Physical Configuration Of Semiconductor (e.g., Mesa, Bevel, Groove, Etc.) Patents (Class 257/618)
  • Publication number: 20140151855
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a plug includes providing a base layer, providing an intermediate oxide layer above an upper surface of the base layer, providing an upper layer above an upper surface of the intermediate oxide layer, etching a trench including a first trench portion extending through the upper layer, a second trench portion extending through the oxide layer, and a third trench portion extending into the base layer, depositing a first material portion within the third trench portion, depositing a second material portion within the second trench portion, and depositing a third material portion within the first trench portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew B. Graham, Gary Yama, Gary O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8741168
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an etching method includes: supplying an etching-resistant material; and etching the silicon nitride film. The supplying includes supplying the etching-resistant material to a processing surface including a surface of a silicon nitride film and a surface of a non-etching film, the non-etching film including a material different from the silicon nitride film. The etching includes etching the silicon nitride film using an etchant in a state of the etching-resistant material being formed relatively more densely on the surface of the non-etching film than on the surface of the silicon nitride film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhito Yoshimizu, Hisashi Okuchi, Hiroshi Tomita
  • Patent number: 8742546
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first pattern and a plurality of second patterns arranged at equal intervals. When the distance of the space between the first pattern and the second pattern closet to the first pattern is larger than a first distance, a plurality of dummy patterns are arranged in the space with shapes and intervals similar to those of the second patterns. When the distance of the space is equal to or less than the first distance and larger than a second distance, the dummy pattern is spaced from the second pattern closest to the first pattern, and extends toward the first pattern to be brought into contact with the first pattern. When the distance of the space is equal to or less than the second distance, the dummy pattern is spaced from the second pattern closest to the first pattern, and is connected to the first pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Kohei Kato
  • Publication number: 20140145309
    Abstract: A process is provided for treating coolant fluid used in wire-saw cutting of semiconductor wafers and which contains silicon-containing impurities. The process comprises changing the properties of the used coolant fluid so that the silicon-containing impurities may be filtered and separated from the coolant fluid to thereby yield a coolant fluid filtrate suitable for use in a wire-saw cutting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: MEMC SINGAPORE, PTE. LTD (UEN200614797D)
    Inventor: MEMC SINGAPORE, PTE. LTD (UEN200614797D)
  • Publication number: 20140145310
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film device, the method includes: forming a functional film having a predetermined pattern on a surface of a first substrate; covering the surface of the first substrate and the functional film with an insulating film; and transferring the insulating film and the functional film from the first substrate to a second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuto Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8736026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating a hole or recess or well in an electrically insulating or semiconducting substrate, and to a hole or recess or well in a substrate generated by this method. The invention also relates to an array of holes or recesses or wells in a substrate generated by the method. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: picoDrill SA
    Inventors: Christian Schmidt, Leander Dittmann
  • Patent number: 8734583
    Abstract: One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for forming a transistor. According to an embodiment, a fin of amorphous semiconductor material is formed on a crystalline substrate, and a solid phase epitaxy (SPE) process is performed to crystallize the amorphous semiconductor material using the crystalline substrate to seed the crystalline growth. The fin has a cross-sectional thickness in at least one direction less than a minimum feature size. The transistor body is formed in the crystallized semiconductor pillar between a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region. A surrounding gate insulator is formed around the semiconductor pillar, and a surrounding gate is formed around and separated from the semiconductor pillar by the surrounding gate insulator. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Forbes
  • Patent number: 8735990
