Thin Film Unipolar Transistor (epo) Patents (Class 257/E21.411)
  • Publication number: 20120202324
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus of a semiconductor device, having a pattern-forming apparatus using a droplet-discharging method that is suitable for a large substrate in mass production. A plurality of pattern-forming apparatuses using a droplet-discharging method and a plurality of heat-treatment chambers are provided, and each of which is connected to one transfer chamber, which is a multi-chamber system. Discharging and baking are conducted efficiently to improve productivity. A gas is blown in the same direction as the scanning direction (or a scanning direction of a discharging head) on a substrate just after a droplet is landed, by providing a blowing means in the pattern-forming apparatus, and a heater is provided in a gas-flow path for local baking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fuminori TATEISHI, Hideaki Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20120202323
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a silicon film, in which an impurity density of a center portion is higher than that of an upper portion and a lower portion, is formed above a base layer, a mask pattern is formed above the silicon film, a recess is formed in the silicon film by selectively etching the silicon film through the mask pattern, a silicon oxide film is formed on a surface of the recess by an oxidation process of the silicon film, and the silicon film under the recess is etched through the mask pattern after the oxidation process. attern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yuuko Jimma
  • Publication number: 20120193717
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first device isolation insulating film formed in a semiconductor substrate, a first well having a first conductivity type, defined by the first device isolation insulating film, and shallower than the first device isolation insulating film, a second device isolation insulating film formed in the first well, shallower than the first well, and defining a first part of the first well and a second part of the first well, a gate insulating film formed above the first part, a gate electrode formed above the gate insulating film, and an interconnection electrically connected to the second part of the first well and the gate electrode, wherein an electric resistance of the first well in a first region below the second device isolation insulating film is lower than an electric resistance of the first well in a second region other than the first region on the same depth level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventors: Akira KATAKAMI, Eiji Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20120193625
    Abstract: An object is to provide a semiconductor device in which defects are reduced and miniaturization is achieved while favorable characteristics are maintained. A semiconductor layer is formed; a first conductive layer is formed over the semiconductor layer; the first conductive layer is etched with use of a first resist mask to form a second conductive layer having a recessed portion; the first resist mask is reduced in size to form a second resist mask; the second conductive layer is etched with use of the second resist mask to form source and drain electrodes each having a projecting portion with a tapered shape at the peripheries; a gate insulating layer is formed over the source and drain electrodes to be in contact with part of the semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode is formed in a portion over the gate insulating layer and overlapping with the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya SASAGAWA, Motomu KURATA
  • Publication number: 20120188204
    Abstract: A touch sensing substrate includes a substrate, a first light sensing element, a second light sensing element and a first bias line. The first light sensing element includes a first gate electrode, a first active pattern overlapping with the first gate electrode, a first source electrode partially overlapping with the first active pattern and a first drain electrode partially overlapping with the first active pattern. The second light sensing element includes a second gate electrode, a second active pattern overlapping with the second gate electrode, a second source electrode partially overlapping with the second active pattern and a second drain electrode partially overlapping with the second active pattern. The first bias line is connected to the first and second gate electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Jong YEO, Byeong-Hoon CHO, Ki-Hun JEONG, Hong-Kee CHIN, Jung-Suk BANG, Woong-Kwon KIM, Sung-Ryul KIM, Hee-Joon KIM, Dae-Cheol KIM, Kun-Wook HAN
  • Patent number: 8222095
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a thin film transistor is provided. A gate is formed on a substrate. A gate insulating layer is formed on the substrate to cover the gate. A metal oxide material layer is formed on the gate insulating layer. A photoresist layer is formed on the metal oxide material layer, in which a thickness of the photoresist layer above the gate is larger than that of the photoresist layer above two sides adjacent to the gate. A portion of the metal oxide material layer is removed to form a metal oxide active layer by using the photoresist layer as a mask. The photoresist layer above the two sides adjacent to the gate is removed and the remaining photoresist layer covers a portion of the metal oxide active layer. A source and a drain are formed on the metal oxide active layer covered by the photoresist layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Taiwan TFT LCD Association, Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd., Au Optronics Corporation, Hannstar Display Corporation, Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corporation, Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Fang-Chen Luo, Shuo-Wei Liang, Shin-Chuan Chiang, Chao-Nan Chen, Chin-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 8222092
