Patents by Inventor Kuo-Feng Yu

Kuo-Feng Yu 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: 11735484
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor stack and a second semiconductor stack over a substrate, wherein each of the first and second semiconductor stacks includes semiconductor layers stacked up and separated from each other; a dummy spacer between the first and second semiconductor stacks, wherein the dummy spacer contacts a first sidewall of each semiconductor layer of the first and second semiconductor stacks; and a gate structure wrapping a second sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface of each semiconductor layer of the first and second semiconductor stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Hsu, Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Wei Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Hui-Chi Chen, Cheng Hong Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230253256
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first gate dielectric, a second gate dielectric, and a third gate dielectric over a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, and a third semiconductor region, respectively. The method further includes depositing a first lanthanum-containing layer overlapping the first gate dielectric, and depositing a second lanthanum-containing layer overlapping the second gate dielectric. The second lanthanum-containing layer is thinner than the first lanthanum-containing layer. An anneal process is then performed to drive lanthanum in the first lanthanum-containing layer and the second lanthanum-containing layer into the first gate dielectric and the second gate dielectric, respectively. During the anneal process, the third gate dielectric is free from lanthanum-containing layers thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Wen-Hung Huang, Kuo-Feng Yu, Jian-Hao Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Jer-Fu Wang, Yung-Hsiang Chan
  • Publication number: 20230215766
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer below a second semiconductor layer; first and second gate dielectric layers surrounding the first and the second semiconductor layers, respectively; and a gate electrode surrounding both the first and the second gate dielectric layers. The first gate dielectric layer has a first top section above the first semiconductor layer and a first bottom section below the first semiconductor layer. The second gate dielectric layer has a second top section above the second semiconductor layer and a second bottom section below the second semiconductor layer. The first top section has a first thickness. The second top section has a second thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chan, Wen-Hung Huang, Shan-Mei Liao, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Kuei-Lun Lin
  • Publication number: 20230215929
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a first channel members being vertically stacked, a second channel members being vertically stacked, an n-type work function layer wrapping around each of the first channel members, a first p-type work function layer over the n-type work function layer and wrapping around each of the first channel members, a second p-type work function layer wrapping around each of the second channel members, a third p-type work function layer over the second p-type work function layer and wrapping around each of the second channel members, and a gate cap layer over a top surface of the first p-type work function layer and a top surface of the third p-type work function layer such that the gate cap layer electrically couples the first p-type work function layer and the third p-type work function layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Wei Cheng Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Wei-Cheng Wang, Yen-Ju Chen
  • Publication number: 20230187535
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor structure includes forming a fin structure protruding from a substrate, and the fin structure includes first semiconductor material layers and second semiconductor material layers alternately stacked. The method also includes forming a dummy gate structure across the fin structure and forming a gate spacer on a sidewall of the dummy gate structure. The method also includes partially oxidizing the gate spacer to form an oxide layer and removing the oxide layer to form a modified gate spacer. The method also includes removing the first semiconductor material layers to form gaps and forming a gate structure in the gaps to wrap around the second semiconductor material layers and over the second semiconductor material layers to cover the modified gate spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Yu-Jiun Peng, Hsuan-Chih Wu, Cheng-Chung Chang, Shu-Han Chen, Hsiu-Hao Tsao, Min-Chia Lee, Kai-Min Chien, Ming-Chang Wen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Chang-Jhih Syu
  • Patent number: 11664279
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first gate dielectric, a second gate dielectric, and a third gate dielectric over a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, and a third semiconductor region, respectively. The method further includes depositing a first lanthanum-containing layer overlapping the first gate dielectric, and depositing a second lanthanum-containing layer overlapping the second gate dielectric. The second lanthanum-containing layer is thinner than the first lanthanum-containing layer. An anneal process is then performed to drive lanthanum in the first lanthanum-containing layer and the second lanthanum-containing layer into the first gate dielectric and the second gate dielectric, respectively. During the anneal process, the third gate dielectric is free from lanthanum-containing layers thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Hung Huang, Kuo-Feng Yu, Jian-Hao Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Jer-Fu Wang, Yung-Hsiang Chan
  • Patent number: 11605720
