Patents by Inventor Wei-Han Lai

Wei-Han Lai 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: 10056256
    Abstract: A photoresist layer is formed over a patternable layer. The photoresist layer containing a negative tone photoresist material. An exposure process is performed to the photoresist layer. A post-exposure bake (PEB) process is performed to the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is rinsed to develop a photoresist pattern. A primer material is applied to the photoresist pattern. The primer material is configured to: straighten a profile of the photoresist pattern, or to increase a number of deprotected acid labile group (ALG) units of the photoresist material, or to bond with the deprotected ALG units of the photoresist material. After the primer material is applied, the photoresist pattern is enlarged by coating a shrink material over the photoresist pattern, baking the shrink material, and removing portions of the shrink material. The patternable layer is patterned using the enlarged photoresist pattern as a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 10042252
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for lithography patterning in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate, wherein the photoresist layer includes a polymer, a sensitizer, and a photo-acid generator (PAG), wherein the PAG includes a first phenyl ring and a second phenyl ring both chemically bonded to a sulfur, the first and second phenyl rings being further chemically bonded with enhanced sensitivity; performing an exposing process to the photoresist layer; and developing the photoresist layer, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yen-Hao Chen, Wei-Han Lai, Chien-Wei Wang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20180173101
    Abstract: A method includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate, wherein the photoresist layer includes a polymer, a sensitizer, and a photo-acid generator (PAG), wherein the sensitizer includes a resonance ring that includes nitrogen and at least one double bond. The method further includes performing an exposing process to the photoresist layer. The method further includes developing the photoresist layer, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Chien-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20180174837
    Abstract: Provided is a material composition and method for substrate modification. A substrate is patterned to include a plurality of features. The plurality of features includes a first subset of features having one or more substantially inert surfaces. In various embodiments, a priming material is deposited over the substrate, over the plurality of features, and over the one or more substantially inert surfaces. By way of example, the deposited priming material bonds at least to the one or more substantially inert surfaces. Additionally, the deposited priming material provides a modified substrate surface. After depositing the priming material, a layer is spin-coated over the modified substrate surface, where the spin-coated layer is substantially planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Wei-Han LAI, Chien-Wei WANG, Ching-Yu CHANG, Chin-Hsiang LIN
  • Publication number: 20180149971
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for lithography patterning in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate, wherein the photoresist layer includes a polymer, a sensitizer, and a photo-acid generator (PAG), wherein the PAG includes a first phenyl ring and a second phenyl ring both chemically bonded to a sulfur, the first and second phenyl rings being further chemically bonded with enhanced sensitivity; performing an exposing process to the photoresist layer; and developing the photoresist layer, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Yen-Hao Chen, Wei-Han Lai, Chien-Wei Wang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9958779
    Abstract: A patternable layer is formed over a substrate. A photo-sensitive layer is formed over the patternable layer. The photo-sensitive layer contains an additive. The additive contains at least a floating control chemical and a volume control chemical. A spin drying or a baking process is performed to the photo-sensitive layer. The floating control chemical causes the additive to rise upward during the spin drying or baking process. Thereafter, as a part of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography process, the photo-sensitive layer is exposed. One or more outgassing chemicals are generated inside the photo-sensitive layer during the exposing. The volume control chemical is sufficiently voluminous and dense to trap the outgassing chemicals inside the photo-sensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang, Chien-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9924271
    Abstract: An article of functional headwear is provided. The article of headwear including a material configured for surrounding at least a portion of an individual's head, an audio delivery device movably positioned within the material, and a microprocessor positioned within the material, the microprocessor being coupled to the audio delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Acousticsheep LLC
    Inventors: Wei-Shin Lai, Jason Wolfe, Wei-Han Lai
  • Patent number: 9921480
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for lithography patterning in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate; performing an exposing process to the photoresist layer; and developing the photoresist layer, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer. The photoresist layer includes a polymer backbone, an acid labile group (ALG) bonded to the polymer backbone, a first sensitizer that is bonded to the polymer backbone, a second sensitizer that is not bonded to the polymer backbone, and a photo-acid generator (PAG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang, Chien-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9810990
    Abstract: A material layer is formed over a substrate. A negative tone photoresist layer is formed over the material layer. An exposure process is performed to the negative tone photoresist layer. A post-exposure bake (PEB) process is performed to the negative tone photoresist layer. After the exposure process and the PEB process, the negative tone photoresist layer is treated with a solvent. The solvent contains a chemical having a greater dipole moment than n-butyl acetate (n-BA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang, Cheng-Han Wu, Siao-Shan Wang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20170271155
