Patents by Inventor Yu-Fa LO
Yu-Fa LO 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: 20230375938Abstract: Impurities in a liquefied solid fuel utilized in a droplet generator of an extreme ultraviolet photolithography system are removed from vessels containing the liquefied solid fuel. Removal of the impurities increases the stability and predictability of droplet formation which positively impacts wafer yield and droplet generator lifetime.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Cheng-Hao LAI, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shih-Yu TU, Jou-Hsuan LU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Patent number: 11809083Abstract: Impurities in a liquefied solid fuel utilized in a droplet generator of an extreme ultraviolet photolithography system are removed from vessels containing the liquefied solid fuel. Removal of the impurities increases the stability and predictability of droplet formation which positively impacts wafer yield and droplet generator lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Hao Lai, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shih-Yu Tu, Jou-Hsuan Lu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20230345610Abstract: In order to prevent long down-time that occurs with unexpected material depletion, an Inline Tin Stream Monitor (ITSM) system precisely measures the tin amount introduced by an in-line refill system and precisely estimates remaining runtime by measuring pressure level changes before and after in-line refill.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2022Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Wei-Shin CHENG, Cheng-Hao LAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Jou-Hsuan LU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Publication number: 20230189422Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a droplet generator with a nozzle and a piezoelectric structure coupled to the nozzle. The generator outputs groups of droplets. A control system applies a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric structure while the nozzle outputs the group of droplets. The waveform causes the droplets of the group to have a spread of velocities that results in the droplets coalescing into a single droplet prior to being irradiated by the laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Huan CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Patent number: 11653438Abstract: An EUV light source module includes an EUV vessel, a collector disposed in the EUV vessel, a droplet generator, a droplet catcher, and a droplet collecting system. The droplet generator is coupled to the EUV vessel and configured to provide a plurality of target droplets into the EUV vessel. The droplet catcher is coupled to the EUV vessel and configured to catch at least a target droplet from the EUV vessel. The droplet colleting system is coupled to the droplet catcher. The droplet collecting system includes a connecting port coupled to the droplet catcher, and a thermal insulating device surrounding the droplet catcher. The droplet generator and the droplet catcher are disposed at opposite locations in the EUV vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Yu-Fa Lo, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Shang-Chieh Chien
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Publication number: 20230067967Abstract: In a method of inspecting an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source, during an idle mode, a borescope mounted on a fixture is inserted through a first opening into a chamber of the EUV radiation source. The borescope includes a connection cable attached at a first end to a camera. The fixture includes an extendible section mounted from a first side on a lead screw, and the camera of the borescope is mounted on a second side, opposite to the first side, of the extendible section. The extendible section is extended to move the camera inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source. One or more images are acquired by the camera from inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source at one or more viewing positions. The one or more acquired images are analyzed to determine an amount of tin debris deposited inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Chiao-Hua CHENG, Sheng-Kang YU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Wei-Chun YEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Yu-Fa LO, Li-Jui CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Kuang SUN, Yu-Huan CHEN
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Publication number: 20230010810Abstract: A system and a method for supplying target material in an EUV light source are provided. The system for supplying a target material comprises a priming assembly, a refill assembly and a droplet generator assembly. The priming is configured to transform the target material from a solid state to a liquid state. The refill assembly is in fluid communication with the priming assembly and configured to receive the target material in the liquid state from the priming assembly. Further, the refill assembly includes a purifier configured to purify the target material in the liquid state. The droplet generator assembly is configured to supply the target material in the liquid state from the refill assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: HSIN-FENG CHEN, MING-HSUN TSAI, LI-JUI CHEN, SHANG-CHIEH CHIEN, HENG-HSIN LIU, CHENG-HAO LAI, YU-HUAN CHEN, WEI-SHIN CHENG, YU-KUANG SUN, CHENG-HSUAN WU, YU-FA LO, CHIAO-HUA CHENG
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Patent number: 11553581Abstract: A method for using an extreme ultraviolet radiation source is provided. The method includes assembling a first droplet generator onto a port of a vessel; ejecting a target droplet from the first droplet generator to a zone of excitation in front of a collector; emitting a laser toward the zone of excitation, such that the target droplet is heated by the laser to generate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation; stopping the ejection of the target droplet; after stopping the ejection of the target droplet, disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel; after disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel, inserting a cleaning device into the vessel through the port; and cleaning the collector by using the cleaning device.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chiao-Hua Cheng, Hsin-Feng Chen, Yu-Fa Lo, Yu-Kuang Sun, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Huan Chen, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Cheng-Hao Lai, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Li-Jui Chen, Sheng-Kang Yu
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Patent number: 11537053Abstract: Some implementations herein include a detection circuit and a fast and accurate in-line method for detecting blockage on a droplet generator head of an extreme ultraviolet exposure tool without impacting the flow of droplets of a target material through the droplet generator head. In some implementations described herein, the detection circuit includes a switch circuit that is configured in an open configuration, in which the switch is electrically open between two electrode elements. When an accumulation of the target material occurs across two or more electrode elements on the droplet generator head, the accumulation functions as a switch that closes the detection circuit. A controller may detect closure of the detection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chiao-Hua Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Huan Chen, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Cheng-Hao Lai, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Li-Jui Chen, Sheng-Kang Yu
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Publication number: 20220408537Abstract: An EUV light source module includes an EUV vessel, a collector disposed in the EUV vessel, a droplet generator, a droplet catcher, and a droplet collecting system. The droplet generator is coupled to the EUV vessel and configured to provide a plurality of target droplets into the EUV vessel. The droplet catcher is coupled to the EUV vessel and configured to catch at least a target droplet from the EUV vessel. The droplet colleting system is coupled to the droplet catcher. The droplet collecting system includes a connecting port coupled to the droplet catcher, and a thermal insulating device surrounding the droplet catcher. The droplet generator and the droplet catcher are disposed at opposite locations in the EUV vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2021Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Yu-Fa LO, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Shang-Chieh CHIEN
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Patent number: 11533799Abstract: A system and a method for supplying target material in an EUV light source are provided. The system for supplying a target material comprises a priming assembly, a refill assembly and a droplet generator assembly. The priming is configured to transform the target material from a solid state to a liquid state. The refill assembly is in fluid communication with the priming assembly and configured to receive the target material in the liquid state from the priming assembly. Further, the refill assembly includes a purifier configured to purify the target material in the liquid state. The droplet generator assembly is configured to supply the target material in the liquid state from the refill assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Hsin-Feng Chen, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Li-Jui Chen, Shang-Chieh Chien, Heng-Hsin Liu, Cheng-Hao Lai, Yu-Huan Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Chiao-Hua Cheng
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Patent number: 11528797Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a droplet generator with a nozzle and a piezoelectric structure coupled to the nozzle. The generator outputs groups of droplets. A control system applies a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric structure while the nozzle outputs the group of droplets. The waveform causes the droplets of the group to have a spread of velocities that results in the droplets coalescing into a single droplet prior to being irradiated by the laser.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Kuang Sun, Cheng-Hao Lai, Yu-Huan Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Chiao-Hua Cheng, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20220365442Abstract: Some implementations herein include a detection circuit and a fast and accurate in-line method for detecting blockage on a droplet generator head of an extreme ultraviolet exposure tool without impacting the flow of droplets of a target material through the droplet generator head. In some implementations described herein, the detection circuit includes a switch circuit that is configured in an open configuration, in which the switch is electrically open between two electrode elements. When an accumulation of the target material occurs across two or more electrode elements on the droplet generator head, the accumulation functions as a switch that closes the detection circuit. A controller may detect closure of the detection circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2021Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Chiao-Hua CHENG, Yu-Kuang SUN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Huan CHEN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Cheng-Hao LAI, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Li-Jui CHEN, Sheng-Kang YU
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Publication number: 20220338335Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modularized vessel droplet generator assembly (MGDVA) including a droplet generator assembly (DGA). Under a normal operation, the liquid fuel moves along an operation pathway extending through the DGA to eject or discharge the liquid fuel (e.g., liquid tin) from a nozzle of the DGA into a vacuum chamber. The liquid fuel in the vacuum chamber is then exposed to a laser generating an extreme ultra-violet (EUV) light. Under a service operation, the operation pathway is closed and a service pathway extending through the DGA is opened. A gas is introduced into the service pathway forming a gas-liquid interface between the gas and the liquid fuel. The gas-liquid interface is driven to an isolation valve directly adjacent to the DGA. In other words, the gas pushes back the liquid fuel to the isolation valve. Once the gas-liquid interface reaches the isolation valve, the isolation valve is closed isolating the DGA from the liquid fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2021Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Wei-Shin CHENG, Cheng-Hao LAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Jou-Hsuan LU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Publication number: 20220334495Abstract: Impurities in a liquefied solid fuel utilized in a droplet generator of an extreme ultraviolet photolithography system are removed from vessels containing the liquefied solid fuel. Removal of the impurities increases the stability and predictability of droplet formation which positively impacts wafer yield and droplet generator lifetime.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2021Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Cheng-Hao LAI, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shih-Yu TU, Jou-Hsuan LU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Publication number: 20220338334Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a droplet generator with a nozzle and a piezoelectric structure coupled to the nozzle. The generator outputs groups of droplets. A control system applies a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric structure while the nozzle outputs the group of droplets. The waveform causes the droplets of the group to have a spread of velocities that results in the droplets coalescing into a single droplet prior to being irradiated by the laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Yu-Kuang SUN, Cheng-Hao LAI, Yu-Huan CHEN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Chiao-Hua CHENG, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Li-Jui CHEN, Heng-Hsin LIU
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Publication number: 20220304131Abstract: A method for using an extreme ultraviolet radiation source is provided. The method includes assembling a first droplet generator onto a port of a vessel; ejecting a target droplet from the first droplet generator to a zone of excitation in front of a collector; emitting a laser toward the zone of excitation, such that the target droplet is heated by the laser to generate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation; stopping the ejection of the target droplet; after stopping the ejection of the target droplet, disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel; after disassembling the first droplet generator from the port of the vessel, inserting a cleaning device into the vessel through the port; and cleaning the collector by using the cleaning device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2021Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chiao-Hua CHENG, Hsin-Feng CHEN, Yu-Fa LO, Yu-Kuang SUN, Wei-Shin CHENG, Yu-Huan CHEN, Ming-Hsun TSAI, Cheng-Hao LAI, Cheng-Hsuan WU, Shang-Chieh CHIEN, Heng-Hsin LIU, Li-Jui CHEN, Sheng-Kang YU
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Patent number: 11442365Abstract: A photolithography system utilizes tin droplets to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation for photolithography. The photolithography system irradiates the droplets with a laser. The droplets become energized and emit extreme ultraviolet radiation. A collector reflects the extreme ultraviolet radiation toward a photolithography target. The photolithography system isolates a source of droplets from oxidants to prevent the oxidation of the nozzle or the formation of metal oxides on the nozzle, both of which can adversely affect an ability of the nozzle to generate a sufficient amount of droplets and/or direct the droplets in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yu-Kuang Sun, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Yu-Huan Chen, Wei-Shin Cheng, Cheng-Hao Lai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Chiao-Hua Cheng, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20220100101Abstract: An assembly for use with an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) chamber, along with methods of using such, are described. The assembly includes a ring structure. The ring structure includes an outer ring and an inner ring disposed radially inward of the outer ring. The assembly also includes a vacuum interface to be attached and in contact with the inner ring, wherein the inner ring has an opening that is size adjustable to allow a device to pass through and into the vacuum interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Ming-Hsun TSAI, Yu-Fa LO, Shang-Chieh CHIEN