Patents by Inventor Tzu-Chiang Chen

Tzu-Chiang Chen 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: 20220059580
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, in some embodiments, is a memory device. The memory device includes a bottom electrode disposed over a substrate and a top electrode disposed over the bottom electrode. An upper surface of the bottom electrode faces away from the substrate. A bottom surface of the top electrode faces the substrate. A data storage layer is arranged between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. At least a portion of the bottom surface of the top electrode does not overlap with any portion of the top surface of the bottom electrode along a first direction parallel to the bottom surface of the top electrode. Furthermore, at least a portion of the top surface of the bottom electrode does not overlap with any portion of the bottom surface of the top electrode along the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Jung-Piao Chiu, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11245005
    Abstract: Methods for forming semiconductor structures are provided. The method includes alternately stacking first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers over a substrate and patterning the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers to form a first fin structure. The method further includes forming a first trench in the first fin structure and forming a first source/drain structure in the first trench. The method further includes partially removing the first source/drain structure to form a second trench in the first source/drain structure and forming a first contact in the second trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ta-Chun Lin, Kuo-Hua Pan, Jhon-Jhy Liaw, Chao-Ching Cheng, Hung-Li Chiang, Shih-Syuan Huang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, I-Sheng Chen, Sai-Hooi Yeong
  • Patent number: 11244866
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a dielectric fin on a substrate; a low-dimensional layer on the dielectric fin, the low-dimensional layer including a source/drain region and a channel region; a source/drain contact on the source/drain region; and a gate structure on the channel region adjacent the source/drain contact, the gate structure having a first width at a top of the gate structure, a second width at a middle of the gate structure, and a third width at a bottom of the gate structure, the second width being less than each of the first width and the third width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Tse Hung, Chao-Ching Cheng, Tse-An Chen, Hung-Li Chiang, Lain-Jong Li, Tzu-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 11227955
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first poly-material pattern, a first conductive element, a first semiconductor layer, and a first gate structure. The first poly-material pattern is over and protrudes outward from the substrate, wherein the first poly-material pattern includes a first active portion and a first poly-material portion joined to the first active portion. The first conductive element is over the substrate, wherein the first conductive element includes the first poly-material portion and a first metallic conductive portion covering at least one of a top surface and a sidewall of the first poly-material portion. The first semiconductor layer is over the substrate and covers the first active portion of the first poly-material pattern and the first conductive element. The first gate structure is over the first semiconductor layer located within the first active portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, Chun-Chieh Lu, Hung-Li Chiang, Tzu-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20210399054
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit has a plurality of bit-line stacks disposed over a substrate and respectively including a plurality of bit-lines stacked onto one another. A data storage structure is over the plurality of bit-line stacks and a selector is over the data storage structure. A word-line is over the selector. The selector is configured to selectively allow current to pass between the plurality of bit-lines and the word-line. The plurality of bit-line stacks include a first bit-line stack, a second bit-line stack, and a third bit-line stack. The first and third bit-line stacks are closest bit-line stacks to opposing sides of the second bit-line stack. The second bit-line stack is separated from the first bit-line stack by a first distance and is further separated from the third bit-line stack by a second distance larger than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Jung-Piao Chiu, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11205706
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a fin structure, in which first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers are alternately stacked, is formed. A sacrificial gate structure is formed over the fin structure. A source/drain region of the fin structure, which is not covered by the sacrificial gate structure, is etched, thereby forming a source/drain space. The first semiconductor layers are laterally etched through the source/drain space. A first insulating layer is formed, in the source/drain space, at least on etched first semiconductor layers. A source/drain epitaxial layer is formed in the source/drain space, thereby forming air gaps between the source/drain epitaxial layer and the first semiconductor layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Lin Yang, Tung Ying Lee, Shao-Ming Yu, Chao-Ching Cheng, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Chao-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 11195763
