Patents by Inventor Yuan-Chi Pai

Yuan-Chi Pai 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: 20240063017
    Abstract: The invention provides a photoresist coating method, which comprises the following steps: providing a wafer with a pattern on the wafer, placing the wafer on a spinner, injecting a photoresist on a central region of the wafer from a nozzle, and carrying out a spin coating step, the spin coating step comprises: turning on the spinner to rotate the spinner to a first rotation speed, and raising the first rotation speed to a second rotation speed, and performing a plurality of brakes during the process of maintaining the second rotation speed, so that the second rotation speed instantly drops to a third rotation speed, and then rises to the second rotation speed again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi Teng Zhong, Ching-Shu Lo, Yuan-Chi Pai, WEN YI TAN
  • Publication number: 20230343651
    Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor manufacturing process, which comprises the following steps: using a computer system to define plurality of shots on a wafer range, distributing a plurality of observation points in each shot, finding out parts of incomplete shots from all of the shots, calculating the number of observation points in each incomplete shot, eliminating the incomplete shots with the number less than 3 observation points, counting all observation points in the remaining incomplete shots, and deleting a part of observation points until the total number of observation points meets a preset total number, and uniformly distributing all observation points, and performing an overlay measurement step on the remaining observation points to generate an offset vector map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dian Han Liu, Yuan-Chi Pai, WEN YI TAN
  • Publication number: 20230288346
    Abstract: A method for aligning to a pattern on a wafer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining a first inline image from a first sample wafer, obtaining a first contour pattern of an alignment mark pattern from the first inline image, using the first contour pattern to generate a first synthetic image in black and white pixels of only two grayscale levels, using the first synthetic image as a reference to recognize the alignment mark pattern on a tested wafer, and aligning to a tested pattern on the tested wafer according to a position of the alignment mark pattern on the tested wafer and a coordinate information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dian Han Liu, Maohua Ren, Yuan-Chi Pai, Wen Yi TAN
  • Patent number: 11692946
    Abstract: A method for aligning to a pattern on a wafer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining a first inline image from a first sample wafer, obtaining a first contour pattern of an alignment mark pattern from the first inline image, using the first contour pattern to generate a first synthetic image in black and white pixels, using the first synthetic image as a reference to recognize the alignment mark pattern on a tested wafer, and aligning to a tested pattern on the tested wafer according to a position of the alignment mark pattern on the tested wafer and a coordinate information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dian Han Liu, Maohua Ren, Yuan-Chi Pai, Wen Yi Tan
  • Publication number: 20230123680
    Abstract: The invention provides a correction and compensation method in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The method includes the following steps: providing a machine, the machine is at least used for exposure manufacturing of a first product and a second product, performing period maintenance (PM) on the machine, recording an original offset map before and after the period maintenance of the machine is performed, the original offset map has an original exposure size, and adjusting the original exposure size of the original offset map to correspond to a first exposure size of the first product, and performing a first offset compensation correction on the first product. And adjusting the original exposure size of the original offset map to correspond to a second exposure size of the second product, and performing a second offset compensation correction on the second product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: XIONGWU HE, WEIGUO XU, YUAN-CHI PAI, WEN YI TAN
  • Publication number: 20230030500
    Abstract: A reticle thermal expansion calibration method includes exposing a group of wafers and generating a sub-recipe, performing data mining and data parsing to generate a plurality of overlay parameters, extracting a plurality of predetermined parameters from the plurality of overlay parameters, performing a linear regression on each of the predetermined parameters, and generating a coefficient of determination for each of the predetermined parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: MAOHUA REN, Yuan-Chi Pai, WEN YI TAN
  • Patent number: 11527438
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a contact structure includes the following steps. A substrate is provided, and the substrate includes a first region and a second region. A dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. A photoresist layer is formed on the dielectric layer. An exposure process is performed. The exposure process includes first exposure steps and second exposure steps. Each of the first exposure steps is performed to a part of the first region of the substrate. Each of the second exposure steps is performed to a part of the second region of the substrate. Each of the second exposure steps is performed with a first overlay shift by a first predetermined distance. A develop process is performed for forming openings in the photoresist layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: United Semiconductor (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiongwu He, Weiguo Xu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Wen Yi Tan
  • Publication number: 20220299448
    Abstract: A method for aligning to a pattern on a wafer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining a first inline image from a first sample wafer, obtaining a first contour pattern of an alignment mark pattern from the first inline image, using the first contour pattern to generate a first synthetic image in black and white pixels, using the first synthetic image as a reference to recognize the alignment mark pattern on a tested wafer, and aligning to a tested pattern on the tested wafer according to a position of the alignment mark pattern on the tested wafer and a coordinate information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Dian Han Liu, MAOHUA REN, Yuan-Chi Pai, WEN YI TAN
  • Publication number: 20220139778
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a contact structure includes the following steps. A substrate is provided, and the substrate includes a first region and a second region. A dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. A photoresist layer is formed on the dielectric layer. An exposure process is performed. The exposure process includes first exposure steps and second exposure steps. Each of the first exposure steps is performed to a part of the first region of the substrate. Each of the second exposure steps is performed to a part of the second region of the substrate. Each of the second exposure steps is performed with a first overlay shift by a first predetermined distance. A develop process is performed for forming openings in the photoresist layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: XIONGWU HE, WEIGUO XU, Yuan-Chi Pai, WEN YI TAN
  • Patent number: 9494873
    Abstract: An asymmetry compensation method used in a lithography overlay process and including steps of: providing a first substrate, wherein a circuit layout is disposed on the first substrate, a first mask layer and a second mask layer together having an x-axis allowable deviation range and an y-axis allowable deviation range relative to the circuit layout are stacked sequentially on the circuit layout, wherein the x-axis allowable deviation range is unequal to the y-axis allowable deviation range; and calculating an x-axis final compensation parameter and an y-axis final compensation parameter base on the unequal x-axis allowable deviation range and the y-axis allowable deviation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: En-Chiuan Liou, Teng-Chin Kuo, Yuan-Chi Pai, Chun-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 9448471
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photo-mask for manufacturing structures on a semiconductor substrate, which comprises a photo-mask substrate, a first pattern, a second pattern and a forbidden pattern. A first active region, a second active region are defined on the photo-mask substrate, and a region other than the first active region and the second active region are defined as a forbidden region. The first pattern is disposed in the first active region and corresponds to a first structure on the semiconductor substrate. The second pattern is disposed in the second active region and corresponds to a second structure on the semiconductor substrate. The forbidden pattern is disposed in the forbidden region, wherein the forbidden pattern has a dimension beyond resolution capability of photolithography and is not used to form any corresponding structure on the semiconductor substrate. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing semiconductor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: En-Chiuan Liou, Yu-Cheng Tung, Teng-Chin Kuo, Yuan-Chi Pai, Chun-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 9400435
    Abstract: A method of correcting an overlay error includes the following steps. First, an overlay mark disposed on a substrate is captured so as to generate overlay mark information. The overlay mark includes at least a pair of first mark patterns and at least a second mark pattern above the first mark patterns. Then, the overlay mark information is calculated to generate an offset value between two first mark patterns and to generate a shift value between the second mark pattern and one of the first mark patterns. Finally, the offset value is used to compensate the shift value so as to generate an amended shift value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: En-Chiuan Liou, Chia-Chang Hsu, Teng-Chin Kuo, Chia-Hung Wang, Tuan-Yen Yu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Chun-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 9305847
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate including a first transistor having a first conductivity type, a second transistor having a second conductivity type and a third transistor having the first conductivity type is formed. An inner-layer dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, and includes a first gate trench corresponding to the first transistor, a second gate trench corresponding to the second transistor and a third gate trench corresponding to the third transistor. A work function metal layer is formed on the inner-layer dielectric layer. An anti-reflective layer is coated on the work function metal layer. The anti-reflective layer on the second transistor and on the top portion of the third gate trench is removed to expose the work function metal layer. The exposed work function metal layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Shin-Chi Chen, Chih-Yueh Li, Shui-Yen Lu, Chi-Mao Hsu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Yu-Hong Kuo, Nien-Ting Ho
  • Patent number: 9245972
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. A substrate having a first gate and a second gate respectively formed in a first region and a second region is provided. An underlayer is formed on the substrate to cover the first gate in the first region and the second gate in the second region. A patterned mask with a predetermined thickness is formed on the underlayer in the first region. The underlayer corresponding to the second gate in the second region is removed by the patterned mask to expose the second gate, wherein the underlayer corresponding to the first gate in the first region is partially consumed to expose part of the first gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Shin-Chi Chen, Chih-Yueh Li, Shui-Yen Lu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Fong-Lung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20160018728
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photo-mask for manufacturing structures on a semiconductor substrate, which comprises a photo-mask substrate, a first pattern, a second pattern and a forbidden pattern. A first active region, a second active region are defined on the photo-mask substrate, and a region other than the first active region and the second active region are defined as a forbidden region. The first pattern is disposed in the first active region and corresponds to a first structure on the semiconductor substrate. The second pattern is disposed in the second active region and corresponds to a second structure on the semiconductor substrate. The forbidden pattern is disposed in the forbidden region, wherein the forbidden pattern has a dimension beyond resolution capability of photolithography and is not used to form any corresponding structure on the semiconductor substrate. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing semiconductor structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: En-Chiuan Liou, Yu-Cheng Tung, Teng-Chin Kuo, Yuan-Chi Pai, Chun-Chi Yu
  • Publication number: 20160018741
    Abstract: An asymmetry compensation method used in a lithography overlay process and including steps of: providing a first substrate, wherein a circuit layout is disposed on the first substrate, a first mask layer and a second mask layer together having an x-axis allowable deviation range and an y-axis allowable deviation range relative to the circuit layout are stacked sequentially on the circuit layout, wherein the x-axis allowable deviation range is unequal to the y-axis allowable deviation range; and calculating an x-axis final compensation parameter and an y-axis final compensation parameter base on the unequal x-axis allowable deviation range and the y-axis allowable deviation range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: EN-CHIUAN LIOU, TENG-CHIN KUO, YUAN-CHI PAI, CHUN-CHI YU
  • Publication number: 20150380312
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate including a first transistor having a first conductivity type, a second transistor having a second conductivity type and a third transistor having the first conductivity type is formed. An inner-layer dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, and includes a first gate trench corresponding to the first transistor, a second gate trench corresponding to the second transistor and a third gate trench corresponding to the third transistor. A work function metal layer is formed on the inner-layer dielectric layer. An anti-reflective layer is coated on the work function metal layer. The anti-reflective layer on the second transistor and on the top portion of the third gate trench is removed to expose the work function metal layer. The exposed work function metal layer is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Shin-Chi Chen, Chih-Yueh Li, Shui-Yen Lu, Chi-Mao Hsu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Yu-Hong Kuo, Nien-Ting Ho
  • Publication number: 20150362905
    Abstract: A method of correcting an overlay error includes the following steps. First, an overlay mark disposed on a substrate is captured so as to generate overlay mark information. The overlay mark includes at least a pair of first mark patterns and at least a second mark pattern above the first mark patterns. Then, the overlay mark information is calculated to generate an offset value between two first mark patterns and to generate a shift value between the second mark pattern and one of the first mark patterns. Finally, the offset value is used to compensate the shift value so as to generate an amended shift value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: En-Chiuan Liou, Chia-Chang Hsu, Teng-Chin Kuo, Chia-Hung Wang, Tuan-Yen Yu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Chun-Chi Yu
  • Publication number: 20150064861
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. A substrate having a first gate and a second gate respectively formed in a first region and a second region is provided. An underlayer is formed on the substrate to cover the first gate in the first region and the second gate in the second region. A patterned mask with a predetermined thickness is formed on the underlayer in the first region. The underlayer corresponding to the second gate in the second region is removed by the patterned mask to expose the second gate, wherein the underlayer corresponding to the first gate in the first region is partially consumed to expose part of the first gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Shin-Chi Chen, Chih-Yueh Li, Shui-Yen Lu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Fong-Lung Chuang
  • Patent number: 8785115
    Abstract: A photoresist removal method is described. A substrate having thereon a positive photoresist layer to be removed is provided. The positive photoresist layer is UV-exposed without using a photomask. A development liquid is used to remove the UV-exposed positive photoresist layer. The substrate as provided may further have thereon a sacrificial masking layer under the positive photoresist layer. The sacrificial masking layer is removed after the UV-exposed positive photoresist layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Hung-Yi Wu, Yuan-Chi Pai, Yu-Wei Cheng, Chang-Mao Wang