Patents by Inventor Wei-Yuan Lu

Wei-Yuan Lu 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: 12237390
    Abstract: Methods and semiconductor structures are provided. A method according to the present disclosure includes receiving a workpiece that includes a first gate structure disposed over a first active region, a second gate structure disposed over a second active region, a first gate spacer extending along a sidewall of the first gate structure and disposed at least partially over a top surface of the first active region, a second gate spacer extending along a sidewall of the second gate structure and disposed at least partially over a top surface of the second active region, and a source/drain feature. The method also includes treating a portion of the first gate spacer and a portion of the second gate spacer with a remote radical of hydrogen or oxygen, removing the treated portions, and after the removal, depositing a metal fill material over the source/drain feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Szu-Wei Tseng, Wei-Yuan Lu, Wei-Yang Lee, Chia-Pin Lin, Tzu-Wei Kao
  • Publication number: 20240395811
    Abstract: In in a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over an underlying structure. The underlying structure includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a fin structure, and a first source/drain epitaxial layer disposed at a source/drain region of the fin structure. A first opening is formed over the first source/drain epitaxial layer by etching a part of the ILD layer and an upper portion of the first source/drain epitaxial layer. A second source/drain epitaxial layer is formed over the etched first source/drain epitaxial layer. A conductive material is formed over the second source/drain epitaxial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Yuan LU, Sai-Hooi YEONG
  • Patent number: 12154902
    Abstract: In in a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over an underlying structure. The underlying structure includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a fin structure, and a first source/drain epitaxial layer disposed at a source/drain region of the fin structure. A first opening is formed over the first source/drain epitaxial layer by etching a part of the ILD layer and an upper portion of the first source/drain epitaxial layer. A second source/drain epitaxial layer is formed over the etched first source/drain epitaxial layer. A conductive material is formed over the second source/drain epitaxial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Yuan Lu, Sai-Hooi Yeong
  • Publication number: 20240379762
    Abstract: A method of semiconductor fabrication includes providing a semiconductor structure having a substrate and first, second, third, and fourth fins above the substrate. The method further includes forming an n-type epitaxial source/drain (S/D) feature on the first and second fins, forming a p-type epitaxial S/D feature on the third and fourth fins, and performing a selective etch process on the semiconductor structure to remove upper portions of the n-type epitaxial S/D feature and the p-type epitaxial S/D feature such that more is removed from the n-type epitaxial S/D feature than the p-type epitaxial S/D feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Chen-Ming Lee, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang, Chun-An Lin, Wei-Yuan Lu, Guan-Ren Wang, Peng Wang
  • Publication number: 20240371930
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a nanostructure; and a source/drain region adjoining a channel region of the nanostructure, the source/drain region including: a first epitaxial layer on a sidewall of the nanostructure, the first epitaxial layer including a germanium-free semiconductor material and a p-type dopant; a second epitaxial layer on the first epitaxial layer, the second epitaxial layer including a germanium-containing semiconductor material and the p-type dopant; and a third epitaxial layer on the second epitaxial layer, the third epitaxial layer including the germanium-containing semiconductor material and the p-type dopant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Yan-Ting Lin, Wei-Jen Lai, Chien-I Kuo, Wei-Yuan Lu, Chia-Pin Lin, Yee-Chia Yeo
  • Patent number: 12136673
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a fin disposed over a substrate, wherein the fin includes a channel region and a source/drain region; a gate structure disposed over the substrate and over the channel region of the fin; a source/drain feature epitaxially grown in the source/drain region of the fin, wherein the source/drain feature includes a top epitaxial layer and a lower epitaxial layer formed below the top epitaxial layer, and the lower epitaxial layer includes a wavy top surface; and a contact having a wavy bottom surface matingly engaged with the wavy top surface of the lower epitaxial layer of the source/drain feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Ta Yu, Yen-Chieh Huang, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 12125879
    Abstract: A method of semiconductor fabrication includes providing a semiconductor structure having a substrate and first, second, third, and fourth fins above the substrate. The method further includes forming an n-type epitaxial source/drain (S/D) feature on the first and second fins, forming a p-type epitaxial S/D feature on the third and fourth fins, and performing a selective etch process on the semiconductor structure to remove upper portions of the n-type epitaxial S/D feature and the p-type epitaxial S/D feature such that more is removed from the n-type epitaxial S/D feature than the p-type epitaxial S/D feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Chen-Ming Lee, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang, Chun-An Lin, Wei-Yuan Lu, Guan-Ren Wang, Peng Wang
  • Publication number: 20240339544
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method of forming the same are provided. A semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a first channel member and a second channel member disposed over the first channel member, a first channel extension feature coupled to the first channel member, a second channel extension feature coupled to the second channel member, and an inner spacer feature disposed between the first channel extension feature and the second channel extension feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2024
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Lai, Wei-Yuan Lu, Chih-Hao Yu, Chia-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 12080759
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a nanostructure; and a source/drain region adjoining a channel region of the nanostructure, the source/drain region including: a first epitaxial layer on a sidewall of the nanostructure, the first epitaxial layer including a germanium-free semiconductor material and a p-type dopant; a second epitaxial layer on the first epitaxial layer, the second epitaxial layer including a germanium-containing semiconductor material and the p-type dopant; and a third epitaxial layer on the second epitaxial layer, the third epitaxial layer including the germanium-containing semiconductor material and the p-type dopant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yan-Ting Lin, Wei-Jen Lai, Chien-I Kuo, Wei-Yuan Lu, Chia-Pin Lin, Yee-Chia Yeo
  • Publication number: 20240258429
    Abstract: The present application provides a semiconductor device and the method of making the same. The method includes recessing a fin extending from a substrate, forming a base epitaxial feature on the recessed fin, forming a bar-like epitaxial feature on the base epitaxial feature, and forming a conformal epitaxial feature on the bar-like epitaxial feature. The forming of the bar-like epitaxial feature includes in-situ doping the bar-like epitaxial feature with an n-type dopant at a first doping concentration. The forming of the conformal epitaxial feature includes in-situ doping the conformal epitaxial feature with a second doping concentration greater than the first doping concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Chun-An Lin, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Tzu-Ching Lin, Li-Li Su