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a structure and method for a rad-hard FinFET or mesa. More specifically, a semiconductor structure is provided having at least one fin or mesa comprising a channel region on an isolation region. A doped substrate region is also provided below the fin, wherein the doped substrate region has a first polarity opposite a second polarity of the channel region. The isolation region contacts the doped substrate region. The structure further includes a gate electrode covering the channel region and at least a portion of the isolation region. The gate electrode comprises a lower portion below the channel region of the fin, wherein the lower portion of the gate electrode comprises a height that is at least one-half of a thickness of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Robert H. Dennard, Mark C. Hakey, Edward J. Nowak
  • Publication number: 20140138797
    Abstract: A method for fabricating the device includes patterning a first structure and a second structure on a semiconductor device. A first angled ion implantation is applied to the second structure such that the first structure is protected and a second angled ion implantation is applied to the first structure such that the second structure is protected, wherein exposed portions of the first and second structures have an altered rate of oxidation. Oxidation is performed to form thicker or thinner oxide portions on the exposed portions of the first and second structures relative to unexposed portions of the first and second structures. Oxide portions are removed to an underlying layer of the first and second structures. The first and second structures are removed. Spacers are formed about a periphery of remaining oxide portions. The remaining oxide portions are removed. A layer below the spacers is patterned to form integrated circuit features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Bruce B. Doris, Ali Khakifirooz, Ghavam G. Shahidi
  • Patent number: 8729705
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes a seal ring adjacent to edges of the semiconductor chip; an opening extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the seal ring, wherein the opening has a first end on an outer side of the seal ring and a second end on an inner side of the seal ring; and a moisture barrier having a sidewall parallel to a nearest side of the seal ring, wherein the moisture barrier is adjacent the seal ring and has a portion facing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Jung Wang, Jian-Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 8728870
    Abstract: Provided are a thin film silicon wafer having high gettering capability, a manufacturing method therefor, a multi-layered silicon wafer formed by laminating the thin film silicon wafers, and a manufacturing method therefor. The thin film silicon wafer is manufactured by: forming one or more gettering layers immediately below a device layer which is formed in a vicinity of a front surface of a semiconductor silicon wafer; fabricating a device in the device layer of the semiconductor silicon wafer; and after the device has been fabricated, removing part of the semiconductor silicon wafer from a rear surface thereof to immediately below the gettering layers so as to leave at least one of the gettering layers in place. As a result, the thin film silicon wafer is allowed to have gettering capability even after having been reduced in thickness to be in a thin film form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tobe, Takao Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8729673
    Abstract: A structured wafer that includes through passages is used for device processing. Each of the through passages extends from or along one surface of the structured wafer and forms a pattern on a top surface area of the structured wafer. The top surface of the structured wafer is bonded to a device layer via a release layer. Devices are processed on the device layer, and are released from the structured wafer using etchant. The through passages within the structured wafer allow the etchant to access the release layer to thereby remove the release layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Okandan, Gregory N. Nielson
  • Patent number: 8729607
    Abstract: Structures and methods are presented relating to formation of finFET semiconducting devices. A finFET device is presented comprising fin(s) formed on a substrate, wherein the fin(s) has a needle-shaped profile. The needle-shaped profile, in conjunction with at least a buffer layer or a doped layer, epitaxially formed on the fin(s), facilitates strain to be induced into the fin(s) by the buffer layer or the doped layer. The fin(s) can comprise silicon aligned on a first plane, while at least one of the buffer layer or the doped layer are grown on a second plane, the alignment of the first and second planes are disparate and are selected such that formation of the buffer layer or the doped layer generates a stress in the fin(s). The generated stress results in a strain being induced into the fin(s) channel region, which can improve electron and/or hole mobility in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Itokawa, Akira Hokazono
  • Publication number: 20140131839
    Abstract: A method for lithography is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a self-organizing block-copolymer layer on a neutral layer overlying a substrate, the self-organizing block-copolymer layer comprising at least two polymer components having mutually different etching resistances, the self-organizing block-copolymer layer furthermore comprising a copolymer pattern structure formed by micro-phase separation of the at least two polymer components. Further, the method includes etching selectively a first polymer component of the self-organizing block-copolymer layer, thereby remaining a second polymer component. Still further, the method includes applying a plasma etching to the neutral layer using the second polymer component as a mask, wherein the plasma etching comprises an inert gas and H2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: Tokyo Electron Limited, IMEC
    Inventors: Boon Teik Chan, Shigeru Tahara
  • Publication number: 20140131838
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method comprises following steps. Semiconductor units are arranged on a substrate. A material layer is formed on the semiconductor units. A first patterned mask layer is formed on the semiconductor units. The first patterned mask layer has a mask opening corresponding to a portion of the semiconductor units and exposing the material layer. A portion of the material layer exposed by the mask opening is removed to remain a portion of the material layer on a sidewall of each of the semiconductor units exposed by the mask opening to form spacer structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Hu, Teng-Hao Yeh, Yen-Hao Shih
  • Patent number: 8723297
    Abstract: In a semiconductor device having an enlarged contact area between a contact structure and a substrate, the substrate may include a first region on which a conductive structure is arranged and a second region defining the first region. The first region may include a multi-faced polyhedral recess of which at least one of the sidewalls is slanted with respect to a surface of the substrate. An insulation layer may be formed on the substrate to a thickness that is sufficient to cover the conductive structure. The insulation layer has a contact hole that may be communicated with the recess. The active region of the substrate is exposed through the contact hole. A conductive pattern is positioned in the recess and the contact hole. Accordingly, the contact resistance at the active region of the substrate may be kept to a relatively low value even though the gap distances and line width of pattern lines are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-Ho Son, Mong-Sup Lee, In-Seak Hwang, Dae-Hyuk Chung, Suk-Hun Choi, Sang-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 8723219
    Abstract: Technology of making freestanding gallium nitride (GaN) wafers has been matured at length. Gallium nitride is rigid but fragile. Chamfering of a periphery of a GaN wafer is difficult. At present edges are chamfered by a rotary whetstone of gross granules with weak pressure. Minimum roughness of the chamfered edges is still about Ra 10 ?m to Ra 6 ?m. The large edge roughness causes scratches, cracks, splits or breaks in transferring process or wafer process. A wafer of the present invention is bevelled by fixing the wafer to a chuck of a rotor, bringing an edge of the wafer into contact with an elastic whetting material having a soft matrix and granules implanted on the soft matrix, rotating the wafer and feeding the whetting material. Favorably, several times of chamfering edges by changing the whetting materials of smaller granules are given to the wafer. The chamfering can realize small roughness of Ra10 nm and Ra5 ?m at edges of wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Nakayama, Masato Irikura
  • Publication number: 20140124898
    Abstract: Manufacturing-friendly and scalable methods for the production of silicon micro- and nanostructures, including silicon nanotubes, are described. The inventive methods utilize conventional integrated circuit and MEMS manufacturing processes, including spin-coating, photolithography, wet and dry silicon etching, and photoassisted electrochemical etch processes. The invention also provides a novel mask, for maximizing the number of tubes obtained per surface area unit of the silicon substrate on which the tubes are built. The resulting tubes have thick and straight outer walls, as well as high aspect ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Brewer Science Inc.
    Inventors: Jyoti K. Malhotra, Jeff Leith, Curtis Planje
  • Patent number: 8716111
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing trench type super junction device is disclosed. The method includes the step of forming one or more P type implantation regions in the N type epitaxial layer below the bottom of each trench. By using this method, a super junction device having alternating P type and N type regions is produced, wherein the P type region is formed by P type silicon filled in the trench and P type implantation regions below the trench. The present invention can greatly improve the breakdown voltage of a super junction MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Hua Hong Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fei Wang, Shengan Xiao, Wensheng Qian
  • Publication number: 20140117419
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for etching and replacing silicon fins in connection with a FinFET integration process. Embodiments include providing a first plurality and a second plurality of silicon fins on a silicon wafer with an oxide between adjacent silicon fins; forming a first nitride liner on an upper surface of the first plurality of silicon fins and the oxide therebetween; etching the second plurality of silicon fins, forming trenches; removing the first nitride liner; depositing a second nitride liner on an upper surface of the first plurality of silicon fins and the oxide therebetween and in the trenches; removing the second nitride liner down to the upper surface of the first plurality of silicon fins; and recessing the oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventor: Werner JUENGLING
