Patents by Inventor Kun-Ju Li

Kun-Ju Li 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: 10103034
    Abstract: A method of planarizing a substrate surface is disclosed. A substrate having a major surface of a material layer is provided. The major surface of the material layer comprises a first region with relatively low removal rate and a second region of relatively high removal rate. A photoresist pattern is formed on the material layer. The photoresist pattern masks the second region, while exposes at least a portion of the first region. At least a portion of the material layer not covered by the photoresist pattern is etched away. A polish stop layer is deposited on the material layer. A cap layer is deposited on the polish stop layer. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to polish the cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Hsu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li
  • Publication number: 20180269308
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a gate structure on the substrate, in which the gate structure includes a high-k dielectric layer on the substrate and a bottom barrier metal (BBM) layer on the high-k dielectric layer. Preferably, the BBM layer includes a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, the middle portion being a nitrogen rich portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being titanium rich portions, and the top portion, the middle portion, and the bottom portion are of same material composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Chun-Tsen Lu, Chien-Ming Lai, Lu-Sheng Chou, Ya-Huei Tsai, Ching-Hsiang Chiu, Yu-Tung Hsiao, Chen-Ming Huang, Kun-Ju Li, Yu-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 10049887
    Abstract: A method of planarizing a substrate surface is disclosed. A substrate having a major surface of a material layer is provided. The major surface of the material layer comprises a first region with relatively low removal rate and a second region of relatively high removal rate. A photoresist pattern is formed on the material layer. The photoresist pattern masks the second region, while exposes at least a portion of the first region. At least a portion of the material layer not covered by the photoresist pattern is etched away. A polish stop layer is deposited on the material layer. A cap layer is deposited on the polish stop layer. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to polish the cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Hsu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li
  • Patent number: 10008581
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a gate structure on the substrate. The gate structure includes a high-k dielectric layer on the substrate and a bottom barrier metal (BBM) layer on the high-k dielectric layer. Preferably, the BBM layer includes a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, in which the top portion being a nitrogen rich portion, and the middle portion and the bottom portion being titanium rich portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chun-Tsen Lu, Chien-Ming Lai, Lu-Sheng Chou, Ya-Huei Tsai, Ching-Hsiang Chiu, Yu-Tung Hsiao, Chen-Ming Huang, Kun-Ju Li, Yu-Ping Wang
  • Publication number: 20180138125
    Abstract: A layout structure including a conductive structure is provided. The layout structure includes a dielectric layer formed on a substrate and a conductive structure formed in the dielectric layer. And the conductive structure further includes a barrier layer, a metal layer formed within the barrier layer, and a high resistive layer sandwiched in between the barrier layer and the metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Kun-Ju Li, Kuo-Chin Hung, Min-Chuan Tsai, Wei-Chuan Tsai, Yi-Han Liao, Chun-Tsen Lu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Li-Chieh Hsu
  • Patent number: 9972498
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a gate cap layer includes providing a substrate with an interlayer dielectric disposed thereon, wherein a recess is disposed in the interlayer dielectric and a metal gate fills in a lower portion of the recess. Later, a cap material layer is formed to cover the interlayer dielectric and fill in an upper portion of the recess. After that, a first sacrifice layer and a second sacrifice layer are formed in sequence to cover the cap material layer. The first sacrifice layer has a composition different from a composition of the cap material layer. The second sacrifice layer has a composition the same as the composition of the cap material layer. Next, a chemical mechanical polishing process is preformed to remove the second sacrifice layer, the first sacrifice layer and the cap material layer above a top surface of the interlayer dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Chih-Hsun Lin, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Liang Liu, Po-Cheng Huang, Kun-Ju Li, Wen-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 9966263
