIANG WU, CHUNG-YUAN LI, YA CHUN TENG
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Publication number: 20230411141Abstract: A method for treating a semiconductor structure includes: forming the semiconductor structure which includes a carrier substrate, a device substrate, a semiconductor device formed on the device substrate, and a bonding layer formed to bond the semiconductor device with the carrier substrate, the device substrate having an upper surface which is faced upwardly, and which is opposite to the semiconductor device; and directing a chemical fluid to impinge the upper surface of the device substrate so as to remove an edge portion of the device substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Kenichi SANO, Chung-Liang CHENG, De-Yang CHIOU, Kuan-Liang LIU, Pinyen LIN
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Publication number: 20230402403Abstract: A semiconductor package includes an interconnect structure, a plurality of dies disposed on the interconnect structure in a side-by-side manner, an underfill filling between the interconnect structure and the plurality of dies and filling a lower part of a gap between adjacent two of the plurality of dies, a conductive layer at least covering back surfaces of the adjacent two of the plurality of dies and filling an upper part of the gap, and an encapsulating material laterally encapsulating the plurality of dies and the conductive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: December 14, 2023Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hsien-Wei Chen, Meng-Liang Lin, Kuan Liang Liu, Shin-Puu Jeng
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Patent number: 11842992Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC). The 3D IC includes a first IC die comprising a first semiconductor substrate, and a first interconnect structure over the first semiconductor substrate. The 3D IC also includes a second IC die comprising a second semiconductor substrate, and a second interconnect structure that separates the second semiconductor substrate from the first interconnect structure. A seal ring structure separates the first interconnect structure from the second interconnect structure and perimetrically surrounds a gas reservoir between the first IC die and second IC die. The seal ring structure includes a sidewall gas-vent opening structure configured to allow gas to pass between the gas reservoir and an ambient environment surrounding the 3D IC.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kuo-Ming Wu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Wen-De Wang, Yung-Lung Lin
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Publication number: 20230389335Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first and second transistors arranged over a substrate. The first transistor includes first channel structures extending between first and second source/drain regions. A first gate electrode is arranged between the first channel structures, and a first protection layer is arranged over a topmost one of the first channel structures. The second transistor includes second channel structures extending between the second source/drain region and a third source/drain region. A second gate electrode is arranged between the second channel structures, and a second protection layer is arranged over a topmost one of the second channel structures. The integrated chip further includes a first interconnect structure arranged between the substrate and the first and second channel structures, and a contact plug structure coupled to the second source/drain region and arranged above the first and second gate electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Sheng-Chau Chen, Chung-Liang Cheng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Yeong-Jyh Lin, Pinyen Lin, Huang-Lin Chao
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Patent number: 11830764Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
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Publication number: 20230377948Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
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Publication number: 20230326801Abstract: A transistor structure includes a source region and a drain region disposed in a substrate, extending along a first direction. A polysilicon layer is disposed over the substrate, extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the polysilicon layer includes a first edge region, a channel region and a second edge region formed as a gate region between the source region and the drain region. The polysilicon layer has at least a first opening pattern at the first edge region having a first portion overlapping the gate region; and at least a second opening pattern at the second edge region having a second portion overlapping the gate region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Shih-Yin Hsiao, Ching-Chung Yang, Kuan-Liang Liu
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Publication number: 20230275097Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer comprises a handle wafer. A first oxide layer is disposed over the handle wafer. A device layer is disposed over the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer is disposed between the first oxide layer and the device layer, wherein the first oxide layer has a first etch rate for an etch process and the second oxide layer has a second etch rate for the etch process, and wherein the second etch rate is greater than the first etch rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu
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Patent number: 11742321Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a workpiece bonding apparatus. The workpieces bonding apparatus includes a first substrate holder having a first surface configured to receive a first workpiece, and a second substrate holder having a second surface configured to receive a second workpiece. A vacuum apparatus is positioned between the first substrate holder and the second substrate holder and is configured to selectively induce a vacuum between the first surface and the second surface. The vacuum is configured to attract the first surface and the second surface toward one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Xin-Hua Huang, Kuan-Liang Liu, Kuo Liang Lu, Ping-Yin Liu
