Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a patterned hard mask layer on a semiconductor substrate; performing a first etching process to form a recess in an exposed portion of the semiconductor substrate, using a first etchant that includes a first halogen species; performing a second etching process using a second etchant that includes a second halogen species, such that the second halogen species forms a barrier layer in the semiconductor substrate, surrounding the recess; and growing a detection region in the recess using an epitaxial growth process. The barrier layer is configured to reduce diffusion of the first halogen species into the detection region.

Abstract: An image sensor for a Time-of-Flight imaging system is disclosed that includes at least one primary sensor having a photodetector that includes a photovoltaic junction formed at least partially in a germanium-containing material that includes germanium at an atomic percentage greater than 50%, and at least one secondary sensor having a photodetector that includes a photovoltaic junction formed in a second material, such as a silicon-containing material, that includes germanium at an atomic percentage between 0% and 50%. The primary sensor may detect Time-of-Flight measurement signals and the secondary sensor may detect background light, such as sunlight, to correct for background light interference.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a back side illuminated (BSI) image sensor. BSI image sensor includes a semiconductive substrate, a dielectric layer over the semiconductive substrate, and a pixel region. The pixel region includes a transistor disposed at a front side of the semiconductive substrate. The transistor includes a gate structure and at least a source region or a drain region. The transistor is coupled to a contact disposed in the dielectric layer. An oxide layer covers the gate structure and at least the source region or the drain region. A nitride layer covers the gate structure and at least the source region or the drain region. A color filter is disposed at a back side of the semiconductive substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a thermal conductor formed on and thermally connected to the seal ring. The thermal conductor is spatially spaced from the electrically conductive pad. The thermal conductor is exposed of the substrate and can be regarded as an extension of the thermal path of the seal ring, such that the heat from the seal ring is dissipated efficiently.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a back side illuminated (BSI) image sensor. BSI image sensor includes a semiconductive substrate, a dielectric layer over the semiconductive substrate, and a pixel region. The pixel region includes a transistor disposed at a front side of the semiconductive substrate. The transistor includes a gate structure and at least a source region or a drain region. The transistor is coupled to a contact disposed in the dielectric layer. An oxide layer covers the gate structure and at least the source region or the drain region. A nitride layer covers the gate structure and at least the source region or the drain region. A color filter is disposed at a back side of the semiconductive substrate.