Patents by Inventor Xi ZONG

Xi ZONG 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: 20240387267
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a gate structure, a source/drain feature adjacent the gate structure, a first dielectric layer over the source/drain feature, an etch stop layer over the gate structure and the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, a source/drain contact that includes a first portion extending through the first dielectric layer and a second portion extending through the etch stop layer and the second dielectric layer, a metal silicide layer disposed between the second portion and etch stop layer, and a metal nitride layer disposed between the first portion and the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Lin, Xi-Zong Chen, Chih-Teng Liao
  • Patent number: 12125748
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a gate structure, a source/drain feature adjacent the gate structure, a first dielectric layer over the source/drain feature, an etch stop layer over the gate structure and the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, a source/drain contact that includes a first portion extending through the first dielectric layer and a second portion extending through the etch stop layer and the second dielectric layer, a metal silicide layer disposed between the second portion and etch stop layer, and a metal nitride layer disposed between the first portion and the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Lin, Xi-Zong Chen, Chih-Teng Liao
  • Patent number: 11798846
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a gate structure, a source/drain feature adjacent the gate structure, a first dielectric layer over the source/drain feature, an etch stop layer over the gate structure and the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, a source/drain contact that includes a first portion extending through the first dielectric layer and a second portion extending through the etch stop layer and the second dielectric layer, a metal silicide layer disposed between the second portion and etch stop layer, and a metal nitride layer disposed between the first portion and the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Lin, Xi-Zong Chen, Chih-Teng Liao
  • Patent number: 11621263
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes steps related to forming source and drain wells of a transistor in a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate electrode of the transistor over the semiconductor substrate; forming an isolation structure in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the transistor; and depositing a first inter-dielectric layer (ILD) material over the transistor and the isolation structure. The method also includes steps for depositing a capacitor film stack over the first ILD material, forming a pattern in the capacitor film stack over the isolation structure, and forming a capacitor plate by etching a conductive material of the capacitor film stack. Etching the conductive material includes performing a liquid etch process with a selectivity of at least 16 with regard to other materials in the capacitor film stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Tsai, Xi-Zong Chen, Hsiao Chien Lin, Chia-Tsung Tso, Chih-Teng Liao
  • Publication number: 20220384426
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having source and drain regions in a semiconductor substrate, a transistor including a gate electrode over the semiconductor substrate, an isolation structure in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the transistor, a first inter-dielectric layer (ILD) material over the isolation structure, and a capacitor film stack over the first ILD material that includes an isolation plate over and covering a capacitor plate, and a contact to the capacitor plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung TSAI, Xi-Zong CHEN, Hsiao Chien LIN, Chia-Tsung TSO, Chih-Teng LIAO
  • Publication number: 20220367269
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a gate structure, a source/drain feature adjacent the gate structure, a first dielectric layer over the source/drain feature, an etch stop layer over the gate structure and the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, a source/drain contact that includes a first portion extending through the first dielectric layer and a second portion extending through the etch stop layer and the second dielectric layer, a metal silicide layer disposed between the second portion and etch stop layer, and a metal nitride layer disposed between the first portion and the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Lin, Xi-Zong Chen, Chih-Teng Liao
  • Patent number: 11424364
    Abstract: A finFET device and a method of forming are provided. The device includes a transistor comprising a gate electrode and a first source/drain region next to the gate electrode, the gate electrode being disposed over a first substrate. The device also includes a first dielectric layer extending along the first source/drain region, and a second dielectric layer overlying the first dielectric layer. The device also includes a contact disposed in the first dielectric layer and in the second dielectric layer, the contact contacting the gate electrode and the first source/drain region. A first portion of the first dielectric layer extends between the contact and the gate electrode. The contact extends along a sidewall of the first portion of the first dielectric layer and a first surface of the first portion of the first dielectric layer, the first surface of the first portion being farthest from the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Te-Chih Hsiung, Cha-Hsin Chao, Yi-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 