Patents by Inventor Shih-Ho Lin

Shih-Ho Lin 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: 20240099086
    Abstract: A display may have an array of pixels. Display driver circuitry may supply data and control signals to the pixels. Each pixel may have seven transistors, a capacitor, and a light-emitting diode such as an organic light-emitting diode. The seven transistors may receive control signals using horizontal control lines. Each pixel may have first and second emission enable transistors that are coupled in series with a drive transistor and the light-emitting diode of that pixel. The first and second emission enable transistors may be coupled to a common control line or may be separately controlled so that on-bias stress can be effectively applied to the drive transistor. The display driver circuitry may have gate driver circuits that provide different gate line signals to different rows of pixels within the display. Different rows may also have different gate driver strengths and different supplemental gate line loading structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Cheng-Ho Yu, Chin-Wei Lin, Shyuan Yang, Ting-Kuo Chang, Tsung-Ting Tsai, Warren S. Rieutort-Louis, Shih-Chang Chang, Yu Cheng Chen, John Z. Zhong
  • Publication number: 20240021230
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a bottom electrode layer over a substrate. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) layers are formed over the bottom electrode layer. A top electrode layer is formed over the MTJ layers. The top electrode layer is patterned. After patterning the top electrode layer, one or more process cycles are performed on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer. A patterned top electrode layer, patterned MTJ layers and a patterned bottom electrode layer form MTJ structures. Each of the one or more process cycles includes performing an etching process on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer for a first duration and performing a magnetic treatment on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer for a second duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Bo-Jhih Shen, Kuang-I Liu, Joung-Wei Liou, Jinn-Kwei Liang, Yi-Wei Chiu, Chin-Hsing Lin, Li-Te Hsu, Han-Ting Tsai, Cheng-Yi Wu, Shih-Ho Lin
  • Publication number: 20230278160
    Abstract: A method of using a polishing system includes securing a wafer in a carrier head, the carrier head including a housing enclosing the wafer, in which the housing includes a retainer ring recess and a retainer ring positioned in the retainer ring recess, the retainer ring surrounding the wafer, in which the retainer ring includes a main body portion and a bottom portion connected to the main body portion, and a bottom surface of the bottom portion includes at least one first engraved region and a first non-engraved region adjacent to the first engraved region; pressing the wafer against a polishing pad; and moving the carrier head or the polishing pad relative to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan YANG, Huai-Tei YANG, Yu-Chen WEI, Szu-Cheng WANG, Li-Hsiang CHAO, Jen-Chieh LAI, Shih-Ho LIN
  • Publication number: 20230264317
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus is provided, including a polishing pad and a polishing head. The polishing pad has a polishing surface. The polishing head is configured to hold a wafer in contact with the polishing surface during the polishing process. The polishing head includes a retaining ring, at least one fluid channel, and a vacuum pump. The retaining ring is arranged along the periphery of the polishing head and configured to retain the wafer. The at least one fluid channel is provided inside the polishing head, wherein the retaining ring includes a bottom surface facing the polishing surface and a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the bottom surface and the at least one fluid channel. The vacuum pump is fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen WEI, Jheng-Si SU, Shih-Ho LIN, Jen-Chieh LAI, Chun-Chieh CHAN
  • Patent number: 11685015
    Abstract: A method of using a polishing system includes securing a wafer in a carrier head, the carrier head including a housing enclosing the wafer, in which the housing includes a retainer ring recess and a retainer ring positioned in the retainer ring recess, the retainer ring surrounding the wafer, in which the retainer ring includes a main body portion and a bottom portion connected to the main body portion, and a bottom surface of the bottom portion includes at least one first engraved region and a first non-engraved region adjacent to the first engraved region; pressing the wafer against a polishing pad; and moving the carrier head or the polishing pad relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Yang, Huai-Tei Yang, Yu-Chen Wei, Szu-Cheng Wang, Li-Hsiang Chao, Jen-Chieh Lai, Shih-Ho Lin
  • Patent number: 11673223
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing method is provided, including polishing a batch of wafers in sequence on a polishing surface of a polishing pad; conditioning the polishing surface with a pad conditioner, wherein the pad conditioner is operable to apply downward force according to a predetermined downward force stored in a controller to condition the polishing surface; measuring the downward force applied by the pad conditioner with a measurement tool when the pad conditioner is at a home position and after conditioning the polishing surface; comparing the downward force measured by the measurement tool and the predetermined downward force with the controller to determine whether a difference between the downward force measured by the measurement tool and the predetermined downward force exceeds a range of acceptable values; and calibrating the downward force applied by the pad conditioner with the controller when the difference exceeds the range of acceptable values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Wei, Jheng-Si Su, Shih-Ho Lin, Jen-Chieh Lai, Chun-Chieh Chan
  • Publication number: 20220219285
