Patents by Inventor Lung-Kun Chu

Lung-Kun Chu 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: 20250142943
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of first nanostructures formed over a substrate, and a plurality of second nanostructures formed over the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a gate structure surrounding the first nanostructures and the second nanostructures, and the first hard mask layer and the second hard mask layer are surrounded by the gate dielectric layer. The semiconductor device includes an isolation structure extending upwardly above the substrate, and a bottom surface of the isolation structure is lower than a bottommost surface of the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2025
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chung-Wei HSU, Lung-Kun CHU, Jia-Ni YU, Chih-Hao WANG, Mao-Lin HUANG
  • Patent number: 12288695
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer over a first channel region in a first region and over a second channel region in a second region; introducing a first dipole element into the first dielectric layer in the first region to form a first dipole-containing gate dielectric layer in the first region; forming a second dielectric layer over the first dipole-containing gate dielectric layer; introducing fluorine into the second dielectric layer to form a first fluorine-containing gate dielectric layer over the first dipole-containing gate dielectric layer; and forming a gate electrode over the first fluorine-containing gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Mao-Lin Huang, Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chun-Fu Lu, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20250120123
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and methods of forming the same are described. The structure includes a gate dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, a gate electrode layer disposed over the gate dielectric layer, and a first gate spacer disposed adjacent the gate dielectric layer, wherein the first gate spacer comprises an inner surface facing the gate dielectric layer and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the first gate spacer includes an oxygen concentration that decreases from the inner surface towards the outer surface of the first gate spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Chun-Fu LU, Lung-Kun CHU, Jia-Ni YU, Chung-Wei HSU, Shih-Hao LAI, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20250120166
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises forming a first stack structure and a second stack structure in a first area over a substrate, wherein each of the stack structures includes semiconductor layers separated and stacked up; depositing a first interfacial layer around each of the semiconductor layers of the stack structures; depositing a gate dielectric layer around the first interfacial layer; forming a dipole oxide layer around the gate dielectric layer; removing the dipole oxide layer around the gate dielectric layer of the second stack structure; performing an annealing process to form a dipole gate dielectric layer for the first stack structure and a non-dipole gate dielectric layer for the second stack structure; and depositing a first gate electrode around the dipole gate dielectric layer of the first stack structure and the non-dipole gate dielectric layer of the second stack structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Hou-Yu Chen, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chih-Hao Wang, Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Jia-Ni Yu
  • Patent number: 12266544
    Abstract: A method for processing an integrated circuit includes forming a plurality of transistors. The method utilizes a reversed tone patterning process to selectively drive dipoles into the gate dielectric layers of some of the transistors while preventing dipoles from entering the gate dielectric layers of other transistors. This process can be repeated to produce a plurality of transistors each having different threshold voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chun-Fu Lu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20250107152
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a channel portion disposed on and spaced apart from a substrate, a gate dielectric which includes an upper dielectric region disposed on the channel portion, a first inner gate structure disposed between the substrate and the upper dielectric region, and an outer gate structure including an outer work-function portion and a cap portion. The outer work-function portion covers the upper dielectric region and the first inner gate structure. The cap portion covers the outer work-function portion in a way that the cap portion is separated from the first inner gate structure. The first inner gate structure includes a first work-function material and a conductive material that is different from the first work-function material. The outer work-function portion includes a second work-function material that is different from the conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei HSU, Lung-Kun CHU, Jia-Ni YU, Chun-Fu LU, Shih-Hao LAI, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20250072050
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a transistor having a plurality of stacked channels each extending between the source/drain regions of the transistor. The transistor also includes a hard mask nanostructure above the highest channel and extending between the source/drain regions of the transistor. A gate dielectric and gate metals wrap around the channels and the hard mask nanostructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Chung-Wei HSU, Lung-Kun CHU, Jia-Ni YU, Chun-Fu LU, Shih-Hao LAI, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Patent number: 12237396
    Abstract: Multi-gate devices and methods for fabricating such are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes forming a gate dielectric layer around first channel layers in a p-type gate region and around second channel layers in an n-type gate region. Sacrificial features are formed between the second channel layers in the n-type gate region. A p-type work function layer is formed over the gate dielectric layer in the p-type gate region and the n-type gate region. After removing the p-type work function layer from the n-type gate region, the sacrificial features are removed from between the second channel layers in the n-type gate region. An n-type work function layer is formed over the gate dielectric layer in the n-type gate region. A metal fill layer is formed over the p-type work function layer in the p-type gate region and the n-type work function layer in the n-type gate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Ni Yu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Lung-Kun Chu, Chung-Wei Hsu, Chih-Hao Wang, Mao-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 12237372
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, and a first semiconductor channel over the substrate. The first semiconductor channel includes a first nanosheet of a first semiconductor material, a second nanosheet of a second semiconductor material in physical contact with a topside surface of the first nanosheet, and a third nanosheet of the second semiconductor material in physical contact with an underside surface of the first nanosheet. The first gate structure is over and laterally surrounding the first semiconductor channel, and in physical contact with the second nanosheet and the third nanosheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chung-Wei Hsu, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Mao-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 12237373
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, and a first semiconductor channel over the substrate. The first semiconductor channel includes a first nanosheet of a first semiconductor material, a second nanosheet of a second semiconductor material in physical contact with a topside surface of the first nanosheet, and a third nanosheet of the second semiconductor material in physical contact with an underside surface of the first nanosheet. The first gate structure is over and laterally surrounding the first semiconductor channel, and in physical contact with the second nanosheet and the third nanosheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chung-Wei Hsu, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Mao-Lin Huang
  • Publication number: 20250040233
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor arrangement comprises forming a first fin in a semiconductor layer. A first gate dielectric layer includes a first high-k material is formed over the first fin. A first sacrificial gate electrode is formed over the first fin. A dielectric layer is formed adjacent the first sacrificial gate electrode and over the first fin. The first sacrificial gate electrode is removed to define a first gate cavity in the dielectric layer. A second gate dielectric layer including a second dielectric material different than the first high-k material is formed over the first gate dielectric layer in the first gate cavity. A first gate electrode is formed in the first gate cavity over the second gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Chung-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 12206005
    Abstract: A structure has stacks of semiconductor layers over a substrate and adjacent a dielectric feature. A gate dielectric is formed wrapping around each layer and the dielectric feature. A first layer of first gate electrode material is deposited over the gate dielectric and the dielectric feature. The first layer on the dielectric feature is recessed to a first height below a top surface of the dielectric feature. A second layer of the first gate electrode material is deposited over the first layer. The first gate electrode material in a first region of the substrate is removed to expose a portion of the gate dielectric in the first region, while the first gate electrode material in a second region of the substrate is preserved. A second gate electrode material is deposited over the exposed portion of the gate dielectric and over a remaining portion of the first gate electrode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDICTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Mao-Lin Huang, Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 12199190
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes a fin structure over a substrate, a vertical stack of silicon nanostructures disposed over the fin structure, an isolation structure disposed around the fin structure, a germanium-containing interfacial layer wrapping around each of the vertical stack of silicon nanostructures, a gate dielectric layer wrapping around the germanium-containing interfacial layer, and a gate electrode layer wrapping around the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mao-Lin Huang, Jia-Ni Yu, Lung-Kun Chu, Chung-Wei Hsu, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Patent number: 12191209
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of first semiconductor nanostructures formed over a substrate, and a first S/D structure formed on sidewall surfaces of the first semiconductor nanostructures. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of second semiconductor nanostructures formed over the substrate, and a second S/D structure formed on sidewall surfaces of the second semiconductor nanostructures. The semiconductor device includes an isolation structure formed between the first S/D structure and the second S/D structure, and the isolation structure has a first sidewall surface in direct contact with the first S/D structure and a second sidewall surface in direct contact with the second S/D structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chung-Wei Hsu, Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chih-Hao Wang, Mao-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 12176391
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The structure includes first and second dielectric features and a first semiconductor layer disposed between the first and second dielectric features. The structure further includes an isolation layer disposed between the first and second dielectric features, and the isolation layer is in contact with the first and second dielectric features. The first semiconductor layer is disposed over the isolation layer. The structure further includes a gate dielectric layer disposed over the isolation layer and a gate electrode layer disposed over the gate dielectric layer. The gate electrode layer has an end extending to a level between a first plane defined by a first surface of the first semiconductor layer and a second plane defined by a second surface opposite the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Chung-Wei Hsu, Jia-Ni Yu, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 12170231
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises forming a first stack structure and a second stack structure in a first area over a substrate, wherein each of the stack structures includes semiconductor layers separated and stacked up; depositing a first interfacial layer around each of the semiconductor layers of the stack structures; depositing a gate dielectric layer around the first interfacial layer; forming a dipole oxide layer around the gate dielectric layer; removing the dipole oxide layer around the gate dielectric layer of the second stack structure; performing an annealing process to form a dipole gate dielectric layer for the first stack structure and a non-dipole gate dielectric layer for the second stack structure; and depositing a first gate electrode around the dipole gate dielectric layer of the first stack structure and the non-dipole gate dielectric layer of the second stack structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Hou-Yu Chen, Ching-Wei Tsai, Chih-Hao Wang, Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Jia-Ni Yu
  • Patent number: 12166100
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers over a substrate, wherein the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers are separated and stacked up, and a thickness of each second semiconductor layer is less than a thickness of each first semiconductor layer; a first interfacial layer around each first semiconductor layer; a second interfacial layer around each second semiconductor layer; a first dipole gate dielectric layer around each first semiconductor layer and over the first interfacial layer; a second dipole gate dielectric layer around each second semiconductor layer and over the second interfacial layer; a first gate electrode around each first semiconductor layer and over the first dipole gate dielectric layer; and a second gate electrode around each second semiconductor layer and over the second dipole gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Jia-Ni Yu, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20240387541
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes first channel nanostructures in a first device region and second channel nanostructures in a second device region. The first channel nanostructures are disposed between first and second dielectric fins. The second channel nanostructures are disposed between first and third dielectric fins. A gate dielectric layer is formed to surround each of the first and the second channel nanostructures and over the first, the second and the third dielectric fins. A first work function layer is formed to surround each of the first channel nanostructures. A second work function layer is formed to surround each of the second channel nanostructures. A first gap is present between every adjacent first channel nanostructures and a second gap present is between every adjacent second channel nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Chung-Wei HSU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Mao-Lin HUANG, Lung-Kun CHU, Jia-Ni YU, Kuan-Lun CHENG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20240387687
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers over a substrate, wherein the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers are separated and stacked up, and a thickness of each second semiconductor layer is less than a thickness of each first semiconductor layer; a first interfacial layer around each first semiconductor layer; a second interfacial layer around each second semiconductor layer; a first dipole gate dielectric layer around each first semiconductor layer and over the first interfacial layer; a second dipole gate dielectric layer around each second semiconductor layer and over the second interfacial layer; a first gate electrode around each first semiconductor layer and over the first dipole gate dielectric layer; and a second gate electrode around each second semiconductor layer and over the second dipole gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Jia-Ni Yu, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20240387628
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer over a first channel region in a first region and over a second channel region in a second region; introducing a first dipole element into the first dielectric layer in the first region to form a first dipole-containing gate dielectric layer in the first region; forming a second dielectric layer over the first dipole-containing gate dielectric layer; introducing fluorine into the second dielectric layer to form a first fluorine-containing gate dielectric layer over the first dipole-containing gate dielectric layer; and forming a gate electrode over the first fluorine-containing gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Mao-Lin Huang, Lung-Kun Chu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chun-Fu Lu, Chih-Hao Wang