Patents by Inventor Kuo-Cheng Ching

Kuo-Cheng Ching 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: 20190097021
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a substrate; forming on the substrate a semiconductor fin; an isolation structure surrounding the semiconductor fin; and first and second dielectric fins above the isolation structure and sandwiching the semiconductor fin; depositing a spacer feature filling spaces between the semiconductor fin and the first and second dielectric fins; performing an etching process to recess the semiconductor fin, resulting in a trench between portions of the spacer feature; and epitaxially growing a semiconductor material in the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190097056
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first fin arranged over the semiconductor substrate, and an isolation structure. The first fin includes an upper portion, a bottom portion, and an insulator layer between the upper portion and the bottom portion. A top surface of the insulator layer is wider than a bottom surface of the upper portion of the first fin. The isolation structure surrounds the bottom portion of the first fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Hao KUO, Jung-Hao CHANG, Chao-Hsien HUANG, Li-Te LIN, Kuo-Cheng CHING
  • Publication number: 20190096769
    Abstract: A method of forming a fin field effect transistor (finFET) on a substrate includes forming a fin structure on the substrate and forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) region on the substrate. First and second fin portions of the fin structure extend above a top surface of the STI region. The method further includes oxidizing the first fin portion to convert a first material of the first fin portion to a second material. The second material is different from the first material of the first fin portion and a material of the second fin portion. The method further includes forming an oxide layer on the oxidized first fin portion and the second fin portion and forming first and second polysilicon structures on the oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20190096765
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method to reduce power consumption in a fin structure. For example, the method includes forming a first and a second semiconductor fins on a substrate with different heights. The method also includes forming insulating fins between and adjacent to the first and the second semiconductor fins. Further, the method includes forming a first and second epitaxial stacks with different heights on each of the first and second semiconductor fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao WANG, Kuan-Lun CHENG
  • Publication number: 20190081153
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a fin, a bottom capping structure and a top capping structure. The fin disposed on the substrate, the fin has a lower portion and an upper portion extending upwards from the lower portion. The bottom capping structure covers a sidewall of the lower portion of the fin. The top capping structure covers a sidewall of the upper portion of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Shi-Ning Ju, Chih-Hao Wang, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20190067450
    Abstract: A method of forming first and second fin field effect transistors (finFETs) on a substrate includes forming first and second fin structures of the first and second finFETs, respectively, on the substrate. The first and second fin structures have respective first and second vertical dimensions that are about equal to each other. The method further includes modifying the first fin structure such that the first vertical dimension of the first fin structure is smaller than the second vertical dimension of the second fin structure and depositing a dielectric layer on the modified first fin structure and the second fin structure. The method further includes forming a polysilicon structure on the dielectric layer and selectively forming a spacer on a sidewall of the polysilicon structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao Wang, Shi Ning Ju
  • Publication number: 20190067446
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes device fins formed on a substrate; fill fins formed on the substrate and disposed among the device fins; and gate stacks formed on the device fins and the fill fins. The fill fins include a first dielectric material layer and a second dielectric material layer deposited on the first dielectric material layer. The first and second dielectric material layers are different from each other in composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Teng-Chun Tsai, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190067417
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second device fins extending from the semiconductor substrate, and a fill fin disposed on the semiconductor substrate and between the first and second device fins, wherein the fill fin has an opening. The semiconductor device further includes a first gate structure extending continuously from a channel region of the first device fin to a channel region of the second device fin through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190067444
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures including active fin structures, dummy fin structures, epitaxy layers, a Ge containing oxide layer and methods of manufacture thereof are described. By implementing the Ge containing oxide layer on the surface of the epitaxy layers formed on the source/drain regions of some of the FinFET devices, a self-aligned epitaxy process is enabled. By implementing dummy fin structures and a self-aligned etch, both the epitaxy layers and metal gate structures from adjacent FinFET devices are isolated in a self-aligned manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Chih-Hao WANG, Kuan-Lun CHENG
  • Publication number: 20190067120
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method, and more particularly to a semiconductor device having self-aligned isolation structures. The present disclosure provides self-aligned isolation fins that can be formed by depositing dielectric material in openings formed in a spacing layer or by replacing portions of fins with dielectric material. The self-aligned isolation fins can be separated from each other by a critical dimension of the utilized photolithography process. The separation between self-aligned isolation fins or between the self-aligned isolation fins and active fins can be approximately equal to or larger than the separations of the active fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao Wang, Shi Ning Ju, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Kuan-Ting Pan
  • Publication number: 20190067451
    Abstract: A method of forming first and second fin field effect transistors (finFETs) on a substrate includes forming first and second fin structures of the first and second finFETs, respectively, on the substrate. The first and second fin structures have respective first and second vertical dimensions that are about equal to each other. The method further includes modifying the first fin structure such that the first vertical dimension of the first fin structure is smaller than the second vertical dimension of the second fin structure and depositing a dielectric layer on the modified first fin structure and the second fin structure. The method further includes forming a polysilicon structure on the dielectric layer and selectively forming a spacer on a sidewall of the polysilicon structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao WANG, Shi Ning JU
  • Publication number: 20190067284
