Patents by Inventor Neng-Kuo Chen
Neng-Kuo Chen 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: 10115597Abstract: A device having an epitaxial region and dual metal-semiconductor alloy surfaces is provided. The epitaxial region includes an upward facing facet and a downward facing facet. The upward facing facet has a first metal-semiconductor alloy surface and the downward facing facet has a second metal-semiconductor alloy surface, wherein the first metal-semiconductor alloy is different than the second metal-semiconductor alloy.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chun Hsiung Tsai, Chi-Yuan Shih, Gin-Chen Huang, Clement Hsingjen Wann, Li-Chi Yu, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Ling-Yen Yeh, Meng-Chun Chang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Sey-Ping Sun, Ta-Chun Ma, Yen-Chun Huang
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Publication number: 20180291234Abstract: A CMP slurry composition which provides for a high Ge- or SiGe-to-dielectric material selectivity a low rate of Ge or SiGe recess formation includes an oxidant and a germanium removal rate enhancer including at least one of a methylpyridine compound and a methylpyridine derivative compound. In some examples, the slurry composition also includes an etching inhibitor. In some cases, the slurry composition may include an abrasive, a surfactant, an organic complexant, a chelating agent, an organic or inorganic acid, an organic or inorganic base, a corrosion inhibitor, or a buffer. The slurry composition may be distributed onto a surface of a polishing pad disposed on a platen that is configured to rotate. Additionally, a workpiece carrier configured to house a substrate may bring the substrate into contact with the rotating polishing pad and thereby polish the substrate utilizing the slurry composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Chia-Jung HSU, Yun-Lung HO, Neng-Kuo CHEN, Song-Yuan CHANG, Teng-Chun TSAI
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Publication number: 20180219077Abstract: A fin structure is on a substrate. The fin structure includes an epitaxial region having an upper surface and an under-surface. A contact structure on the epitaxial region includes an upper contact portion and a lower contact portion. The upper contact portion includes a metal layer over the upper surface and a barrier layer over the metal layer. The lower contact portion includes a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) contact along the under-surface. The MIS contact includes a dielectric layer on the under-surface and the barrier layer on the dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Sung-Li Wang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Ding-Kang Shih, Meng-Chun Chang, Yi-An Lin, Gin-Chen Huang, Chen-Feng Hsu, Hau-Yu Lin, Chih-Hsin Ko, Sey-Ping Sun, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Publication number: 20180219095Abstract: A fin structure disposed over a substrate and a method of forming a fin structure are disclosed. The fin structure includes a mesa, a channel disposed over the mesa, and a convex-shaped feature disposed between the channel and the mesa. The mesa has a first semiconductor material, and the channel has a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material. The convex-shaped feature is stepped-shaped, stair-shaped, or ladder-shaped. The convex-shaped feature includes a first isolation feature disposed between the channel and the mesa, and a second isolation feature disposed between the channel and the first isolation feature. The first isolation feature is U-shaped, and the second isolation feature is rectangular-shaped. A portion of the second isolation feature is surrounded by the channel and another portion of the second isolation feature is surrounded by the first isolation feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Gin-Chen Huang, Ching-Hong Jiang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Sey-Ping Sun, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Patent number: 9994736Abstract: A CMP slurry composition which provides for a high Ge- or SiGe-to-dielectric material selectivity a low rate of Ge or SiGe recess formation includes an oxidant and a germanium removal rate enhancer including at least one of a methylpyridine compound and a methylpyridine derivative compound. In some examples, the slurry composition also includes an etching inhibitor. In some cases, the slurry composition may include an abrasive, a surfactant, an organic complexant, a chelating agent, an organic or inorganic acid, an organic or inorganic base, a corrosion inhibitor, or a buffer. The slurry composition may be distributed onto a surface of a polishing pad disposed on a platen that is configured to rotate. Additionally, a workpiece carrier configured to house a substrate may bring the substrate into contact with the rotating polishing pad and thereby polish the substrate utilizing the slurry composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd., UWIZ Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Jung Hsu, Yun-Lung Ho, Neng-Kuo Chen, Song-Yuan Chang, Teng-Chun Tsai
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Patent number: 9953878Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a recess in a substrate and forming a first dielectric layer in the recess. A portion of the first dielectric layer is removed. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. A gate structure is formed over the second dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Yu-Lien Huang, Tung Ying Lee, Pei-Yi Lin, Chun-Hsiang Fan, Sheng-Wen Yu, Neng-Kuo Chen, Ming-Huan Tsai
