Patents by Inventor Zhi-Chang Lin

Zhi-Chang Lin 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: 20210126113
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices using a dielectric structure and methods of manufacturing are described herein. The semiconductor devices are directed towards gate-all-around (GAA) devices that are formed over a substrate and are isolated from one another by the dielectric structure. The dielectric structure is formed over the fin between two GAA devices and cuts a gate electrode that is formed over the fin into two separate gate electrodes. The two GAA devices are also formed with bottom spacers underlying source/drain regions of the GAA devices. The bottom spacers isolate the source/drain regions from the substrate. The dielectric structure is formed with a shallow bottom that is located above the bottoms of the bottom spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang Lin, Shih-Cheng Chen, Lo-Heng Chang, Jung-Hung Chang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang
  • Publication number: 20210126106
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an inner spacer structure for a semiconductor device and a method for forming the same. The method for forming the inner spacer structure in the semiconductor device can include forming a vertical structure over a substrate, forming a gate structure over a portion of the vertical structure, exposing sidewalls of the portion of the vertical structure, forming multiple spacers over the sidewalls of the portion of the vertical structure, and forming a void in each of the multiple spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Han WANG, Ding-Kang Shih, Chun-Hsiung Lin, Teng-Chun Tsai, Zhi-Chang Lin, Akira Mineji, Yao-Sheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20210118748
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate stack, which includes a gate dielectric and a metal gate electrode over the gate dielectric. An inter-layer dielectric is formed on opposite sides of the gate stack. The gate stack and the inter-layer dielectric are planarized. The method further includes forming an inhibitor film on the gate stack, with at least a portion of the inter-layer dielectric exposed, selectively depositing a dielectric hard mask on the inter-layer dielectric, with the inhibitor film preventing the dielectric hard mask from being formed thereon, and etching to remove a portion of the gate stack, with the dielectric hard mask acting as a portion of a corresponding etching mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Tsu-Hsiu Perng, Kai-Chieh Yang, Zhi-Chang Lin, Teng-Chun Tsai, Wei-Hao Wu
  • Publication number: 20210090944
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature disposed on the semiconductor substrate; and a staggered dielectric feature interposed between the first and second conductive feature. The staggered dielectric feature includes first dielectric layers and second dielectric layers being interdigitated. The first dielectric layers include a first dielectric material and the second dielectric layers include a second dielectric material being different from the first dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang Lin, Teng-Chun Tsai, Wei-Hao Wu
  • Publication number: 20210082966
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first gate stack over a substrate. The substrate has a base and a first fin structure over the base, and the first gate stack wraps around a first upper portion of the first fin structure. The method includes partially removing the first fin structure, which is not covered by the first gate stack. The method includes forming a first mask layer over a first sidewall of the first fin structure. The method includes forming a first stressor over a second sidewall of the first fin structure while the first mask layer covers the first sidewall. The first sidewall is opposite to the second sidewall. The method includes removing the first mask layer. The method includes forming a dielectric layer over the base and the first stressor. The dielectric layer covers the first sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang LIN, Chun-Hsiung LIN, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Patent number: 10950713
    Abstract: A mask layer is formed over a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes: a gate structure, a first layer disposed over the gate structure, and an interlayer dielectric (ILD) disposed on sidewalls of the first layer. The mask layer includes an opening that exposes a portion of the first layer and a portion of the ILD. A first etching process is performed to etch the opening partially into the first layer and partially into the ILD. A liner layer is formed in the opening after the first etching process has been performed. A second etching process is performed after the liner layer has been formed. The second etching process extends the opening downwardly through the first layer and through the gate structure. The opening is filled with a second layer after the second etching process has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang Lin, Wei-Hao Wu, Jia-Ni Yu, Huan-Chieh Su, Ting-Hung Hsu, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20210066294
    Abstract: According to one example, a semiconductor device includes a substrate and a fin stack that includes a plurality of nanostructures, a gate device surrounding each of the nanostructures, and inner spacers along the gate device and between the nanostructures. A width of the inner spacers differs between different layers of the fin stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jui-Chien Huang, Shih-Cheng Chen, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Zhi-Chang Lin, Jung-Hung Chang, Lo-Heng Chang, Shi Ning Ju, Guan-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 10930763
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes: a first source and a first drain separated by a first distance, a first semiconductor structure disposed between the first source and first drain, a first gate electrode disposed over the first semiconductor structure, and a first dielectric structure disposed over the first gate electrode. The first dielectric structure has a lower portion and an upper portion disposed over the lower portion and wider than the lower portion. The second transistor includes: a second source and a second drain separated by a second distance greater than the first distance, a second semiconductor structure disposed between the second source and second drain, a second gate electrode disposed over the second semiconductor structure, and a second dielectric structure disposed over the second gate electrode. The second dielectric structure and the first dielectric structure have different material compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huan-Chieh Su, Zhi-Chang Lin, Ting-Hung Hsu, Jia-Ni Yu, Wei-Hao Wu, Yu-Ming Lin, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20210035865
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of forming a semiconductor structure with a metal gate. The semiconductor structure is formed by first fabricating fins over a semiconductor substrate, followed by a formation of a source and a drain recess. A source and a drain region may then be deposited into the source and the drain recess. The gate structure may be deposited into the region between the fins. The gate structure includes dielectric and metallic layers. In the regions between the fins, the gate structure is isolated from the source and the drain region by an insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Zhi-Chang Lin, Shi Ning Ju, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Ting Pan
  • Patent number: 10872891
    Abstract: Examples of an integrated circuit with gate cut features and a method for forming the integrated circuit are provided herein. In some examples, a workpiece is received that includes a substrate and a plurality of fins extending from the substrate. A first layer is formed on a side surface of each of the plurality of fins such that a trench bounded by the first layer extends between the plurality of fins. A cut feature is formed in the trench. A first gate structure is formed on a first fin of the plurality of fins, and a second gate structure is formed on a second fin of the plurality of fins such that the cut feature is disposed between the first gate structure and the second gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang Lin, Wei-Hao Wu, Jia-Ni Yu, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuo-Cheng Ching
  • Patent number: 10861752
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate stack, which includes a gate dielectric and a metal gate electrode over the gate dielectric. An inter-layer dielectric is formed on opposite sides of the gate stack. The gate stack and the inter-layer dielectric are planarized. The method further includes forming an inhibitor film on the gate stack, with at least a portion of the inter-layer dielectric exposed, selectively depositing a dielectric hard mask on the inter-layer dielectric, with the inhibitor film preventing the dielectric hard mask from being formed thereon, and etching to remove a portion of the gate stack, with the dielectric hard mask acting as a portion of a corresponding etching mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsu-Hsiu Perng, Kai-Chieh Yang, Zhi-Chang Lin, Teng-Chun Tsai, Wei-Hao Wu
  • Publication number: 20200381545
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. A semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes a first source/drain feature, a second source/drain feature, a first semiconductor channel member and a second semiconductor channel member extending between the first and second source/drain features, and a first dielectric feature and a second dielectric feature each including a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer different from the first dielectric layer. The first and second dielectric features are sandwiched between the first and second semiconductor channel members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Zhi-Chang Lin, Shih-Cheng Chen, Chih-Hao Wang, Pei-Hsun Wang, Lo-Heng Chang, Jung-Hung Chang
  • Patent number: 10840133
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature disposed on the semiconductor substrate; and a staggered dielectric feature interposed between the first and second conductive feature. The staggered dielectric feature includes first dielectric layers and second dielectric layers being interdigitated. The first dielectric layers include a first dielectric material and the second dielectric layers include a second dielectric material being different from the first dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhi-Chang Lin, Teng-Chun Tsai, Wei-Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 10825918
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first fin structure and a second fin structure extending above an isolation structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a dummy fin structure formed over the isolation structure, and the dummy fin structure is between the first fin structure and the second fin structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a capping layer formed over the dummy fin structure, and the top surface of the capping layer is higher than the top surface of the first fin structure and the top surface of the second fin structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a first gate structure formed over first fin structure, and a second gate structure formed over the second fin structure. The first gate structure and the second gate structure are separated by the dummy fin structure and the capping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Zhi-Chang Lin, Kuan-Ting Pan, Chih-Hao Wang, Shi-Ning Ju
  • Publication number: 20200328208
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes an isolation structure formed over a substrate, and a first stacked structure and a second stacked structure extending above the isolation structure. The first stacked structure includes a plurality of first nanostructures stacked in a vertical direction, and the second stacked structure includes a plurality of second nanostructures stacked in the vertical direction. The semiconductor device structure also includes a first dummy fin structure formed over the isolation structure, and the first dummy fin structure is between the first fin structure and the second fin structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a capping layer formed over the first dummy fin structure, and a top surface of the capping layer is higher than a top surface of the first stacked structure and a top surface of the second stacked structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHIANG, Shi-Ning JU, Chih-Hao WANG, Kuan-Ting PAN, Zhi-Chang LIN
  • Publication number: 20200303194
    Abstract: A FinFET device structure is provided. The FinFET device structure includes a substrate, a fin structure formed over the substrate, and an isolation structure formed over the substrate. The fin structure protrudes from the isolation structure. The FinFET device structure further includes a fin isolation structure formed over the isolation structure and a metal gate structure formed over the fin structure and the fin isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Ni YU, Zhi-Chang LIN, Wei-Hao WU, Huan-Chieh SU, Chung-Wei HSU, Chih-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20200266192
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a transistor on the substrate, and an isolation structure. The transistor includes an epitaxial region on the substrate, having a first side boundary and a second side boundary opposite to the first side boundary, wherein the first side boundary of the epitaxial region is conformal to a sidewall of the isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: SHI NING JU, KUO-CHENG CHIANG, KUAN-LUN CHENG, CHIH-HAO WANG, KUAN-TING PAN, ZHI-CHANG LIN
  • Publication number: 20200243666
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes an isolation structure formed over a substrate, and a first stacked wire structure and a second stacked wire structure extending above the isolation structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a dummy fin structure formed over the isolation structure, and the dummy fin structure is between the first stacked wire structure and the second stacked wire structure. The semiconductor device structure also includes a capping layer formed over the dummy fin structure. The isolation structure has a first width, the dummy fin structure has a second width, and the second width is smaller than the first width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Zhi-Chang LIN, Kuan-Ting PAN, Chih-Hao WANG, Shi-Ning JU
  • Publication number: 20200243665
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first fin structure and a second fin structure extending above an isolation structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a dummy fin structure formed over the isolation structure, and the dummy fin structure is between the first fin structure and the second fin structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a capping layer formed over the dummy fin structure, and the top surface of the capping layer is higher than the top surface of the first fin structure and the top surface of the second fin structure. The semiconductor device structure includes a first gate structure formed over first fin structure, and a second gate structure formed over the second fin structure. The first gate structure and the second gate structure are separated by the dummy fin structure and the capping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng CHING, Zhi-Chang LIN, Kuan-Ting PAN, Chih-Hao WANG, Shi-Ning JU
  • Patent number: 10679856
    Abstract: A method for forming a FinFET device structure is provided. The method for forming a FinFET device structure includes forming a fin structure and a fin isolation structure over a substrate, and forming a metal stack over the fin structure and the fin isolation structure. The method for forming a FinFET device structure also includes partially removing the metal stack so that a top surface of the fin isolation structure is exposed, and forming a dielectric material over the metal stack and covering the top surface of the fin isolation structure. The method for forming a FinFET device structure further includes patterning the dielectric material and the metal stack to form a metal gate structure and an insulating structure over the metal gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Ni Yu, Zhi-Chang Lin, Wei-Hao Wu, Huan-Chieh Su, Chung-Wei Hsu, Chih-Hao Wang