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing method is provided, including polishing a batch of wafers in sequence on a polishing surface of a polishing pad; conditioning the polishing surface with a pad conditioner, wherein the pad conditioner is operable to apply downward force according to a predetermined downward force stored in a controller to condition the polishing surface; measuring the downward force applied by the pad conditioner with a measurement tool when the pad conditioner is at a home position and after conditioning the polishing surface; comparing the downward force measured by the measurement tool and the predetermined downward force with the controller to determine whether a difference between the downward force measured by the measurement tool and the predetermined downward force exceeds a range of acceptable values; and calibrating the downward force applied by the pad conditioner with the controller when the difference exceeds the range of acceptable values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen WEI, Jheng-Si SU, Shih-Ho LIN, Jen-Chieh LAI, Chun-Chieh CHAN
  • Publication number: 20220115243
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first layer over a substrate. The method includes forming a stop layer over the first layer. The method includes forming a second layer over the stop layer. The second layer is in direct contact with the stop layer. The method includes partially removing the second layer. The method includes performing an etching process to partially remove the stop layer and an upper portion of the first layer, wherein protrusion structures are formed over a lower portion of the first layer after the etching process, and the protrusion structures include the stop layer and the upper portion of the first layer remaining after the etching process. The method includes removing the protrusion structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Yu-Chen WEI, Chun-Chieh CHAN, Chun-Jui CHU, Jen-Chieh LAI, Shih-Ho LIN
  • Patent number: 11292101
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus is provided. The chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a polishing pad, a pad conditioner, a measurement tool, and a controller. The polishing pad is provided in a processing chamber for polishing a wafer placed on the polishing surface of the polishing pad. The pad conditioner is configured to condition the polishing surface. The measurement tool is provided in the processing chamber and configured to measure the downward force of the pad conditioner. The controller is coupled to the pad conditioner and the measurement tool, and is configured to adjust the downward force of the pad conditioner in response to an input from the measurement tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Wei, Jheng-Si Su, Shih-Ho Lin, Jen-Chieh Lai, Chun-Chieh Chan
  • Patent number: 11251063
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting an article used in semiconductor fabrication is provided. The transporter includes a robotic arm. The transporter further includes two platens connected to the robotic arm. Each of the two platens an inner surface facing the other, and a number of gas holes are formed on each of the inner surfaces of the two platens. The transporter also includes a gas supplier placed in communication with the gas holes. The gas supplier is used to control the flow of gas through the gas holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jheng-Si Su, Yu-Chen Wei, Chih-Yuan Yang, Shih-Ho Lin, Jen-Chieh Lai
  • Patent number: 11239092
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first layer over a substrate. The first layer is made of a semiconductor material. The method includes forming a stop layer over the first layer. The method includes forming a second layer over the stop layer. The second layer is in direct contact with the stop layer. The method includes removing the second layer. The method includes performing an etching process to remove the stop layer and an upper portion of the first layer. The method includes performing a first planarization process over the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Wei, Chun-Chieh Chan, Chun-Jui Chu, Jen-Chieh Lai, Shih-Ho Lin
  • Publication number: 20210312965
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a bottom electrode layer over a substrate. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) layers are formed over the bottom electrode layer. A top electrode layer is formed over the MTJ layers. The top electrode layer is patterned. After patterning the top electrode layer, one or more process cycles are performed on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer. A patterned top electrode layer, patterned MTJ layers and a patterned bottom electrode layer form MTJ structures. Each of the one or more process cycles includes performing an etching process on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer for a first duration and performing a magnetic treatment on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer for a second duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Bo-Jhih Shen, Kuang-I Liu, Joung-Wei Liou, Jinn-Kwei Liang, Yi-Wei Chiu, Chin-Hsing Lin, Li-Te Hsu, Han-Ting Tsai, Cheng-Yi Wu, Shih-Ho Lin
  • Patent number: 11094554
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes providing a wafer over a polishing platen. The wafer includes a metal layer and a dielectric layer. The metal layer covers the dielectric layer and fills an opening of the dielectric layer. The method also includes polishing the wafer using a first operation to thin down the metal layer. The first operation has a first polishing selectivity of the metal layer to the dielectric layer. The method further includes polishing the wafer using a second operation to further thin down the metal layer until the dielectric layer is exposed. The second operation has a second polishing selectivity of the metal layer to the dielectric layer. The second polishing selectivity is different from the first polishing selectivity. The first operation and the second operation are performed in-situ on the polishing platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Ho Lin, Jen-Chieh Lai, Jheng-Si Su, Zhi-Sheng Hsu, Po-Ting Huang
