Patents by Inventor Yean-Kuen Fang

Yean-Kuen Fang 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: 9768224
    Abstract: A method includes fabricating an image sensing element in a substrate. A plurality of inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers are formed over the substrate. Each IMD layer includes a metal layer and a dielectric layer. A planar top surface of a top IMD layer of the plurality of IMD layers is planarized. A portion of the top IMD layer is then removed to transform a region of the planar top surface to a curved recess. A lens is formed on the top IMD layer and in the curved recess. A color filter layer is disposed over the lens and the image sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Publication number: 20150187833
    Abstract: A method includes fabricating an image sensing element in a substrate. A plurality of inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers are formed over the substrate. Each IMD layer includes a metal layer and a dielectric layer. A planar top surface of a top IMD layer of the plurality of IMD layers is planarized. A portion of the top IMD layer is then removed to transform a region of the planar top surface to a curved recess. A lens is formed on the top IMD layer and in the curved recess. A color filter layer is disposed over the lens and the image sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Patent number: 8987113
    Abstract: A device includes an image sensing element. The device also includes a Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) layer, located over the image sensing element, exhibiting a first index of refraction. The device further includes a first lens, located over the SiO2 layer, exhibiting a second index of refraction greater than the first index of refraction. The device still further includes a color filter located over the first lens and a second lens located over the color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Publication number: 20140061837
    Abstract: A device includes an image sensing element. The device also includes a Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) layer, located over the image sensing element, exhibiting a first index of refraction. The device further includes a first lens, located over the SiO2 layer, exhibiting a second index of refraction greater than the first index of refraction. The device still further includes a color filter located over the first lens and a second lens located over the color filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Patent number: 7387907
    Abstract: An image sensor device and fabrication method thereof wherein a substrate having at least one shallow trench isolation structure therein is provided. At least one photosensor and at least one light emitting element, e.g., such as MOS or LED, are formed in the substrate. The photosensor and the light emitting element are isolated by the shallow trench isolation structure. An opening is formed in the shallow trench isolation structure to expose part of the substrate. An opaque shield is formed in the opening to prevent photons from the light emitting element from striking the photosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Publication number: 20070020791
    Abstract: An image sensor device and fabrication method thereof wherein a substrate having at least one shallow trench isolation structure therein is provided. At least one photosensor and at least one light emitting element, e.g., such as MOS or LED, are formed in the substrate. The photosensor and the light emitting element are isolated by the shallow trench isolation structure. An opening is formed in the shallow trench isolation structure to expose part of the substrate. An opaque shield is formed in the opening to prevent photons from the light emitting element from striking the photosensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Patent number: 7122840
    Abstract: An image sensor device and fabrication method thereof wherein a substrate having at least one shallow trench isolation structure therein is provided. At least one photosensor and at least one light emitting element, e.g., such as MOS or LED, are formed in the substrate. The photosensor and the light emitting element are isolated by the shallow trench isolation structure. An opening is formed in the shallow trench isolation structure to expose part of the substrate. An opaque shield is formed in the opening to prevent photons from the light emitting element from striking the photosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Patent number: 7079412
    Abstract: A programmable memory circuit and a method for programming the same are disclosed. A polycrystalline silicon resistor pair are used in a programmable memory cell. The pair includes a first polycrystalline silicon resistor stressable by a predetermined current thereacross, and a second polycrystalline silicon resistor similarly structured as the first polycrystalline silicon resistor stressable by the predetermined current, wherein when only the first resistor is stressed by the predetermined current, a resistance of the first resistor is lowered as compared to the unstressed second resistor, thereby programming the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Hui Chen, Shun-Liang Hsu, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Patent number: 7048603
