Patents by Inventor Li-Lin Su

Li-Lin Su 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: 9935006
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating a semiconductor device in a semiconductor technology node that is 5-nanometer or smaller. An opening is formed that extends through a plurality of layers over a substrate. A barrier layer is formed on surfaces of the opening. A liner layer is formed over the barrier layer in the opening. The barrier layer and the liner layer have different material compositions. The opening is filled with a non-copper metal material. The non-copper material is formed over the liner layer. In some embodiments, the non-copper metal material includes cobalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsien-Chang Wu, Li-Lin Su
  • Publication number: 20170287842
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A first pattern and a second pattern are formed in the first interlayer dielectric layer. The first pattern has a width greater than a width of the second pattern. A first metal layer is formed in the first pattern and the second pattern. A second metal layer is formed in the first pattern. A planarization operation is performed on the first and second metal layers so that a first metal wiring by the first pattern and a second metal wiring by the second pattern are formed. A metal material of the first metal layer is different from a metal material of the second metal layer. The first metal wiring includes the first and second metal layers and the second metal wiring includes the first metal layer but does not include the second metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Shih-Kang FU, Hsien-Chang WU, Li-Lin SU, Ming-Han LEE, Shau-Lin SHUE
  • Patent number: 9721894
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A first pattern and a second pattern are formed in the first interlayer dielectric layer. The first pattern has a width greater than a width of the second pattern. A first metal layer is formed in the first pattern and the second pattern. A second metal layer is formed in the first pattern. A planarization operation is performed on the first and second metal layers so that a first metal wiring by the first pattern and a second metal wiring by the second pattern are formed. A metal material of the first metal layer is different from a metal material of the second metal layer. The first metal wiring includes the first and second metal layers and the second metal wiring includes the first metal layer but does not include the second metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Kang Fu, Hsien-Chang Wu, Li-Lin Su, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20170207167
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Publication number: 20170178957
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating a semiconductor device in a semiconductor technology node that is 5-nanometer or smaller. An opening is formed that extends through a plurality of layers over a substrate. A barrier layer is formed on surfaces of the opening. A liner layer is formed over the barrier layer in the opening. The barrier layer and the liner layer have different material compositions. The opening is filled with a non-copper metal material. The non-copper material is formed over the liner layer. In some embodiments, the non-copper metal material includes cobalt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Hsien-Chang Wu, Li-Lin Su
  • Patent number: 9614052
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Publication number: 20170092591
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A first pattern and a second pattern are formed in the first interlayer dielectric layer. The first pattern has a width greater than a width of the second pattern. A first metal layer is formed in the first pattern and the second pattern. A second metal layer is formed in the first pattern. A planarization operation is performed on the first and second metal layers so that a first metal wiring by the first pattern and a second metal wiring by the second pattern are formed. A metal material of the first metal layer is different from a metal material of the second metal layer. The first metal wiring includes the first and second metal layers and the second metal wiring includes the first metal layer but does not include the second metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Shih-Kang FU, Hsien-Chang WU, Li-Lin SU, Ming-Han LEE, Shau-Lin SHUE
  • Patent number: 9589897
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating a semiconductor device in a semiconductor technology node that is 5-nanometer or smaller. An opening is formed that extends through a plurality of layers over a substrate. A barrier layer is formed on surfaces of the opening. A liner layer is formed over the barrier layer in the opening. The barrier layer and the liner layer have different material compositions. The opening is filled with a non-copper metal material. The non-copper material is formed over the liner layer. In some embodiments, the non-copper metal material includes cobalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien-Chang Wu, Li-Lin Su
  • Publication number: 20170053876
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating a semiconductor device in a semiconductor technology node that is 5-nanometer or smaller. An opening is formed that extends through a plurality of layers over a substrate. A barrier layer is formed on surfaces of the opening. A liner layer is formed over the barrier layer in the opening. The barrier layer and the liner layer have different material compositions. The opening is filled with a non-copper metal material. The non-copper material is formed over the liner layer. In some embodiments, the non-copper metal material includes cobalt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Hsien-Chang Wu, Li-Lin Su
  • Patent number: 9530737
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A first pattern and a second pattern are formed in the first interlayer dielectric layer. The first pattern has a width greater than a width of the second pattern. A first metal layer is formed in the first pattern and the second pattern. A second metal layer is formed in the first pattern. A planarization operation is performed on the first and second metal layers so that a first metal wiring by the first pattern and a second metal wiring by the second pattern are formed. A metal material of the first metal layer is different from a metal material of the second metal layer. The first metal wiring includes the first and second metal layers and the second metal wiring includes the first metal layer but does not include the second metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Kang Fu, Hsien-Chang Wu, Li-Lin Su, Ming-Han Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20160064517
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Patent number: 9136206
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Publication number: 20140027822
    Abstract: A device includes a conductive layer including a bottom portion, and a sidewall portion over the bottom portion, wherein the sidewall portion is connected to an end of the bottom portion. An aluminum-containing layer overlaps the bottom portion of the conductive layer, wherein a top surface of the aluminum-containing layer is substantially level with a top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer. An aluminum oxide layer is overlying the aluminum-containing layer. A copper-containing region is over the aluminum oxide layer, and is spaced apart from the aluminum-containing layer by the aluminum oxide layer. The copper-containing region is electrically coupled to the aluminum-containing layer through the top edge of the sidewall portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Huang-Ming Chen, Hsueh Wen Tsau
  • Patent number: 8252690
    Abstract: A method of forming a seed layer of an interconnect structure includes forming a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; performing a first deposition step to form the seed layer; and in-situ performing a first etch step to remove a portion of the seed layer. The method may further includes additional deposition and etch steps for forming the seed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Cheng-Lin Huang, Shing-Chyang Pan, Ching-Hua Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8034709
    Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a composite barrier layer with superior barrier qualities and superior adhesion properties to both dielectric materials and conductive materials as the composite barrier layer extends throughout the semiconductor device. The composite barrier layer may be formed in regions where it is disposed between two conductive layers and in regions where it is disposed between a conductive layer and a dielectric material. The composite barrier layer may consist of various pluralities of layers and the arrangement of layers that form the composite barrier layer may differ as the barrier layer extends throughout different sections of the device. Amorphous layers of the composite barrier layer generally form boundaries with dielectric materials and crystalline layers generally form boundaries with conductive materials such as interconnect materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Lin Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Hsien-Ming Lee, Shing-Chyang Pan, Chao-Hsien Peng, Li-Lin Su, Jing-Cheng Lin, Shao-Lin Shue, Mong-Song Liang
  • Patent number: 7704886
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; performing a first deposition step to form a seed layer in a first chamber; and performing a first etch step to remove a portion of the seed layer. The method may further include performing a second deposition step to increase the thickness of the seed layer. At least one of the first etch step and the second deposition step is performed in a second chamber different from the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Shing-Chyang Pan, Cheng-Lin Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090209098
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; performing a first deposition step to form a seed layer in a first chamber; and performing a first etch step to remove a portion of the seed layer. The method may further include performing a second deposition step to increase the thickness of the seed layer. At least one of the first etch step and the second deposition step is performed in a second chamber different from the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Shing-Chyang Pan, Cheng-Lin Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090209106
    Abstract: A method of forming a seed layer of an interconnect structure includes forming a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; performing a first deposition step to form the seed layer; and in-situ performing a first etch step to remove a portion of the seed layer. The method may further includes additional deposition and etch steps for forming the seed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Li-Lin Su, Cheng-Lin Huang, Shing-Chyang Pan, Ching-Hua Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090047780
    Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a composite barrier layer with superior barrier qualities and superior adhesion properties to both dielectric materials and conductive materials as the composite barrier layer extends throughout the semiconductor device. The composite barrier layer may be formed in regions where it is disposed between two conductive layers and in regions where it is disposed between a conductive layer and a dielectric material. The composite barrier layer may consist of various pluralities of layers and the arrangement of layers that form the composite barrier layer may differ as the barrier layer extends throughout different sections of the device. Amorphous layers of the composite barrier layer generally form boundaries with dielectric materials and crystalline layers generally form boundaries with conductive materials such as interconnect materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Cheng-Lin Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Hsien-Ming Lee, Shing-Chyang Pan, Chao-Hsien Peng, Li-Lin Su, Jing-Cheng Lin, Shao-Lin Shue, Mong-Song Liang
  • Patent number: 7453149
    Abstract: A composite barrier layer provides superior barrier qualities and superior adhesion properties to both dielectric materials and conductive materials as the composite barrier layer extends throughout the semiconductor device. The composite barrier layer may be formed in regions where it is disposed between two conductive layers and in regions where it is disposed between a conductive layer and a dielectric material. The composite barrier layer may consist of various pluralities of layers and the arrangement of layers that form the composite barrier layer may differ as the barrier layer extends throughout different sections of the device. Amorphous layers of the composite barrier layer are generally disposed to form boundaries with dielectric materials and crystalline layers are generally disposed to form boundaries with conductive materials such as interconnect materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Lin Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Hsien-Ming Lee, Shing-Chyang Pan, Chao-Hsien Peng, Li-Lin Su, Jing-Cheng Lin, Shao-Lin Shue, Mong-Song Liang