  • Patent number: 11043251
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a bottom electrode layer over a substrate. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) layers are formed over the bottom electrode layer. A top electrode layer is formed over the MTJ layers. The top electrode layer is patterned. After patterning the top electrode layer, one or more process cycles are performed on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer. A patterned top electrode layer, patterned MTJ layers and a patterned bottom electrode layer form MTJ structures. Each of the one or more process cycles includes performing an etching process on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer for a first duration and performing a magnetic treatment on the MTJ layers and the bottom electrode layer for a second duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo-Jhih Shen, Kuang-I Liu, Joung-Wei Liou, Jinn-Kwei Liang, Yi-Wei Chiu, Chin-Hsing Lin, Li-Te Hsu, Han-Ting Tsai, Cheng-Yi Wu, Shih-Ho Lin
  • Publication number: 20210060728
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a slurry onto a polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) station. A workpiece is polished and polishing by-products and slurry are removed from the polishing pad by a vacuum head. A CMP apparatus includes a polishing pad configured to rotate during a CMP process. The apparatus also includes a slurry dispenser configured to deposit a slurry onto a polishing surface of the polishing pad. The apparatus further includes a momentum vacuum assembly including a slotted opening facing the polishing surface of the polishing pad. The apparatus also includes a first suction line coupled to an upper portion of the momentum vacuum assembly and leading to a first vacuum source, the first suction line configured to transport polishing products which have been removed from the polishing pad through the slotted opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Wei, Chih-Yuan Yang, Shih-Ho Lin, Jen Chieh Lai, Szu-Cheng Wang, Chun-Jui Chu
  • Publication number: 20210028049
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting an article used in semiconductor fabrication is provided. The transporter includes a robotic arm. The transporter further includes two platens connected to the robotic arm. Each of the two platens an inner surface facing the other, and a number of gas holes are formed on each of the inner surfaces of the two platens. The transporter also includes a gas supplier placed in communication with the gas holes. The gas supplier is used to control the flow of gas through the gas holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jheng-Si SU, Yu-Chen WEI, Chih-Yuan YANG, Shih-Ho LIN, Jen-Chieh LAI
  • Patent number: 10843307
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a slurry onto a polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) station. A workpiece is polished and polishing by-products and slurry are removed from the polishing pad by a vacuum head. A CMP apparatus includes a polishing pad configured to rotate during a CMP process. The apparatus also includes a slurry dispenser configured to deposit a slurry onto a polishing surface of the polishing pad. The apparatus further includes a momentum vacuum assembly including a slotted opening facing the polishing surface of the polishing pad. The apparatus also includes a first suction line coupled to an upper portion of the momentum vacuum assembly and leading to a first vacuum source, the first suction line configured to transport polishing products which have been removed from the polishing pad through the slotted opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Wei, Chih-Yuan Yang, Shih-Ho Lin, Jen Chieh Lai, Szu-Cheng Wang, Chun-Jui Chu
  • Patent number: 10804133
    Abstract: A method for transporting an article used in semiconductor fabrication is provided. The method includes moving a first transporter next to an article to have the article faces a plurality of gas holes formed on the first transporter; suspending the article with the first transporter in a non-contact manner by providing a flow of gas through the gas holes of the first transporter; and transferring the article with the first transporter while the flow of gas is continuously provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jheng-Si Su, Yu-Chen Wei, Chih-Yuan Yang, Shih-Ho Lin, Jen-Chieh Lai
  • Publication number: 20200258758
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first layer over a substrate. The first layer is made of a semiconductor material. The method includes forming a stop layer over the first layer. The method includes forming a second layer over the stop layer. The second layer is in direct contact with the stop layer. The method includes removing the second layer. The method includes performing an etching process to remove the stop layer and an upper portion of the first layer. The method includes performing a first planarization process over the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Yu-Chen WEI, Chun-Chieh CHAN, Chun-Jui CHU, Jen-Chieh LAI, Shih-Ho LIN
  • Publication number: 20200238473
    Abstract: A method of using a polishing system includes securing a wafer in a carrier head, the carrier head including a housing enclosing the wafer, in which the housing includes a retainer ring recess and a retainer ring positioned in the retainer ring recess, the retainer ring surrounding the wafer, in which the retainer ring includes a main body portion and a bottom portion connected to the main body portion, and a bottom surface of the bottom portion includes at least one first engraved region and a first non-engraved region adjacent to the first engraved region; pressing the wafer against a polishing pad; and moving the carrier head or the polishing pad relative to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan YANG, Huai-Tei YANG, Yu-Chen WEI, Szu-Cheng WANG, Li-Hsiang CHAO, Jen-Chieh LAI, Shih-Ho LIN