    Abstract: In a method, a fin structure, in which first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers are alternately stacked, is formed. A sacrificial gate structure is formed over the fin structure. The first semiconductor layers are etched at a source/drain region of the fin structure, which is not covered by the sacrificial gate structure, thereby forming a first source/drain space in which the second semiconductor layers are exposed. A dielectric layer is formed at the first source/drain space, thereby covering the exposed second semiconductor layers. The dielectric layer and part of the second semiconductor layers are etched, thereby forming a second source/drain space. A source/drain epitaxial layer is formed in the second source/drain space. At least one of the second semiconductor layers is in contact with the source/drain epitaxial layer, and at least one of the second semiconductor layers is separated from the source/drain epitaxial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Chih-Liang Chen, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Ta-Pen Guo, Yu-Lin Yang, I-Sheng Chen, Szu-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 11195926
    Abstract: A gate-all-around structure including a first transistor is provided. The first transistor includes a semiconductor substrate having a top surface, and a first nanostructure over the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and between a first source and a first drain. The first transistor also includes a first gate structure around the first nanostructure, and an inner spacer between the first gate structure and the first source, wherein an interface between the inner spacer and the first gate structure is non-flat. The first transistor includes an isolation layer between the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the first source and the first drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, Yu-Lin Yang, I-Sheng Chen, Tzu-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20210375989
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell, a selector layer and a first work function metal layer. The selector layer is disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode over the memory cell. The first work function metal layer is disposed between the selector layer and the first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Jung-Piao Chiu, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen, Xinyu BAO
  • Publication number: 20210376133
    Abstract: A method includes: forming a dielectric fin protruding above a substrate; forming a channel layer over an upper surface of the dielectric fin and along first sidewalls of the dielectric fin, the channel layer including a low dimensional material; forming a gate structure over the channel layer; forming metal source/drain regions on opposing sides of the gate structure; forming a channel enhancement layer over the channel layer; and forming a passivation layer over the gate structure, the metal source/drain regions, and the channel enhancement layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Yi-Tse Hung, Chao-Ching Cheng, Tse-An Chen, Hung-Li Chiang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Lain-Jong Li
  • Publication number: 20210366819
    Abstract: Cryogenic integrated circuits are provided. A cryogenic integrated circuit includes a thermally conductive base, a data processer, a storage device, a buffer device, a thermally conductive shield and a cooling pipe. The data processer is located on the thermally conductive base. The storage device is located on the thermally conductive base and disposed aside and electrically connected to the data processer. The buffer device is disposed on the data processer. The thermally conductive shield covers the data processer, the storage device and the buffer device. The cooling pipe is located in physical contact with the thermally conductive base and disposed at least corresponding to the data processer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Jin Cai, Yu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11183449
    Abstract: Cryogenic integrated circuits are provided. A cryogenic integrated circuit includes a thermally conductive base, a data processor, a storage device, a buffer device, a thermally conductive shield and a cooling pipe. The data processor is located on the thermally conductive base. The storage device is located on the thermally conductive base and disposed aside and electrically connected to the data processor. The buffer device is disposed on the data processor. The thermally conductive shield covers the data processor, the storage device and the buffer device. The cooling pipe is located in physical contact with the thermally conductive base and disposed at least corresponding to the data processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Jin Cai, Yu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11183236
    Abstract: A memory device that includes at least one memory cell is introduced. Each of the at least one memory cell is coupled to a bit line and a word line. Each of the at least one memory cell includes a memory element and a selector element, in which the memory element is configured to store data of the at least one memory cell. The selector element is coupled to the memory element in series and is configured to select the memory element for a read operation and amplify the data stored in the memory element in the read operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen, Hon-Sum Philip Wong
  • Patent number: 11183560