  • Publication number: 20140117503
    Abstract: Compositions suitable for temporarily bonding two surfaces, such as a wafer active side and a substrate, are disclosed. Methods of temporarily bonding two surfaces, such as the active side of a wafer and a substrate using the compositions disclosed herein are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROHM AND HAAS ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. OLIVER, Michael K. GALLAGHER
  • Publication number: 20140117504
    Abstract: Compositions containing an adhesive material and a release additive are suitable for temporarily bonding two surfaces, such as a wafer active side and a substrate. These compositions are useful in the manufacture of electronic devices where a component, such as an active wafer, is temporarily bonded to a substrate, followed by further processing of the active wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Mark S. OLIVER, Michael K. GALLAGHER, Karen R. BRANTL
  • Patent number: 8710629
    Abstract: A semiconductor die has through silicon vias arranged to reduce warpage. The through silicon vias adjust the coefficient of thermal expansion of the semiconductor die, permit substrate deformation, and also relieve residual stress. The through silicon vias may be located in the edges and/or corners of the semiconductor die. The through silicon vias are stress relief vias that can be supplemented with round corner vias to reducing warpage of the semiconductor die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Xue Bai, Urmi Ray
  • Patent number: 8710630
    Abstract: Mechanisms for identifying orientation of a sawed die are provided. By making metal pattern in the corner stress relief region in one corner of the die different from the other corners, users can easily identify the orientation of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 8711875
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving a request in a router from a first endpoint coupled to the router, where the request is for an aggregated completion. In turn, the router can forward the request to multiple target agents, receive a response from each of the target agents, and consolidate the responses into an aggregated completion. Then, the router can send the aggregated completion to the first endpoint. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Lakshmanamurthy, Mikal C. Hunsaker, Michael T. Klinglesmith, Blaise Fanning, Mohan K. Nair, Joseph Murray, Rohit R. Verma, Gary J. Lavelle, Robert P. Adler
  • Publication number: 20140110826
    Abstract: Consistent with an example embodiment, there is a semiconductor device, having a topside surface and an underside surface, the semiconductor device comprises an active device of an area defined on the topside surface, the topside surface having a first area. A protective material is on to the underside surface of the semiconductor device, the protective material has an area greater than the first area. A laminating film attaches the protective material to the underside surface. The protective material serves to protect the semiconductor device from mechanical damage during handling and assembly onto a product's printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Hartmut BUENNING, Christian Zenz
  • Publication number: 20140103494
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a layout arrangement and method to minimize the area overhead associated with a transition between a semiconductor device array and background features. A nearly buffer zone free layout methodology is proposed, wherein an array of square unit cells with a first pattern density value is surrounded by background features with a second pattern density value. A difference between the first pattern density value and second pattern density value results in a density gradient at an edge of the array. Unit cells on the edge of the array which are impacted by a shape tolerance stress resulting from the density gradient are identified and reconfigured from a square shape aspect ratio to a rectangular shape aspect ratio with along axis of the unit cell oriented in a direction parallel to the variation induced shape tolerance stress to alleviate the variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Chow Peng, Jaw-Juinn Horng, Szu-Lin Liu, Po-Zeng Kang
  • Publication number: 20140097519
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first semiconductor wafer, in which a circuit part and a first bonding layer are stacked, on a first semiconductor substrate, forming a second semiconductor wafer, which includes structures and an insulating layer for gap-filling between the structures, on a second semiconductor substrate, the structures including a pillar and bit lines stacked therein, bonding the first semiconductor wafer with the second semiconductor wafer so that the first bonding layer faces the insulating layer, and separating the second semiconductor substrate from the bonded second semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SK HYNIX INC.