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Patent number: 9941367Abstract: A fin structure is on a substrate. The fin structure includes an epitaxial region having an upper surface and an under-surface. A contact structure on the epitaxial region includes an upper contact portion and a lower contact portion. The upper contact portion includes a metal layer over the upper surface and a barrier layer over the metal layer. The lower contact portion includes a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) contact along the under-surface. The MIS contact includes a dielectric layer on the under-surface and the barrier layer on the dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Li Wang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Ding-Kang Shih, Meng-Chun Chang, Yi-An Lin, Gin-Chen Huang, Chen-Feng Hsu, Hau-Yu Lin, Chih-Hsin Ko, Sey-Ping Sun, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Patent number: 9929272Abstract: A fin structure disposed over a substrate and a method of forming a fin structure are disclosed. The fin structure includes a mesa, a channel disposed over the mesa, and a convex-shaped feature disposed between the channel and the mesa. The mesa has a first semiconductor material, and the channel has a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material. The convex-shaped feature is stepped-shaped, stair-shaped, or ladder-shaped. The convex-shaped feature includes a first isolation feature disposed between the channel and the mesa, and a second isolation feature disposed between the channel and the first isolation feature. The first isolation feature is U-shaped, and the second isolation feature is rectangular-shaped. A portion of the second isolation feature is surrounded by the channel and another portion of the second isolation feature is surrounded by the first isolation feature.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Gin-Chen Huang, Ching-Hong Jiang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Sey-Ping Sun, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Publication number: 20180069094Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes depositing a contact etch stop layer (CESL) over a dummy gate electrode, a source/drain (S/D) region and an isolation feature. The method further includes performing a first CMP to expose the dummy gate electrode. The method further includes removing an upper portion of the CESL. The method further includes performing a second CMP using a slurry different from the first CMP to expose the CESL over the S/D region, wherein, following the second CMP, an entire top surface of the CESL over the S/D region and over the isolation feature is substantially level with a top surface of the dummy gate electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Neng-Kuo CHEN, Clement Hsingjen WANN, Yi-An LIN, Chun-Wei CHANG, Sey-Ping SUN
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Patent number: 9899496Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device having a doped active region disposed in a substrate. The doped active region having an elongate shape and extends in a first direction. The device also includes a plurality of first metal gates disposed over the active region such that the first metal gates each extend in a second direction different from the first direction. The plurality of first metal gates includes an outer-most first metal gate having a greater dimension measured in the second direction than the rest of the first metal gates. The device further includes a plurality of second metal gates disposed over the substrate but not over the doped active region. The second metal gates contain different materials than the first metal gates. The second metal gates each extend in the second direction and form a plurality of respective N/P boundaries with the first metal gates.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Sey-Ping Sun, Sung-Li Wang, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Neng-Kuo Chen, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Patent number: 9881803Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of performing a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process with a high germanium-to-oxide removal selectivity and a low rate of germanium recess formation. The method is performed by providing a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of germanium compound regions including germanium interspersed between a plurality of oxide regions including an oxide. A slurry is then provided onto the semiconductor substrate. The slurry has an oxidant and an etching inhibitor configured to reduce a removal rate of the germanium relative to the oxide. A CMP process is then performed by bringing a chemical mechanical polishing pad in contact with top surfaces of the plurality of germanium compound regions and the plurality of oxide regions.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignees: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., UWiZ Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Jung Hsu, Yun-Lung Ho, Neng-Kuo Chen, Wen-Feng Chueh, Sey-Ping Sun, Song-Yuan Chang
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Patent number: 9870956Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate, which includes a semiconductor strip. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) region is on a side of the semiconductor strip. The STI region includes a first portion comprising an oxide and a second portion free from oxide. The second portion separates the first portion from the semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor fin is over and aligned to the semiconductor strip, wherein the semiconductor fin is higher than a top surface of the STI region.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Neng-Kuo Chen, Gin-Chen Huang, Ching-Hong Jiang, Sey-Ping Sun, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Patent number: 9818603Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate, the substrate includes a first fin, a second fin, and an isolation region disposed between the first fin and the second fin. The second fin includes a different material than a material of the substrate. The method includes forming an oxide over the first fin, the second fin, and a top surface of the isolation region at a temperature of about 400 degrees C. or less, and post-treating the oxide at a temperature of about 600 degrees C. or less.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Wei-Chi Lin, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Neng-Kuo Chen, Sey-Ping Sun
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Patent number: 9812551Abstract: This description relates to a method of forming the gate electrode of a semiconductor device, the method including providing a substrate comprising a dummy gate electrode (DGE), a source/drain (S/D) region, a spacer on a dummy gate sidewall, and an isolation feature, depositing a contact etch stop layer (CESL) over the DGE, the S/D region and the spacer, depositing an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over the CESL, performing a first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) to expose the CESL over the DGE, performing a second CMP to expose the DGE, removing an upper portion of the CESL and the spacer, and performing a third CMP to expose the CESL over the S/D region to produce a structure in which an entire top surface of the CESL over the S/D region and isolation feature is substantially co-planar with a top surface of the DGE.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Neng-Kuo Chen, Clement Hsingjen Wann, Yi-An Lin, Chun-Wei Chang, Sey-Ping Sun
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Publication number: 20170162669Abstract: This description relates to a method of forming the gate electrode of a semiconductor device, the method including providing a substrate comprising a dummy gate electrode (DGE), a source/drain (S/D) region, a spacer on a dummy gate sidewall, and an isolation feature, depositing a contact etch stop layer (CESL) over the DGE, the S/D region and the spacer, depositing an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over the CESL, performing a first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) to expose the CESL over the DGE, performing a second CMP to expose the DGE, removing an upper portion of the CESL and the spacer, and performing a third CMP to expose the CESL over the S/D region to produce a structure in which an entire top surface of the CESL over the S/D region and isolation feature is substantially co-planar with a top surface of the DGE.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Neng-Kuo CHEN, Clement Hsingjen WANN, Yi-An LIN, Chun-Wei CHANG, Sey-Ping SUN
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Publication number: 20170140942Abstract: A device having an epitaxial region and dual metal-semiconductor alloy surfaces is provided. The epitaxial region includes an upward facing facet and a downward facing facet. The upward facing facet has a first metal-semiconductor alloy surface and the downward facing facet has a second metal-semiconductor alloy surface, wherein the first metal-semiconductor alloy is different than the second metal-semiconductor alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2017Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Chun Hsiung Tsai, Chi-Yuan Shih, Gin-Chen Huang, Clement Hsingjen Wann, Li-Chi Yu, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Ling-Yen Yeh, Meng-Chun Chang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Sey-Ping Sun, Ta-Chun Ma, Yen-Chun Huang
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Publication number: 20170098560Abstract: A CMP slurry composition which provides for a high Ge- or SiGe-to-dielectric material selectivity a low rate of Ge or SiGe recess formation includes an oxidant and a germanium removal rate enhancer including at least one of a methylpyridine compound and a methylpyridine derivative compound. In some examples, the slurry composition also includes an etching inhibitor. In some cases, the slurry composition may include an abrasive, a surfactant, an organic complexant, a chelating agent, an organic or inorganic acid, an organic or inorganic base, a corrosion inhibitor, or a buffer. The slurry composition may be distributed onto a surface of a polishing pad disposed on a platen that is configured to rotate. Additionally, a workpiece carrier configured to house a substrate may bring the substrate into contact with the rotating polishing pad and thereby polish the substrate utilizing the slurry composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Chia-Jung HSU, Yun-Lung HO, Neng-Kuo CHEN, Song-Yuan CHANG, Teng-Chun TSAI
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Patent number: 9607826Abstract: Semiconductor device manufacturing methods and methods of forming insulating material layers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a composite insulating material layer of a semiconductor device includes providing a workpiece and forming a first sub-layer of the insulating material layer over the workpiece using a first plasma power level. A second sub-layer of the insulating material layer is formed over the first sub-layer of the insulating material layer using a second plasma power level, and the workpiece is annealed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Gin-Chen Huang, Tsai-Fu Hsiao, Ching-Hong Jiang, Neng-Kuo Chen, Hongfa Luan, Sey-Ping Sun, Clement Hsingjen Wann
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Patent number: 9589803Abstract: This description relates to a gate electrode of a field effect transistor. An exemplary structure for a field effect transistor includes a substrate; a gate electrode over the substrate including a first top surface and a sidewall; a source/drain (S/D) region at least partially disposed in the substrate on one side of the gate electrode; a spacer on the sidewall distributed between the gate electrode and the S/D region; and a contact etch stop layer (CESL) adjacent to the spacer and further comprising a portion extending over the S/D region, wherein the portion has a second top surface substantially coplanar with the first top surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Neng-Kuo Chen, Clement Hsingjen Wann, Yi-An Lin, Chun-Wei Chang, Sey-Ping Sun
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Patent number: 9559182Abstract: A device having an epitaxial region and dual metal-semiconductor alloy surfaces is provided. The epitaxial region includes an upward facing facet and a downward facing facet. The upward facing facet has a first metal-semiconductor alloy surface and the downward facing facet has a second metal-semiconductor alloy surface, wherein the first metal-semiconductor alloy is different than the second metal-semiconductor alloy.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Clement Hsingjen Wann, Sey-Ping Sun, Ling-Yen Yeh, Chi-Yuan Shih, Li-Chi Yu, Chun Hsiung Tsai, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Neng-Kuo Chen, Meng-Chun Chang, Ta-Chun Ma, Gin-Chen Huang, Yen-Chun Huang