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).
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Patent number: 12068195Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2023Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20230360919Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan CHEN, Kei-Wei CHEN, Ying-Lang WANG, Kuo-Hsiu WEI
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Publication number: 20230317519Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11728172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan Chen, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei
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Patent number: 11710659Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 11532514Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
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Publication number: 20220384245Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11482450Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20220122884Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11211289Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20210210383Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
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Publication number: 20210183688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10957587Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
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Patent number: 10937691Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20200258756Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan CHEN, Kei-Wei CHEN, Ying-Lang WANG, Kuo-Hsiu WEI
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Patent number: 10643892Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10643853Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yuan-Hsuan Chen, Kei-Wei Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Kuo-Hsiu Wei
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Publication number: 20200105580Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200043786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Li-Chieh Wu, Kuo-Hsiu Wei, Kei-Wei Chen, Tang-Kuei Chang, Chia Hsuan Lee, Jian-Ci Lin
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Publication number: 20190385909Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: 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