Patents by Inventor Shao-Ming Yu

Shao-Ming Yu 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: 11139430
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over a conductive layer, and forming a sidewall spacer in an opening in the dielectric layer. The opening exposes a portion of the conductive layer. A bottom electrode layer is formed over the conductive layer and the sidewall spacer. A phase change material layer is formed over the bottom electrode layer, and a top electrode layer is formed over the phase change material layer. In an embodiment, the method includes recess etching the bottom electrode layer before forming the phase change material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jau-Yi Wu, Shao-Ming Yu, Shih-Chi Tsai
  • Publication number: 20210305508
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a first metallization layer over a substrate, the substrate including active devices; a first bit line over the first metallization layer, the first bit line connected to first interconnects of the first metallization layer, the first bit line extending in a first direction, the first direction parallel to gates of the active devices; a first phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) cell over the first bit line; a word line over the first PCRAM cell, the word line extending in a second direction, the second direction perpendicular to the gates of the active devices; and a second metallization layer over the word line, the word line connected to second interconnects of the second metallization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu, Yu Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20210305100
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first semiconductor layer having a first composition over a semiconductor substrate, and forming a second semiconductor layer having a second composition over the first semiconductor layer. Another first semiconductor layer having the first composition is formed over the second semiconductor layer. A third semiconductor layer having a third composition is formed over the another first semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layers, second semiconductor layer, and third semiconductor layer are patterned to form a fin structure. A portion of the third semiconductor layer is removed thereby forming a nanowire comprising the second semiconductor layer, and a conductive material is formed surrounding the nanowire. The first semiconductor layers, second semiconductor layer, and third semiconductor layer include different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Shao-Ming YU, Tung Ying LEE, Wei-Sheng YUN, Fu-Hsiang YANG
  • Publication number: 20210296461
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for forming an integrated chip (IC) is provided. The method incudes forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate. A first opening is formed in the ILD layer and in a first region of the IC. A second opening is formed in the ILD layer and in a second region of the IC. A first high-k dielectric layer is formed lining both the first and second openings. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first high-k dielectric layer and lining the first high-k dielectric layer in both the first and second regions. The second high-k dielectric layer is removed from the first region. A conductive layer is formed over both the first and second high-k dielectric layers, where the conductive layer contacts the first high-k dielectric layer in the first region and contacts the second high-k dielectric in the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu, Tzu-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20210184016
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a plurality of nanostructures over a substrate, and a gate electrode surrounding the nanostructures. The semiconductor device structure includes a source/drain portion adjacent to the gate electrode, and a semiconductor layer between the gate electrode and the source/drain portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Chao-Ching CHENG, Wei-Sheng YUN, Shao-Ming YU, Tsung-Lin LEE, Chih-Chieh YEH
  • Patent number: 11038034
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for forming an integrated chip (IC) is provided. The method incudes forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate. A first opening is formed in the ILD layer and in a first region of the IC. A second opening is formed in the ILD layer and in a second region of the IC. A first high-k dielectric layer is formed lining both the first and second openings. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first high-k dielectric layer and lining the first high-k dielectric layer in both the first and second regions. The second high-k dielectric layer is removed from the first region. A conductive layer is formed over both the first and second high-k dielectric layers, where the conductive layer contacts the first high-k dielectric layer in the first region and contacts the second high-k dielectric in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu, Tzu-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 11037828
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first semiconductor layer having a first composition over a semiconductor substrate, and forming a second semiconductor layer having a second composition over the first semiconductor layer. Another first semiconductor layer having the first composition is formed over the second semiconductor layer. A third semiconductor layer having a third composition is formed over the another first semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layers, second semiconductor layer, and third semiconductor layer are patterned to form a fin structure. A portion of the third semiconductor layer is removed thereby forming a nanowire comprising the second semiconductor layer, and a conductive material is formed surrounding the nanowire. The first semiconductor layers, second semiconductor layer, and third semiconductor layer include different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shao-Ming Yu, Tung Ying Lee, Wei-Sheng Yun, Fu-Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 11005040
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a memory cell including a data storage layer. A top electrode overlies a bottom electrode. The data storage layer is disposed between the top and bottom electrodes. The data storage layer has a first region and a second region. The first region comprises a first material and the second region comprises a compound of the first material and a reactive species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Ming Yu, Jau-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 10991811
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate having a plurality of nanowires over an input-output region, and a protective layer surrounding the nanowires. The protective layer is made of silicon, silicon germanium, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon sulfide, or a combination thereof. The semiconductor device structure also includes a high-k dielectric layer surrounding the protective layer, and a gate electrode surrounding the high-k dielectric layer. The semiconductor device structure further includes a source/drain portion adjacent to the gate electrode, and an interlayer dielectric layer over the source/drain portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, Wei-Sheng Yun, Shao-Ming Yu, Tsung-Lin Lee, Chih-Chieh Yeh
  • Patent number: 10978422
    Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure over a semiconductor substrate; forming a liner covering the fin structure; etching back the liner to expose an upper portion of the fin structure; forming a spacer covering the upper portion of the fin structure; etching the liner to expose a middle portion of the fin structure, wherein the remaining liner covers a lower portion of the fin structure; etching the middle portion of the fin structure; and forming a first source/drain structure surrounding the middle portion of the fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng Yun, Shao-Ming Yu, Chih-Chieh Yeh
  • Patent number: 10957607
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. A semiconductor substrate is received. The semiconductor substrate is patterned to form a plurality of protrusions spaced from one another, wherein the protrusion comprises a base section, and a seed section stacked on the base section. A plurality of first insulative structures are formed, covering sidewalls of the base sections and exposing sidewalls of the seed sections. A plurality of spacers are formed, covering the sidewalls of the seed sections. The first insulative structures are partially removed to partially expose the sidewalls of the base sections. The base sections exposed from the first insulative structures are removed. A plurality of second insulative structures are formed under the seed sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng Yun, You-Ru Lin, Shao-Ming Yu
  • Publication number: 20210074913
    Abstract: A phase change memory device includes a bottom electrode, a bottom memory layer, a top memory layer, and a top electrode. The bottom memory layer is over the bottom electrode. The bottom memory layer has a first height and includes a tapered portion and a neck portion. The tapered portion has a second height. A ratio of the second height to the first height is in a range of about 0.2 to about 0.5. The neck portion is between the tapered portion and the bottom electrode. The top memory layer is over the bottom memory layer. The tapered portion of the bottom memory layer tapers in a direction from the top memory layer toward the neck portion. The top electrode is over the top memory layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ying LEE, Shao-Ming YU, Yu-Chao LIN
  • Publication number: 20210066590
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming an integrated chip that includes depositing a phase change material layer over a bottom electrode. The phase change material is configured to change its degree of crystallinity upon temperature changes. A top electrode layer is deposited over the phase change material layer, and a hard mask layer is deposited over the top electrode layer. The top electrode layer and the hard mask layer are patterned to remove outer portions of the top electrode layer and to expose outer portions of the phase change material layer. An isotropic etch is performed to remove portions of the phase change material layer that are uncovered by the top electrode layer and the hard mask layer. The isotropic etch removes the portions of the phase change material layer faster than portions of the top electrode layer and the hard mask layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Yu Chao Lin, Jui-Ming Chen, Shao-Ming Yu, Tung Ying Lee, Yu-Sheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20210066582
    Abstract: Memory stacks and method of forming the same are provided. A memory stack includes a bottom electrode layer, a top electrode layer and a phase change layer between the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer. A width of the top electrode layer is greater than a width of the phase change layer. A first portion of the top electrode layer uncovered by the phase change layer is rougher than a second portion of the top electrode layer covered by the phase change layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu, Yu-Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20210020763
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor fin, a first epitaxy structure and a gate stack. The semiconductor fin protrudes from a substrate. The first epitaxy feature laterally surrounds a first portion of the semiconductor fin. The gate stack laterally surrounds a second portion of the semiconductor fin above the first portion of the semiconductor fin, wherein the second portion of the semiconductor fin has a lower surface roughness than the first epitaxy feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng YUN, Shao-Ming YU, Tung-Ying LEE, Chih-Chieh YEH
  • Publication number: 20200411755
    Abstract: Provided are a memory cell and a method of forming the same. The memory cell includes a bottom electrode, an etching stop layer, a variable resistance layer, and a top electrode. The etching stop layer is disposed on the bottom electrode. The variable resistance layer is embedded in the etching stop layer and in contact with the bottom electrode. The top electrode is disposed on the variable resistance layer. A semiconductor device having the memory cell is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chao Lin, Carlos H. Diaz, Shao-Ming Yu, Tung-Ying Lee
  • Patent number: 10862031
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a phase change material disposed over a bottom electrode and configured to change from a crystalline structure to an amorphous structure upon temperature changes. A top electrode is disposed over an upper surface of the phase change material. A via electrically contacts a top surface of the top electrode. Further, a maximum width of the upper surface of the phase change material is less than a maximum width of a bottom surface of the phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Chao Lin, Jui-Ming Chen, Shao-Ming Yu, Tung Ying Lee, Yu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 10847716
    Abstract: A phase change memory device includes a bottom electrode, a bottom memory layer, a top memory layer, and a top electrode. The bottom memory layer is over the bottom electrode. The bottom memory layer has a first height and includes a tapered portion and a neck portion. The tapered portion has a second height. A ratio of the second height to the first height is in a range of about 0.2 to about 0.5. The neck portion is between the tapered portion and the bottom electrode. The top memory layer is over the bottom memory layer. The tapered portion of the bottom memory layer tapers in a direction from the top memory layer toward the neck portion. The top electrode is over the top memory layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu, Yu-Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20200365799
    Abstract: A phase change memory device includes a bottom electrode, a bottom memory layer, a top memory layer, and a top electrode. The bottom memory layer is over the bottom electrode. The bottom memory layer has a first height and includes a tapered portion and a neck portion. The tapered portion has a second height. A ratio of the second height to the first height is in a range of about 0.2 to about 0.5. The neck portion is between the tapered portion and the bottom electrode. The top memory layer is over the bottom memory layer. The tapered portion of the bottom memory layer tapers in a direction from the top memory layer toward the neck portion. The top electrode is over the top memory layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ying LEE, Shao-Ming YU, Yu-Chao LIN
  • Patent number: 10825915
    Abstract: Gate-all-around (GAA) devices and methods for fabricating such are disclosed herein. An exemplary GAA device includes a first semiconductor layer disposed over a substrate. A gate structure is disposed over and wraps a portion of the first semiconductor layer, such that the gate structure separates a source region of the first semiconductor layer and a drain region of the first semiconductor layer. A channel region of the first semiconductor layer is defined between the source region and the drain region. A dielectric layer is disposed adjacent to the first semiconductor layer, where the dielectric layer extends along an entirety of the source region of the first semiconductor layer and an entirety of the drain region of the first semiconductor layer. A second semiconductor layer disposed over the source region of the first semiconductor layer, the drain region of the first semiconductor layer, and the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu