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).

  • Publication number: 20240094464
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Eugene I-Chun Chen, Kuan-Liang Liu, De-Yang Chiou, Yung-Lung Lin, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 11925033
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11887987
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Gulbagh Singh, Kuan-Liang Liu, Wang Po-Jen, Kun-Tsang Chuang, Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Publication number: 20240006311
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: KUAN-LIANG LIU, CHUNG-LIANG CHENG, YEN LIANG WU, CHUNG-YUAN LI, YA CHUN TENG
  • Publication number: 20230411141
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi SANO, Chung-Liang CHENG, De-Yang CHIOU, Kuan-Liang LIU, Pinyen LIN
  • Publication number: 20230402403
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien-Wei Chen, Meng-Liang Lin, Kuan Liang Liu, Shin-Puu Jeng
  • Patent number: 11842992
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Ming Wu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Wen-De Wang, Yung-Lung Lin
  • Publication number: 20230389335
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Sheng-Chau Chen, Chung-Liang Cheng, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Yeong-Jyh Lin, Pinyen Lin, Huang-Lin Chao
  • Patent number: 11830764
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230377948
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20230326801
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Yin Hsiao, Ching-Chung Yang, Kuan-Liang Liu
  • Publication number: 20230275097
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11742321
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin-Hua Huang, Kuan-Liang Liu, Kuo Liang Lu, Ping-Yin Liu
  • Patent number: 11721587
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Yin Hsiao, Ching-Chung Yang, Kuan-Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 11710656
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Kuan-Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 11676969
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuan-Liang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 11545443
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Ming Wu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Pao-Tung Chen
  • Publication number: 20220406819
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: YUNG-CHIH TSAI, CHIH-PING CHAO, CHUN-HUNG CHEN, SHAOQIANG ZHANG, KUAN-LIANG LIU, CHUN-PEI WU, ALEXANDER KALNITSKY
  • Patent number: 11532642
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20220359273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Kuan-Liang Liu, Shih-Pei Chou, Yu-Hung Cheng, Yeur-Luen Tu