    Abstract: A method of fabricating fin structure is provided. A patterned catalyst layer and a patterned passivation layer extending along a first direction are formed on a substrate. The patterned passivation layer is located on the patterned catalyst layer. A carbon layer is formed on at least one side of the patterned catalyst layer and includes hollow carbon tubes arranged along the first direction. Each hollow carbon tube extends along a second direction. A removal process is performed to remove the top and a portion of the bottom of each hollow carbon tube closest to the substrate, so that remnants are left and serve as a mask layer. Two adjacent remnants form a stripe pattern extending along the second direction. The patterned passivation layer and the patterned catalyst layer are removed. The pattern of the mask layer is transferred to the substrate to form fin structures. The mask layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kun-Ju Li, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Han Liao, Chun-Tsen Lu, Chih-Hsun Lin, Hsin-Jung Liu
  • Publication number: 20180061656
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes following steps. A substrate is provided, and a semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a SiN-rich pre-oxide layer is formed on the semiconductor layer. After forming the SiN-rich pre-oxide layer, an anneal treatment is performed to partially transfer the SiN-rich pre-oxide layer to form a SiN layer and a SiO layer. And the SiO layer is formed the on the SiN layer. Subsequently, a planarization process is performed to remove a portion of the SiO layer to expose the SiN layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li, Po-Cheng Huang, Chien-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 9905430
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes following steps. A substrate is provided, and a semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a SiN-rich pre-oxide layer is formed on the semiconductor layer. After forming the SiN-rich pre-oxide layer, an anneal treatment is performed to partially transfer the SiN-rich pre-oxide layer to form a SiN layer and a SiO layer. And the SiO layer is formed the on the SiN layer. Subsequently, a planarization process is performed to remove a portion of the SiO layer to expose the SiN layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li, Po-Cheng Huang, Chien-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 9887158
    Abstract: A conductive structure includes a substrate including a first dielectric layer formed thereon, a first trench formed in the first dielectric layer, a first barrier layer formed in the first trench, a first nucleation layer formed on the first barrier layer, a first metal layer formed on the first nucleation layer, and a first high resistive layer sandwiched in between the first barrier layer and the first metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Kun-Ju Li, Kuo-Chin Hung, Min-Chuan Tsai, Wei-Chuan Tsai, Yi-Han Liao, Chun-Tsen Lu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Li-Chieh Hsu
  • Publication number: 20180033633
    Abstract: A method for planarizing a silicon layer includes providing a silicon layer having at least one recess therein. Next, a photoresist layer is formed to cover the silicon layer and fill up the recess. Then, the photoresist layer is hardened. After that, part of the photoresist layer is removed by taking a top surface of the silicon layer as a stop layer. Finally the photoresist layer and the silicon layer are etched back simultaneously to remove the photoresist layer entirely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li, Po-Cheng Huang, Chien-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 9875909
    Abstract: A method for planarizing a silicon layer includes providing a silicon layer having at least one recess therein. Next, a photoresist layer is formed to cover the silicon layer and fill up the recess. Then, the photoresist layer is hardened. After that, part of the photoresist layer is removed by taking a top surface of the silicon layer as a stop layer. Finally the photoresist layer and the silicon layer are etched back simultaneously to remove the photoresist layer entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li, Po-Cheng Huang, Chien-Nan Lin
  • Publication number: 20180012772
    Abstract: A method of planarizing a substrate surface is disclosed. A substrate having a major surface of a material layer is provided. The major surface of the material layer comprises a first region with relatively low removal rate and a second region of relatively high removal rate. A photoresist pattern is formed on the material layer. The photoresist pattern masks the second region, while exposes at least a portion of the first region. At least a portion of the material layer not covered by the photoresist pattern is etched away. A polish stop layer is deposited on the material layer. A cap layer is deposited on the polish stop layer. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to polish the cap layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Hsu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li
  • Publication number: 20180012771
    Abstract: A method of planarizing a substrate surface is disclosed. A substrate having a major surface of a material layer is provided. The major surface of the material layer comprises a first region with relatively low removal rate and a second region of relatively high removal rate. A photoresist pattern is formed on the material layer. The photoresist pattern masks the second region, while exposes at least a portion of the first region. At least a portion of the material layer not covered by the photoresist pattern is etched away. A polish stop layer is deposited on the material layer. A cap layer is deposited on the polish stop layer. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to polish the cap layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Hsu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li
