Patents by Inventor Shih-Wen Liu

Shih-Wen Liu 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: 9576847
    Abstract: Methods for forming integrated circuit structures are provided. The method includes providing a substrate including a first diffusion region, a second diffusion region, and an isolation structure separating the first diffusion region and the second diffusion region. The method further includes forming a gate structure over the substrate and forming an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer over the substrate. The method further includes forming a cutting mask over a portion of the gate structure over the isolation structure, and the cutting mask has an extending portion covering a portion of the ILD layer. The method further includes forming a photoresist layer having an opening, and a portion of the extending portion of the cutting mask is exposed by the opening. The method further includes etching the ILD layer through the opening to form a trench and filling the trench with a conductive material to form a contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ying Lin, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Fu-Kai Yang, Audrey Hsiao-Chiu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9536754
    Abstract: A method of forming a contact structure of a gate structure is provided. In the method, an oxidation layer and a first sidewall layer disposed between a first metal gate and a second metal gate are etched to expose an underlying silicon substrate. A silicide portion defined by a contact profile is deposited in the exposed portion of the silicon substrate. A second sidewall layer substantially covers the first sidewall layer and at least partially covering the silicide portion is formed after depositing the silicide portion. A metal glue layer is deposited around the first metal gate and the second metal gate defining a trench above the silicide portion. A metal plug is deposited within the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Audrey Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Publication number: 20160358779
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures and methods for forming the same are provided. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure includes forming a dummy gate structure over a substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the substrate around the dummy gate structure. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure further includes removing the dummy gate structure and removing a portion of the dielectric layer to form a funnel shaped trench. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure further includes forming a gate structure in a bottom portion of the funnel shaped trench and filling a hard mask material in a top portion of the funnel shaped trench to form a funnel shaped hard mask structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ying LIN, Mei-Yun WANG, Hsien-Cheng WANG, Fu-Kai YANG, Shih-Wen LIU, Audrey Hsiao-Chiu HSU
  • Patent number: 9508844
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of forming the same are described. A semiconductor arrangement includes a third metal connect in contact with a first metal connect in a first active region and a second metal connect in a second active region, and over a shallow trench isolation region located between the first active region and a second active region. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes forming a first opening over the first metal connect, the STI region, and the second metal connect, and forming the third metal connect in the first opening. Forming the third metal connect over the first metal connect and the second metal connect mitigates RC coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Yun Lee, Chao-Hsun Wang
  • Patent number: 9449886
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor device includes a first active region adjacent a first side of a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. The first active region including a first proximal fin having a first proximal fin height adjacent the STI region, and a first distal fin having a first distal fin height adjacent the first proximal fin, the first proximal fin height less than the first distal fin height. The STI region includes oxide, the oxide having an oxide volume, where the oxide volume is inversely proportional to the first proximal fin height. A method of formation includes forming a first proximal fin with a first proximal fin height less than a first distal fin height of a first distal fin, such that the first proximal fin is situated between the first distal fin and an STI region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Hsin-Ying Lin, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Shih-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 9425048
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and a metal gate structure formed over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a funnel shaped hard mask structure formed over the metal gate structure. Formation of voids, which tend to be formed in a rectangular hard mask structure, is prevented. In addition, formation of a self-aligned contact in the semiconductor device becomes easier, and risks of shortage between the contact and a metal gate structure in the semiconductor device decreased. In addition, a method for forming the semiconductor device structure is also provided. The method may include a gate last process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ying Lin, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Fu-Kai Yang, Shih-Wen Liu, Audrey Hsiao-Chiu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20160233131
