Patents by Inventor Shih-Ming Chang
Shih-Ming Chang 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: 11955515Abstract: A semiconductor device with dual side source/drain (S/D) contact structures and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The method includes forming a fin structure on a substrate, forming a superlattice structure on the fin structure, forming first and second S/D regions within the superlattice structure, forming a gate structure between the first and second S/D regions, forming first and second contact structures on first surfaces of the first and second S/D regions, and forming a third contact structure, on a second surface of the first S/D region, with a work function metal (WFM) silicide layer and a dual metal liner. The second surface is opposite to the first surface of the first S/D region and the WFM silicide layer has a work function value closer to a conduction band energy than a valence band energy of a material of the first S/D region.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shih-Chuan Chiu, Chia-Hao Chang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang, Huan-Chieh Su, Chun-Yuan Chen, Li-Zhen Yu, Yu-Ming Lin
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Publication number: 20240096961Abstract: A contact stack of a semiconductor device includes a source/drain feature, a silicide layer wrapping around the source/drain feature, a seed metal layer in direct contact with the silicide layer, and a conductor in contact with the seed metal layer. The contact stack excludes a metal nitride layer in direct contact with the silicide layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Shih-Chuan CHIU, Tien-Lu LIN, Yu-Ming LIN, Chia-Hao CHANG, Chih-Hao WANG, Jia-Chuan YOU
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Publication number: 20240087896Abstract: Methods of forming line-end extensions and devices having line-end extensions are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes forming a patterned photoresist on a first region of a hard mask layer. A line-end extension region is formed in the hard mask layer. The line-end extension region extends laterally outward from an end of the first region of the hard mask layer. The line-end extension region may be formed by changing a physical property of the hard mask layer at the line-end extension region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Chih-Min HSIAO, Chien-Wen LAI, Ru-Gun LIU, Chih-Ming LAI, Shih-Ming CHANG, Yung-Sung YEN, Yu-Chen CHANG
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Patent number: 11929258Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first metal feature formed into a first dielectric layer, a second metal feature formed into a second dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer being disposed on said first dielectric layer, and a via connecting the first metal feature to the second metal feature, wherein a top portion of the via is offset from a bottom portion of the via.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Shih-Ming Chang, Chih-Ming Lai, Ru-Gun Liu, Tsai-Sheng Gau, Chung-Ju Lee, Tien-I Bao, Shau-Lin Shue
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Patent number: 11926266Abstract: An installing module includes a seat bracket, a plurality of lower gaskets, a device bracket and an upper gasket. The seat bracket includes a first locking plate and a second locking plate locked to each other. The first locking plate includes a first concave and the second locking plate includes a second concave corresponding to the first concave. The lower gaskets are respectively disposed on the first concave and the second concave. The lower gaskets face each other and jointly define a lower assembly hole and are disposed on a lower side of a head-support fixer of a car seat. The device bracket is locked to the seat bracket and an electronic device is pivotally coupled to the device bracket. The upper gasket is disposed between the device bracket and the head-support fixer, and the head-support fixer is clamped between the upper gasket and the lower gaskets.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATIONInventors: Shih-Wei Yeh, Chien-Chih Lin, Yi-Ming Chou, Chun-Chieh Chang
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Patent number: 11899373Abstract: A method of generating a layout pattern includes determining a first energy density indirectly exposed to a first feature of one or more features of a layout pattern on an energy-sensitive material when the one or more features of the layout pattern on the energy-sensitive material are directly exposed by a charged particle beam. The method also includes adjusting a second energy density exposed the first feature when the first feature is directly exposed by the charged particle beam. A total energy density of the first feature that comprises a sum of the first energy density from the indirect exposure and the second energy density from the direct exposure is maintained at about a threshold energy level to fully expose the first feature in the energy-sensitive material.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2023Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Wen Lo, Shih-Ming Chang
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Patent number: 11899367Abstract: An electron beam lithography system and an electron beam lithography process are disclosed herein for improving throughput. An exemplary method for increasing throughput achieved by an electron beam lithography system includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) design layout that includes a target pattern, wherein the electron beam lithography system implements a first exposure dose to form the target pattern on a workpiece based on the IC design layout. The method further includes inserting a dummy pattern into the IC design layout to increase a pattern density of the IC design layout to greater than or equal to a threshold pattern density, thereby generating a modified IC design layout. The electron beam lithography system implements a second exposure dose that is less than the first exposure dose to form the target pattern on the workpiece based on the modified IC design layout.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTDInventors: Shih-Ming Chang, Wen Lo, Chun-Hung Liu, Chia-Hua Chang, Hsin-Wei Wu, Ta-Wei Ou, Chien-Chih Chen, Chien-Cheng Chen