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a first channel members being vertically stacked, a second channel members being vertically stacked, an n-type work function layer wrapping around each of the first channel members, a first p-type work function layer over the n-type work function layer and wrapping around each of the first channel members, a second p-type work function layer wrapping around each of the second channel members, a third p-type work function layer over the second p-type work function layer and wrapping around each of the second channel members, and a gate cap layer over a top surface of the first p-type work function layer and a top surface of the third p-type work function layer such that the gate cap layer electrically couples the first p-type work function layer and the third p-type work function layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Wei Cheng Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Wei-Cheng Wang, Yen-Ju Chen
  • Patent number: 11605563
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stack of semiconductor layers vertically arranged above a semiconductor base structure, a gate dielectric layer having portions each surrounding one of the semiconductor layers, and a gate electrode surrounding the gate dielectric layer. Each portion of the gate dielectric layer has a top section above the respective semiconductor layer and a bottom section below the semiconductor layer. The top section has a top thickness along a vertical direction perpendicular to a top surface of the semiconductor base structure; and the bottom section has a bottom thickness along the vertical direction. The top thickness is greater than the bottom thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chan, Wen-Hung Huang, Shan-Mei Liao, Kuei-Lun Lin, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu
  • Publication number: 20230061018
    Abstract: A method includes providing a structure having a first channel member and a second channel member over a substrate. The first channel member is located in a first region of the structure and the second channel member is located in a second region of the structure. The method also includes forming a first oxide layer over the first channel member and a second oxide layer over the second channel member, forming a first dielectric layer over the first oxide layer and a second dielectric layer over the second oxide layer, and forming a capping layer over the second dielectric layer but not over the first dielectric layer. The method further includes performing an annealing process to increase a thickness of the second oxide layer under the capping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lee, Wen-Hung Huang, Kuo-Feng Yu, Jian-Hao Chen, Hsueh-Ju Chen, Zoe Chen
  • Publication number: 20230063857
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, a fin structure on the semiconductor substrate, a gate structure on the fin structure, and a pair of source/drain features on both sides of the gate structure. The gate structure includes an interfacial layer on the fin structure, a gate dielectric layer on the interfacial layer, and a gate electrode layer of a conductive material on and directly contacting the gate dielectric layer. The gate dielectric layer includes nitrogen element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yu Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Jian-Hao Chen, Cheng-Hao Hou, Huang-Chin Chen, Cheng Hong Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Tsung-Da Lin, Da-Yuan Lee, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chi On Chui, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230065195
    Abstract: An n-type field effect transistor includes semiconductor channel members vertically stacked over a substrate, a gate dielectric layer wrapping around each of the semiconductor channel members, and a work function layer disposed over the gate dielectric layer. The work function layer wraps around each of the semiconductor channel members. The n-type field effect transistor also includes a WF isolation layer disposed over the WF layer and a gate metal fill layer disposed over the WF isolation layer. The WF isolation layer fills gaps between adjacent semiconductor channel members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Jo-Chun Hung, Chih-Wei Lee, Wen-Hung Huang, Kuo-Feng Yu
  • Publication number: 20230010952
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes stacks of nano-structures that each extend in a first horizontal direction. The stacks each extend in a vertical direction and are separated from one another in a second horizontal direction. A first gate is disposed over a first subset of the stacks. A second gate is disposed over a second subset of the stacks. A first conductive capping layer is disposed over a substantial entirety of an upper surface of the first gate. A second conductive capping layer is disposed over a substantial entirety of an upper surface of the second gate. A dielectric structure is disposed between the first gate and the second gate in the second horizontal direction. The dielectric structure physically and electrically separates the first gate and the second gate. An upper surface of the dielectric structure is substantially free of having the first or second conductive capping layers disposed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Wei Cheng Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Wei-Cheng Wang, Yen-Ju Chen, Chun-Chih Cheng
  • Publication number: 20230012454
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and related method for forming a gate structure. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device includes a fin extending from a substrate. In some cases, the fin includes a plurality of semiconductor channel layers. In some examples, the semiconductor device further includes a gate dielectric surrounding each of the plurality of semiconductor channel layers. In some embodiments, a first thickness of the gate dielectric disposed on a top surface of a topmost semiconductor channel layer of the plurality of semiconductor channel layers is greater than a second thickness of the gate dielectric disposed on a surface of another semiconductor channel layer disposed beneath the topmost semiconductor channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Kuo-Feng YU, Jiao-Hao CHEN, Chih-Yu HSU, Chih-Wei LEE, Chien-Yuan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20220384454
    Abstract: A transistor includes a gate structure that has a first gate dielectric layer and a second gate dielectric layer. The first gate dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate. The first gate dielectric layer contains a first type of dielectric material that has a first dielectric constant. The second gate dielectric layer is disposed over the first gate dielectric layer. The second gate dielectric layer contains a second type of dielectric material that has a second dielectric constant. The second dielectric constant is greater than the first dielectric constant. The first dielectric constant and the second dielectric constant are each greater than a dielectric constant of silicon oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Hsu, Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Wei Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Hui-Chi Chen, Yu-Chia Liang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kuei-Lun Lin, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20220359296
    Abstract: A dummy gate electrode and a dummy gate dielectric are removed to form a recess between adjacent gate spacers. A gate dielectric is deposited in the recess, and a barrier layer is deposited over the gate dielectric. A first work function layer is deposited over the barrier layer. A first anti-reaction layer is formed over the first work function layer, the first anti-reaction layer reducing oxidation of the first work function layer. A fill material is deposited over the first anti-reaction layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lee, Hsin-Han Tsai, Shih-Hang Chiu, Tsung-Ta Tang, Chung-Chiang Wu, Hung-Chin Chung, Hsien-Ming Lee, Da-Yuan Lee, Jian-Hao Chen, Chien-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Chia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20220352030
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a fin structure is formed by patterning a semiconductor layer, and an annealing operation is performed on the fin structure. In the patterning of the semiconductor layer, a damaged area is formed on a sidewall of the fin structure, and the annealing operation eliminates the damaged area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung TSAI, Yu-Ming LIN, Kuo-Feng YU, Ming-Hsi YEH, Shahaji B. MORE, Chandrashekhar Prakash SAVANT, Chih-Hsin KO, Clement Hsingjen WANN
  • Publication number: 20220351975
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a structure includes: a semiconductor substrate; a gate spacer over the semiconductor substrate, the gate spacer having an upper portion and a lower portion, a first width of the upper portion decreasing continually in a first direction extending away from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second width of the lower portion being constant along the first direction; a gate stack extending along a first sidewall of the gate spacer and the top surface of the semiconductor substrate; and an epitaxial source/drain region adjacent a second sidewall of the gate spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Jiun Peng, Hsiu-Hao Tsao, Shu-Han Chen, Chang-Jhih Syu, Kuo-Feng Yu, Jian-Hao Chen, Chih-Hao Yu, Chang-Yun Chang
  • Publication number: 20220336629
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device including a substrate having a top surface and a gate stack. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer on the substrate and a gate electrode on the gate dielectric layer. The semiconductor device also includes a multi-spacer structure. The multi-spacer includes a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the gate stack, a second spacer, and a third spacer. The second spacer includes a first portion formed on a sidewall of the first spacer and a second portion formed on the top surface of the substrate. The second portion of the second spacer has a thickness in a first direction that gradually decreases. The third spacer is formed on the second portion of the second spacer and on the top surface of the substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a source/drain region formed in the substrate, and a portion of the third spacer abuts the source/drain region and the second portion of the second spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung TSAI, Clement Hsingjen Wann, Kuo-Feng Yu, Ming-Hsi Yeh, Shahaji B. More, Yu-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20220336609
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stack of semiconductor layers vertically arranged above a semiconductor base structure, a gate dielectric layer having portions each surrounding one of the semiconductor layers, and a gate electrode surrounding the gate dielectric layer. Each portion of the gate dielectric layer has a top section above the respective semiconductor layer and a bottom section below the semiconductor layer. The top section has a top thickness along a vertical direction perpendicular to a top surface of the semiconductor base structure; and the bottom section has a bottom thickness along the vertical direction. The top thickness is greater than the bottom thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chan, Wen-Hung Huang, Shan-Mei Liao, Kuei-Lun Lin, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu
  • Publication number: 20220328650
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an interface layer on a substrate, a gate dielectric layer on the interface layer, and a work function metal layer on the gate dielectric layer. An interface between the interface layer and the gate dielectric layer has a concentration of a dipole-inducing element. The semiconductor device also includes an oxygen blocking layer on the work function metal layer and a metal fill layer on the oxygen blocking layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: An-Hung Tai, Yung-Hsiang Chan, Shan-Mei Liao, Hsin-Han Tsai, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu