Patents by Inventor Ya-Lien Lee

Ya-Lien 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: 12581925
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and resulting structure that includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer to expose a metal feature, selectively depositing a metal cap on the metal feature, depositing a barrier layer over the metal cap, and depositing a conductive fill on the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Lo, Syun-Ming Jang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Han Tseng, Chih-Cheng Kuo, Yi-An Lai, Kevin Huang, Kuan-Hung Ho
  • Publication number: 20250349611
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a via in a first dielectric layer disposed over a substrate; forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, where the opening exposes an upper surface of the via; selectively forming a capping layer over the upper surface of the via, where the capping layer has a curved upper surface that extends above a first upper surface of the first dielectric layer distal from the substrate; after forming the capping layer, forming a barrier layer in the opening over the capping layer and along sidewalls of the second dielectric layer exposed by the opening; and filling the opening by forming an electrically conductive material over the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2025
    Publication date: November 13, 2025
    Inventors: Ming-Hsing Tsai, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Han Tseng, Kuei-Wen Huang, Kuan-Hung Ho, Ming-Uei Hung, Chih-Cheng Kuo, Yi-An Lai, Wei-Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20250349612
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and resulting structure that includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer to expose a metal feature, selectively depositing a metal cap on the metal feature, depositing a barrier layer over the metal cap, and depositing a conductive fill on the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2025
    Publication date: November 13, 2025
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Lo, Syun-Ming Jang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Han Tseng, Chih-Cheng Kuo, Yi-An Lai, Kevin Huang, Kuan-Hung Ho
  • Publication number: 20250279364
    Abstract: A structure includes a first conductive feature in a first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; and a second conductive feature extending through the second dielectric layer to physically contact the first conductive feature, wherein the second conductive feature includes a metal adhesion layer over and physically contacting the first conductive feature; a barrier layer extending along sidewalls of the second dielectric layer; and a conductive filling material extending over the metal adhesion layer and the barrier layer, wherein a portion of the conductive filling material extends between the barrier layer and the metal adhesion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2025
    Publication date: September 4, 2025
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Chih-Yi Chang, Ming-Hsiao Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Chan, Ya-Lien Lee, Chien Chung Huang, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 12368103
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a dielectric layer over a substrate. A conductive body is disposed within the dielectric layer. The conductive body has a bottom surface continuously extending between opposing sidewalls. A first liner layer is disposed between the conductive body and the dielectric layer. The first liner layer extends along the opposing sidewalls of the conductive body. The first liner layer is laterally offset from a central region of the bottom surface of the conductive body by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Patent number: 12354958
    Abstract: Various back end of line (BEOL) layer formation techniques described herein enable reduced contact resistance, reduced surface roughness, and/or increased semiconductor device performance for BEOL layers such as interconnects and/or metallization layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Cheng Chin, Chih-Chien Chi, Hsin-Ying Peng, Jau-Jiun Huang, Ya-Lien Lee, Kuan-Chia Chen, Chia-Pang Kuo, Yao-Min Liu
  • Patent number: 12315809
    Abstract: A structure includes a first conductive feature in a first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; and a second conductive feature extending through the second dielectric layer to physically contact the first conductive feature, wherein the second conductive feature includes a metal adhesion layer over and physically contacting the first conductive feature; a barrier layer extending along sidewalls of the second dielectric layer; and a conductive filling material extending over the metal adhesion layer and the barrier layer, wherein a portion of the conductive filling material extends between the barrier layer and the metal adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Chih-Yi Chang, Ming-Hsiao Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Chan, Ya-Lien Lee, Chien Chung Huang, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20250087533
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a via in a first dielectric layer disposed over a substrate; forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, where the opening exposes an upper surface of the via; selectively forming a capping layer over the upper surface of the via, where the capping layer has a curved upper surface that extends above a first upper surface of the first dielectric layer distal from the substrate; after forming the capping layer, forming a barrier layer in the opening over the capping layer and along sidewalls of the second dielectric layer exposed by the opening; and filling the opening by forming an electrically conductive material over the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Ming-Hsing Tsai, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Han Tseng, Kuei-Wen Huang, Kuan-Hung Ho, Ming-Uei Hung, Chih-Cheng Kuo, Yi-An Lai, Wei-Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20240404953
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a dielectric layer over a substrate. A conductive body is disposed within the dielectric layer. The conductive body has a bottom surface continuously extending between opposing sidewalls. A first liner layer is disposed between the conductive body and the dielectric layer. The first liner layer extends along the opposing sidewalls of the conductive body. The first liner layer is laterally offset from a central region of the bottom surface of the conductive body by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Publication number: 20240387381
    Abstract: Various back end of line (BEOL) layer formation techniques described herein enable reduced contact resistance, reduced surface roughness, and/or increased semiconductor device performance for BEOL layers such as interconnects and/or metallization layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Shu-Cheng CHIN, Chih-Chien CHI, Hsin-Ying PENG, Jau-Jiun HUANG, Ya-Lien LEE, Kuan-Chia CHEN, Chia-Pang KUO, Yao-Min LIU
  • Publication number: 20240363403
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen
  • Patent number: 12068194
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen
  • Publication number: 20240274555
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and resulting structure that includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer to expose a metal feature, selectively depositing a metal cap on the metal feature, depositing a barrier layer over the metal cap, and depositing a conductive fill on the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Lo, Syun-Ming Jang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Han Tseng, Chih-Cheng Kuo, Yi-An Lai, Kevin Huang, Kuan-Hung Ho
  • Publication number: 20240258163
    Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for mitigating pattern collapse are provided herein. For example, a semiconductor structure for mitigating pattern collapse is formed. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure includes an extreme low-k (ELK) dielectric region associated with a via or a metal line. For example, a first metal line portion and a second metal line portion are associated with a first lateral location and a second lateral location, respectively. In some embodiments, the first portion is formed based on a first stage of patterning and the second portion is formed based on a second stage of patterning. In this manner, pattern collapse associated with the semiconductor structure is mitigated, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan TING, Ya-Lien LEE, Chung-Wen WU, Jeng-Shiou CHEN
  • Patent number: 11961761
    Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for mitigating pattern collapse are provided herein. For example, a semiconductor structure for mitigating pattern collapse is formed. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure includes an extreme low-k (ELK) dielectric region associated with a via or a metal line. For example, a first metal line portion and a second metal line portion are associated with a first lateral location and a second lateral location, respectively. In some embodiments, the first portion is formed based on a first stage of patterning and the second portion is formed based on a second stage of patterning. In this manner, pattern collapse associated with the semiconductor structure is mitigated, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Ting, Ya-Lien Lee, Chung-Wen Wu, Jeng-Shiou Chen
  • Publication number: 20240093357
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by modifying an electromagnetic field within a deposition chamber. In embodiments in which the deposition process is a sputtering process, the electromagnetic field may be modified by adjusting a distance between a first coil and a mounting platform. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by applying or removing power from additional coils that are also present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Wang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Chien Chi, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11908697
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a conductive plug over a substrate; a conductive feature over the conductive plug, wherein the conductive feature has a first sidewall, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a bottom surface; and a carbon-containing barrier layer having a first portion along the first sidewall of the conductive feature, a second portion along the second sidewall of the conductive feature, and a third portion along the bottom surface of the conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rueijer Lin, Ya-Lien Lee, Chun-Chieh Lin, Hung-Wen Su
  • Publication number: 20240006234
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen
  • Patent number: 11851749
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by modifying an electromagnetic field within a deposition chamber. In embodiments in which the deposition process is a sputtering process, the electromagnetic field may be modified by adjusting a distance between a first coil and a mounting platform. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by applying or removing power from additional coils that are also present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Wang, Ya-Lien Lee, Chih-Chien Chi, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 11837500
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an etch stop layer over a conductive feature, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer to reveal the etch stop layer, and etching the etch stop layer through the opening using an etchant comprising an inhibitor. An inhibitor film comprising the inhibitor is formed on the conductive feature. The method further includes depositing a conductive barrier layer extending into the opening, performing a treatment to remove the inhibitor film after the conductive barrier layer is deposited, and depositing a conductive material to fill a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Pang Kuo, Ya-Lien Lee, Chieh-Yi Shen