11369589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulator of 1,2,5-oxadiazole indoleamine-(2,3)-dioxygenase, a preparation method and use thereof, more particularly to compounds of Formula I and Formula II, an isomer thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, and their use in preparing drugs for treating cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, eye diseases, mental disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's diseases and/or autoimmune diseases. Specific meanings of R substituents in Formula I and Formula II are consistent with the description of the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignees: NANJING CAREPHAR SHENGHUI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD., JIANGSU CAREPHAR PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yinlin Qin, Mei Su, Min Ji, Haidong Liu, Xi Zong, Xianzhi Wu
  • Publication number: 20220115370
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes steps related to forming source and drain wells of a transistor in a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate electrode of the transistor over the semiconductor substrate; forming an isolation structure in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the transistor; and depositing a first inter-dielectric layer (ILD) material over the transistor and the isolation structure. The method also includes steps for depositing a capacitor film stack over the first ILD material, forming a pattern in the capacitor film stack over the isolation structure, and forming a capacitor plate by etching a conductive material of the capacitor film stack. Etching the conductive material includes performing a liquid etch process with a selectivity of at least 16 with regard to other materials in the capacitor film stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung TSAI, Xi-Zong CHEN, Hsiao Chien LIN, Chia-Tsung TSO, Chih-Teng LIAO
  • Publication number: 20220051940
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a gate structure, a source/drain feature adjacent the gate structure, a first dielectric layer over the source/drain feature, an etch stop layer over the gate structure and the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, a source/drain contact that includes a first portion extending through the first dielectric layer and a second portion extending through the etch stop layer and the second dielectric layer, a metal silicide layer disposed between the second portion and etch stop layer, and a metal nitride layer disposed between the first portion and the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Lin, Xi-Zong Chen, Chih-Teng Liao
  • Patent number: 11211496
    Abstract: A finFET device and a method of forming are provided. The device includes a transistor comprising a gate electrode and a first source/drain region next to the gate electrode, the gate electrode being disposed over a first substrate. The device also includes a first dielectric layer extending along the first source/drain region, and a second dielectric layer overlying the first dielectric layer. The device also includes a contact disposed in the first dielectric layer and in the second dielectric layer, the contact contacting the gate electrode and the first source/drain region. A first portion of the first dielectric layer extends between the contact and the gate electrode. The contact extends along a sidewall of the first portion of the first dielectric layer and a first surface of the first portion of the first dielectric layer, the first surface of the first portion being farthest from the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Te-Chih Hsiung, Cha-Hsin Chao, Yi-Wei Chiu
  • Publication number: 20210327742
    Abstract: Etch uniformity is improved by providing a thermal pad between an insert ring and electrostatic chuck in an etching chamber. The thermal pad provides a continuous passive heat path to dissipate heat from the insert ring and wafer edge to the electrostatic chuck. The thermal pad helps to keep the temperature of the various components in contact with or near the wafer at a more consistent temperature. Because temperature may affect etch rate, such as with etching hard masks over dummy gate formations, a more consistent etch rate is attained. The thermal pad also provides for etch rate uniformity across the whole wafer and not just at the edge. The thermal pad may be used in an etch process to perform gate replacement by removing hard mask layer(s) over a dummy gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Chin-Huei Chiu, Tsung Fan Yin, Chen-Yi Liu, Hua-Li Hung, Xi-Zong Chen, Yi-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 11139174
    Abstract: A method includes forming a mask layer over a target layer. A first etching process is performed on the mask layer to form a first opening and a second opening in the mask layer. A second etching process is performed on the mask layer to reduce an end-to-end spacing between the first opening and the second opening. The first etching process and the second etching process have different anisotropy properties. A pattern of the mask layer is transferred to the target layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Yun-Yu Hsieh, Cha-Hsin Chao, Li-Te Hsu
  • Patent number: 11075279
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dummy gate stack over a semiconductor region, forming a gate spacer on a sidewall of the dummy gate stack, removing the dummy gate stack to form an opening, forming a replacement gate stack in the opening, recessing the replacement gate stack to form a recess, filling the recess with a conductive material, and performing a planarization to remove excess portions of the conductive material over the gate spacer. A remaining portion of the conductive material forms a gate contact plug. A top portion of the gate contact plug is at a same level as a top portion of the first gate spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Teng Liao, Yi-Wei Chiu, Xi-Zong Chen, Chia-Ching Tsai
  • Patent number: 11049756
    Abstract: Etch uniformity is improved by providing a thermal pad between an insert ring and electrostatic chuck in an etching chamber. The thermal pad provides a continuous passive heat path to dissipate heat from the insert ring and wafer edge to the electrostatic chuck. The thermal pad helps to keep the temperature of the various components in contact with or near the wafer at a more consistent temperature. Because temperature may affect etch rate, such as with etching hard masks over dummy gate formations, a more consistent etch rate is attained. The thermal pad also provides for etch rate uniformity across the whole wafer and not just at the edge. The thermal pad may be used in an etch process to perform gate replacement by removing hard mask layer(s) over a dummy gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Huei Chiu, Tsung Fan Yin, Chen-Yi Liu, Hua-Li Hung, Xi-Zong Chen, Yi-Wei Chiu
  • Publication number: 20210193832
    Abstract: A finFET device and a method of forming are provided. The device includes a transistor comprising a gate electrode and a first source/drain region next to the gate electrode, the gate electrode being disposed over a first substrate. The device also includes a first dielectric layer extending along the first source/drain region, and a second dielectric layer overlying the first dielectric layer. The device also includes a contact disposed in the first dielectric layer and in the second dielectric layer, the contact contacting the gate electrode and the first source/drain region. A first portion of the first dielectric layer extends between the contact and the gate electrode. The contact extends along a sidewall of the first portion of the first dielectric layer and a first surface of the first portion of the first dielectric layer, the first surface of the first portion being farthest from the first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Te-Chih Hsiung, Cha-Hsin Chao, Yi-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 11022878
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for improving post-photolithography critical dimension (CD) uniformity for features printed on a photoresist. A layer can be formed on one or more printed features and subsequently etched to improve overall CD uniformity across the features. For example the method includes a material layer disposed over a substrate and a photoresist over the material layer. The photoresist is patterned to form a first feature with a first critical dimension (CD) and a second feature with a second CD that is larger than the first CD. Further, a layer is formed with one or more deposition/etch cycles in the second feature to form a modified second CD that is nominally equal to the first CD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Cha-Hsin Chao, Yi-Wei Chiu, Li-Te Hsu, Chih-Hsuan Lin
  • Patent number: 10985053
    Abstract: An embodiment method includes patterning an opening through a dielectric layer, depositing an adhesion layer along sidewalls and a bottom surface of the opening, depositing a first mask layer in the opening over the adhesion layer, etching back the first mask layer below a top surface of the dielectric layer, and widening an upper portion of the opening after etching back the first mask layer. The first mask layer masks a bottom portion of the opening while widening the upper portion of the opening. The method further includes removing the first mask layer after widening the upper portion of the opening and after removing the first mask layer, forming a contact in the opening by depositing a conductive material in the opening over the adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Y. H. Kuo, Cha-Hsin Chao, Yi-Wei Chiu, Li-Te Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210030723
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulator of 1,2,5-oxadiazole indoleamine-(2,3)-dioxygenase, a preparation method and use thereof, more particularly to compounds of Formula I and Formula II, an isomer thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, and their use in preparing drugs for treating cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, eye diseases, mental disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's diseases and/or autoimmune diseases. Specific meanings of R substituents in Formula I and Formula II are consistent with the description of the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicants: NANJING CAREPHAR SHENGHUI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD., JIANGSU CAREPHAR PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yinlin QIN, Mei SU, Min JI, Haidong LIU, Xi ZONG, Xianzhi WU
  • Patent number: 10879109
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a recess in a layer. The recess has two opposite first inner walls and two opposite second inner walls, the first inner walls are spaced apart by a first distance, the second inner walls are spaced apart by a second distance, and the first distance is less than the second distance. The method includes depositing a first covering layer in the recess. The first covering layer covering the first inner walls is thinner than the first covering layer covering the second inner walls. The method includes removing the first covering layer over the first inner walls and a bottom surface of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi-Zong Chen, Chih-Hsuan Lin, Cha-Hsin Chao, Yi-Wei Chiu, Li-Te Hsu