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor device includes a first active region adjacent a first side of a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. The first active region including a first proximal fin having a first proximal fin height adjacent the STI region, and a first distal fin having a first distal fin height adjacent the first proximal fin, the first proximal fin height less than the first distal fin height. The STI region includes oxide, the oxide having an oxide volume, where the oxide volume is inversely proportional to the first proximal fin height. A method of formation includes forming a first proximal fin with a first proximal fin height less than a first distal fin height of a first distal fin, such that the first proximal fin is situated between the first distal fin and an STI region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Hsin-Ying Lin, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Shih-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20160211176
    Abstract: Methods for forming integrated circuit structures are provided. The method includes providing a substrate including a first diffusion region, a second diffusion region, and an isolation structure separating the first diffusion region and the second diffusion region. The method further includes forming a gate structure over the substrate and forming an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer over the substrate. The method further includes forming a cutting mask over a portion of the gate structure over the isolation structure, and the cutting mask has an extending portion covering a portion of the ILD layer. The method further includes forming a photoresist layer having an opening, and a portion of the extending portion of the cutting mask is exposed by the opening. The method further includes etching the ILD layer through the opening to form a trench and filling the trench with a conductive material to form a contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ying LIN, Mei-Yun WANG, Hsien-Cheng WANG, Shih-Wen LIU, Fu-Kai YANG, Audrey Hsiao-Chiu HSU
  • Patent number: 9331173
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor arrangement includes a metal connect in contact with a first active region and a second active region, and over a shallow trench isolation region located between the first active region and a second active region. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes recessing the metal connect over the STI region to form a recessed portion of the metal connect. Forming the recessed portion of the metal connect in contact with the first active region and the second active region mitigates RC coupling, such that a first gate is formed closer to a second gate, thus reducing a size of a chip on which the recessed portion is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Shih-Wen Liu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Fu-Kai Yang, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 9318488
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor device includes a first active region adjacent a first side of a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. The first active region including a first proximal fin having a first proximal fin height adjacent the STI region, and a first distal fin having a first distal fin height adjacent the first proximal fin, the first proximal fin height less than the first distal fin height. The STI region includes oxide, the oxide having an oxide volume, where the oxide volume is inversely proportional to the first proximal fin height. A method of formation includes forming a first proximal fin with a first proximal fin height less than a first distal fin height of a first distal fin, such that the first proximal fin is situated between the first distal fin and an STI region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 9312259
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanism for an integrated circuit (IC) structure are provided. The IC structure includes a substrate including a first diffusion region, a second diffusion region, and an isolation structure separating the first diffusion region and the second diffusion region. The IC structure further includes a gate structure formed over the substrate, and the gate structure extends from the first diffusion region to the second diffusion region. The IC structure further includes a contact formed over the substrate, and the contact includes a wide portion over the first diffusion region and the second diffusion region and a thin portion over the isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ying Lin, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Fu-Kai Yang, Audrey Hsiao-Chiu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9299657
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the following operations: providing a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion and a third conductive portion over a substrate; forming a dielectric layer over the first conductive portion, the second conductive portion, and the third conductive portion; forming a high-resistance layer over the first conductive portion; forming an oxide layer over the high-resistance layer and the dielectric layer; patterning the dielectric layer and the oxide layer by using the high-resistance layer as a blocking layer to form a first recess to expose the second conductive portion and the third conductive portion and to prevent the first conductive portion from exposure; and forming a plug layer in the first recess to connect the second conductive portion and the third conductive portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Audrey Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Publication number: 20160027689
    Abstract: Self-aligned contacts are provided. In an embodiment the self-aligned contacts are formed by partially removing a first dielectric material from adjacent to a gate electrode and fully removing a second dielectric material from adjacent to the gate electrode. A conductive material is deposited into the regions of the removed first dielectric material and the second dielectric material, and the conductive material and metal gates are recessed below a spacer. A dielectric layer is deposited over the recessed conductive material and the recessed metal gates, and the self-aligned contacts are formed through the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Chao-Hsun Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Fu-Kai Yang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Mei-Yun Wang