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Patent number: 11721587Abstract: A transistor structure includes a source region and a drain region disposed in a substrate, extending along a first direction. A polysilicon layer is disposed over the substrate, extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the polysilicon layer includes a first edge region, a channel region and a second edge region formed as a gate region between the source region and the drain region. The polysilicon layer has at least a first opening pattern at the first edge region having a first portion overlapping the gate region; and at least a second opening pattern at the second edge region having a second portion overlapping the gate region.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Shih-Yin Hsiao, Ching-Chung Yang, Kuan-Liang Liu
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Patent number: 11710656Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a method of forming a semiconductor structure. The method includes forming a plurality of bulk micro defects within a handle substrate. Sizes of the plurality of bulk micro defects are increased to form a plurality of bulk macro defects (BMDs) within the handle substrate. Some of the plurality of BMDs are removed from within a first denuded region and a second denuded region arranged along opposing surfaces of the handle substrate. An insulating layer is formed onto the handle substrate. A device layer comprising a semiconductor material is formed onto the insulating layer. The first denuded region and the second denuded region vertically surround a central region of the handle substrate that has a higher concentration of the plurality of BMDs than both the first denuded region and the second denuded region.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Kuan-Liang Liu
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Patent number: 11676969Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer comprises a handle wafer. A first oxide layer is disposed over the handle wafer. A device layer is disposed over the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer is disposed between the first oxide layer and the device layer, wherein the first oxide layer has a first etch rate for an etch process and the second oxide layer has a second etch rate for the etch process, and wherein the second etch rate is greater than the first etch rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu
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Patent number: 11545443Abstract: A method for forming a hybrid-bonding structure is provided. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer over a first semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor substrate includes a conductive structure. The method also includes partially removing the first dielectric layer to form a first dielectric dummy pattern, a second dielectric dummy pattern and a third dielectric dummy pattern and an opening through the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric dummy pattern, the second dielectric dummy pattern and the third dielectric dummy pattern are surrounded by the opening. In addition, the method includes forming a first conductive line in the opening. The first conductive line is in contact with the conductive structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Kuo-Ming Wu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Pao-Tung Chen
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Publication number: 20220406819Abstract: A method includes: receiving a composite substrate including a first region and a second region, the composite substrate comprising a semiconductor substrate and an insulator layer over the semiconductor substrate; bonding a silicon layer to the composite substrate; depositing a capping layer over the silicon layer; forming a trench through the capping layer, the silicon layer and the insulator layer, the trench exposing a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the first region; growing an initial epitaxial layer in the trench; removing the capping layer to form an epitaxial layer from the silicon layer and the initial epitaxial layer; forming a transistor layer over the epitaxial layer, the transistor layer including a first transistor and a second transistor in the first region and the second region, respectively; and forming an interconnect layer over the transistor layer and electrically coupling the first transistor to the second transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: YUNG-CHIH TSAI, CHIH-PING CHAO, CHUN-HUNG CHEN, SHAOQIANG ZHANG, KUAN-LIANG LIU, CHUN-PEI WU, ALEXANDER KALNITSKY
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Patent number: 11532642Abstract: The present disclosure relates an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a polysilicon layer arranged on an upper surface of a base substrate. A dielectric layer is arranged over the polysilicon layer, and an active semiconductor layer is arranged over the dielectric layer. A semiconductor material is arranged vertically on the upper surface of the base substrate and laterally beside the active semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Eugene I-Chun Chen, Kuan-Liang Liu, Szu-Yu Wang, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Ru-Liang Lee, Chih-Ping Chao, Alexander Kalnitsky
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Publication number: 20220359273Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a thick device layer and a thick insulator layer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming an insulator layer covering a handle substrate, and epitaxially forming a device layer on a sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial substrate is bonded to a handle substrate, such that the device layer and the insulator layer are between the sacrificial and handle substrates, and the sacrificial substrate is removed. The removal includes performing an etch into the sacrificial substrate until the device layer is reached. Because the device layer is formed by epitaxy and transferred to the handle substrate, the device layer may be formed with a large thickness. Further, because the epitaxy is not affected by the thickness of the insulator layer, the insulator layer may be formed with a large thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu