Patents by Inventor Kuo-Yen Liu

Kuo-Yen Liu 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: 11955441
    Abstract: An interconnect structure comprises a first dielectric layer, a first metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a metal via, and a second metal layer. The first dielectric layer is over a substrate. The first metal layer is over the first dielectric layer. The first metal layer comprises a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion. The second dielectric layer is over the first metal layer. The metal via has an upper portion in the second dielectric layer, a middle portion between the first and second portions of the first metal layer, and a lower portion in the first dielectric layer. The second metal layer is over the metal via. From a top view the second metal layer comprises a metal line having longitudinal sides respectively set back from opposite sides of the first portion of the first metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hong Lin, Kuo-Yen Liu, Hsin-Chun Chang, Tzu-Li Lee, Yu-Ching Lee, Yih-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 11955553
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to using an implantation process and a melting anneal process performed on a nanosecond scale to achieve a high surface concentration (surface pile up) dopant profile and a retrograde dopant profile simultaneously. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a source/drain structure in an active area on a substrate, the source/drain structure including a first region comprising germanium, implanting a first dopant into the first region of the source/drain structure to form an amorphous region in at least the first region of the source/drain structure, implanting a second dopant into the amorphous region containing the first dopant, and heating the source/drain structure to liquidize and convert at least the amorphous region into a crystalline region, the crystalline region containing the first dopant and the second dopant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-Hao Liu, Kuo-Ju Chen, Wen-Yen Chen, Ying-Lang Wang, Liang-Yin Chen, Li-Ting Wang, Huicheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20240113071
    Abstract: An integrated circuit package including electrically floating metal lines and a method of forming are provided. The integrated circuit package may include integrated circuit dies, an encapsulant around the integrated circuit dies, a redistribution structure on the encapsulant, a first electrically floating metal line disposed on the redistribution structure, a first electrical component connected to the redistribution structure, and an underfill between the first electrical component and the redistribution structure. A first opening in the underfill may expose a top surface of the first electrically floating metal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Chung-Shi Liu, Mao-Yen Chang, Yu-Chia Lai, Kuo-Lung Pan, Hao-Yi Tsai, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Hsiu-Jen Lin, Po-Yuan Teng, Cheng-Chieh Wu, Jen-Chun Liao
  • Publication number: 20220216165
    Abstract: An interconnect structure comprises a first dielectric layer, a first metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a metal via, and a second metal layer. The first dielectric layer is over a substrate. The first metal layer is over the first dielectric layer. The first metal layer comprises a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion. The second dielectric layer is over the first metal layer. The metal via has an upper portion in the second dielectric layer, a middle portion between the first and second portions of the first metal layer, and a lower portion in the first dielectric layer. The second metal layer is over the metal via. From a top view the second metal layer comprises a metal line having longitudinal sides respectively set back from opposite sides of the first portion of the first metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hong LIN, Kuo-Yen LIU, Hsin-Chun CHANG, Tzu-Li LEE, Yu-Ching LEE, Yih-Ching WANG
  • Patent number: 11302654
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a first dielectric layer over a substrate; forming a first dummy metal layer over the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dummy metal layer has first and second portions laterally separated from each other; depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dummy metal layer; etching an opening having an upper portion in the second dielectric layer, a middle portion between the first and second portions of the first dummy metal layer, and a lower portion in the first dielectric layer, wherein a width of the lower portion of the opening is greater than a width of the middle portion of the opening, and a bottom of the opening is higher than a bottom of the first dielectric layer; and forming a dummy via in the opening and a second dummy metal layer over the dummy via and the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hong Lin, Kuo-Yen Liu, Hsin-Chun Chang, Tzu-Li Lee, Yu-Ching Lee, Yih-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 11177211
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen Liu, Boo Yeh, Min-Chang Liang, Jui-Yao Lai, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Ying-Yan Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20200411452
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a first dielectric layer over a substrate; forming a first dummy metal layer over the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dummy metal layer has first and second portions laterally separated from each other; depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dummy metal layer; etching an opening having an upper portion in the second dielectric layer, a middle portion between the first and second portions of the first dummy metal layer, and a lower portion in the first dielectric layer, wherein a width of the lower portion of the opening is greater than a width of the middle portion of the opening, and a bottom of the opening is higher than a bottom of the first dielectric layer; and forming a dummy via in the opening and a second dummy metal layer over the dummy via and the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hong LIN, Kuo-Yen LIU, Hsin-Chun CHANG, Tzu-Li LEE, Yu-Ching LEE, Yih-Ching WANG
  • Patent number: 10777510
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacture thereof are provided. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate. Next, forming a first dummy metal layer on the first dielectric layer. Then, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dummy metal layer. Furthermore, forming an opening in the second dielectric layer and the first dummy metal layer. Then, forming a dummy via in the opening, wherein the dummy via extending through the second dielectric layer and at least partially through the first dummy metal layer. Finally, forming a second dummy metal layer on the second dielectric layer and contact the dummy via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hong Lin, Kuo-Yen Liu, Hsin-Chun Chang, Tzu-Li Lee, Yu-Ching Lee, Yih-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20200211957
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen LIU, Boo YEH, Min-Chang LIANG, Jui-Yao LAI, Sai-Hooi YEONG, Ying-Yan CHEN, Yen-Ming CHEN
  • Patent number: 10629527
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen Liu, Boo Yeh, Min-Chang Liang, Jui-Yao Lai, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Ying-Yan Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 10269697
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen Liu, Boo Yeh, Min-Chang Liang, Jui-Yao Lai, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Ying-Yan Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20190109087
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen LIU, Boo YEH, Min-Chang LIANG, Jui-Yao LAI, Sai-Hooi YEONG, Ying-Yan CHEN, Yen-Ming CHEN
  • Patent number: 10157826
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen Liu, Boo Yeh, Min-Chang Liang, Jui-Yao Lai, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Ying-Yan Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20180151511
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacture thereof are provided. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate. Next, forming a first dummy metal layer on the first dielectric layer. Then, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dummy metal layer. Furthermore, forming an opening in the second dielectric layer and the first dummy metal layer. Then, forming a dummy via in the opening, wherein the dummy via extending through the second dielectric layer and at least partially through the first dummy metal layer. Finally, forming a second dummy metal layer on the second dielectric layer and contact the dummy via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Jian-Hong Lin, Kuo-Yen Liu, Hsin-Chun Chang, Tzu-Li Lee, Yu-Ching Lee, Yih-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20170186686
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower conductive lines overlying a substrate and extending in a first direction, an insulating layer overlying the plurality of lower conductive lines, a plurality of upper conductive lines overlying the insulating layer and the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material formed in the insulating layer. The plurality of upper conductive lines are arranged in the first direction with a first pitch. The plurality of vias includes first vias and second vias. At least one via of the first vias connects at least two lines of the plurality of lower conductive lines and one line of the plurality of upper conductive lines. An average width in the first direction of the first vias is different from an average width in the first direction of the second vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Kuo-Yen LIU, Boo YEH, Min-Chang LIANG, Jui-Yao LAI, Sai-Hooi YEONG, Ying-Yan CHEN, Yen-Ming CHEN
  • Patent number: 6835649
    Abstract: Within a method for forming a microelectronic fabrication there is provided a substrate having formed thereover a patterned dielectric layer which defines a via. There is also formed within a lower portion of the via a tungsten stud layer having a recess thereabove within the via. There is also formed within the recess a patterned conductor capping layer formed of a conductor material other than tungsten. The patterned conductor capping layer may seal a void formed within the tungsten stud layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Lee, Wen-Chen Chien, Yu-Da Fan, Kuo-Yen Liu, Yu-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20030224598
    Abstract: Within a method for forming a microelectronic fabrication there is provided a substrate having formed thereover a patterned dielectric layer which defines a via. There is also formed within a lower portion of the via a tungsten.stud layer having a recess thereabove within the via. There is also formed within the recess a patterned conductor capping layer formed of a conductor material other than tungsten. The patterned conductor capping layer may seal a void formed within the tungsten stud layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Lee, Wen-Chen Chien, Yu-Da Fan, Kuo-Yen Liu, Yu-Ching Chang