Patents by Inventor Shi Ning Ju

Shi Ning Ju 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: 20220367458
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a separation wall made of a dielectric material is formed between two fin structures. A dummy gate structure is formed over the separation wall and the two fin structures. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over the dummy gate structure. An upper portion of the ILD layer is removed, thereby exposing the dummy gate structure. The dummy gate structure is replaced with a metal gate structure. A planarization operation is performed to expose the separation wall, thereby dividing the metal gate structure into a first gate structure and a second gate structure. The first gate structure and the second gate structure are separated by the separation wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Chih-Hao WANG, Chih-Liang CHEN, Shi Ning JU
  • Publication number: 20220367201
    Abstract: A method of reducing corner rounding during patterning of a substrate to form a prescribed pattern comprising a corner includes dividing the pattern into a first pattern and a second pattern, the first pattern forming a first edge of the corner and the second pattern forming a second edge of the corner. At least a portion of the second pattern overlaps the first pattern such that the first edge intersects with the second edge to form a corner of the prescribed pattern. The method further includes forming the first pattern in a first mask layer disposed on a substrate to expose the substrate and forming the second pattern in the first mask layer to expose the substrate. The substrate exposed through the first mask layer is then etched to obtain the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chin-Yuan TSENG, Yu-Tien SHEN, Wei-Liang LIN, Chih-Ming LAI, Kuo-Cheng CHING, Shi-Ning JU, Li-Te LIN, Ru-Gun LIU
  • Patent number: 11502034
    Abstract: Corner portions of a semiconductor fin are kept on the device while removing a semiconductor fin prior to forming a backside contact. The corner portions of the semiconductor fin protect source/drain regions from etchant during backside processing. The corner portions allow the source/drain features to be formed with a convex profile on the backside. The convex profile increases volume of the source/drain features, thus, improving device performance. The convex profile also increases processing window of backside contact recess formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lo-Heng Chang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Zhi-Chang Lin, Jung-Hung Chang, Shih-Cheng Chen, Shi-Ning Ju, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11502187
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes an isolation structure formed over a substrate, and a first stacked nanostructure and a second stacked nanostructure extending above the isolation structure. The semiconductor device structure includes an inner spacer layer surrounding the first stacked nanostructure, and a dummy fin structure formed over the isolation structure. The dummy fin structure is between the first stacked nanostructure and the second stacked nanostructure, and a capping layer formed over the dummy fin structure. The inner spacer layer is in direct contact with the dummy fin structure and the capping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Zhi-Chang Lin, Kuan-Ting Pan, Chih-Hao Wang, Shi-Ning Ju
  • Publication number: 20220359764
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and a method for forming a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes multiple semiconductor nanostructures over a substrate and two epitaxial structures over the substrate. Each of the semiconductor nanostructures is between the epitaxial structures, and the epitaxial structures are p-type doped. The semiconductor device structure also includes a gate stack wrapping around the semiconductor nanostructures. The semiconductor device structure further includes a dielectric stressor structure between the gate stack and the substrate. The epitaxial structures extend exceeding a top surface of the dielectric stressor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Guan-Lin CHEN, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220359701
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a fin structure formed over a substrate, and a hard mask layer formed over the fin structure. The semiconductor device structure also includes a gate structure formed surrounding the hard mask layer and the fin structure, and a portion of the gate structure is interposed between the fin structure and the hard mask layer. The semiconductor device structure further includes a source/drain (S/D) structure formed adjacent to the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Kuan-Ting PAN, Huan-Chieh SU, Shi-Ning JU, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220359652
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a transistor. The transistor includes a first channel region overlying the substrate and a source/drain region in contact with the first channel region. The source/drain region has a first surface opposite the substrate and side surfaces extending from the first surface. A silicide layer is disposed on the first surface and the side surfaces of the source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Bo-Rong LIN, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Shi Ning JU, Guan-Lin CHEN, Jung-Chien CHENG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220359305
    Abstract: Examples of an integrated circuit with an interconnect structure that includes a buried interconnect conductor and a method for forming the integrated circuit are provided herein. In some examples, the method includes receiving a substrate that includes a plurality of fins extending from a remainder of the substrate. A spacer layer is formed between the plurality of fins, and a buried interconnect conductor is formed on the spacer layer between the plurality of fins. A set of capping layers is formed on the buried interconnect conductor between the plurality of fins. A contact recess is etched through the set of capping layers that exposes the buried interconnect conductor, and a contact is formed in the contact recess that is electrically coupled to the buried interconnect conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20220359397
    Abstract: Corner portions of a semiconductor fin are kept on the device while removing a semiconductor fin prior to forming a backside contact. The corner portions of the semiconductor fin protect source/drain regions from etchant during backside processing. The corner portions allow the source/drain features to be formed with a convex profile on the backside. The convex profile increases volume of the source/drain features, thus, improving device performance. The convex profile also increases processing window of backside contact recess formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: LO-HENG CHANG, KUO-CHENG CHIANG, ZHI-CHANG LIN, JUNG-HUNG CHANG, SHIH-CHENG CHEN, SHI-NING JU, CHIH-HAO WANG
  • Publication number: 20220359699
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a dielectric layer formed over a conductive feature; a semiconductor stack formed over the dielectric layer, wherein the semiconductor stack including semiconductor layers stacked up and separated from each other; a first metal gate structure and a second metal gate structure formed over a channel region of the semiconductor stack, wherein the first metal gate structure and the second metal gate structure wrap each of the semiconductor layers of the semiconductor stack; and a first epitaxial feature disposed between the first metal gate structure and the second metal gate structure over a first source/drain region of the semiconductor stack, wherein the first epitaxial feature extends through the dielectric layer and contacts the conductive feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Chou, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Wen-Ting Lan, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20220359514
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The structure includes a first source/drain epitaxial feature, a second source/drain epitaxial feature disposed adjacent the first source/drain epitaxial feature, a first dielectric layer disposed between the first source/drain epitaxial feature and the second source/drain epitaxial feature, a first dielectric spacer disposed under the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer disposed under the first dielectric layer and in contact with the first dielectric spacer. The second dielectric layer and the first dielectric spacer include different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Jui-Chien HUANG, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG, Shi Ning JU, Guan-Lin CHEN
  • Patent number: 11495598
    Abstract: A method includes etching a hybrid substrate to form a recess extending into the hybrid substrate. The hybrid substrate includes a first semiconductor layer having a first surface orientation, a dielectric layer over the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer having a second surface orientation different from the first surface orientation. After the etching, a top surface of the first semiconductor layer is exposed to the recess. A spacer is formed on a sidewall of the recess. The spacer contacts a sidewall of the dielectric layer and a sidewall of the second semiconductor layer. An epitaxy is performed to grow an epitaxy semiconductor region from the first semiconductor layer. The spacer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Ching-Wei Tsai, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20220352157
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor fin on a substrate; conformally forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor fin; depositing an oxide layer over the dielectric layer; etching back the oxide layer to lower a top surface of the oxide layer to a level below a top surface of the semiconductor fin; conformally forming a metal oxide layer over the semiconductor fin, the dielectric layer, and the etched back oxide layer; planarizing the metal oxide layer and the dielectric layer to expose the semiconductor fin; forming a gate structure extending across the semiconductor fin; forming source/drain regions on the semiconductor fin and on opposite sides of the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Shi-Ning JU, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220352150
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first nanosheet transistor and a second nanosheet transistor on a substrate. The first and second nanosheet each include gate electrodes. A gate isolation structure extends from a backside of the substrate between the gate electrodes. The gate isolation structure physically and electrically isolates the first and second gate electrodes from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Jung-Chien CHENG, Shi-Ning JU, Guan-Lin CHEN, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220344495
    Abstract: A method of forming first and second fin field effect transistors (finFETs) on a substrate includes forming first and second fin structures of the first and second finFETs, respectively, on the substrate. The first and second fin structures have respective first and second vertical dimensions that are about equal to each other. The method further includes modifying the first fin structure such that the first vertical dimension of the first fin structure is smaller than the second vertical dimension of the second fin structure and depositing a dielectric layer on the modified first fin structure and the second fin structure. The method further includes forming a polysilicon structure on the dielectric layer and selectively forming a spacer on a sidewall of the polysilicon structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG, Shi Ning JU
  • Publication number: 20220344333
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor channel over the substrate, a second semiconductor channel over the substrate and laterally offset from the first semiconductor channel, an isolation feature embedded in the substrate and laterally between the first and second semiconductor channels, a first liner layer laterally surrounding the isolation feature between the isolation feature and the first semiconductor channel, and a second liner layer laterally surrounding the first liner layer between the first liner layer and the first semiconductor channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Yi-Ruei Jhan, Kuan-Ting Pan, Shi-Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220344254
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods are provided. A method according to the present disclosure includes receiving a substrate that includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a third semiconductor layer; forming a plurality of fins over the third semiconductor layer; forming a trench between two of the plurality of fins; depositing a dummy material in the trench; forming a gate structure over channel regions of the plurality of the fins; forming source/drain features over source/drain regions of the plurality of the fins; bonding the substrate on a carrier wafer; removing the first and second semiconductor layers to expose the dummy material; removing the dummy material in the trench; depositing a conductive material in the trench; and bonding the substrate to a silicon substrate such that the conductive material is in contact with the silicon substrate. The trench extends through the third semiconductor layer and has a bottom surface on the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Chou, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Shi Ning Ju, Wen-Ting Lan, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20220336453
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor fin over a substrate and multiple semiconductor nanostructures suspended over the semiconductor fin. The semiconductor device structure also includes a gate stack extending across the semiconductor fin, and the gate stack wraps around each of the semiconductor nanostructures. The semiconductor device structure further includes a first epitaxial structure and a second epitaxial structure sandwiching the semiconductor nanostructures. In addition, the semiconductor device structure includes an isolation structure between the semiconductor fin and the gate stack. The isolation structure extends exceeding opposite sidewalls of the first epitaxial structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Ning JU, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Kuan-Lun CHENG, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20220328482
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The structure includes a semiconductor fin having a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width substantially less than the first width. The first portion has a first surface, the second portion has a second surface, and the first and second surfaces are connected by a third surface. The third surface forms an angle with respect to the second surface, and the angle ranges from about 90 degrees to about 130 degrees. The structure further includes a gate electrode layer disposed over the semiconductor fin and source/drain epitaxial features disposed on the semiconductor fin on opposite sides of the gate electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Ting Lan, Shi Ning Ju, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20220328477
    Abstract: A structure includes a first dielectric feature extending along a first direction, the first dielectric feature having a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The structure includes a first semiconductor layer disposed adjacent the first side of the first dielectric feature, the first semiconductor layer extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The structure includes a CESL in contact with the first dielectric feature and a portion of the first semiconductor layer, an ILD layer in contact with the CESL and a portion of the first semiconductor layer. The structure further includes a second dielectric feature extending along the first direction, the second dielectric feature comprising a first dielectric layer in contact with the CESL and a portion of the first semiconductor layer, and a second dielectric layer in contact with the first dielectric layer and a portion of the first semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Guan-Lin Chen, Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Shi Ning JU, Jung-Chien Cheng, CHIH-HAO WANG, KUAN-LUN CHENG