Patents by Inventor KUN-MU LI

KUN-MU 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: 12218240
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor fin over a substrate, etching the semiconductor fin to form a recess, wherein the recess extends into the substrate, and forming a source/drain region in the recess, wherein forming the source/drain region includes epitaxially growing a first semiconductor material on sidewalls of the recess, wherein the first semiconductor material includes silicon germanium, wherein the first semiconductor material has a first germanium concentration from 10 to 40 atomic percent, epitaxially growing a second semiconductor material over the first semiconductor material, the second semiconductor material including silicon germanium, wherein the second semiconductor material has a second germanium concentration that is greater than the first germanium concentration, and epitaxially growing a third semiconductor material over the second semiconductor material, the third semiconductor material including silicon germanium, wherein the third semiconductor material has a third germanium con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Heng-Wen Ting, Yen-Ru Lee, Hsueh-Chang Sung
  • Publication number: 20240395625
    Abstract: A device includes a fin over a substrate, the fin including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fin has a convex profile, an isolation region adjacent the fin, a gate structure along sidewalls of the fin and over the top surface of the fin, a gate spacer laterally adjacent the gate structure, and an epitaxial region adjacent the first end of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Heng-Wen Ting, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Yen-Ru Lee, Chien-Wei Lee
  • Publication number: 20240397692
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor channel region over a substrate, a shallow trench isolation (STI) region in the substrate, a gate structure over the semiconductor channel region. The semiconductor channel region has a channel top higher than a top surface of the STI region by a first height. The device further includes a first source/drain epitaxy structure and a second source/drain epitaxy structure respectively at opposite sides of the gate structure, and a first dielectric fin sidewall structure and a second dielectric fin sidewall structure on opposite sides of the first source/drain epitaxy structure, respectively. A top of the first dielectric fin sidewall structure is higher than the top surface of the STI region by a second height. The second height is at most half the first height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing LEE, Tsz-Mei KWOK, Ming-Hua YU, Kun-Mu LI
  • Publication number: 20240363753
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack over an active region and a source/drain region in the active region adjacent the gate stack. The source/drain region includes a first semiconductor layer having a first germanium concentration and a second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer has a second germanium concentration greater than the first germanium concentration. The source/drain region further includes a third semiconductor layer over the second semiconductor layer and a fourth semiconductor layer over the third semiconductor layer. The third semiconductor layer has a third germanium concentration greater than the second germanium concentration. The fourth semiconductor layer has a fourth germanium concentration less than the third germanium concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung
  • Patent number: 12112986
    Abstract: A device includes a fin over a substrate, the fin including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fin has a convex profile, an isolation region adjacent the fin, a gate structure along sidewalls of the fin and over the top surface of the fin, a gate spacer laterally adjacent the gate structure, and an epitaxial region adjacent the first end of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Heng-Wen Ting, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Yen-Ru Lee, Chien-Wei Lee
  • Publication number: 20240297252
    Abstract: A fin field effect transistor (Fin FET) device includes fin structure extending in first direction and protruding from isolation insulating layer disposed over substrate. The fin structure includes a well layer, an oxide layer disposed over the well layer and a channel layer disposed over the oxide layer. The Fin FET device includes a gate structure covering a portion of the fin structure and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The Fin FET device includes a source and a drain. Each of the source and drain includes a stressor layer disposed in recessed portions formed in the fin structure. The stressor layer extends above the recessed portions and applies a stress to a channel layer of the fin structure under the gate structure. The Fin FET device includes a dielectric layer formed in contact with the oxide layer and the stressor layer in the recessed portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu LI, Tsz-Mei KWOK, Ming-Hua YU, Chan-Lon YANG
  • Patent number: 12075607
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor fin, a gate structure, a first source/drain epitaxy structure, a second source/drain epitaxy structure, a first dielectric fin sidewall structure, a second dielectric fin sidewall structure. The semiconductor fin is over the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor fin includes a channel portion and recessed portions on opposite sides of the channel portion. The gate structure is over the channel portion of the semiconductor fin. The first source/drain epitaxy structure and the second source/drain epitaxy structure are over the recessed portions of the semiconductor fin, respectively. The first source/drain epitaxy structure has a round surface. The first dielectric fin sidewall structure and the second dielectric fin sidewall structure are on opposite sides of the first source/drain epitaxy structure. The round surface of the first source/drain epitaxy structure is directly above the first dielectric fin sidewall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing Lee, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Ming-Hua Yu, Kun-Mu Li
