Patents by Inventor WEN-HAU WU

WEN-HAU WU 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: 20220320173
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an image sensor device including a first image sensor element and a second image sensor element disposed within a substrate. An interconnect structure is disposed along a front-side surface of the substrate and comprises a plurality of conductive wires, a plurality of conductive vias, and a first absorption structure. The first image sensor element is configured to generate electrical signals from electromagnetic radiation within a first range of wavelengths. The second image sensor element is configured to generate electrical signals from the electromagnetic radiation within a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range of wavelengths. The second image sensor element is laterally adjacent to the first image sensor element. Further, the first image sensor element overlies the first absorption structure and is spaced laterally between opposing sidewalls of the first absorption structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Wen-Hau Wu, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Chien Yu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220302194
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a substrate and a pixel. The pixel includes a photodetector. The photodetector is in the substrate. The integrated chip further includes a first inner trench isolation structure and an outer trench isolation structure that extend into the substrate. The first inner trench isolation structure laterally surrounds the photodetector in a first closed loop. The outer trench isolation structure laterally surrounds the first inner trench isolation structure along a boundary of the pixel in a second closed loop and is laterally separated from the first inner trench isolation structure. Further, the integrated chip includes a scattering structure that is defined, at least in part, by the first inner trench isolation structure and that is configured to increase an angle at which radiation impinges on the outer trench isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11404468
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards an image sensor including a wavelength tunable narrow band filter, as well as methods for forming the image sensor. In some embodiments, the image sensor includes a substrate, a first photodetector, a second photodetector, and a filter. The first and second photodetectors neighbor in the substrate. The filter overlies the first and second photodetectors and includes a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, and a first interlayer between the first and second DBRs. A thickness of the first interlayer has a first thickness value overlying the first photodetector and a second thickness value overlying the second photodetector. In some embodiments, the filter is limited to a single interlayer. In other embodiments the filter further includes a second interlayer defining columnar structures embedded in the first interlayer and having a different refractive index than the first interlayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220231066
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an image sensor, and a method for forming the image sensor, in which an inter-pixel trench isolation structure is defined by a low-transmission layer. In some embodiments, the image sensor comprises an array of pixels and the inter-pixel trench isolation structure. The array of pixels is on a substrate, and the pixels of the array comprise individual photodetectors in the substrate. The inter-pixel trench isolation structure is in the substrate. Further, the inter-pixel trench isolation structure extends along boundaries of the pixels, and individually surrounds the photodetectors, to separate the photodetectors from each other. The inter-pixel trench isolation structure is defined by a low-transmission layer with low transmission for incident radiation, such that the inter-pixel trench isolation structure has low transmission for incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Chin-Chia Kuo, Wen-Hau Wu, Hua-Mao Chen, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220173140
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first phase detection autofocus (PDAF) photodetector and a second PDAF photodetector in a substrate. A first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) diffuser is disposed along a back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the first PDAF photodetector. The first EMR diffuser is spaced a first distance from a first side of the first PDAF photodetector and a second distance less than the first distance from a second side of the first PDAF photodetector. A second EMR diffuser is disposed along the back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the second PDAF photodetector. The second EMR diffuser is spaced a third distance from a first side of the second PDAF photodetector and a fourth distance less than the third distance from a second side of the second PDAF photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220165769
    Abstract: A method for forming an image sensor package is provided. An image sensor chip is formed over a package substrate. A protection layer is formed overlying the image sensor chip. The protection layer has a planar top surface and a bottom surface lining and contacting structures under the protection layer. An opening is formed into the protection layer and spaced around a periphery of the image sensor chip. A light shielding material is filled in the opening to form an on-wafer shield structure having a sidewall directly contact the protection layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Wen-Hau Wu, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 11329083
    Abstract: An image sensor package is provided. The image sensor package comprises a package substrate, and an image sensor chip arranged over the package substrate. The integrated circuit device further comprises a protection layer overlying the image sensor chip having a planar top surface and a bottom surface lining and contacting structures under the protection layer, and an on-wafer shield structure spaced around a periphery of the image sensor chip. The height of the image sensor package can be reduced since a discrete cover glass or an infrared filter and corresponding intervening materials are no longer needed since being replaced by the build in protection layer. The size of the image sensor package can be reduced since a discrete light shield and corresponding intervening materials are no longer needed since being replaced by the build in on wafer light shield structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Hau Wu, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20220139983
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a photodetector disposed in a semiconductor substrate. A wave guide filter having a substantially planar upper surface is disposed over the photodetector. The wave guide filter includes a light filter disposed in a light filter grid structure. The light filter includes a first material that is translucent and has a first refractive index. The light filter grid structure includes a second material that is translucent and has a second refractive index less than the first refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Chien Yu, Ting-Cheng Chang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11276716
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first phase detection autofocus (PDAF) photodetector and a second PDAF photodetector in a substrate. A first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) diffuser is disposed along a back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the first PDAF photodetector. The first EMR diffuser is spaced a first distance from a first side of the first PDAF photodetector and a second distance less than the first distance from a second side of the first PDAF photodetector. A second EMR diffuser is disposed along the back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the second PDAF photodetector. The second EMR diffuser is spaced a third distance from a first side of the second PDAF photodetector and a fourth distance less than the third distance from a second side of the second PDAF photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Publication number: 20220045117
