Patents by Inventor Wen-Long Lee

Wen-Long Lee 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: 12020905
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes comparing a thickness profile of a surface of a wafer with a reference value using a control unit. The method further includes transmitting a control signal to an adjustable nozzle based on the comparison of the thickness profile and the reference value. The method further includes rotating the adjustable nozzle about a longitudinal axis of the adjustable nozzle in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ching Wu, Ding-I Liu, Wen-Long Lee
  • Publication number: 20220270855
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes comparing a thickness profile of a surface of a wafer with a reference value using a control unit. The method further includes transmitting a control signal to an adjustable nozzle based on the comparison of the thickness profile and the reference value. The method further includes rotating the adjustable nozzle about a longitudinal axis of the adjustable nozzle in response to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Wei-Ching WU, Ding-I LIU, Wen-Long LEE
  • Patent number: 11342164
    Abstract: A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDP CVD) chamber includes a nozzle including a base having a hollow center portion for conducting gas; a tip coupled to the base and having an opening formed therein for conducting gas from the base to the exterior of the nozzle. The HDP CVD chamber further includes a baffle positioned in a top portion of the HDP CVD chamber, wherein the baffle is equipped with an adjustable baffle nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ching Wu, Ding-I Liu, Wen-Long Lee
  • Publication number: 20210125811
    Abstract: A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDP CVD) chamber includes a nozzle including a base having a hollow center portion for conducting gas; a tip coupled to the base and having an opening formed therein for conducting gas from the base to the exterior of the nozzle. The HDP CVD chamber further includes a baffle positioned in a top portion of the HDP CVD chamber, wherein the baffle is equipped with an adjustable baffle nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Ching WU, Ding-I LIU, Wen-Long LEE
  • Patent number: 10910199
    Abstract: A method of controlling a position of an adjustable nozzle includes depositing a film on a surface of a wafer. The method includes measuring a thickness profile of the surface of the wafer. The method includes comparing the measurement of the thickness profile with a reference value using a control unit. The method includes transmitting a control signal to the adjustable nozzle to alter the position of the adjustable nozzle based on the result of the comparison. The adjustable nozzle includes a base having a hollow center portion for conducting gas, the base configured for connection to a gas source. The adjust nozzle includes a tip coupled to the base and having an opening for conducting gas from the base to the exterior of the nozzle, wherein the base is configured for pivoting about a longitudinal axis of the base in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ching Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Ding-I Liu
  • Publication number: 20180226224
    Abstract: A method of controlling a position of an adjustable nozzle includes depositing a film on a surface of a wafer. The method includes measuring a thickness profile of the surface of the wafer. The method includes comparing the measurement of the thickness profile with a reference value using a control unit. The method includes transmitting a control signal to the adjustable nozzle to alter the position of the adjustable nozzle based on the result of the comparison. The adjustable nozzle includes a base having a hollow center portion for conducting gas, the base configured for connection to a gas source. The adjust nozzle includes a tip coupled to the base and having an opening for conducting gas from the base to the exterior of the nozzle, wherein the base is configured for pivoting about a longitudinal axis of the base in response to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Wei-Ching WU, Wen-Long LEE, Ding-I LIU
  • Patent number: 9941100
    Abstract: The description relates to an adjustable nozzle capable of pivoting about an axis of the nozzle and translating along the axis of the nozzle. A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDP CVD) chamber houses a plurality of adjustable nozzles. A feedback control system includes a control unit coupled to the adjustable nozzle and the HDP CVD chamber to form a more uniform thickness profile of films deposited on a wafer in the HDP CVD chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ching Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Ding-I Liu
  • Patent number: 9859137
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure and an apparatus for heating a semiconductor substrate are provided. The method includes spin coating a material layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes heating the material layer by using a first heater above the semiconductor substrate and a second heater below the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chun-Cha Kuo, Wen-Long Lee, Tzu-Chien Cheng, Ding-I Liu
  • Patent number: 9716044
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of making an integrated circuit. The method includes forming a gate stack on a semiconductor substrate; forming a stressed contact etch stop layer (CESL) on the gate stack and on the semiconductor substrate; forming a first dielectric material layer on the stressed CESL using a high aspect ratio process (HARP) at a deposition temperature greater than about 440 C to drive out hydroxide (OH) group; forming a second dielectric material layer on the first dielectric material layer; etching to form contact holes in the first and second dielectric material layers; filling the contact holes with a conductive material; and performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jen-Chi Chang, Chun-Li Lin, Kai-Shiung Hsu, Ming-Shiou Kuo, Wen-Long Lee, Po-Hsiung Leu, Ding-I Liu
  • Patent number: 9349733
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a first gate structure formed over a substrate. The semiconductor structure includes a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the first gate structure. In addition, a top surface of the first spacer is parallel to a top surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jen-Chi Chang, Wen-Long Lee
  • Publication number: 20150380406
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a first gate structure formed over a substrate. The semiconductor structure includes a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the first gate structure. In addition, a top surface of the first spacer is parallel to a top surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jen-Chi CHANG, Wen-Long LEE
  • Publication number: 20150348847
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure and an apparatus for heating a semiconductor substrate are provided. The method includes spin coating a material layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes heating the material layer by using a first heater above the semiconductor substrate and a second heater below the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Cha KUO, Wen-Long LEE, Tzu-Chien CHENG, DING-I LIU
  • Patent number: 9048185
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface with a source region and drain region proximate thereto. A channel region is disposed in the substrate between the source region and the drain region. A gate electrode is disposed over the channel region and separated from the channel region by a gate dielectric. Sidewall spacers are formed about opposing sidewalls of the gate electrode. Upper outer edges of the sidewall spacers extend outward beyond corresponding lower outer edges of the sidewall spacers. A liner is disposed about opposing sidewalls of the sidewall spacers and has a first thickness at an upper portion of liner and a second thickness at a lower portion of the liner. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chiang, Kuang-Cheng Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Po-Hsiung Leu, Ding-I Liu
  • Publication number: 20140349471
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface with a source region and drain region proximate thereto. A channel region is disposed in the substrate between the source region and the drain region. A gate electrode is disposed over the channel region and separated from the channel region by a gate dielectric. Sidewall spacers are formed about opposing sidewalls of the gate electrode. Upper outer edges of the sidewall spacers extend outward beyond corresponding lower outer edges of the sidewall spacers. A liner is disposed about opposing sidewalls of the sidewall spacers and has a first thickness at an upper portion of liner and a second thickness at a lower portion of the liner. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chiang, Kuang-Cheng Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Po-Hsiung Leu, Ding-I Liu
  • Patent number: 8803249
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface with a source region and drain region proximate thereto. A channel region is disposed in the substrate between the source region and the drain region. A gate electrode is disposed over the channel region and separated from the channel region by a gate dielectric. Sidewall spacers are formed about opposing sidewalls of the gate electrode. Upper outer edges of the sidewall spacers extend outward beyond corresponding lower outer edges of the sidewall spacers. A liner is disposed about opposing sidewalls of the sidewall spacers and has a first thickness at an upper portion of liner and a second thickness at a lower portion of the liner. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chiang, Kuang-Cheng Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Po-Hsiung Leu, Ding-I Liu
  • Publication number: 20140042553
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface with a source region and drain region proximate thereto. A channel region is disposed in the substrate between the source region and the drain region. A gate electrode is disposed over the channel region and separated from the channel region by a gate dielectric. Sidewall spacers are formed about opposing sidewalls of the gate electrode. Upper outer edges of the sidewall spacers extend outward beyond corresponding lower outer edges of the sidewall spacers. A liner is disposed about opposing sidewalls of the sidewall spacers and has a first thickness at an upper portion of liner and a second thickness at a lower portion of the liner. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chiang, Kuang-Cheng Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Po-Hsiung Leu, Ding-I Liu
  • Publication number: 20130156940
    Abstract: The description relates to an adjustable nozzle capable of pivoting about an axis of the nozzle and translating along the axis of the nozzle. A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDP CVD) chamber houses a plurality of adjustable nozzles. A feedback control system includes a control unit coupled to the adjustable nozzle and the HDP CVD chamber to form a more uniform thickness profile of films deposited on a wafer in the HDP CVD chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ching WU, Wen-Long LEE, Ding-I LIU
  • Publication number: 20130043539
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of making an integrated circuit. The method includes forming a gate stack on a semiconductor substrate; forming a stressed contact etch stop layer (CESL) on the gate stack and on the semiconductor substrate; forming a first dielectric material layer on the stressed CESL using a high aspect ratio process (HARP) at a deposition temperature greater than about 440 C to drive out hydroxide (OH) group; forming a second dielectric material layer on the first dielectric material layer; etching to form contact holes in the first and second dielectric material layers; filling the contact holes with a conductive material; and performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jen-Chi Chang, Chun-Li Lin, Kai-Shiung Hsu, Ming-Shiou Kuo, Wen-Long Lee, Po-Hsiung Leu, Ding-I Liu
  • Patent number: 7851358
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a copper interconnect on a substrate is disclosed in which the interconnect and substrate are subjected to a low temperature anneal subsequent to polarization of the interconnect and prior to deposition of an overlying dielectric layer. The low temperature anneal inhibits the formation of hillocks in the copper material during subsequent high temperature deposition of the dielectric layer. Hillocks can protrude through passivation layer, thus causing shorts within the connections of the semiconductor devices formed on the substrate. In one example, the interconnect and substrate are annealed at a temperature of about 200° C. for a period of about 180 seconds in a forming gas environment comprising hydrogen (5 parts per hundred) and nitrogen (95 parts per hundred).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Wu, Wen-Long Lee, Chyi-Tsong Ni, Shih-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 7635651
    Abstract: A method of smoothening a dielectric layer. First, a substrate is provided. Next, a dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Finally, the dielectric layer is smoothened by a plasma treatment employing a silane based gas and a nitrogen based gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Long Lee, Jun Wu, Shih-Chi Lin, Chyi-Tsong Ni