Patents by Inventor Tien-Lu Lin

Tien-Lu 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).

  • Patent number: 10490500
    Abstract: A method comprises forming a first conductive line and a second conductive line in a first dielectric layer over a substrate, each having a planar top surface, applying an etch-back process to the first dielectric layer until a dielectric portion between the first conductive line and the second conductive line has been removed, and the first conductive line and the second conductive line have respective cross sectional shapes including a rounded surface and two rounded corners and depositing a second dielectric layer over the substrate, while leaving a first air gap between the first conductive line and the second conductive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lun Kao, Hsiang-Wei Liu, Tai-I Yang, Jian-Hua Chen, Yu-Chieh Liao, Yung-Chih Wang, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 10468349
    Abstract: Examples of an integrated circuit a having an advanced two-dimensional (2D) metal connection with metal cut and methods of fabricating the same are provided. An example method for fabricating a conductive interconnection layer of an integrated circuit may include: patterning a conductive connector portion on the conductive interconnection layer of the integrated circuit using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, wherein the conductive connector portion is patterned to extend across multiple semiconductor structures in a different layer of the integrated circuit; and cutting the conductive connector portion into a plurality of conductive connector sections, wherein the conductive connector portion is cut by removing conductive material from the metal connector portion at one or more locations between the semiconductor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Ming Lai, Chia-Tien Wu, Charles Chew-Yuen Young, Hui-Ting Yang, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng, Kam-Tou Sio, Ru-Gun Liu, Shun Li Chen, Shih-Wei Peng, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20190252319
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first metal wire arranged within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate and laterally separated in a first direction from a first closest air-gap by a first distance. A second metal wire is arranged within the ILD layer and is laterally separated in the first direction from a second closest air-gap by a second distance that is larger than the first distance. A via is disposed on an upper surface of the second metal wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Yung-Chih Wang, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20190244897
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a dielectric structure over a substrate, and a first interconnect structure arranged within the dielectric structure. A lower interconnect structure is arranged within the dielectric structure. The first interconnect structure and the lower interconnect structure comprise one or more different conductive materials. The first interconnect structure continuously extends from directly over a topmost surface of the lower interconnect structure facing away from the substrate to along opposing outer sidewalls of the lower interconnect structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Hsiang-Wei Liu, Tai-I Yang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20190157423
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided. The semiconductor arrangement comprises a conductive contact in contact with a substantially planar first top surface of a first active area, the contact between and in contact with a first alignment spacer and a second alignment spacer both having substantially vertical outer surfaces. The contact formed between the first alignment spacer and the second alignment spacer has a more desired contact shape then a contact formed between alignment spacers that do not have substantially vertical outer surfaces. The substantially planar surface of the first active area is indicative of a substantially undamaged structure of the first active area as compared to an active area that is not substantially planar. The substantially undamaged first active area has a greater contact area for the contact and a lower contact resistance as compared to a damaged first active area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Tien-Lu Lin, Wai-Yi Lien, Chih-Hao Wang, Jiun-Peng Wu
  • Patent number: 10290580
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip having a back-end-of-the-line interconnect stack. The integrated chip has a dielectric structure arranged over a substrate. A first interconnect structure is arranged within the dielectric structure and has sidewalls and a horizontally extending surface that define a recess within a lower surface of the first interconnect structure facing the substrate. A lower interconnect structure is arranged within the dielectric structure and extends from within the recess to a location between the first interconnect structure and the substrate. The first interconnect structure and the lower interconnect structure comprise one or more different conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Wei Liu, Tai-I Yang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 10276498
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an interconnect structure. The interconnect structure has a first dielectric layer disposed over a substrate and a conductive structure arranged within the first dielectric layer. An air-gap separates sidewalls of the conductive structure from the first dielectric layer. The air-gap continuously extends from a first side of the conductive structure to an opposing second side of the conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Yung-Chih Wang, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20190058033
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a liner, and an isolation structure. The substrate has at least one first semiconductor fin and at least one second semiconductor fin. The liner is disposed on at least one sidewall of the second semiconductor fin. The isolation structure is disposed over the substrate, in which the isolation structure is in contact with the first semiconductor fin and the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Tien-Lu LIN, Jung-Hung CHANG
  • Publication number: 20190051595
    Abstract: Examples of an integrated circuit a having an advanced two-dimensional (2D) metal connection with metal cut and methods of fabricating the same are provided. An example method for fabricating a conductive interconnection layer of an integrated circuit may include: patterning a conductive connector portion on the conductive interconnection layer of the integrated circuit using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, wherein the conductive connector portion is patterned to extend across multiple semiconductor structures in a different layer of the integrated circuit; and cutting the conductive connector portion into a plurality of conductive connector sections, wherein the conductive connector portion is cut by removing conductive material from the metal connector portion at one or more locations between the semiconductor structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Ming Lai, Chia-Tien Wu, Charles Chew-Yuen Young, Hui-Ting Yang, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng, Kam-Tou Sio, Ru-Gun Liu, Shun Li Chen, Shih-Wei Peng, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20190019753
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer over a first substrate, and the dielectric layer has a plurality of openings. The method also includes forming a first graphene layer in the openings and over the first dielectric layer, and forming an insulating layer in the first graphehe layer. The method further includes forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and forming a second graphene layer in and over the second dielectric layer. A portion of the second graphene layer interfaces with a portion of the first graphene layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tai-I YANG, Tien-I BAO, Tien-Lu LIN, Wei-Chen CHU
  • Patent number: 10177242