  • Publication number: 20150380270
    Abstract: A method of forming a contact structure of a gate structure is provided. In the method, an oxidation layer and a first sidewall layer disposed between a first metal gate and a second metal gate are etched to expose an underlying silicon substrate. A silicide portion defined by a contact profile is deposited in the exposed portion of the silicon substrate. A second sidewall layer substantially covers the first sidewall layer and at least partially covering the silicide portion is formed after depositing the silicide portion. A metal glue layer is deposited around the first metal gate and the second metal gate defining a trench above the silicide portion. A metal plug is deposited within the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: AUDREY HSIAO-CHIU HSU, FU-KAI YANG, MEI-YUN WANG, HSIEN-CHENG WANG, SHIH-WEN LIU, HSIN-YING LIN
  • Publication number: 20150333149
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor arrangement includes a metal connect in contact with a first active region and a second active region, and over a shallow trench isolation region located between the first active region and a second active region. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes recessing the metal connect over the STI region to form a recessed portion of the metal connect. Forming the recessed portion of the metal connect in contact with the first active region and the second active region mitigates RC coupling, such that a first gate is formed closer to a second gate, thus reducing a size of a chip on which the recessed portion is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Shih-Wen Liu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Fu-Kai Yang, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 9123563
    Abstract: A method of forming a contact structure of a gate structure is provided. In the method, an oxidation layer and a first sidewall layer disposed between a first metal gate and a second metal gate are etched to expose an underlying silicon substrate. A silicide portion defined by a contact profile is deposited in the exposed portion of the silicon substrate. A second sidewall layer substantially covers the first sidewall layer and at least partially covering the silicide portion is formed after depositing the silicide portion. A metal glue layer is deposited around the first metal gate and the second metal gate defining a trench above the silicide portion. A metal plug is deposited within the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Audrey Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 9093299
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor arrangement includes a metal connect in contact with a first active region and a second active region, and over a shallow trench isolation region located between the first active region and a second active region. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes recessing the metal connect over the STI region to form a recessed portion of the metal connect. Forming the recessed portion of the metal connect in contact with the first active region and the second active region mitigates RC coupling, such that a first gate is formed closer to a second gate, thus reducing a size of a chip on which the recessed portion is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Shih-Wen Liu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Fu-Kai Yang, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Hsin-Ying Lin
  • Publication number: 20150206872
    Abstract: A method of forming a contact structure of a gate structure is provided. In the method, an oxidation layer and a first sidewall layer disposed between a first metal gate and a second metal gate are etched to expose an underlying silicon substrate. A silicide portion defined by a contact profile is deposited in the exposed portion of the silicon substrate. A second sidewall layer substantially covers the first sidewall layer and at least partially covering the silicide portion is formed after depositing the silicide portion. A metal glue layer is deposited around the first metal gate and the second metal gate defining a trench above the silicide portion. A metal plug is deposited within the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: AUDREY HSIAO-CHIU HSU, FU-KAI YANG, MEI-YUN WANG, HSIEN-CHENG WANG, SHIH-WEN LIU, HSIN-YING LIN
  • Publication number: 20150194516
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of forming the same are described. A semiconductor arrangement includes a third metal connect in contact with a first metal connect in a first active region and a second metal connect in a second active region, and over a shallow trench isolation region located between the first active region and a second active region. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes forming a first opening over the first metal connect, the STI region, and the second metal connect, and forming the third metal connect in the first opening. Forming the third metal connect over the first metal connect and the second metal connect mitigates RC coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Shih-Wen Liu, Yun Lee, Chao-Hsun Wang
  • Publication number: 20150194422
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor arrangement includes a metal connect in contact with a first active region and a second active region, and over a shallow trench isolation region located between the first active region and a second active region. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes recessing the metal connect over the STI region to form a recessed portion of the metal connect. Forming the recessed portion of the metal connect in contact with the first active region and the second active region mitigates RC coupling, such that a first gate is formed closer to a second gate, thus reducing a size of a chip on which the recessed portion is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Shih-Wen Liu, Mei-Yun Wang, Hsien-Cheng Wang, Fu-Kai Yang, Hsiao-Chiu Hsu, Hsin-Ying Lin