  • Patent number: 12015090
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method of forming the same are provided. A semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a first channel member and a second channel member disposed over the first channel member, a first channel extension feature coupled to the first channel member, a second channel extension feature coupled to the second channel member, and an inner spacer feature disposed between the first channel extension feature and the second channel extension feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Lai, Wei-Yuan Lu, Chih-Hao Yu, Chia-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 11961912
    Abstract: The present application provides a semiconductor device and the method of making the same. The method includes recessing a fin extending from a substrate, forming a base epitaxial feature on the recessed fin, forming a bar-like epitaxial feature on the base epitaxial feature, and forming a conformal epitaxial feature on the bar-like epitaxial feature. The forming of the bar-like epitaxial feature includes in-situ doping the bar-like epitaxial feature with an n-type dopant at a first doping concentration. The forming of the conformal epitaxial feature includes in-situ doping the conformal epitaxial feature with a second doping concentration greater than the first doping concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-An Lin, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Tzu-Ching Lin, Li-Li Su
  • Patent number: 11862712
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device that includes a merged source/drain feature extending between two adjacent fin structures. An air gap is formed under the merged source/drain feature. Forming the epitaxial feature includes growing a first epitaxial feature having a first portion over the first fin structure and a second portion over the second fin structure, growing a second epitaxial feature over the first and second portions of the first epitaxial feature, and growing a third epitaxial feature over the second epitaxial feature. The second epitaxial feature includes a merged portion between the first fin structure and the second fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng-Ching Chu, Chung-Chi Wen, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230387305
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a fin disposed over a substrate, wherein the fin includes a channel region and a source/drain region; a gate structure disposed over the substrate and over the channel region of the fin; a source/drain feature epitaxially grown in the source/drain region of the fin, wherein the source/drain feature includes a top epitaxial layer and a lower epitaxial layer formed below the top epitaxial layer, and the lower epitaxial layer includes a wavy top surface; and a contact having a wavy bottom surface matingly engaged with the wavy top surface of the lower epitaxial layer of the source/drain feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Ta Yu, Yen-Chieh Huang, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230387108
    Abstract: A method comprises growing an epitaxial layer on a first region of a first wafer while remaining a second region of the first wafer exposed; forming a first dielectric layer over the epitaxial layer and the second region; forming a first transistor on a second wafer; forming a second dielectric layer over the first transistor; bonding the first and second dielectric layers; and forming second and third transistors on the epitaxial layer and on the second region of the first wafer, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Te LIN, Wei-Yuan LU, Feng-Cheng YANG
  • Publication number: 20230378270
    Abstract: A method of semiconductor fabrication includes providing a semiconductor structure having a substrate and first, second, third, and fourth fins above the substrate. The method further includes forming an n-type epitaxial source/drain (S/D) feature on the first and second fins, forming a p-type epitaxial S/D feature on the third and fourth fins, and performing a selective etch process on the semiconductor structure to remove upper portions of the n-type epitaxial S/D feature and the p-type epitaxial S/D feature such that more is removed from the n-type epitaxial S/D feature than the p-type epitaxial S/D feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: I-Wen Wu, Chen-Ming Lee, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang, Chun-An Lin, Wei-Yuan Lu, Guan-Ren Wang, Peng Wang
  • Patent number: 11824121
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a fin disposed over a substrate, wherein the fin includes a channel region and a source/drain region; a gate structure disposed over the substrate and over the channel region of the fin; a source/drain feature epitaxially grown in the source/drain region of the fin, wherein the source/drain feature includes a top epitaxial layer and a lower epitaxial layer formed below the top epitaxial layer, and the lower epitaxial layer includes a wavy top surface; and a contact having a wavy bottom surface matingly engaged with the wavy top surface of the lower epitaxial layer of the source/drain feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Ta Yu, Yen-Chieh Huang, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230361116
    Abstract: In in a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over an underlying structure. The underlying structure includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a fin structure, and a first source/drain epitaxial layer disposed at a source/drain region of the fin structure. A first opening is formed over the first source/drain epitaxial layer by etching a part of the ILD layer and an upper portion of the first source/drain epitaxial layer. A second source/drain epitaxial layer is formed over the etched first source/drain epitaxial layer. A conductive material is formed over the second source/drain epitaxial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Wei-Yuan LU, Sai-Hooi YEONG
  • Patent number: 11798941
    Abstract: In in a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over an underlying structure. The underlying structure includes a gate structure disposed over a channel region of a fin structure, and a first source/drain epitaxial layer disposed at a source/drain region of the fin structure. A first opening is formed over the first source/drain epitaxial layer by etching a part of the ILD layer and an upper portion of the first source/drain epitaxial layer. A second source/drain epitaxial layer is formed over the etched first source/drain epitaxial layer. A conductive material is formed over the second source/drain epitaxial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Yuan Lu, Sai-Hooi Yeong
  • Patent number: 11791335
    Abstract: A method comprises growing an epitaxial layer on a first region of a first wafer while remaining a second region of the first wafer exposed; forming a first dielectric layer over the epitaxial layer and the second region; forming a first transistor on a second wafer; forming a second dielectric layer over the first transistor; bonding the first and second dielectric layers; and forming second and third transistors on the epitaxial layer and on the second region of the first wafer, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Te Lin, Wei-Yuan Lu, Feng-Cheng Yang