Patents by Inventor Wei-Ken LIN

Wei-Ken 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).

  • Publication number: 20240113202
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Patent number: 11942418
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a combined feature, a protection layer and a polymeric layer. The combined feature includes a passivation layer, an interconnecting structure disposed on the passivation layer, and a dielectric layer disposed on the passivation layer and the interconnecting structure. The protection layer is disposed on the dielectric layer, and is oxide-and-nitride based. The polymeric layer is disposed on the protection layer, and is separated from the interconnecting structure by the protection layer. A method of making a semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Chuan Tsai, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Patent number: 11855182
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20230326746
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Patent number: 11735430
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor capping layer over a first fin in a first region of a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor capping layer, and forming an insulation material over the dielectric layer, an upper surface of the insulation material extending further away from the substrate than an upper surface of the first fin. The method further incudes recessing the insulation material to expose a top portion of the first fin, and forming a gate structure over the top portion of the first fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yin Wang, Hung-Ju Chou, Jiun-Ming Kuo, Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li
  • Patent number: 11705327
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Publication number: 20230026034
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor feature, a protection layer and a polymeric layer. The semiconductor feature includes a passivation layer, an interconnecting structure disposed on the passivation layer, and a dielectric layer disposed on the passivation layer and the interconnecting structure. The protection layer is disposed on the dielectric layer, and is oxide-and-nitride based. The polymeric layer is disposed on the protection layer, and is separated from the interconnecting structure by the protection layer. A method of making a semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Chuan TSAI, Wei-Ken LIN
  • Patent number: 11450772
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin protruding above a substrate, the first fin having a PMOS region; forming a first gate structure over the first fin in the PMOS region; forming a first spacer layer over the first fin and the first gate structure; and forming a second spacer layer over the first spacer layer. The method further includes performing a first etching process to remove the second spacer layer from a top surface and sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; performing a second etching process to remove the first spacer layer from the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; and epitaxially growing a first source/drain material over the first fin in the PMOS region, the first source/drain material extending along the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li, Chih-Peng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20220285552
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: forming a semiconductor fin protruding from a substrate; depositing a spacer layer over the semiconductor fin; after the depositing the spacer layer over the semiconductor fin, implanting a first dopant in the spacer layer and depositing a dopant layer of the first dopant on the spacer layer in alternating repeating steps; removing the dopant layer; and performing a thermal anneal process to drive the first dopant into the semiconductor fin from the spacer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Ling Chan, Meng-Yueh Liu, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20220230871
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Patent number: 11342454
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: forming a semiconductor fin protruding from a substrate; depositing a spacer layer over the semiconductor fin; after the depositing the spacer layer over the semiconductor fin, implanting a first dopant in the spacer layer and depositing a dopant layer of the first dopant on the spacer layer in alternating repeating steps; removing the dopant layer; and performing a thermal anneal process to drive the first dopant into the semiconductor fin from the spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ling Chan, Meng-Yueh Liu, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Patent number: 11295948
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Patent number: 11205597
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin extending from a substrate, forming a first gate stack over and along sidewalls of the first fin, forming a first spacer along a sidewall of the first gate stack, the first spacer including a first composition of silicon oxycarbide, forming a second spacer along a sidewall of the first spacer, the second spacer including a second composition of silicon oxycarbide, forming a third spacer along a sidewall of the second spacer, the third spacer including silicon nitride, and forming a first epitaxial source/drain region in the first fin and adjacent the third spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Tan, I-Hsieh Wong, Te-En Cheng, Yung-Hui Lin, Wei-Ken Lin, Wei-Yang Lee, Chih-Hung Nien
  • Publication number: 20210210354
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor capping layer over a first fin in a first region of a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor capping layer, and forming an insulation material over the dielectric layer, an upper surface of the insulation material extending further away from the substrate than an upper surface of the first fin. The method further incudes recessing the insulation material to expose a top portion of the first fin, and forming a gate structure over the top portion of the first fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Yin Wang, Hung-Ju Chou, Jiun-Ming Kuo, Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li
  • Publication number: 20210202235
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Patent number: 10964548
    Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor capping layer over a first fin in a first region of a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor capping layer, and forming an insulation material over the dielectric layer, an upper surface of the insulation material extending further away from the substrate than an upper surface of the first fin. The method further includes recessing the insulation material to expose a top portion of the first fin, and forming a gate structure over the top portion of the first fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yin Wang, Hung-Ju Chou, Jiun-Ming Kuo, Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li
  • Publication number: 20210083048
    Abstract: A structure of a semiconductor device includes a substrate, an isolation structure, and a liner layer. The isolation structure is embedded in the substrate. The isolation structure has a bottom surface and a sidewall. The liner layer is between the substrate and the isolation. A first portion of the liner layer in contact with the sidewall of the isolation structure has a nitrogen concentration lower than a second portion of the liner layer in contact with the bottom surface of the isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Ming LIN, Shiu-Ko JANGJIAN, Chun-Che LIN, Ying-Lang WANG, Wei-Ken LIN, Chuan-Pu LIU
  • Patent number: 10950431
    Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yi Kao, Chung-Chi Ko, Li Chun Te, Hsiang-Wei Lin, Te-En Cheng, Wei-Ken Lin, Guan-Yao Tu, Shu Ling Liao
  • Publication number: 20210057546
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a FinFET device having gate spacers with reduced capacitance and methods for forming the FinFET device. Particularly, the FinFET device according to the present disclosure includes gate spacers formed by two or more depositions. The gate spacers are formed by depositing first and second materials at different times of processing to reduce parasitic capacitance between gate structures and contacts introduced after epitaxy growth of source/drain regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Wen-Kai Lin, Bo-Yu Lai, Li Chun Te, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Tien-I Bao, Wei-Ken Lin
  • Publication number: 20210020772
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first fin protruding above a substrate, the first fin having a PMOS region; forming a first gate structure over the first fin in the PMOS region; forming a first spacer layer over the first fin and the first gate structure; and forming a second spacer layer over the first spacer layer. The method further includes performing a first etching process to remove the second spacer layer from a top surface and sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; performing a second etching process to remove the first spacer layer from the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region; and epitaxially growing a first source/drain material over the first fin in the PMOS region, the first source/drain material extending along the top surface and the sidewalls of the first fin in the PMOS region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Ken Lin, Chun Te Li, Chih-Peng Hsu