  • Patent number: 12062720
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack over an active region and a source/drain region in the active region adjacent the gate stack. The source/drain region includes a first semiconductor layer having a first germanium concentration and a second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer has a second germanium concentration greater than the first germanium concentration. The source/drain region further includes a third semiconductor layer over the second semiconductor layer and a fourth semiconductor layer over the third semiconductor layer. The third semiconductor layer has a third germanium concentration greater than the second germanium concentration. The fourth semiconductor layer has a fourth germanium concentration less than the third germanium concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung
  • Publication number: 20240203987
    Abstract: An IC structure includes a first fin structure, a first epitaxial structure, first sidewall spacers, a second fin structure, a second epitaxial structure, and second sidewall spacers. The first epitaxial structure is on the first structure. The first sidewall spacers are respectively on opposite sidewalls of the first epitaxial structure. The second epitaxial structure is on the second fin structure. The second sidewall spacers are respectively on opposite sidewalls of the second epitaxial structure. A height difference between the second sidewall spacers is greater than a height difference between the first sidewall spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing LEE, Kun-Mu LI, Ming-Hua YU, Tsz-Mei KWOK
  • Patent number: 12009427
    Abstract: A fin field effect transistor (Fin FET) device includes a fin structure extending in a first direction and protruding from an isolation insulating layer disposed over a substrate. The fin structure includes a well layer, an oxide layer disposed over the well layer and a channel layer disposed over the oxide layer. The Fin FET device includes a gate structure covering a portion of the fin structure and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The Fin FET device includes a source and a drain. Each of the source and drain includes a stressor layer disposed in recessed portions formed in the fin structure. The stressor layer extends above the recessed portions and applies a stress to a channel layer of the fin structure under the gate structure. The Fin FET device includes a dielectric layer formed in contact with the oxide layer and the stressor layer in the recessed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Ming-Hua Yu, Chan-Lon Yang
  • Publication number: 20240088266
    Abstract: A fin structure on a substrate is disclosed. The fin structure can comprises a first epitaxial region and a second epitaxial region separated by a dielectric region, a merged epitaxial region on the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region, an epitaxial buffer region on a top surface of the merged epitaxial region, and an epitaxial capping region on the buffer epitaxial region and side surfaces of the merged epitaxial region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang SUNG, Kun-Mu LI
  • Patent number: 11916071
    Abstract: A device includes first and second semiconductor fins, first, second, third and fourth fin sidewall spacers, and first and second epitaxy structures. The first and second fin sidewall spacers are respectively on opposite sides of the first semiconductor fin. The third and fourth fin sidewall spacers are respectively on opposite sides of the second semiconductor fin. The first and third fin sidewall spacers are between the first and second semiconductor fins and have smaller heights than the second and fourth fin sidewall spacers. The first and second epitaxy structures are respectively on the first and second semiconductor fins and merged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing Lee, Kun-Mu Li, Ming-Hua Yu, Tsz-Mei Kwok
  • Patent number: 11888046
    Abstract: A fin structure on a substrate is disclosed. The fin structure can comprises a first epitaxial region and a second epitaxial region separated by a dielectric region, a merged epitaxial region on the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region, an epitaxial buffer region on a top surface of the merged epitaxial region, and an epitaxial capping region on the buffer epitaxial region and side surfaces of the merged epitaxial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Kun-Mu Li
  • Publication number: 20230369491
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a gate structure arranged over a substrate and a source/drain region arranged within the substrate along a side of the gate structure. The source/drain region includes a first layer lining interior sidewalls and a horizontally extending surface of the substrate, and a second layer lining interior sidewalls and a horizontally extending surface of the first layer. The first layer has a dopant with a first dopant concentration that continually decreases from an outermost sidewall of the first layer facing the substrate to one of the interior sidewalls of the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Chii-Horng Li
  • Publication number: 20230352589
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor fin over a substrate, etching the semiconductor fin to form a recess, wherein the recess extends into the substrate, and forming a source/drain region in the recess, wherein forming the source/drain region includes epitaxially growing a first semiconductor material on sidewalls of the recess, wherein the first semiconductor material includes silicon germanium, wherein the first semiconductor material has a first germanium concentration from 10 to 40 atomic percent, epitaxially growing a second semiconductor material over the first semiconductor material, the second semiconductor material including silicon germanium, wherein the second semiconductor material has a second germanium concentration that is greater than the first germanium concentration, and epitaxially growing a third semiconductor material over the second semiconductor material, the third semiconductor material including silicon germanium, wherein the third semiconductor material has a third germanium con
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Heng-Wen Ting, Yen-Ru Lee, Hsueh-Chang Sung
  • Patent number: 11749752
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a transistor device. The method may be performed by forming a gate structure onto a semiconductor substrate and forming a source/drain recess within the semiconductor substrate adjacent to a side of the gate structure. One or more strain inducing materials are formed within the source/drain recess. The one or more strain inducing materials include a strain inducing component with a strain inducing component concentration profile that continuously decreases from a bottommost surface of the one or more strain inducing materials to a position above the bottommost surface. The bottommost surface contacts the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chang Sung, Tsz-Mei Kwok, Kun-Mu Li, Tze-Liang Lee, Chii-Horng Li
  • Patent number: 11735664
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor fin over a substrate, etching the semiconductor fin to form a recess, wherein the recess extends into the substrate, and forming a source/drain region in the recess, wherein forming the source/drain region includes epitaxially growing a first semiconductor material on sidewalls of the recess, wherein the first semiconductor material includes silicon germanium, wherein the first semiconductor material has a first germanium concentration from 10 to 40 atomic percent, epitaxially growing a second semiconductor material over the first semiconductor material, the second semiconductor material including silicon germanium, wherein the second semiconductor material has a second germanium concentration that is greater than the first germanium concentration, and epitaxially growing a third semiconductor material over the second semiconductor material, the third semiconductor material including silicon germanium, wherein the third semiconductor material has a third germanium con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Heng-Wen Ting, Yen-Ru Lee, Hsueh-Chang Sung
  • Publication number: 20230231052
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack over an active region and a source/drain region in the active region adjacent the gate stack. The source/drain region includes a first semiconductor layer having a first germanium concentration and a second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer has a second germanium concentration greater than the first germanium concentration. The source/drain region further includes a third semiconductor layer over the second semiconductor layer and a fourth semiconductor layer over the third semiconductor layer. The third semiconductor layer has a third germanium concentration greater than the second germanium concentration. The fourth semiconductor layer has a fourth germanium concentration less than the third germanium concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Kun-Mu Li, Hsueh-Chang Sung
  • Publication number: 20230124966
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor fin, a gate structure, a first source/drain epitaxy structure, a second source/drain epitaxy structure, a first dielectric fin sidewall structure, a second dielectric fin sidewall structure. The semiconductor fin is over the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor fin includes a channel portion and recessed portions on opposite sides of the channel portion. The gate structure is over the channel portion of the semiconductor fin. The first source/drain epitaxy structure and the second source/drain epitaxy structure are over the recessed portions of the semiconductor fin, respectively. The first source/drain epitaxy structure has a round surface. The first dielectric fin sidewall structure and the second dielectric fin sidewall structure are on opposite sides of the first source/drain epitaxy structure. The round surface of the first source/drain epitaxy structure is directly above the first dielectric fin sidewall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Jing LEE, Tsz-Mei KWOK, Ming-Hua YU, Kun-Mu LI
  • Publication number: 20230113464
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a gate structure over a fin structure, and a source/drain structure in the fin structure and adjacent to the gate structure. The source/drain structure includes: a first epitaxial layer over the fin structure, a second epitaxial layer over the first epitaxial layer, and an epitaxial capping layer over the second epitaxial layer. The semiconductor structure also includes a silicide layer formed in contact with the source/drain structure. The silicide layer has a curved bottom surface, and the curved bottom surface of the silicide layer intersects with the second epitaxial layer and the epitaxial capping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Mu LI, Wei-Yang LEE, Wen-Chu HSIAO