    Abstract: A method includes etching a hybrid substrate to form a recess extending into the hybrid substrate. The hybrid substrate includes a first semiconductor layer having a first surface orientation, a dielectric layer over the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer having a second surface orientation different from the first surface orientation. After the etching, a top surface of the first semiconductor layer is exposed to the recess. A spacer is formed on a sidewall of the recess. The spacer contacts a sidewall of the dielectric layer and a sidewall of the second semiconductor layer. An epitaxy is performed to grow an epitaxy semiconductor region from the first semiconductor layer. The spacer is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Shi Ning Ju, Ching-Wei Tsai, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190067445
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate; a first semiconductor fin extending upwardly from the substrate; an isolation structure over the substrate and on sidewalls of the first semiconductor fin; a first epitaxial feature over the first semiconductor fin; a dielectric fin partially embedded in the isolation structure and projecting upwardly above the isolation structure; and first and second spacer features over the isolation structure. The first spacer feature is laterally between the first epitaxial feature and the dielectric fin. The first epitaxial feature is laterally between the first and second spacer features. Methods of forming the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190067448
    Abstract: A method of forming a fin field effect transistors (finFET) on a substrate includes forming a fin structure on the substrate, forming a protective layer on the fin structure, and forming a polysilicon structure on the protective layer. The method further includes modifying the polysilicon structure such that a first horizontal dimension of a first portion of the modified polysilicon structure is smaller than a second horizontal dimension of a second portion of the modified polysilicon structure. The method further includes replacing the modified polysilicon structure with a gate structure having a first horizontal dimension of a first portion of the gate structure that is smaller than a second horizontal dimension of a second portion of the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao WANG, Ching-Wei TSAI, Kuan-Lun CHENG
  • Publication number: 20190067482
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a fin structure including a well layer, an oxide layer disposed over the well layer and a channel layer disposed over the oxide layer. An isolation insulating layer is formed so that the channel layer of the fin structure protrudes from the isolation insulating layer and a part of or an entirety of the oxide layer is embedded in the isolation insulating layer. A gate structure is formed over the fin structure. A recessed portion is formed by etching a part of the fin structure not covered by the gate structure such that the oxide layer is exposed. A recess is formed in the exposed oxide layer. An epitaxial seed layer in the recess in the oxide layer. An epitaxial layer is formed in and above the recessed portion. The epitaxial layer is in contact with the epitaxial seed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Ching-Wei TSAI, Chih-Hao WANG, Wai-Yi LIEN
  • Patent number: 10211307
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, in a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a fin structure in which first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers are alternately stacked is formed. A sacrificial gate structure is formed over the fin structure. A first cover layer is formed over the sacrificial gate structure, and a second cover layer is formed over the first cover layer. A source/drain epitaxial layer is formed. After the source/drain epitaxial layer is formed, the second cover layer is removed, thereby forming a gap between the source/drain epitaxial layer and the first cover layer, from which a part of the fin structure is exposed. Part of the first semiconductor layers is removed in the gap, thereby forming spaces between the second semiconductor layers. The spaces are filled with a first insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Chih-Hao Wang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20190035912
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a fin structure over a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes active gate stacks over the fin structure. The semiconductor device structure further includes a dummy gate stack over the fin structure. The dummy gate stack is between the active gate stacks. In addition, the semiconductor device structure includes spacer elements over sidewalls of the dummy gate stack and the active gate stacks. The semiconductor device structure also includes an isolation feature below the dummy gate stack, the active gate stacks and the spacer elements. The isolation feature extends into the fin structure from the bottom of the dummy gate stack such that the isolation feature is surrounded by the fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Shi-Ning JU, Kuan-Ting PAN, Kuan-Lun CHENG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20190035785
    Abstract: Various examples of a buried interconnect line are disclosed herein. In an example, a device includes a fin disposed on a substrate. The fin includes an active device. A plurality of isolation features are disposed on the substrate and below the active device. An interconnect is disposed on the substrate and between the plurality of isolation features such that the interconnect is below a topmost surface of the plurality of isolation features. The interconnect is electrically coupled to the active device. In some such examples, a gate stack of the active device is disposed over a channel region of the active device and is electrically coupled to the interconnect. In some such examples, a source/drain contact is electrically coupled to a source/drain region of the active device, and the source/drain contact is electrically coupled to the interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Shi Ning Ju, Kuan-Ting Pan, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190027570
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, in a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a fin structure in which first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers are alternately stacked is formed. A sacrificial gate structure is formed over the fin structure. A first cover layer is formed over the sacrificial gate structure, and a second cover layer is formed over the first cover layer. A source/drain epitaxial layer is formed. After the source/drain epitaxial layer is formed, the second cover layer is removed, thereby forming a gap between the source/drain epitaxial layer and the first cover layer, from which a part of the fin structure is exposed. Part of the first semiconductor layers is removed in the gap, thereby forming spaces between the second semiconductor layers. The spaces are filled with a first insulating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao WANG, Ching-Wei TSAI, Kuan-Lun CHENG
  • Publication number: 20190027558
    Abstract: A method includes forming isolation regions extending from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate, and forming a hard mask strip over the isolation regions and a semiconductor strip, wherein the semiconductor strip is between two neighboring ones of the isolation regions. A dummy gate strip is formed over the hard mask strip, wherein a lengthwise direction of the dummy gate strip is perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the semiconductor strip, and wherein a portion of the dummy gate strip is aligned to a portion of the semiconductor strip. The method further includes removing the dummy gate strip, removing the hard mask strip, and recessing first portions of the isolation regions that are overlapped by the removed hard mask strip. A portion of the semiconductor strip between and contacting the removed first portions of the isolation regions forms a semiconductor fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen