Patents by Inventor Li-Yu LEE

Li-Yu LEE 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: 12237230
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a fin structure over a substrate, forming a sacrificial gate structure over the fin structure, and etching a source/drain (S/D) region of the fin structure to form an S/D recess. The fin structure includes first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers alternately stacked. The method further includes depositing an insulating dielectric layer in the S/D recess, depositing an etch protection layer over a bottom portion of the insulating dielectric layer, and partially removing the insulating dielectric layer. The method further includes growing an epitaxial S/D feature in the S/D recess. The bottom portion of the insulating dielectric layer interposes the epitaxial S/D feature and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-Yu Lai, Jyun-Chih Lin, Yen-Ting Chen, Wei-Yang Lee, Chia-Pin Lin, Wei Hao Lu, Li-Li Su
  • Patent number: 12224210
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor fin protruding from the substrate, an isolation layer disposed above the substrate, a dielectric fin with a bottom portion embedded in the isolation layer, and a gate structure over top and sidewall surfaces of the semiconductor fin and the dielectric fin. The semiconductor fin has a first sidewall and a second sidewall facing away from the first sidewall. The isolation layer includes a first portion disposed on the first sidewall of the semiconductor fin and a second portion disposed on the second sidewall of the semiconductor fin. A top portion of the dielectric fin includes an air pocket with a top opening sealed by the gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Yu Lin, Yi-Ruei Jhan, Fang-Wei Lee, Tze-Chung Lin, Chao-Hsien Huang, Li-Te Lin, Pinyen Lin, Akira Mineji
  • Publication number: 20240395619
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods for forming the same that include a through substrate via. Sacrificial semiconductor structures (e.g., fins) are formed with metal gate structures in a through via region. An opening is formed through BEOL layers to expose the metal gates, which may then be removed. A liner layer is formed on sidewalls of the opening including on semiconductor structures extending from the substrate. The opening is then extended into the substrate and a through substrate via is formed from the extended opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Li-Yu LEE, Cheng-Hao YEH, Liang-Wei WANG, Dian-Hau CHEN
  • Patent number: 11676895
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheng-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, Tai-Yang Wu
  • Patent number: 11355436
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheng-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, TaiYang Wu
  • Publication number: 20210358841
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Bey WU, Dian-Hau CHEN, Jye-Yen CHENG, Sheng-Hsuan WEI, Li-Yu LEE, Tai-Yang WU
  • Patent number: 11081445
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheng-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, Tai-Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20210143101
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Bey WU, Dian-Hau CHEN, Jye-Yen CHENG, Sheng-Hsuan WEI, Li-Yu LEE, TaiYang WU
  • Patent number: 10879179
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheng-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, TaiYang Wu
  • Publication number: 20190348362
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Yu-Bey WU, Dian-Hau CHEN, Jye-Yen CHENG, Sheng-Hsuan WEI, Li-Yu LEE, Tai-Yang WU
  • Patent number: 10361156
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheung-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, Tai-Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20190157204
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Yu-Bey WU, Dian-Hau CHEN, Jye-Yen CHENG, Sheng-Hsuan WEI, Li-Yu LEE, TaiYang WU
  • Patent number: 10157843
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheng-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, TaiYang Wu
  • Publication number: 20180122738
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheung-Hsuan Wei, Li Yu Lee, Tai-Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20180076141
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Yu-Bey WU, Dian-Hau CHEN, Jye-Yen CHENG, Sheng-Hsuan WEI, Li-Yu LEE, TaiYang WU
  • Patent number: 9852992
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Bey Wu, Dian-Hau Chen, Jye-Yen Cheng, Sheng-Hsuan Wei, Li-Yu Lee, TaiYang Wu
  • Publication number: 20170221827
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate, first recesses are formed in the first dielectric layer. Metal wirings extending is a first direction are formed in the first recesses. A mask layer is formed over the metal wirings and the first dielectric layer, which includes a first opening extending in the first direction and is located above a space between adjacent two metal wirings. A first groove corresponding to the first opening is formed between the adjacent two metal wirings by etching the first dielectric layer using the mask layer as an etching mask. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a first air gap is formed in the first groove. A width of the first opening in a perpendicular direction to the first direction is smaller than a space between the adjacent two metal wirings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Bey WU, Dian-Hau CHEN, Jye-Yen CHENG, Sheng-Hsuan WEI, Li-Yu LEE, TaiYang WU
  • Patent number: D408738
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Li Yu Lee Wu