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip structure. The integrated chip structure includes an image sensor disposed within a first substrate. A first band-pass filter and a second band-pass filter are disposed on the first substrate. A dielectric structure is disposed on the first substrate. The dielectric structure is laterally between the first band-pass filter and the second band-pass filter and laterally abuts the first band-pass filter and the second band-pass filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu
  • Patent number: 11233081
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a photodetector disposed in a semiconductor substrate. A wave guide filter having a substantially planar upper surface is disposed over the photodetector. The wave guide filter includes a light filter disposed in a light filter grid structure. The light filter includes a first material that is translucent and has a first refractive index. The light filter grid structure includes a second material that is translucent and has a second refractive index less than the first refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Chien Yu, Ting-Cheng Chang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11158662
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip has an image sensor within a substrate. A first dielectric has an upper surface that extends over a first side of the substrate and over one or more trenches within the first side of the substrate. The one or more trenches laterally surround the image sensor. An internal reflection structure arranged over the upper surface of the first dielectric. The internal reflection structure is configured to reflect radiation exiting from the substrate back into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang, Jhy-Jyi Sze
  • Patent number: 11158664
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip structure. The integrated chip structure includes a first image sensor disposed within a first substrate and a second image sensor disposed within a second substrate. The second substrate has a first side facing the first substrate. The first side includes angled surfaces defining one or more recesses within the first side. A band-pass filter is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation that is within a first range of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu
  • Publication number: 20210265414
    Abstract: A BSI image sensor includes a substrate including a front side and a back side opposite to the front side, a pixel sensor disposed in the substrate, and a color filter disposed over the pixel sensor. The pixel sensor includes a plurality of first micro structures disposed over the back side of the substrate. The color filter includes a plurality of second micro structures disposed over the back side of the substrate. The first micro structures are arranged symmetrically to a first axial, and the second micro structures are arranged symmetrically to a second axial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: WEI-CHIEH CHIANG, KENG-YU CHOU, CHUN-HAO CHUANG, WEN-HAU WU, JHY-JYI SZE, CHIEN-HSIEN TSENG, KAZUAKI HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20210265408
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a narrow band filter with high transmission and an image sensor comprising the narrow band filter. In some embodiments, the filter comprises a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, a defect layer between the first and second DBRs, and a plurality of columnar structures. The columnar structures extend through the defect layer and have a refractive index different than a refractive index of the defect layer. The first and second DBRs define a low transmission band, and the defect layer defines a high transmission band dividing the low transmission band. The columnar structures shift the high transmission band towards lower or higher wavelengths depending upon a refractive index of the columnar structures and a fill factor of the columnar structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu
  • Publication number: 20210183922
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first phase detection autofocus (PDAF) photodetector and a second PDAF photodetector in a substrate. A first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) diffuser is disposed along a back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the first PDAF photodetector. The first EMR diffuser is spaced a first distance from a first side of the first PDAF photodetector and a second distance less than the first distance from a second side of the first PDAF photodetector. A second EMR diffuser is disposed along the back-side of the substrate and within a perimeter of the second PDAF photodetector. The second EMR diffuser is spaced a third distance from a first side of the second PDAF photodetector and a fourth distance less than the third distance from a second side of the second PDAF photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Cheng Yu Huang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang
  • Patent number: 11004887
    Abstract: A BSI image sensor includes a substrate including a front side and a back side opposite to the front side, a pixel sensor disposed in the substrate, and a color filter disposed over the pixel sensor. The pixel sensor includes a plurality of first micro structures disposed over the back side of the substrate. The color filter includes a plurality of second micro structures disposed over the back side of the substrate. Each of the first micro structures has a first height, and each of the second micro structures has a second height. The second height is less than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Chieh Chiang, Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Wen-Hau Wu, Jhy-Jyi Sze, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10991740
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a narrow band filter with high transmission and an image sensor comprising the narrow band filter. In some embodiments, the filter comprises a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, a defect layer between the first and second DBRs, and a plurality of columnar structures. The columnar structures extend through the defect layer and have a refractive index different than a refractive index of the defect layer. The first and second DBRs define a low transmission band, and the defect layer defines a high transmission band dividing the low transmission band. The columnar structures shift the high transmission band towards lower or higher wavelengths depending upon a refractive index of the columnar structures and a fill factor of the columnar structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu
  • Patent number: 10991739
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a narrow band filter with high transmission and an image sensor comprising the narrow band filter. In some embodiments, the filter comprises a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, a defect layer between the first and second DBRs, and a plurality of columnar structures. The columnar structures extend through the defect layer and have a refractive index different than a refractive index of the defect layer. The first and second DBRs define a low transmission band, and the defect layer defines a high transmission band dividing the low transmission band. The columnar structures shift the high transmission band towards lower or higher wavelengths depending upon a refractive index of the columnar structures and a fill factor of the columnar structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu
  • Publication number: 20200403023
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards an image sensor including a wavelength tunable narrow band filter, as well as methods for forming the image sensor. In some embodiments, the image sensor includes a substrate, a first photodetector, a second photodetector, and a filter. The first and second photodetectors neighbor in the substrate. The filter overlies the first and second photodetectors and includes a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a second DBR, and a first interlayer between the first and second DBRs. A thickness of the first interlayer has a first thickness value overlying the first photodetector and a second thickness value overlying the second photodetector. In some embodiments, the filter is limited to a single interlayer. In other embodiments the filter further includes a second interlayer defining columnar structures embedded in the first interlayer and having a different refractive index than the first interlayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Cheng Yu Huang, Chun-Hao Chuang, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Wen-Hau Wu, Chih-Kung Chang