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Patent number: 11854820Abstract: A method includes forming a first layer on a substrate; forming a first plurality of trenches in the first layer by a patterning process; and forming a second plurality of trenches in the first layer by another patterning process, resulting in combined trench patterns in the first layer. A first trench of the second plurality connects two trenches of the first plurality. The method further includes forming dielectric spacer features on sidewalls of the combined trench patterns. A space between two opposing sidewalls of the first trench is completely filled by the dielectric spacer features and another space between two opposing sidewalls of one of the two trenches is partially filled by the dielectric spacer features.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Ru-Gun Liu, Cheng-Hsiung Tsai, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih-Ming Lai, Chia-Ying Lee, Jyu-Horng Shieh, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Ming-Feng Shieh, Shau-Lin Shue, Shih-Ming Chang, Tien-I Bao, Tsai-Sheng Gau
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Patent number: 11854807Abstract: Methods of forming line-end extensions and devices having line-end extensions are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes forming a patterned photoresist on a first region of a hard mask layer. A line-end extension region is formed in the hard mask layer. The line-end extension region extends laterally outward from an end of the first region of the hard mask layer. The line-end extension region may be formed by changing a physical property of the hard mask layer at the line-end extension region.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Min Hsiao, Chien-Wen Lai, Ru-Gun Liu, Chih-Ming Lai, Shih-Ming Chang, Yung-Sung Yen, Yu-Chen Chang
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Publication number: 20230408930Abstract: In a method of tool matching, aberration maps of two or more optical systems of two or more scanner tools are determined. A photoresist pattern is generated by projecting a first layout pattern by an optical system of each one of the two or more scanner tools on a respective substrate. One or more Zernike coefficients of the two or more optical systems are adjusted based on the determined aberration maps of the two or more optical systems to minimize critical dimension (CD) variations in a first region of the photoresist patterns on each respective substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Shih-Chuan HUANG, Sheng-Min WANG, Shih-Ming CHANG, Ken-Hsien HSIEH
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Patent number: 11848208Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first spacer over a substrate. The method includes partially removing the first spacer to form a gap dividing the first spacer into a first part and a second part. The method includes forming a filling layer covering a first top surface and a first sidewall of the first spacer. The filling layer and the first spacer together form a strip structure. The method includes forming a second spacer over a second sidewall of the strip structure. The method includes forming a third spacer over a third sidewall of the second spacer. The third spacer is narrower than the second spacer.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTDInventors: Chih-Ming Lai, Shih-Ming Chang, Wei-Liang Lin, Chin-Yuan Tseng, Ru-Gun Liu
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Publication number: 20230384691Abstract: A method includes receiving a layout for fabricating a mask, determining a plurality of target contours corresponding to a plurality of sets of lithographic process conditions, determining a modification to the layout, simulating the modification to the layout under the plurality of sets of lithographic process conditions to produce a plurality of simulated contours, determining a cost of the modification to the layout based on comparisons between the plurality of simulated contours and corresponding ones in the plurality of target contours, and providing the modification to the layout for fabricating the mask based at least in part on the cost being within a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Dong-Yo Jheng, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Shih-Ming Chang, Chih-Jie Lee, Shuo-Yen Chou, Ru-Gun Liu
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Publication number: 20230375941Abstract: A method of generating a layout pattern includes determining a first energy density indirectly exposed to a first feature of one or more features of a layout pattern on an energy-sensitive material when the one or more features of the layout pattern on the energy-sensitive material are directly exposed by a charged particle beam. The method also includes adjusting a second energy density exposed the first feature when the first feature is directly exposed by the charged particle beam. A total energy density of the first feature that comprises a sum of the first energy density from the indirect exposure and the second energy density from the direct exposure is maintained at about a threshold energy level to fully expose the first feature in the energy-sensitive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Wen Lo, Shih-Ming Chang