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate and first nanostructures and second nanostructures formed over the substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a first source/drain structure formed adjacent to the first nanostructures and a second source/drain structure formed adjacent to the second nanostructures. The semiconductor structure further includes a first contact plug formed over the first source/drain structure and a second contact plug formed over the second source/drain structure. In addition, a bottom portion of the first contact plug is lower than a bottom portion of the first nanostructures, and a bottom portion of the second contact plug is higher than a top portion of the second nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, I-Sheng Chen, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Shih-Syuan Huang, Hung-Li Chiang
  • Patent number: 11177179
    Abstract: In a method, a fin structure, in which first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers are alternately stacked, is formed. A sacrificial gate structure is formed over the fin structure. The first semiconductor layers are etched at a source/drain region of the fin structure, which is not covered by the sacrificial gate structure, thereby forming a first source/drain space in which the second semiconductor layers are exposed. A dielectric layer is formed at the first source/drain space, thereby covering the exposed second semiconductor layers. The dielectric layer and part of the second semiconductor layers are etched, thereby forming a second source/drain space. A source/drain epitaxial layer is formed in the second source/drain space. At least one of the second semiconductor layers is in contact with the source/drain epitaxial layer, and at least one of the second semiconductor layers is separated from the source/drain epitaxial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Chao-Ching Cheng, Chih-Liang Chen, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Ta-Pen Guo, Yu-Lin Yang, I-Sheng Chen, Szu-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 11171059
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first plurality of stacked nanowire structures extending in a first direction disposed over a first region of a semiconductor substrate. Each nanowire structure of the first plurality of stacked nanowire structures includes a plurality of nanowires arranged in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A nanowire stack insulating layer is between the substrate and a nanowire closest to the substrate of each nanowire structure of the first plurality of stacked nanowire structures. At least one second stacked nanowire structure is disposed over a second region of the semiconductor substrate, and a shallow trench isolation layer is between the first region and the second region of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, I-Sheng Chen, Tzu-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20210335676
    Abstract: Nanowire devices and fin devices are formed in a first region and a second region of a substrate. To form the devices, alternating layers of a first material and a second material are formed, inner spacers are formed adjacent to the layers of the first material, and then the layers of the first material are removed to form nanowires without removing the layers of the first material within the second region. Gate structures of gate dielectrics and gate electrodes are formed within the first region and the second region in order to form the nanowire devices in the first region and the fin devices in the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Chen-Feng Hsu, Yu-Lin Yang, Tung Ying Lee, Chih Chieh Yeh
  • Patent number: 11158542
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a number of first semiconductor wires over a semiconductor substrate, and the first semiconductor wires are vertically spaced apart from each other. The semiconductor device structure includes a first gate stack partially wrapping the first semiconductor wires, and a spacer element adjacent to the first gate stack. Each of the first semiconductor wires has a first portion directly below the spacer element and a second portion directly below the first gate stack, the first portion has a first width, the second portion has a second width, and the first width is greater than the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, I-Sheng Chen, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Tung-Ying Lee, Szu-Wei Huang, Huan-Sheng Wei
  • Patent number: 11158742
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin field effect transistor (FinFET). The FinFET includes a channel disposed on a fin, a gate disposed over the channel and a source and drain. The channel includes at least two pairs of a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer has a different lattice constant than the second semiconductor layer. A thickness of the first semiconductor layer is three to ten times a thickness of the second semiconductor layer at least in one pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, Chih Chieh Yeh, Cheng-Hsien Wu, Hung-Li Chiang, Jung-Piao Chiu, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Tsung-Lin Lee, Yu-Lin Yang, I-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11152481
    Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate; forming a first structure over the substrate, the first structure including a first gate trench and a first channel exposed in the first gate trench; forming a second structure over the substrate, the second structure including a second gate trench and a second channel exposed in the second gate trench; depositing a gate dielectric layer covering surfaces of the first and second channels exposed in the respective first and second gate trenches; recessing the gate dielectric layer in the second gate trench to be lower than the gate dielectric layer in the first gate trench; and forming a gate electrode layer over the gate dielectric layer in the first and second gate trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Cheng, Wei-Sheng Yun, I-Sheng Chen, Shao-Ming Yu, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Chih Chieh Yeh