    Inventors: Heung-Jae CHO, Eui-Seong HWANG, Tae-Yoon KIM, Kyu-Hyung YOON
  • Publication number: 20140097518
    Abstract: Semiconductor alloy fin structures can be formed by recessing a semiconductor material layer including a first semiconductor material to form a trench, and epitaxially depositing a semiconductor alloy material of the first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material within the trench. The semiconductor alloy material is epitaxially aligned to the first semiconductor material in the semiconductor material layer. First semiconductor fins including the first semiconductor material and second semiconductor fins including the semiconductor alloy material can be simultaneously formed. In one embodiment, the first and second semiconductor fins can be formed on an insulator layer, which prevents diffusion of the second semiconductor material to the first semiconductor fins. In another embodiment, shallow trench isolation structures and reverse biased wells can be employed to provide electrical insulation among neighboring semiconductor fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Thomas N. Adam, Ali Khakifirooz, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 8692319
    Abstract: A transistor includes a trench formed in a semiconductor body, the trench having sidewalls and a bottom. The transistor further includes a first semiconductor material disposed in the trench adjacent the sidewalls and a second semiconductor material disposed in the trench and spaced apart from the sidewalls by the first semiconductor material. The second semiconductor material has a different band gap than the first semiconductor material. The transistor also includes a gate material disposed in the trench and spaced apart from the first semiconductor material by the second semiconductor material. The gate material provides a gate of the transistor. Source and drain regions are arranged in the trench with a channel interposed between the source and drain regions in the first or second semiconductor material so that the channel has a lateral current flow direction along the sidewalls of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Franz Hirler, Andreas Peter Meiser
  • Patent number: 8692281
    Abstract: This invention relates to the thermal management, extraction of light, and cost effectiveness of Light Emitting Diode, or LED, electrical circuits. An integrated circuit LED submount is described, for the packaging of high power LEDs. The LED submount provides high thermal conductivity while preserving electrical insulation. In particular, a process is described for anodizing a high thermal conductivity aluminum alloy sheet to form a porous aluminum oxide layer and a non-porous aluminum oxide layer. This anodized aluminum alloy sheet acts as a superior electrical insulator, and also provides surface morphology and mechanical properties that are useful for the fabrication of high-density and high-power multilevel electrical circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: DiCon Fiberoptics Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Herng Su, Junying Lu, Ho-Shang Lee
  • Publication number: 20140091434
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of patterning a base. First and second masking features are formed over the base. The first and second masking features include pedestals of carbon-containing material capped with silicon oxynitride. A mask is formed over the second masking features, and the silicon oxynitride caps are removed from the first masking features. Spacers are formed along sidewalls of the first masking features. The mask and the carbon-containing material of the first masking features are removed. Patterns of the spacers and second masking features are transferred into one or more materials of the base to pattern said one or more materials. Some embodiments include patterned bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: John D. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20140091436
    Abstract: An epitaxial structure is provided. The epitaxial structure includes a substrate, an first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer, a first carbon nanotube layer and a second carbon nanotube layer. The first epitaxial layer is located on the substrate. The first carbon nanotube layer is located between the substrate and the first epitaxial layer. The second epitaxial layer is located on the first epitaxial layer. The second carbon nanotube layer is located between the first epitaxial layer and the second epitaxial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Yang WEI, Shou-Shan FAN
  • Publication number: 20140091323
    Abstract: A semiconductor epitaxial structure is provided. The semiconductor epitaxial structure includes a substrate, a doped semiconductor epitaxial layer, and a carbon nanotube layer. The doped semiconductor epitaxial layer is located on the substrate. The carbon nanotube layer is located between the substrate and the doped semiconductor epitaxial layer. The carbon nanotube layer can be a carbon nanotube film drawn from a carbon nanotube array and including a number of successive and oriented carbon nanotubes joined end-to-end by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., Tsinghua University
    Inventors: YANG WEI, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20140091339
