Patents by Inventor Kuo-Hsiu Wei

Kuo-Hsiu Wei 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: 20230360919
    Abstract: A method of thinning a wafer includes measuring an initial thickness of the wafer. The method further includes calculating a polishing time using the initial thickness. The method further includes polishing the wafer for a first duration equal to the polishing time to obtain a polished wafer. The method further includes measuring a polished thickness of the polished wafer. The method further includes calculating an etching time using the polished thickness. The method further includes etching the polished wafer for a second duration equal to the etching time to obtain an etched wafer, wherein the wafer has a total thickness variation of less than or equal to 0.15 ?m after etching the polished wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan CHEN, Kei-Wei CHEN, Ying-Lang WANG, Kuo-Hsiu WEI
  • Publication number: 20230317519
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee
  • Patent number: 11728172
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first metrology tool configured to measure an initial thickness of a wafer. The apparatus includes a controller connected to the first metrology tool and configured to calculate a polishing time based on a material removal rate, a predetermined thickness and the initial thickness of the wafer. The apparatus includes a polishing tool connected to the controller and configured to polish the wafer for a first duration equal to the polishing time. The apparatus includes a second metrology tool connected to the controller and configured to measure a polished thickness. The controller is configured for receiving the initial thickness from the first metrology tool and the polished thickness from the second metrology tool, updating the material removal rate based on the predetermined thickness, the polishing time and the polished thickness, and calculating an etching time for etching the polished wafer using the polished thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan Chen, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei
  • Patent number: 11710659
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee
  • Patent number: 11532514
    Abstract: A structure and a formation method of a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes forming a conductive feature over a semiconductor substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the conductive feature. The method also includes forming an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature. The method further includes forming a conductive material to overfill the opening. In addition, the method includes thinning the conductive material using a chemical mechanical polishing process. A slurry used in the chemical mechanical polishing process includes an iron-containing oxidizer that oxidizes a portion of the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
  • Publication number: 20220384245
    Abstract: Methods of forming a slurry and methods of performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process utilized in manufacturing semiconductor devices, as described herein, may be performed on semiconductor devices including integrated contact structures with ruthenium (Ru) plug contacts down to a semiconductor substrate. The slurry may be formed by mixing a first abrasive, a second abrasive, and a reactant with a solvent. The first abrasive may include a first particulate including titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles and the second abrasive may include a second particulate that is different from the first particulate. The slurry may be used in a CMP process for removing ruthenium (Ru) materials and dielectric materials from a surface of a workpiece resulting in better WiD loading and planarization of the surface for a flat profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Chia Hsuan Lee, Chun-Wei Hsu, Chia-Wei Ho, Chi-Hsiang Shen, Li-Chieh Wu, Jian-Ci Lin, Chi-Jen Liu, Yi-Sheng Lin, Yang-Chun Cheng, Liang-Guang Chen, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11482450
    Abstract: Methods of forming a slurry and methods of performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process utilized in manufacturing semiconductor devices, as described herein, may be performed on semiconductor devices including integrated contact structures with ruthenium (Ru) plug contacts down to a semiconductor substrate. The slurry may be formed by mixing a first abrasive, a second abrasive, and a reactant with a solvent. The first abrasive may include a first particulate including titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles and the second abrasive may include a second particulate that is different from the first particulate. The slurry may be used in a CMP process for removing ruthenium (Ru) materials and dielectric materials from a surface of a workpiece resulting in better WiD loading and planarization of the surface for a flat profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia Hsuan Lee, Chun-Wei Hsu, Chia-Wei Ho, Chi-Hsiang Shen, Li-Chieh Wu, Jian-Ci Lin, Chi-Jen Liu, Yi-Sheng Lin, Yang-Chun Cheng, Liang-Guang Chen, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20220122884
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee
  • Patent number: 11211289
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee
  • Publication number: 20210210383
    Abstract: A structure and a formation method of a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes forming a conductive feature over a semiconductor substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the conductive feature. The method also includes forming an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature. The method further includes forming a conductive material to overfill the opening. In addition, the method includes thinning the conductive material using a chemical mechanical polishing process. A slurry used in the chemical mechanical polishing process includes an iron-containing oxidizer that oxidizes a portion of the conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
  • Publication number: 20210183688
    Abstract: Methods of forming a slurry and methods of performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process utilized in manufacturing semiconductor devices, as described herein, may be performed on semiconductor devices including integrated contact structures with ruthenium (Ru) plug contacts down to a semiconductor substrate. The slurry may be formed by mixing a first abrasive, a second abrasive, and a reactant with a solvent. The first abrasive may include a first particulate including titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles and the second abrasive may include a second particulate that is different from the first particulate. The slurry may be used in a CMP process for removing ruthenium (Ru) materials and dielectric materials from a surface of a workpiece resulting in better WiD loading and planarization of the surface for a flat profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Chia Hsuan Lee, Chun-Wei Hsu, Chia-Wei Ho, Chi-Hsiang Shen, Li-Chieh Wu, Jian-Ci Lin, Chi-Jen Liu, Yi-Sheng Lin, Yang-Chun Cheng, Liang-Guang Chen, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 10957587
    Abstract: A structure and a formation method of a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes forming a conductive feature over a semiconductor substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the conductive feature. The method also includes forming an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature. The method further includes forming a conductive material to overfill the opening. In addition, the method includes thinning the conductive material using a chemical mechanical polishing process. A slurry used in the chemical mechanical polishing process includes an iron-containing oxidizer that oxidizes a portion of the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
  • Patent number: 10937691
    Abstract: Methods of forming a slurry and methods of performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process utilized in manufacturing semiconductor devices, as described herein, may be performed on semiconductor devices including integrated contact structures with ruthenium (Ru) plug contacts down to a semiconductor substrate. The slurry may be formed by mixing a first abrasive, a second abrasive, and a reactant with a solvent. The first abrasive may include a first particulate including titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles and the second abrasive may include a second particulate that is different from the first particulate. The slurry may be used in a CMP process for removing ruthenium (Ru) materials and dielectric materials from a surface of a workpiece resulting in better WiD loading and planarization of the surface for a flat profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hsuan Lee, Chun-Wei Hsu, Chia-Wei Ho, Chi-Hsiang Shen, Li-Chieh Wu, Jian-Ci Lin, Chi-Jen Liu, Yi-Sheng Lin, Yang-Chun Cheng, Liang-Guang Chen, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20200258756
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first metrology tool configured to measure an initial thickness of a wafer. The apparatus includes a controller connected to the first metrology tool and configured to calculate a polishing time based on a material removal rate, a predetermined thickness and the initial thickness of the wafer. The apparatus includes a polishing tool connected to the controller and configured to polish the wafer for a first duration equal to the polishing time. The apparatus includes a second metrology tool connected to the controller and configured to measure a polished thickness. The controller is configured for receiving the initial thickness from the first metrology tool and the polished thickness from the second metrology tool, updating the material removal rate based on the predetermined thickness, the polishing time and the polished thickness, and calculating an etching time for etching the polished wafer using the polished thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan CHEN, Kei-Wei CHEN, Ying-Lang WANG, Kuo-Hsiu WEI
  • Patent number: 10643853
    Abstract: A wafer thinning apparatus includes a first metrology tool configured to measure an initial thickness of the wafer. The wafer thinning apparatus further includes a controller connected to the first metrology tool, and configured to determine a polishing time based on the initial thickness, a predetermined thickness and a material removal rate. The wafer thinning apparatus further includes a polishing tool connected to the controller configured to polish the wafer for a period of time equal to the polishing time. The wafer thinning apparatus includes a second metrology tool connected to the controller and the polishing tool, and configured to measure a polished thickness. The controller is configured to update the material removal rate based on the polished thickness, the predetermined thickness and the polishing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan Chen, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei
  • Patent number: 10643892
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee
  • Publication number: 20200105580
    Abstract: Methods of forming a slurry and methods of performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process utilized in manufacturing semiconductor devices, as described herein, may be performed on semiconductor devices including integrated contact structures with ruthenium (Ru) plug contacts down to a semiconductor substrate. The slurry may be formed by mixing a first abrasive, a second abrasive, and a reactant with a solvent. The first abrasive may include a first particulate including titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles and the second abrasive may include a second particulate that is different from the first particulate. The slurry may be used in a CMP process for removing ruthenium (Ru) materials and dielectric materials from a surface of a workpiece resulting in better WiD loading and planarization of the surface for a flat profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Chia Hsuan Lee, Chun-Wei Hsu, Chia-Wei Ho, Chi-Hsiang Shen, Li-Chieh Wu, Jian-Ci Lin, Chi-Jen Liu, Yi-Sheng Lin, Yang-Chun Cheng, Liang-Guang Chen, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20200043786
    Abstract: A structure and a formation method of a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes forming a conductive feature over a semiconductor substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the conductive feature. The method also includes forming an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature. The method further includes forming a conductive material to overfill the opening. In addition, the method includes thinning the conductive material using a chemical mechanical polishing process. A slurry used in the chemical mechanical polishing process includes an iron-containing oxidizer that oxidizes a portion of the conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
  • Publication number: 20190385909
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee
  • Publication number: 20190371664
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Tang-Kuei Chang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Liang-Yin Chen, Huicheng Chang, Ting-Kui Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee