Patents by Inventor Ya-Yi CHENG
Ya-Yi CHENG 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).
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Publication number: 20230395426Abstract: Provided is a conductive structure and a method for forming such a structure. The method includes forming a treatable layer by depositing a layer comprising a metal over a structure; performing a directional treatment process on a targeted portion of the treatable layer to convert the targeted portion to a material different from a non-targeted portion of the treatable layer, wherein the directional treatment process is selected from the group consisting of nitridation, oxidation, chlorination, carbonization; and selectively removing the non-targeted portion from the structure, wherein the targeted portion remains over the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2022Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yi-Hsiang Chao, Shu-Lan Chang, Ching-Yi Chen, Shih-Wei Yeh, Pei Shan Chang, Ya-Yi Cheng, Yu-Chen Ko, Yu-Shiuan Wang, Chun-Hsien Huang, Hung-Chang Hsu, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin
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Publication number: 20230386914Abstract: Methods of forming a semiconductor device structure are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a contact opening in an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed over an epitaxy source/drain region and forming a metal layer in the contact opening. The metal layer includes top portions, side portions, and a bottom portion, and a space is defined between the top portions of the metal layer. The method further includes performing a gradient metal removal process on the metal layer to enlarge the space, forming a sacrificial layer in the contact opening, recessing the sacrificial layer in the contact opening to expose a portion of the sidewall portions, removing the top portions and the exposed portion of the sidewall portions, removing the sacrificial layer, and forming a bulk metal layer on the bottom portion of the metal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Yu-Chen KO, Kai-Chieh YANG, Yu-Ting WEN, Ya-Yi CHENG, Min-Hsiu HUNG, Wei-Jung LIN, Chih-Wei CHANG, Ming-Hsing TSAI
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Publication number: 20230360969Abstract: A method of fabricating a contact structure includes the following steps. An opening is formed in a dielectric layer. A conductive material layer is formed within the opening and on the dielectric layer, wherein the conductive material layer includes a bottom section having a first thickness and a top section having a second thickness, the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. A first treatment is performed on the conductive material layer to form a first oxide layer on the bottom section and on the top section of the conductive material layer. A second treatment is performed to remove at least portions of the first oxide layer and at least portions of the conductive material layer, wherein after performing the second treatment, the bottom section and the top section of the conductive material layer have substantially equal thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chang-Ting Chung, Shih-Wei Yeh, Kai-Chieh Yang, Yu-Ting Wen, Yu-Chen Ko, Ya-Yi Cheng, Min-Hsiu Hung, Chun-Hsien Huang, Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai
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Publication number: 20230260836Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over a source/drain region. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer. The opening exposes a portion of the source/drain region. A conductive liner is formed on sidewalls and a bottom of the opening. A surface modification process is performed on an exposed surface of the conductive liner. The surface modification process forms a surface coating layer over the conductive liner. The surface coating layer is removed to expose the conductive liner. The conductive liner is removed from the sidewalls of the opening. The opening is filled with a conductive material in a bottom-up manner. The conductive material is in physical contact with a remaining portion of the conductive liner and the dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Pei Shan Chang, Yi-Hsiang Chao, Chun-Hsien Huang, Peng-Hao Hsu, Kevin Lee, Shu-Lan Chang, Ya-Yi Cheng, Ching-Yi Chen, Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai
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Publication number: 20230223302Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over an epitaxial source/drain region. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer. The opening exposes a portion of the epitaxial source/drain region. A barrier layer is formed on a sidewall and a bottom of the opening. An oxidation process is performing on the sidewall and the bottom of the opening. The oxidation process transforms a portion of the barrier layer into an oxidized barrier layer and transforms a portion of the dielectric layer adjacent to the oxidized barrier layer into a liner layer. The oxidized barrier layer is removed. The opening is filled with a conductive material in a bottom-up manner. The conductive material is in physical contact with the liner layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2022Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chang-Ting Chung, Yi-Hsiang Chao, Yu-Ting Wen, Kai-Chieh Yang, Yu-Chen Ko, Peng-Hao Hsu, Ya-Yi Cheng, Min-Hsiu Hung, Chun-Hsien Huang, Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Ming-Hsing Tsai
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Patent number: 11532503Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Mei-Hui Fu, Min-Hsiu Hung, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Publication number: 20220367667Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to forming an effective metal diffusion barrier in sidewalls of epitaxy source/drain regions. In an embodiment, a structure includes an active area having a source/drain region on a substrate, a dielectric layer over the active area and having a sidewall aligned with the sidewall of the source/drain region, and a conductive feature along the sidewall of the dielectric layer to the source/drain region. The source/drain region has a sidewall and a lateral surface extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region, and the source/drain region further includes a nitrided region extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region into the source/drain region. The conductive feature includes a silicide region along the lateral surface of the source/drain region and along at least a portion of the sidewall of the source/drain region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Yu-Wen Cheng, Cheng-Tung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Hong-Mao Lee, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Sheng-Hsuan Lin, Wei-Jung Lin, Yan-Ming Tsai, Yu-Shiuan Wang, Hung-Hsu Chen, Wei-Yip Loh, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Patent number: 11411094Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to forming an effective metal diffusion barrier in sidewalls of epitaxy source/drain regions. In an embodiment, a structure includes an active area having a source/drain region on a substrate, a dielectric layer over the active area and having a sidewall aligned with the sidewall of the source/drain region, and a conductive feature along the sidewall of the dielectric layer to the source/drain region. The source/drain region has a sidewall and a lateral surface extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region, and the source/drain region further includes a nitrided region extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region into the source/drain region. The conductive feature includes a silicide region along the lateral surface of the source/drain region and along at least a portion of the sidewall of the source/drain region.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Wen Cheng, Cheng-Tung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Hong-Mao Lee, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Sheng-Hsuan Lin, Wei-Jung Lin, Yan-Ming Tsai, Yu-Shiuan Wang, Hung-Hsu Chen, Wei-Yip Loh, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Publication number: 20210193517Abstract: The present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In some embodiments, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature through the first dielectric layer, the first conductive feature comprising a first metal, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, and a second conductive feature through the second dielectric layer having a lower convex surface extending into the first conductive feature, wherein the lower convex surface of the second conductive feature has a tip end extending laterally under a bottom boundary of the second dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Chih-Wei Chang, Mei-Hui Fu, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin, Yu-Shih Wang, Ya-Yi Cheng, I-Li Chen
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Publication number: 20210074580Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Mei-Hui Fu, Min-Hsiu Hung, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Patent number: 10943823Abstract: The present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In some embodiments, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature through the first dielectric layer, the first conductive feature comprising a first metal, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, and a second conductive feature through the second dielectric layer having a lower convex surface extending into the first conductive feature, wherein the lower convex surface of the second conductive feature has a tip end extending laterally under a bottom boundary of the second dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Chih-Wei Chang, Mei-Hui Fu, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin, Yu Shih Shih Wang, Ya-Yi Cheng, I-Li Chen
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Patent number: 10847411Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Mei-Hui Fu, Min-Hsiu Hung, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Patent number: 10804140Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Mei-Hui Fu, Min-Hsiu Hung, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Publication number: 20200152763Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to forming an effective metal diffusion barrier in sidewalls of epitaxy source/drain regions. In an embodiment, a structure includes an active area having a source/drain region on a substrate, a dielectric layer over the active area and having a sidewall aligned with the sidewall of the source/drain region, and a conductive feature along the sidewall of the dielectric layer to the source/drain region. The source/drain region has a sidewall and a lateral surface extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region, and the source/drain region further includes a nitrided region extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region into the source/drain region. The conductive feature includes a silicide region along the lateral surface of the source/drain region and along at least a portion of the sidewall of the source/drain region.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Yu-Wen Cheng, Cheng-Tung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Hong-Mao Lee, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Sheng-Hsuan Lin, Wei-Jung Lin, Yan-Ming Tsai, Yu-Shiuan Wang, Hung-Hsu Chen, Wei-Yip Loh, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Publication number: 20200051858Abstract: The present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In some embodiments, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature through the first dielectric layer, the first conductive feature comprising a first metal, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, and a second conductive feature through the second dielectric layer having a lower convex surface extending into the first conductive feature, wherein the lower convex surface of the second conductive feature has a tip end extending laterally under a bottom boundary of the second dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Chih-Wei Chang, Mei-Hui Fu, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin, Yu Shih Shih Wang, Ya-Yi Cheng, I-Li Chen
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Patent number: 10535748Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to forming an effective metal diffusion barrier in sidewalls of epitaxy source/drain regions. In an embodiment, a structure includes an active area having a source/drain region on a substrate, a dielectric layer over the active area and having a sidewall aligned with the sidewall of the source/drain region, and a conductive feature along the sidewall of the dielectric layer to the source/drain region. The source/drain region has a sidewall and a lateral surface extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region, and the source/drain region further includes a nitrided region extending laterally from the sidewall of the source/drain region into the source/drain region. The conductive feature includes a silicide region along the lateral surface of the source/drain region and along at least a portion of the sidewall of the source/drain region.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Wen Cheng, Cheng-Tung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Hong-Mao Lee, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Sheng-Hsuan Lin, Wei-Jung Lin, Yan-Ming Tsai, Yu-Shiuan Wang, Hung-Hsu Chen, Wei-Yip Loh, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Publication number: 20190385904Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Mei-Hui Fu, Min-Hsiu Hung, Ya-Yi Cheng
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Patent number: 10475702Abstract: The present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In some embodiments, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature through the first dielectric layer, the first conductive feature comprising a first metal, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, and a second conductive feature through the second dielectric layer having a lower convex surface extending into the first conductive feature, wherein the lower convex surface of the second conductive feature has a tip end extending laterally under a bottom boundary of the second dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pin-Wen Chen, Chia-Han Lai, Chih-Wei Chang, Mei-Hui Fu, Ming-Hsing Tsai, Wei-Jung Lin, Yu Shih Wang, Ya-Yi Cheng, I-Li Chen
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Publication number: 20190304833Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pin-Wen CHEN, Chia-Han LAI, Mei-Hui FU, Min-Hsiu HUNG, Ya-Yi CHENG
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Publication number: 20190287851Abstract: The present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In some embodiments, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature through the first dielectric layer, the first conductive feature comprising a first metal, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, and a second conductive feature through the second dielectric layer having a lower convex surface extending into the first conductive feature, wherein the lower convex surface of the second conductive feature has a tip end extending laterally under a bottom boundary of the second dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2018Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pin-Wen CHEN, Chia-Han LAI, Chih-Wei CHANG, Mei-Hui FU, Ming-Hsing TSAI, Wei-Jung LIN, Yu Shih WANG, Ya-Yi CHENG, I-Li CHEN