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a substrate is disclosed. The substrate includes a first set of inner edges and a second set of inner edges cooperating with the first set of inner edges. The second set of inner edges is positioned outside the first set of inner edges with respect to a cavity formed by the first inner edges and the second inner edges by a pre-defined distance. The substrate further includes a layer within the cavity, including a dried liquid material formed from a liquid deposited within the cavity. The layer within the cavity is formed between the respective first inner edges and the second inner edges. The semiconductor device may be implemented in a display of an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Christoph Wilhelm SELE, Nicolaas Aldegonda Jan Maria VAN AERLE, Eduard Jacobus Antonius LASSAUW
  • Publication number: 20140091435
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method (10) for block-copolymer lithography. This method comprises the step of obtaining (12) a self-organizing block-copolymer layer comprising at least two polymer components having mutually different etching resistances, and the steps of applying at least once each of first plasma etching (14) of said self-organizing block-copolymer layer using a plasma formed from a substantially ashing gas, and second plasma etching (16) of said self-organizing block-copolymer layer using plasma formed from a pure inert gas or mixture of inert gases in order to selectively remove a first polymer phase. A corresponding intermediate product also is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: Tokyo Electron Limited, IMEC
    Inventors: Boon Teik Chan, Shigeru Tahara
  • Patent number: 8685858
    Abstract: Hemispheres and spheres are formed and employed for a plurality of applications. Hemispheres are employed to form a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes peaks of pillars which have a base attached to the lower surface. The peaks have a density defined at the upper surface by an array of hemispherical metal structures that act as a mask during an etch to remove substrate material down to the lower surface during formation of the pillars. The pillars are dense and uniform and include a microscale average diameter. The spheres are formed as independent metal spheres or nanoparticles for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Augustin J. Hong, Woo-Shik Jung, Jeehwan Kim, Jae-Woong Nah, Devendra K. Sadana
  • Publication number: 20140084421
    Abstract: A structure comprises a substrate having a plateau region and a trench region, a reflecting layer formed over a top surface of the trench region, a first adhesion promoter layer formed over the reflecting layer, a bottom cladding layer deposited over the first adhesion promoter layer, a core layer formed over the bottom cladding layer and a top cladding layer formed over the core layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Hao Tseng, Ying-Hao Kuo, Kai-Feng Cheng, Hai-Ching Chen, Tien-I Bao
  • Publication number: 20140084422
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reclaimed wafer, a method for reclaiming a wafer, a method for reclaiming a batch of wafers, and a method for forming electronic structures. After being reclaimed, the reclaimed wafers are essentially free of a residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Tigran Dolukhanyan, George Glavin, Christopher D. Jones, Maureen A. Brosnan, Theresa M. Besozzi
  • Patent number: 8679952
    Abstract: A method is provided in order to manufacture a silicon carbide epitaxial wafer whose surface flatness is very good and has a very low density of carrot defects and triangular defects arising after epitaxial growth. The silicon carbide epitaxial wafer is manufactured by a first step of annealing a silicon carbide bulk substrate that is tilted less than 5 degrees from <0001> face, in a reducing gas atmosphere at a first temperature T1 for a treatment time t, a second step of reducing the temperature of the substrate in the reducing gas atmosphere, and a third step of performing epitaxial growth at a second temperature T2 below the annealing temperature T1 in the first step, while supplying at least a gas including silicon atoms and a gas including carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tomita, Kenichi Hamano, Masayoshi Tarutani, Yoichiro Mitani, Takeharu Kuroiwa, Masayuki Imaizumi, Hiroaki Sumitani, Kenichi Ohtsuka, Tomoaki Furusho, Takao Sawada, Yuji Abe
  • Patent number: 8680653
    Abstract: A wafer includes a plurality of chips, each of the chips being spaced from each other by kerf-line regions including a reduced width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Giuseppe Miccoli, Bhaskaran Jayachandran, Friedrich Steffen, Alfred Vater
  • Patent number: 8680576
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device includes a substrate including a first region and a second region. The semiconductor device further includes a first buffer layer formed over the substrate and between first and second isolation regions in the first region and a second buffer layer formed over the substrate and between first and second isolation regions in the second region. The semiconductor device further includes a first fin structure formed over the first buffer layer and between the first and second isolation regions in the first region and a second fin structure formed over the second buffer layer and between the first and second isolation regions in the second region. The first buffer layer includes a top surface different from a top surface of the second buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Shi Ning Ju, Cary Chia-Chiung Lo, Huicheng Chang, Chun Chung Su
  • Publication number: 20140077340