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided. The semiconductor arrangement comprises a conductive contact in contact with a substantially planar first top surface of a first active area, the contact between and in contact with a first alignment spacer and a second alignment spacer both having substantially vertical outer surfaces. The contact formed between the first alignment spacer and the second alignment spacer has a more desired contact shape then a contact formed between alignment spacers that do not have substantially vertical outer surfaces. The substantially planar surface of the first active area is indicative of a substantially undamaged structure of the first active area as compared to an active area that is not substantially planar. The substantially undamaged first active area has a greater contact area for the contact and a lower contact resistance as compared to a damaged first active area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Tien-Lu Lin, Wai-Yi Lien, Chih-Hao Wang, Jiun-Peng Wu
  • Patent number: 10109519
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. A conductive feature over a substrate is provided. A first dielectric layer is deposited over the conductive feature and the substrate. A via-forming-trench (VFT) is formed in the first dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature and the substrate around the conductive feature. The VFT is filled in by a sacrificial layer. A via-opening is formed in the sacrificial layer to expose the conductive feature. A metal plug is formed in the via-opening to connect to the conductive feature. The sacrificial layer is removed to form a surrounding-vacancy around metal plug and the conductive feature. A second dielectric layer is deposited over the substrate to seal a portion of the surrounding-vacancy to form an enclosure-air-gap all around the metal plug and the conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lun Kao, Tien-Lu Lin, Yung-Chih Wang, Cheng-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 10109582
    Abstract: Examples of an integrated circuit a having an advanced two-dimensional (2D) metal connection with metal cut and methods of fabricating the same are provided. An example method for fabricating a conductive interconnection layer of an integrated circuit may include: patterning a conductive connector portion on the conductive interconnection layer of the integrated circuit using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, wherein the conductive connector portion is patterned to extend across multiple semiconductor structures in a different layer of the integrated circuit; and cutting the conductive connector portion into a plurality of conductive connector sections, wherein the conductive connector portion is cut by removing conductive material from the metal connector portion at one or more locations between the semiconductor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Ming Lai, Chia-Tien Wu, Charles Chew-Yuen Young, Hui-Ting Yang, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng, Kam-Tou Sio, Ru-Gun Liu, Shun Li Chen, Shih-Wei Peng, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20180301409
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first conductive line embedded in the first dielectric layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and the first conductive line. The semiconductor device structure includes a second conductive line over the second dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is between the first conductive line and the second conductive line. The semiconductor device structure includes conductive pillars passing through the second dielectric layer to electrically connect the first conductive line to the second conductive line. The conductive pillars are spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-I YANG, Yu-Chieh LIAO, Tien-Lu LIN, Tien-I BAO
  • Patent number: 10103102
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a first conductive feature in the dielectric layer. A portion of the dielectric layer has a top surface that is provided on a different level in relation to a top surface of the first conductive feature. The semiconductor device structure further includes a second conductive feature in the dielectric layer and extending from a bottom surface of the first conductive feature. The portion of the dielectric layer is separated from the second conductive feature by a gap. A distance between the portion of the dielectric layer and the second conductive feature becomes smaller along a direction from the top surface of the first conductive feature towards the bottom surface of the first conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hua Chen, Tai-I Yang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chia-Tien Wu, Tien-Lu Lin, Tien-I Bao
  • Patent number: 10074607
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and an interconnect structure formed over the substrate. The interconnect structure includes a first dielectric layer formed over the substrate, and a first graphene layer formed in and on the first dielectric layer. The first graphene layer includes a first portion in the first dielectric layer and a second portion on the first dielectric layer and a first insulating layer formed over the first portion of the first graphene layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Tien-I Bao, Tien-Lu Lin, Wei-Chen Chu
  • Patent number: 10032713
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first conductive plug and a second conductive plug over the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to each other. The semiconductor device structure includes a first conductive via structure and a second conductive via structure over the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to each other. A first distance between the first conductive plug and the second conductive plug is less than a second distance between the first conductive via structure and the second conductive via structure. A first height of the first conductive plug is greater than a second height of the first conductive via structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-Chih Wang, Carlos H. Diaz, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 10002826
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first conductive line embedded in the first dielectric layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and the first conductive line. The semiconductor device structure includes a second conductive line over the second dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is between the first conductive line and the second conductive line. The semiconductor device structure includes conductive pillars passing through the second dielectric layer to electrically connect the first conductive line to the second conductive line. The conductive pillars are spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Yu-Chieh Liao, Tien-Lu Lin, Tien-I Bao
  • Publication number: 20180138124
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an interconnect structure. The interconnect structure has a first dielectric layer disposed over a substrate and a conductive structure arranged within the first dielectric layer. An air-gap separates sidewalls of the conductive structure from the first dielectric layer. The air-gap continuously extends from a first side of the conductive structure to an opposing second side of the conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Tai-I Yang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Yung-Chih Wang, Tien-Lu Lin
  • Publication number: 20180122739
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a first conductive feature in the dielectric layer. A portion of the dielectric layer has a top surface that is provided on a different level in relation to a top surface of the first conductive feature. The semiconductor device structure further includes a second conductive feature in the dielectric layer and extending from a bottom surface of the first conductive feature. The portion of the dielectric layer is separated from the second conductive feature by a gap. A distance between the portion of the dielectric layer and the second conductive feature becomes smaller along a direction from the top surface of the first conductive feature towards the bottom surface of the first conductive feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hua CHEN, Tai-I YANG, Cheng-Chi CHUANG, Chia-Tien WU, Tien-Lu LIN, Tien-I BAO