  • Patent number: 9773682
    Abstract: A method of planarizing a substrate surface is disclosed. A substrate having a major surface of a material layer is provided. The major surface of the material layer comprises a first region with relatively low removal rate and a second region of relatively high removal rate. A photoresist pattern is formed on the material layer. The photoresist pattern masks the second region, while exposes at least a portion of the first region. At least a portion of the material layer not covered by the photoresist pattern is etched away. A polish stop layer is deposited on the material layer. A cap layer is deposited on the polish stop layer. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to polish the cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Hsu, Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Yi-Liang Liu, Kun-Ju Li
  • Patent number: 9735015
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure, comprising: providing a preliminary structure having a first region and a second region and comprising a plurality of first trenches in the first region; forming a metal layer filling the first trenches covering on the preliminary structure, wherein the metal layer comprises a concave portion in the second region and the concave portion defines an opening; forming a metal nitride layer on the metal layer by an nitride treatment; and performing a planarization process to remove the metal nitride layer and a portion of the metal layer to expose the preliminary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kun Ju Li, Hsin Jung Liu, Wei-Chuan Tsai, Min-Chuan Tsai, Yi Han Liao, Chun-Tsen Lu, Chun-Lin Chen, Jui-Ming Yang, Kuo-Chin Hung
  • Publication number: 20170162396
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a gate cap layer includes providing a substrate with an interlayer dielectric disposed thereon, wherein a recess is disposed in the interlayer dielectric and a metal gate fills in a lower portion of the recess. Later, a cap material layer is formed to cover the interlayer dielectric and fill in an upper portion of the recess. After that, a first sacrifice layer and a second sacrifice layer are formed in sequence to cover the cap material layer. The first sacrifice layer has a composition different from a composition of the cap material layer. The second sacrifice layer has a composition the same as the composition of the cap material layer. Next, a chemical mechanical polishing process is preformed to remove the second sacrifice layer, the first sacrifice layer and the cap material layer above a top surface of the interlayer dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Chih-Hsun Lin, Li-Chieh Hsu, Yi-Liang Liu, Po-Cheng Huang, Kun-Ju Li, Wen-Chin Lin
  • Publication number: 20170162402
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure is provided. First, a preliminary structure is provided. The preliminary structure has a first region and a second region, and the preliminary structure comprises a plurality of features in the first region. Then, a first polish stop layer is formed on the preliminary structure. The first polish stop layer comprises a concave portion in the second region, and the concave portion defines an opening. A first overlying layer is formed on the first polish stop layer. Thereafter, a second polish stop layer is formed on the first overlying layer. The second polish stop layer has a graduated change in composition. The second polish stop layer comprises a concave portion at least partially formed in the opening. A second overlying layer is formed on the second polish stop layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Fu-Shou Tsai, Yu-Ting Li, Li-Chieh Hsu, Kun-Ju Li, Chih-Hsun Lin, Po-Cheng Huang, Yi-Liang Liu, Wen-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 9673053
    Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a first material layer on the substrate; forming a stop layer on the first material layer; forming a second material layer on the stop layer; and performing a planarizing process to remove the second material layer, the stop layer, and part of the first material layer for forming a gate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Rung-Yuan Lee, Yu-Ting Li, Jing-Yin Jhang, Chen-Yi Weng, Jia-Feng Fang, Yi-Wei Chen, Wei-Jen Wu, Po-Cheng Huang, Fu-Shou Tsai, Kun-Ju Li, Wen-Chin Lin, Chih-Chien Liu, Chih-Hsun Lin, Chun-Yuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20170047251
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: providing a semiconductor having active regions; depositing a dielectric layer on the semiconductor; forming a patterned etch mask on the dielectric layer; depositing a further dielectric layer on the dielectric layer and the patterned etch mask; planarizing the further dielectric layer until the patterned etch mask is exposed; and forming a further patterned etch mask having an opening on the further dielectric layer so that portions of the patterned etch mask are exposed from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Yi-Hui Lee, Kun-Ju Li, Wei-Cyuan Lo, Ching-Wen Hung, Jia-Rong Wu, Ying-Cheng Liu, Yi-Kuan Wu, Chih-Sen Huang, Yi-Wei Chen