    Abstract: A fabricating method of a device substrate including the following procedures is provided. First, a substrate is provided and a patterned structure is formed on the substrate, wherein the patterned structure includes a plurality of openings. Then, a protective layer is formed on the patterned structure, wherein the protective layer does not fully fill the openings of the patterned structure such that a gap is existed between the protective layer and the patterned structure. Later, a device layer is formed on the protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cheng-Liang Wang, Shih-Hsing Hung, Keh-Long Hwu
  • Patent number: 8673707
    Abstract: A method for forming a metal gate includes providing a substrate, subsequently forming a dummy gate on the substrate, forming spacers on sidewalls of the dummy gate, forming a stop layer on the substrate, the dummy gate and spacers of the dummy gate, and forming a sacrificial dielectric layer on the dummy gate and the stop layer. The method further includes removing a part of the sacrificial dielectric layer and the stop layer until the dummy gate is exposed and, removing a residual sacrificial dielectric layer, depositing an interlayer dielectric layer on the dummy gate and the stop layer, polishing the interlayer dielectric layer until the dummy gate is exposed, removing the dummy gate to form a trench, and forming a metal gate in the trench. The interlayer dielectric layer is flat and substantially flush with the dummy gate, so that no recesses are formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: Qiyang He, Yiying Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140070232
    Abstract: A composite wafer including a carrier substrate having a graphite core and a monocrystalline semiconductor substrate or layer attached to the carrier substrate and a corresponding method for manufacturing such a composite wafer is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Rudolf Berger, Hermann Gruber, Wolfgang Lehnert, Guenther Ruhl, Raimund Foerg, Anton Mauder, Hans-Joachim Schulze
  • Publication number: 20140070373
    Abstract: A first dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. A first opening is formed in the second dielectric layer. A second opening is formed in the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nien-Yu Tsai, Wei Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20140070372
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor thin film structure and a semiconductor thin film structure formed using the same is provided. A sacrificial layer is formed on a substrate and then patterned through various methods, an inorganic thin film is formed on the sacrificial layer and then the sacrificial layer is selectively removed to form a cavity defined by the substrate and the inorganic thin film on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Euijoon Yoon, Shin-Woo Ha
  • Publication number: 20140070215
    Abstract: A method of forming a strained semiconductor material that in one embodiment includes forming a cleave layer in a host semiconductor substrate, and contacting a strain inducing material layer on a surface of a transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate. A handle substrate is then contacted to an exposed surface of the stress inducing material layer. The transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate may then be separated from the host semiconductor substrate along the cleave layer. A dielectric layer is formed directly on the transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate. The handle substrate and the stress inducing material are then removed, wherein the transferred portion of the host semiconductor substrate provides a strained semiconductor layer that is in direct contact with a dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen W. Bedell, Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Devendra K. Sadana, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Publication number: 20140072774
    Abstract: Substrates are aligned and then bonded to each other. A substrate bonding apparatus includes a deformer that deforms at least a first one of two substrates that are to be bonded to each other in order to correct misalignment between the two substrates, a holder that holds the deformed first substrate in the deformed state achieved by the deformer, a transporter that transports the holder from a position at which the deformed first substrate is held by the holder while the first substrate remains deformed, and a bonder that bonds the first substrate that has been transported by the transporter to the second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yoshiaki KITO, Hiroshi Shirasu, Masahiro Yoshihashi, Daisuke Yuki, Kazuhiro Suzuki, Isao Sugaya
  • Publication number: 20140061793
    Abstract: A dielectric mandrel structure is formed on a single crystalline semiconductor layer. An amorphous semiconductor material layer is deposited on the physically exposed surfaces of the single crystalline semiconductor layer and surfaces of the mandrel structure. Optionally, the amorphous semiconductor material layer can be implanted with at least one different semiconductor material. Solid phase epitaxy is performed on the amorphous semiconductor material layer employing the single crystalline semiconductor layer as a seed layer, thereby forming an epitaxial semiconductor material layer with uniform thickness. Remaining portions of the epitaxial semiconductor material layer are single crystalline semiconductor fins and thickness of these fins are sublithographic. After removal of the dielectric mandrel structure, the single crystalline semiconductor fins can be employed to form a semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chengwen Pei, Kangguo Cheng, Joseph Ervin, Juntao Li, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang