Patents by Inventor Te-Hao Lee

Te-Hao Lee 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: 20160322244
    Abstract: A wafer rotating apparatus includes a base, a carrying device, a first shaft gear, a power unit, a roller, a second shaft gear and a driving assembly. The base has an accommodating space which the carrying device is disposed in to accommodate the wafer. The first shaft gear is disposed on a side surface of the base. The power unit is assembled to a top of the base and connected to the first shaft gear. The roller is located under the carrying device and supports an edge of the wafer. The second shaft gear is disposed on the side surface of the base and connected to the roller. The driving assembly is connected between the first shaft gear and the second shaft gear. The power unit provides a power through the first gear, the driving unit and the second shaft gear to drive the roller to rotate the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Yuan-Hao Chang, Te-Hao Lee, Ying-Ru Shih, Wen-Ching Hsu
  • Patent number: 9466532
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) structures and methods of forming the same. Substrates of the MEMS structures are bonded together by fusion bonding at high processing temperatures, which enables more complete removal of chemical species from the dielectric materials in the substrates prior to sealing cavities of the MEMS structures. Fusion bonding of MEMS structures reduces outgassing of chemical species and is compatible with the cavity formation process. The MEMS structures bonded by fusion bonding are mechanically stronger compared to eutectic bonding due to a higher bonding ratio. In addition, fusion bonding enables the formation of through substrate vias (TSVs) in the MEMS structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Kuei-Sung Chang, Te-Hao Lee
  • Patent number: 9452924
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a MEMS device includes providing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) substrate having a sacrificial layer on a first side, providing a carrier including a plurality of cavities, bonding the first side of the MEMS substrate on the carrier, forming a first bonding material layer on a second side of the MEMS substrate, applying a sacrificial layer removal process to the MEMS substrate, providing a semiconductor substrate including a second bonding material layer and bonding the semiconductor substrate on the second side of the MEMS substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Te-Hao Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 9450109
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a MEMS device includes providing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) substrate having a sacrificial layer on a first side, providing a carrier including a plurality of cavities, bonding the first side of the MEMS substrate on the carrier, forming a first bonding material layer on a second side of the MEMS substrate, applying a sacrificial layer removal process to the MEMS substrate, providing a semiconductor substrate including a second bonding material layer and bonding the semiconductor substrate on the second side of the MEMS substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Te-Hao Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 9133017
    Abstract: A MEMS structure incorporating multiple joined substrates and a method for forming the MEMS structure are disclosed. An exemplary MEMS structure includes a first substrate having a bottom surface and a second substrate having a top surface substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the first substrate. The bottom surface of the first substrate is connected to the top surface of the second substrate by an anchor, such that the anchor does not extend through either the bottom surface of the first substrate or the top surface of the second substrate. The MEMS structure may include a bonding layer in contact with the bottom surface of the first substrate, and shaped to at least partially envelop the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Chih Liang, Jiou-Kang Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin, Te-Hao Lee, Chia-Hua Chu
  • Publication number: 20150217996
    Abstract: Exemplary microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, and methods for fabricating such are disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, wherein the SOI substrate includes a first silicon layer separated from a second silicon layer by an insulator layer; processing the first silicon layer to form a first structure layer of a MEMS device; bonding the first structure layer to a substrate; and processing the second silicon layer to form a second structure layer of the MEMS device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Jiou-Kang Lee, Kai-Chih Liang, Chung-Hsien Lin, Te-Hao Lee
  • Publication number: 20150158723
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device may include a MEMS structure over a first substrate. The MEMS structure comprises a movable element. Depositing a first conductive material over the first substrate and etching trenches in a second substrate. Filling the trenches with a second conductive material and depositing a third conductive material over the second conductive material and the second substrate. Bonding the first substrate and the second substrate and thinning a backside of the second substrate which exposes the second conductive material in the trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Kai-Chih Liang, Chia-Hua Chu, Te-Hao Lee, Jiou-Kang Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 9006015
    Abstract: Exemplary microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, and methods for fabricating such are disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, wherein the SOI substrate includes a first silicon layer separated from a second silicon layer by an insulator layer; processing the first silicon layer to form a first structure layer of a MEMS device; bonding the first structure layer to a substrate; and processing the second silicon layer to form a second structure layer of the MEMS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manfacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Te-Hao Lee, Jiou-Kang Lee, Kai-Chih Liang, Chung-Hsien Lin, Chun-wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8987059
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device may include a MEMS structure over a first substrate. The MEMS structure comprises a movable element. Depositing a first conductive material over the first substrate and etching trenches in a second substrate. Filling the trenches with a second conductive material and depositing a third conductive material over the second conductive material and the second substrate. Bonding the first substrate and the second substrate and thinning a backside of the second substrate which exposes the second conductive material in the trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Chih Liang, Chia-Hua Chu, Te-Hao Lee, Jiou-Kang Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8969979
    Abstract: A method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device on a front surface of a substrate. After the step of forming the MEMS device, a through-opening is formed in the substrate, wherein the through-opening is formed from a backside of the substrate. The through-opening is filled with a dielectric material, which insulates a first portion of the substrate from a second portion of the substrate. An electrical connection is formed on the backside of the substrate. The electrical connection is electrically coupled to the MEMS device through the first portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Hao Lee, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140374885
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of etching a narrow gap using one or more parallel releasing structures to improve etching performance, and an associated apparatus. In some embodiments, the method provides a semiconductor substrate with a narrow gap having a sacrificial material. One or more parallel releasing structures are formed within the semiconductor substrate at positions that abut the narrow gap. An etching process is then performed to simultaneously remove the sacrificial material from the narrow gap along a first direction from the one or more parallel releasing structures and along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. By simultaneously etching the sacrificial material from both the direction of the narrow gap and from the direction of the one or more parallel releasing structures, the sacrificial material is removed in less time, since the etch is not limited by a size of the narrow gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kuei-Sung Chang, Te-Hao Lee
  • Publication number: 20140353776
    Abstract: A MEMS structure incorporating multiple joined substrates and a method for forming the MEMS structure are disclosed. An exemplary MEMS structure includes a first substrate having a bottom surface and a second substrate having a top surface substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the first substrate. The bottom surface of the first substrate is connected to the top surface of the second substrate by an anchor, such that the anchor does not extend through either the bottom surface of the first substrate or the top surface of the second substrate. The MEMS structure may include a bonding layer in contact with the bottom surface of the first substrate, and shaped to at least partially envelop the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Kai-Chih Liang, Jiou-Kang Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin, Te-Hao Lee, Chia-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 8828772
    Abstract: An HF vapor etch etches high aspect ratio openings to form MEMS devices and other tightly-packed semiconductor devices with 0.2 um air gaps between structures. The HF vapor etch etches oxide plugs and gaps with void portions and oxide liner portions and further etches oxide layers that are buried beneath silicon and other structures and is ideally suited to release cantilevers and other MEMS devices. The HF vapor etches at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in one embodiment. A process sequence is provided that forms MEMS devices including cantilevers and lateral, in-plane electrodes that are stationary and vibration resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Te-Hao Lee
  • Publication number: 20140206123
    Abstract: Exemplary microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, and methods for fabricating such are disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, wherein the SOI substrate includes a first silicon layer separated from a second silicon layer by an insulator layer; processing the first silicon layer to form a first structure layer of a MEMS device; bonding the first structure layer to a substrate; and processing the second silicon layer to form a second structure layer of the MEMS device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Te-Hao Lee, Jiou-Kang Lee, Kai-Chih Liang, Chung-Hsien Lin, Chun-wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8748205
    Abstract: A MEMS structure incorporating multiple joined substrates and a method for forming the MEMS structure are disclosed. An exemplary MEMS structure includes a first substrate having a bottom surface and a second substrate having a top surface substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the first substrate. The bottom surface of the first substrate is connected to the top surface of the second substrate by an anchor, such that the anchor does not extend through either the bottom surface of the first substrate or the top surface of the second substrate. The MEMS structure may include a bonding layer in contact with the bottom surface of the first substrate, and shaped to at least partially envelop the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Chih Liang, Jiou-Kang Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin, Te-Hao Lee, Chia-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 8729646
    Abstract: A device includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) wafer having a MEMS device therein. The MEMS device includes a movable element, and first openings in the MEMS wafer. The movable element is disposed in the first openings. A carrier wafer is bonded to the MEMS wafer. The carrier wafer includes a second opening connected to the first openings, wherein the second opening includes an entry portion extending from a surface of the carrier wafer into the carrier wafer, and an inner portion wider than the entry portion, wherein the inner portion is deeper in the carrier wafer than the entry portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Te-Hao Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20140103462
    Abstract: A method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device on a front surface of a substrate. After the step of forming the MEMS device, a through-opening is formed in the substrate, wherein the through-opening is formed from a backside of the substrate. The through-opening is filled with a dielectric material, which insulates a first portion of the substrate from a second portion of the substrate. An electrical connection is formed on the backside of the substrate. The electrical connection is electrically coupled to the MEMS device through the first portion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Hao Lee, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140042562
    Abstract: A device includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) wafer having a MEMS device therein. The MEMS device includes a movable element, and first openings in the MEMS wafer. The movable element is disposed in the first openings. A carrier wafer is bonded to the MEMS wafer. The carrier wafer includes a second opening connected to the first openings, wherein the second opening includes an entry portion extending from a surface of the carrier wafer into the carrier wafer, and an inner portion wider than the entry portion, wherein the inner portion is deeper in the carrier wafer than the entry portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Te-Hao Lee, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8623768
    Abstract: A method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device on a front surface of a substrate. After the step of forming the MEMS device, a through-opening is formed in the substrate, wherein the through-opening is formed from a backside of the substrate. The through-opening is filled with a dielectric material, which insulates a first portion of the substrate from a second portion of the substrate. An electrical connection is formed on the backside of the substrate. The electrical connection is electrically coupled to the MEMS device through the first portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Hao Lee, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130230939
    Abstract: An HF vapor etch etches high aspect ratio openings to form MEMS devices and other tightly-packed semiconductor devices with 0.2 ?m air gaps between structures. The HF vapor etch etches oxide plugs and gaps with void portions and oxide liner portions and further etches oxide layers that are buried beneath silicon and other structures and is ideally suited to release cantilevers and other MEMS devices. The HF vapor etches at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in one embodiment. A process sequence is provided that forms MEMS devices including cantilevers and lateral, in-plane electrodes that are stationary and vibration resistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Te-Hao LEE