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is disclosed, by adding nitrogen (N2) into the material of a hole transport layer (HTL) and evaporating the nitrogen and the material of the hole transport layer while growing the hole transport layer, so as to dope nitrogen molecules into the hole transport layer. In the hole transport layer, the nitrogen molecules are impurities of higher energy level, and are used to catch holes while the holes transports and trap the holes in the hole transport layer, thereby obtaining an object of improving the luminance efficiency of the organic light-emitting diodes with lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Yean-Kuen Fang, William Lee, Jyh-Jier Ho, Shyh-Fann Ting, Shih-Fang Chen, Hsin-Che Chiang
  • Patent number: 7014710
    Abstract: A method of growing single crystal Gallium Nitride on silicon substrate is disclosed including: removing oxide layer of silicon substrate, growing buffer layer of Silicon Carbon Nitride (SiCN), and growing single crystalline Gallium Nitride thin film, characterized in that a buffer layer of SiCN is grown to avoid lattice mismatch which appears when Gallium Nitride is grown directly on silicon substrate, and that Rapid Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition is adopted to grow SiCN buffer layer, and that Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition is adopted to grow single crystalline GaN thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: National Cheng-Kung University
    Inventors: Yean Kuen Fang, Wen Rong Chang, Shyh Fann Ting, Hon Kuan, Cheng Nan Chang
  • Publication number: 20060057765
    Abstract: A device includes an image sensing element. The device also includes a Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) layer, located over the image sensing element, exhibiting a first index of refraction. The device further includes a first lens, located over the SiO2 layer, exhibiting a second index of refraction greater than the first index of refraction. The device still further includes a color filter located over the first lens and a second lens located over the color filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Publication number: 20050280007
    Abstract: An image sensor device and fabrication method thereof wherein a substrate having at least one shallow trench isolation structure therein is provided. At least one photosensor and at least one light emitting element, e.g., such as MOS or LED, are formed in the substrate. The photosensor and the light emitting element are isolated by the shallow trench isolation structure. An opening is formed in the shallow trench isolation structure to expose part of the substrate. An opaque shield is formed in the opening to prevent photons from the light emitting element from striking the photosensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Publication number: 20050185441
    Abstract: A programmable memory circuit and a method for programming the same are disclosed. A polycrystalline silicon resistor pair are used in a programmable memory cell. The pair includes a first polycrystalline silicon resistor stressable by a predetermined current thereacross, and a second polycrystalline silicon resistor similarly structured as the first polycrystalline silicon resistor stressable by the predetermined current, wherein when only the first resistor is stressed by the predetermined current, a resistance of the first resistor is lowered as compared to the unstressed second resistor, thereby programming the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Chung-Hui Chen, Shun-Liang Hsu, Yean-Kuen Fang
  • Publication number: 20050101218
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is disclosed, by adding nitrogen (N2) into the material of a hole transport layer (HTL) and evaporating the nitrogen and the material of the hole transport layer while growing the hole transport layer, so as to dope nitrogen molecules into the hole transport layer. In the hole transport layer, the nitrogen molecules are impurities of higher energy level, and are used to catch holes while the holes transports and trap the holes in the hole transport layer, thereby obtaining an object of improving the luminance efficiency of the organic light-emitting diodes with lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Yean-Kuen Fang, William Lee, Jyh-Jier Ho, Shyh-Fann Ting, Shih-Fang Chen, Hsin-Che Chiang
  • Patent number: 6877385
    Abstract: There is disclosed a semiconductor sensor for measuring the contact shear stress distribution between the socket of an above-knee (AK) prostheses and the soft tissue of an amputee's stump. The sensor is fabricated by the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, and its main sensing part is 2-X shaped with a flange structure. The sensor is prepared by anisotropic wet etching of bulk silicon in KOH solution and a square flange above the sensing diaphragm is formed through surface micromachining of deposited SiO2 thin film. This invention has the following characteristics: piezo-resistivity of the monolithic silicon will be utilized to convert shear deformation of the sensor into an electrical signal and a micro sensor which can measure the shear force vector acting on the sensing flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Yean-Kuen Fang, Ming-Shanng Ju, Jyh-Jier Ho, Gin-Shin Chen, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Shyh-Fann Ting, Chung-Hsien Yang
  • Publication number: 20040074437
    Abstract: A method of growing single crystal Gallium Nitride on silicon substrate is disclosed including: removing oxide layer of silicon substrate, growing buffer layer of Silicon Carbon Nitride (SiCN), and growing single crystalline Gallium Nitride thin film, characterized in that a buffer layer of SiCN is grown to avoid lattice mismatch which appears when Gallium Nitride is grown directly on silicon substrate, and that Rapid Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition is adopted to grow SiCN buffer layer, and that Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition is adopted to grow single crystalline GaN thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Yean Kuen Fang, Wen Rong Chang, Shyh Fann Ting, Hon Kuan, Cheng Nan Chang
  • Publication number: 20020174727
    Abstract: In this invention, a contact type micro piezoresistive shear-stress sensor is fabricated by the micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) technology, and its main sensing part is a 2-X shaped with a flange structure, for measuring the shear stress distribution between socket of above-knee (AK) prostheses and the soft tissue of amputee's stump. Comparing with a conventional shear stress sensor, this invention owns the following characteristics: piezo-resistivity of the monolithic silicon will be utilized to convert shear deformation of the sensor into electrical signal and a micro sensor which can measure the shear force vector acting the sensing flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Yean-Kuen Fang, Ming-Shanng Ju, Jyh-Jier Ho, Gin-Shin Chen, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Shyh-Fann Ting, Chung-Hsien Yang
  • Patent number: 6291306
    Abstract: A method of forming a high polysilicon resistor over a dielectric layer, comprising the following steps. A polysilicon resistor over a semiconductor structure is provided. The polysilicon resistor has a doped polysilicon layer having a first voltage coefficient of resistance and grain boundaries having a first trapping density. A to a first level of DC current is provided for a predetermined duration through the doped polysilicon layer to stress the doped polysilicon layer to partially melt the doped polysilicon layer without causing breakdown of the doped polysilicon layer. The to a first level of DC current is removed to allow recrystallization of the melted doped polysilicon layer, whereby the recrystallized doped polysilicon layer has a second voltage coefficient of resistance less than the first voltage coefficient of resistance and grain boundaries having a second trapping density that is less than the first trapping density. This makes the Rs of the polysilicon to be stable and saturated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Yung-Lung Hsu, Shun-Liang Hsu, Yean-Kuen Fang, Mao-Hsiung Kuo
  • Patent number: 6274413
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a polysilicon thin film transistor combining the channel oxidation process and the plasma hydrogenation process is disclosed. The fabrication process includes the following steps: (a) forming a field oxide layer on a silicon substrate, (b) forming a polysilicon layer on a portion of the field oxide layer to serve as a gate, (c) forming a gate oxide on the polysilicon layer and another portion of the field oxide layer, (d) forming a polysilicon channel on the gate oxide layer, (e) defining a source region and a drain region in a portion of the polysilicon channel, (f) oxidizing another portion of the polysilicon channel, (g) forming a dielectric layer on said polysilicon channel, and (h) hydrogenating said polysilicon thin film transistor by plasma. Such a combination results in an better efficiency for passivating the tail state traps, and can prevent the polysilicon thin film from being damaged caused by the plasma glow during the plasma hydrogenation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Yean-Kuen Fang, Dun-Nien Yang, Yung-Chi Wang
  • Patent number: 6271544
    Abstract: This invention is a novel silicon carbide and silicon (SiC/Si) heterostructure N-shaped negative-differential-resistance semiconductor switch having low power dissipation and large on/off current ratio. The structure of the semiconductor switch includes Al electrode/p-type single crystal silicon carbide layer/graded-composition layer/n-type single crystal silicon substrate/Al electrode (Al/p-SiC/GCL/n-Si/Al), wherein the graded-composition layer is a buffer layer between the p-SiC and n-Si layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Yean-Kuen Fang, Kuen-Hsien Wu, Tzer-Jing Chen