    Abstract: A photoresist layer is formed over a patternable layer. The photoresist layer containing a negative tone photoresist material. An exposure process is performed to the photoresist layer. A post-exposure bake (PEB) process is performed to the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is rinsed to develop a photoresist pattern. A primer material is applied to the photoresist pattern. The primer material is configured to: straighten a profile of the photoresist pattern, or to increase a number of deprotected acid labile group (ALG) units of the photoresist material, or to bond with the deprotected ALG units of the photoresist material. After the primer material is applied, the photoresist pattern is enlarged by coating a shrink material over the photoresist pattern, baking the shrink material, and removing portions of the shrink material. The patternable layer is patterned using the enlarged photoresist pattern as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Publication number: 20170227851
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for lithography patterning in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate; performing an exposing process to the photoresist layer; and developing the photoresist layer, thereby forming a patterned photoresist layer. The photoresist layer includes a polymer backbone, an acid labile group (ALG) bonded to the polymer backbone, a first sensitizer that is bonded to the polymer backbone, a second sensitizer that is not bonded to the polymer backbone, and a photo-acid generator (PAG).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang, Chien-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20170176857
    Abstract: A photoresist with a group which will decompose bonded to a high etching resistance moiety is provided. Alternatively, the group which will decompose can additionally be attached to a re-attachment group that will re-attach to the polymer after the group which will decompose has cleaved from the polymer. The photoresist may also comprise a non-leaving monomer with a cross-linking site and a cross-linking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Chen-Hau Wu, Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 9581908
    Abstract: A photoresist with a group which will decompose bonded to a high etching resistance moiety is provided. Alternatively, the group which will decompose can additionally be attached to a re-attachment group that will re-attach to the polymer after the group which will decompose has cleaved from the polymer. The photoresist may also comprise a non-leaving monomer with a cross-linking site and a cross-linking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hau Wu, Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 9488913
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A substrate is provided. A material layer is formed over the substrate. A photoresist layer is formed over the material layer. The photoresist layer contains a polymer. The polymer includes an acid labile group (ALG) that is linked to a plurality of carboxylic acid function groups. The photoresist layer is then patterned using a lithography process, for example an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 9459536
    Abstract: A method for lithography patterning includes providing a substrate; forming a material layer over the substrate; exposing a portion of the material layer to a radiation; and removing an unexposed portion of the material layer in a developer, resulting in a patterned material layer. The developer has a Log P value greater than 1.82 and contains an organic solvent. In an embodiment, the organic solvent is an n-butyl acetate derivative that is represented by the formula CH3R5CHR4CHR3CHR2COOCH2R1, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a fluoroalkyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Publication number: 20160274463
    Abstract: A material layer is formed over a substrate. A negative tone photoresist layer is formed over the material layer. An exposure process is performed to the negative tone photoresist layer. A post-exposure bake (PEB) process is performed to the negative tone photoresist layer. After the exposure process and the PEB process, the negative tone photoresist layer is treated with a solvent. The solvent contains a chemical having a greater dipole moment than n-butyl acetate (n-BA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang, Cheng-Han Wu, Siao-Shan Wang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20160238934
    Abstract: A patternable layer is formed over a substrate. A photo-sensitive layer is formed over the patternable layer. The photo-sensitive layer contains an additive. The additive contains at least a floating control chemical and a volume control chemical. A spin drying or a baking process is performed to the photo-sensitive layer. The floating control chemical causes the additive to rise upward during the spin drying or baking process. Thereafter, as a part of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography process, the photo-sensitive layer is exposed. One or more outgassing chemicals are generated inside the photo-sensitive layer during the exposing. The volume control chemical is sufficiently voluminous and dense to trap the outgassing chemicals inside the photo-sensitive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang, Chien-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9354521
    Abstract: A system and method for photoresists is provided. In an embodiment the photoresist is exposed in a photoresist track system and developed in an offline developing system. After the photoresist is exposed, the photoresist may be idled for a time period prior to being developed in the offline developing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 9356526
    Abstract: A DC-DC power conversion apparatus and a DC-DC power conversion method are provided. The DC-DC power conversion apparatus includes a switching circuit, a main transformer circuit, a main rectifier circuit, an auxiliary transformer circuit and an auxiliary rectifier circuit. The switching circuit provides an input power to a primary winding of the main transformer circuit or a primary winding of the auxiliary transformer circuit by time-division. An AC input terminal of the main rectifier circuit is coupled to a secondary winding of the main transformer circuit. An AC input terminal of the auxiliary rectifier circuit is coupled to a secondary winding of the auxiliary transformer circuit. A power output terminal of the auxiliary rectifier circuit is coupled to a reference voltage terminal of the main rectifier circuit for lifting a voltage of the power output terminal of the main rectifier circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chi-Seng Lee, Nan-Hsiung Tseng, Chin-Hone Lin, Wei-Han Lai, Hidekazu Miwa, Jih-Sheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20160108170
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A substrate is provided. A material layer is formed over the substrate. A photoresist layer is formed over the material layer. The photoresist layer contains a polymer. The polymer includes an acid labile group (ALG) that is linked to a plurality of carboxylic acid function groups. The photoresist layer is then patterned using a lithography process, for example an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Han Lai, Ching-Yu Chang