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Publication number: 20230367234Abstract: A method of performing a lithography process includes providing a test pattern. The test pattern includes a first set of lines arranged at a first pitch, a second set of lines arranged at the first pitch, and further includes at least one reference line between the first set of lines and the second set of lines. The test pattern is exposed with a radiation source providing an asymmetric, monopole illumination profile to form a test pattern structure on a substrate. The test pattern structure is then measured and a measured distance correlated to an offset of a lithography parameter. A lithography process is adjusted based on the offset of the lithography parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Chih-Jie Lee, Shih-Chun Huang, Shih-Ming Chang, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Yung-Sung Yen, Ru-Gun Liu
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Patent number: 11789370Abstract: A method includes receiving a layout for fabricating a mask, determining a first target contour corresponding to a first set of process conditions, determining a second target contour corresponding to a second set of process conditions, simulating a first potential modification to the layout under the first set of process conditions to generate a first simulated contour, simulating a second potential modification to the layout under the second set of process conditions to generate a second simulated contour, evaluating costs of the first and second potential modifications based on comparing the first and second simulated contours to the first and second target contours, respectively, and providing the layout and one of the first and second potential modifications having a lower cost for fabricating the mask. The first set of process conditions is different from the second set of process conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong-Yo Jheng, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Shih-Ming Chang, Chih-Jie Lee, Shuo-Yen Chou, Ru-Gun Liu
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Publication number: 20230325579Abstract: A method includes generating a diffraction map from a plurality of target patterns, generating a favorable zone and an unfavorable zone from the diffraction map, placing a plurality of sub-resolution patterns in the favorable zone, and performing a plurality of geometric operations on the plurality of sub-resolution patterns to generate modified sub-resolution patterns. The modified sub-resolution patterns extend into the favorable zone, and are away from the unfavorable zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Shih-Ming Chang, Shinn-Sheng Yu, Jue-Chin Yu, Ping-Chieh Wu
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Patent number: 11782352Abstract: A method of performing a lithography process includes providing a test pattern. The test pattern includes a first set of lines arranged at a first pitch, a second set of lines arranged at the first pitch, and further includes at least one reference line between the first set of lines and the second set of lines. The test pattern is exposed with a radiation source providing an asymmetric, monopole illumination profile to form a test pattern structure on a substrate. The test pattern structure is then measured and a measured distance correlated to an offset of a lithography parameter. A lithography process is adjusted based on the offset of the lithography parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Chih-Jie Lee, Shih-Chun Huang, Shih-Ming Chang, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Yung-Sung Yen, Ru-Gun Liu
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Publication number: 20230317451Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a conductive pattern is formed in a surface region of a dielectric layer, a mask pattern including an opening over the conductive pattern is formed over the dielectric layer, a part of the conductive pattern is converted into a high-resistant part having a higher resistivity than the conductive pattern before the converting through the opening, and the mask pattern is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Shih-Ming CHANG, Yu-Tse LAI, Yu-Fu WANG
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Publication number: 20230288813Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a photo mask for lithography, circuit pattern data are acquired. A pattern density, which is a total pattern area per predetermined area, is calculated from the circuit pattern data. Dummy pattern data for areas having pattern density less than a threshold density are generated. Mask drawing data is generated from the circuit pattern data and the dummy pattern data. By using an electron beam from an electron beam lithography apparatus, patterns are drawn according to the mask drawing data on a resist layer formed on a mask blank substrate. The drawn resist layer is developed using a developing solution. Dummy patterns included in the dummy pattern data are not printed as a photo mask pattern when the resist layer is exposed with the electron beam and is developed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Chien-Cheng CHEN, Chia-Jen CHEN, Hsin-Chang LEE, Shih-Ming CHANG, Tran-Hui SHEN, Yen-Cheng HO, Chen-Shao HSU
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Publication number: 20230273524Abstract: An electron beam lithography system and an electron beam lithography process are disclosed herein for improving throughput. An exemplary method for increasing throughput achieved by an electron beam lithography system includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) design layout that includes a target pattern, wherein the electron beam lithography system implements a first exposure dose to form the target pattern on a workpiece based on the IC design layout. The method further includes inserting a dummy pattern into the IC design layout to increase a pattern density of the IC design layout to greater than or equal to a threshold pattern density, thereby generating a modified IC design layout. The electron beam lithography system implements a second exposure dose that is less than the first exposure dose to form the target pattern on the workpiece based on the modified IC design layout.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Shih-Ming Chang, Wen Lo, Chun-Hung Liu, Chia-Hua Chang, Hsin-Wei Wu, Ta-Wei Ou, Chien-Chih Chen, Chien-Cheng Chen