    Abstract: A semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor having an oxide semiconductor layer and excellent electrical characteristics is provided. Further, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in which plural kinds of thin film transistors of different structures are formed over one substrate to form plural kinds of circuits and in which the number of steps is not greatly increased is provided. After a metal thin film is formed over an insulating surface, an oxide semiconductor layer is formed thereover. Then, oxidation treatment such as heat treatment is performed to oxidize the metal thin film partly or entirely. Further, structures of thin film transistors are different between a circuit in which emphasis is placed on the speed of operation, such as a logic circuit, and a matrix circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Junichiro Sakata, Jun Koyama
  • Patent number: 8222076
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a semiconductor layer of an electronic device including: liquid depositing one or more zinc oxide precursor compositions and forming at least one semiconductor layer of the electronic device comprising predominately amorphous zinc oxide from the liquid deposited one or more zinc oxide precursor compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yiliang Wu, Yuning Li, Beng S. Ong
  • Publication number: 20120175625
    Abstract: A transistor having an oxide semiconductor film in a channel formation region and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The transistor is formed by the steps of: forming a base insulating over a substrate; forming an oxide semiconductor film over the base insulating film; forming a conductive film over the oxide semiconductor film; processing the conductive film to form a source electrode and a drain electrode; processing the oxide semiconductor film; forming a gate insulating film over the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the oxide semiconductor film; and forming a gate electrode over the gate insulating film. The aforementioned manufacturing method allows the formation of a transistor in which a side surface of the oxide semiconductor film is not in direct contact with bottom surfaces of the source electrode and the drain electrode, which contributes to the extremely small leak current of the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shunpei YAMAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20120175594
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises an insulator, a local first gate embedded in the insulator with a top surface of the first gate being substantially coplanar with a surface of the insulator, a first dielectric layer formed over the first gate and insulator, and a channel. The channel comprises a bilayer graphene layer formed on the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer provides a substantially flat surface on which the channel is formed. A second dielectric layer formed over the bilayer graphene layer and a local second gate formed over the second dielectric layer. Each of the local first and second gates is capacitively coupled to the channel of the bilayer graphene layer. The local first and second gates form a first pair of gates to locally control a first portion of the bilayer graphene layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zhihong Chen, Aaron Daniel Franklin, Shu-Jen Han
  • Patent number: 8216878
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor having stable electric characteristics. It is another object to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device at lower cost with high productivity. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor where a semiconductor layer having a channel formation region, a source region, and a drain region are formed using an oxide semiconductor layer, heat treatment (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed so as to improve the purity of the oxide semiconductor layer and reduce impurities such as moisture. Moreover, the oxide semiconductor layer subjected to the heat treatment is slowly cooled under an oxygen atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinari Sasaki, Junichiro Sakata, Hiroki Ohara, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8216865
    Abstract: A display device includes a gate pattern, a semiconductor pattern, a source pattern and a pixel electrode are provided. The gate pattern is formed on a base substrate and includes a gate line and a gate electrode. The semiconductor pattern is formed on the base substrate having the gate pattern and includes an oxide semiconductor. The source pattern is formed from a data metal layer and formed on the base substrate having the semiconductor pattern, and includes a data line, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The data metal layer includes a first copper alloy layer, and a lower surface of the data metal layer substantially coincides with an upper surface of the semiconductor pattern. The pixel electrode is formed on the base substrate having the source pattern and electrically connected to the drain electrode. Thus, manufacturing processes may be simplified, and reliability may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Joo Choi, Woo-Geun Lee, Hye-Young Ryu, Ki-Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20120171823
    Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT), including a crystalline semiconductor pattern on a substrate, a gate insulating layer on the crystalline semiconductor pattern, the gate insulating layer having two first source/drain contact holes and a semiconductor pattern access hole therein, a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer, the gate electrode being between the two first source/drain contact holes, an interlayer insulating layer covering the gate electrode, the interlayer insulating layer having two second source/drain contact holes therein, and source and drain electrodes on the interlayer insulating layer, each of the source and drain electrodes being insulated from the gate electrode, and having a portion connected to the crystalline semiconductor pattern through the first and second source/drain contact holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MOBILE DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji-Su Ahn, Eui-Hoon Hwang, Cheol-Ho Yu, Kwang-Nam Kim, Sung-Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20120164766
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating active device array and organic light emitting diode array are provided. A first pattern metal layer is formed over a substrate. An oxide semiconductor layer is formed entirely over the substrate. A first insulation layer covering the first patterned metal layer and the oxide semiconductor layer is formed entirely on the substrate. A second patterned metal layer is formed on the first insulation layer. The oxide semiconductor layer and the first insulation layer is patterned by using the second patterned metal layer as a mask to form a first patterned oxide semiconductor layer and a first patterned insulation layer. A second insulation layer is entirely formed on the substrate. A second patterned oxide semiconductor layer is formed over the second insulation layer. A third patterned metal layer is formed over the second insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yung-Hui Yeh, Chih-Ming Lai, Chun-Cheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 8207531
    Abstract: Provided is a thin film transistor including: a first gate electrode; a first gate insulating layer covering the first gate electrode; a semiconductor layer on the first gate insulating layer; a second gate insulating layer on the semiconductor layer; a second gate electrode on the second gate insulating layer; and a drain electrode and a source electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor layer, in which: the semiconductor layer is an amorphous oxide semiconductor containing at least one of Zn, Ga, In, and Sn; the first gate electrode shields light entering the semiconductor layer from below, and the second gate electrode shields light entering the semiconductor layer from above; and the second gate electrode is electrically connected to the first gate electrode by penetrating the first gate insulating layer and the second gate insulating layer, to thereby shield light entering the semiconductor layer from at least one of sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Ryo Hayashi, Seiichiro Yaginuma
  • Patent number: 8207014
    Abstract: An object is to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with stable electric characteristics. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor film is used for a semiconductor layer including a channel formation region, heat treatment (for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed to improve the purity of the oxide semiconductor film and reduce impurities including moisture or the like. After that, slow cooling is performed under an oxygen atmosphere. Besides impurities including moisture or the like exiting in the oxide semiconductor film, heat treatment causes reduction of impurities including moisture or the like exiting in a gate insulating layer and those in interfaces between the oxide semiconductor film and films which are provided over and below the oxide semiconductor and in contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinari Sasaki, Junichiro Sakata, Hiroki Ohara, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8207000
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a flat panel display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: coating a first adhering member on a first supporting plate; disposing a first substrate on the first adhering member; using ultrasonic waves to adhere the first supporting plate and the first substrate; and forming a gate line, a data line, a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, and a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor on the first substrate. According to the manufacturing method of the flat panel display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first adhering member made of the plurality of adhering particles is melted by using the ultrasonic waves without an additional adhering film to adhere the flexible first substrate and the first supporting plate, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung-Hwan Kim, Dae-Jin Park, Jung-Hun Noh
  • Patent number: 8207025
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an insulating film is formed over a flat surface; a mask is formed over the insulating film; a slimming process is performed on the mask; an etching process is performed on the insulating film using the mask; a conductive film covering the insulating film is formed; a polishing process is performed on the conductive film and the insulating film, so that the conductive film and the insulating film have equal thicknesses; the conductive film is etched, so that a source electrode and a drain electrode which are thinner than the conductive film are formed; an oxide semiconductor film is formed in contact with the insulating film, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; a gate insulating film covering the oxide semiconductor film is formed; and a gate electrode is formed in a region which is over the gate insulating film and overlaps with the insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideomi Suzawa, Shinya Sasagawa
  • Publication number: 20120153275
    Abstract: To manufacture a transistor whose threshold voltage is controlled without using a backgate electrode, a circuit for controlling the threshold voltage, and an impurity introduction method. To manufacture a semiconductor device having favorable electrical characteristics, high reliability, and low power consumption using the transistor. A gate electrode including a tungsten oxide film whose composition is controlled is used. The composition or the like is adjusted by a film formation method of the tungsten oxide film, whereby the work function can be controlled. By using the tungsten oxide film whose work function is controlled as part of the gate electrode, the threshold of the transistor can be controlled. Using the transistor whose threshold voltage is controlled, a semiconductor device having favorable electrical characteristics, high reliability, and low power consumption can be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta Endo, Toshinari Sasaki, Kosei Noda, Hitomi Sato, Yuhei Sato
  • Publication number: 20120156834
    Abstract: Disclosed is a patterned photoresist layer on a passivation layer, formed by a lithography process with a multi-tone photomask, having a non-photoresist region, a thin photoresist pattern, and a thick photoresist pattern. The passivation layer corresponding to the non-photoresist region is removed, thereby forming vias to expose a part of a drain electrode in a TFT and a part of a top electrode in a storage capacitor, respectively. The thin photoresist pattern is then ashed to expose the passivation layer in a pixel region. Thereafter, a conductive layer is selectively deposited on the exposed passivation layer and on the sidewalls/bottoms of the vias. Subsequently, the remaining thick photoresist pattern is ashed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: CHIMEI INNOLUX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsu CHOU
  • Publication number: 20120156833
    Abstract: A nanowire transistor according to the present invention includes: at least one nanowire 13 including a core portion 13a that functions as a channel region and an insulating shell portion 13b that covers the surface of the core portion 13a; source and drain electrodes 14 and 15, which are connected to the nanowire 13; and a gate electrode 21 for controlling conductivity in at least a part of the core portion 13a of the nanowire 13. The core portion 13a is made of semiconductor single crystals including Si and has a cross section with a curved profile on a plane that intersects with the longitudinal axis thereof. The insulating shell portion 13b is made of an insulator including Si and functions as at least a portion of a gate insulating film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Kawashima, Tohru Saitoh, Kenji Harada, Norishige Nanai, Takayuki Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20120153312
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming array substrates having a peripheral wiring area and a display area. The method is processed by only three lithography processes with two multi-tone photomasks and one general photomask. In the peripheral wiring area, the top conductive line directly contacts the bottom conductive line without any other conductive layer. The conventional lift-off process is eliminated, thereby preventing a material (not dissolved by a stripper) from suspending in the stripper or remaining on the array substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: CHIMEI INNOLUX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsu CHOU
  • Publication number: 20120153392
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a semiconductor structure, and a pixel structure and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The manufacturing method for the semiconductor structure includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A first conductive layer is formed and patterned by using a first mask patterned. A first material film, including a first semiconductor layer, is formed and patterned by using a second mask. A second conductive layer is formed and patterned by using a third mask. A second material film, including a first dielectric layer, a second semiconductor layer and a second dielectric layer, is formed and patterned with using a fourth mask. The second dielectric layer is pattern by using a fifth mask. A third material film, including a third conductive layer, is formed and patterned by using a sixth mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Chih-Hung CHENG, Isaac Wing-Tak Chan
  • Publication number: 20120146002
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing an interface surface for the deposition of an organic semiconductor material, in the fabrication of an organic thin film transistor (OTFT). A substrate is provided and a gate electrode is formed overlying the substrate. A gate dielectric is formed overlying the gate electrode. Then, source (S) and drain (D) electrodes are formed overlying the gate dielectric, exposing a gate dielectric channel interface region between the S/D electrodes. Subsequent to exposing the OTFT to a H2 or N2 plasma, a self-assembled organic monolayer is formed overlying the S/D electrodes. Finally, an active organic semiconductor layer is formed over the S/D electrodes and gate dielectric channel interface. The OTFT may be exposed to plasma either before or after the formation of the S/D electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Lisa H. Stecker, Kanan Puntambekar, Kurt Ulmer
  • Publication number: 20120149157
    Abstract: A first resist pattern is formed by exposure using a first multi-tone photomask, and a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer, a first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer are etched, so that an island-shaped single layer and an island-shaped stack are formed. Here, sidewalls are formed on side surfaces of the island-shaped single layer and the island-shaped stack. Further, a second resist pattern is formed by exposure using a second multi-tone photomask, and a second conductive layer and the second semiconductor layer are etched, so that a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode, and a connection terminal are formed. After that, a third resist pattern is formed by exposure from a rear side using metal layers of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer as masks, and the third insulating layer are etched, so that a protective insulating layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio HOSOYA, Saishi FUJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120138923
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer (4) for electrically connecting a signal electrode (6a) and a drain electrode (7a), the an oxide semiconductor layer being made from an oxide semiconductor; and a barrier layer (6b) made from at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mo, W, Nb, Ta, Cr, nitrides thereof, and alloys thereof, the barrier layer (6b) being in touch with the signal electrode (6a) and the oxide semiconductor layer (4) and separating the signal electrode (6a) from the oxide semiconductor layer (4). Because of this configuration, the thin film transistor can form and maintain an ohmic contact between the first electrode and the channel layer, thereby being a thin film transistor with good properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Hara, Hirohiko Nishiki, Yoshimasa Chikawa, Kazuo Nakagawa, Yoshifumi Ohta, Tetsuya Aita, Masahiko Suzuki, Okifumi Nakagawa, Yoshiyuki Miyajima, Yuuji Mizuno, Hinae Mizuno, Michiko Takei, Yoshiyuki Harumoto
  • Publication number: 20120138931
    Abstract: The present invention aims at reducing an OFF current in a thin film transistor while maintaining an ON-state current. A TFT (100) includes a glass substrate (101) formed thereon with a source electrode (110) and a drain electrode (112) having their respective upper surfaces formed with n-type silicon layers (120, 121) of microcrystalline silicon. Microcrystalline silicon regions (135, 136) are formed respectively on the n-type silicon layers (120, 121) while an amorphous silicon region (130) is formed on the glass substrate (101), and these are covered by a microcrystalline silicon layer (145). Therefore, ON-state current flows from the drain electrode (112), through the microcrystalline silicon region (135), the microcrystalline silicon layer (145) and the microcrystalline silicon region (136) in this order, and then to the source electrode (110). Also, OFF current is limited by the amorphous silicon region (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nakatani, Masao Moriguchi, Yohsuke Kanzaki, Yudai Takanishi
  • Publication number: 20120139045
    Abstract: A thin film transistor substrate and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed, in which the thin film transistor comprises a gate line and a data line arranged on a substrate to cross each other; a gate electrode connected with the gate line below the gate line; an active layer formed on the gate electrode; an etch stopper formed on the active layer; an ohmic contact layer formed on the etch stopper; source and drain electrodes formed on the ohmic contact layer; and a pixel electrode connected with the drain electrode. It is possible to prevent a crack from occurring in the gate insulating film during irradiation of the laser and prevent resistance of the gate electrode from being increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: KiTae KIM
  • Publication number: 20120135571
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin film transistor is provided. An insulating pattern layer having at least one protrusion is formed on a substrate. At least one spacer and a plurality of amorphous semiconductor patterns separated from each other are formed on the insulating pattern layer. The spacer is formed at one side of the protrusion and connected between the amorphous semiconductor patterns. The spacer and the amorphous semiconductor patterns are crystallized. The protrusion and the insulating pattern layer below the spacer are removed so that a beam structure having a plurality of corners is formed and suspended over the substrate. A carrier tunneling layer, a carrier trapping layer and a carrier blocking layer are sequentially formed to compliantly wrap the corners of the beam structure. Hereafter, a gate is formed on the substrate to cover the beam structure and wrap the carrier blocking layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: CHUNGHWA PICTURE TUBES, LTD.
    Inventors: Huang-Chung Cheng, Ta-Chuan Liao, Sheng-Kai Chen, Ying-Hui Chen, Chi-Neng Mo
  • Publication number: 20120132910
    Abstract: One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film containing indium (In), gallium (Ga), and zinc (Zn), in which the contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and a source and drain electrodes is reduced, and to provide a method for manufacturing the thin film transistor. An ohmic contact is formed by intentionally providing a buffer layer having a higher carrier concentration than the IGZO semiconductor layer between the IGZO semiconductor layer and the source and drain electrode layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Hidekazu MIYAIRI, Akiharu MIYANAGA, Kengo AKIMOTO, Kojiro SHIRAISHI
  • Publication number: 20120132902
    Abstract: A normally-off transistor having an oxide semiconductor layer in a channel formation layer is provided. The transistor comprises: a first oxide semiconductor layer functioning as a channel formation region; a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer which overlap with the first oxide semiconductor layer; a gate insulating layer which is provided over and in contact with the first oxide semiconductor layer, the source electrode layer, and the drain electrode layer; a second oxide semiconductor layer which is provided over and in contact with the gate insulating layer and overlaps with the first oxide semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode layer provided over the second oxide semiconductor layer. A manufacturing method thereof is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki IMOTO, Yuji ASANO, Tetsunori MARUYAMA
  • Patent number: 8187927
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an LCD includes: providing a substrate with a thin film transistor (TFT) part defined thereon; forming a metallic film for a gate electrode on the substrate; etching the metallic film through a first printing process to form a gate electrode; sequentially forming a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a metallic film for source and drain electrodes on the substrate; selectively etching the metallic film for source and drain electrodes, the semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer through a second printing process to form a gate insulating layer pattern, a preliminary active pattern and a metallic film pattern which are sequentially stacked such that the gate insulating layer pattern is over-etched from the side of the preliminary active pattern; forming an insulating layer on the substrate with the metallic film pattern; etching the insulating layer to expose the metallic film pattern; forming a transparent conductive film on the metallic film pattern and a remai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Hee Nam, Nam-Kook Kim, Soon-Sung Yoo, Youn-Gyoung Chang
  • Patent number: 8187919
    Abstract: An oxide thin film transistor (TFT) and its fabrication method are disclosed. In a TFT of a bottom gate structure using amorphous zinc oxide (ZnO)-based semiconductor as an active layer, source and drain electrodes are formed, on which the active layer made of oxide semiconductor is formed to thus prevent degeneration of the oxide semiconductor in etching the source and drain electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Sik Seo, Jong-Uk Bae, Dae-Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20120129303
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for manufacturing a passivation layer and a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate. The method for manufacturing the passivation layer comprises the following steps: placing a substrate in a vacuum process chamber; providing an ammonia gas and a nitrogen gas into the vacuum process chamber; forming plasma and evaporating water vapor; and forming the passivation layer on the substrate. The method for manufacturing the passivation layer can be applicable to the method for manufacturing the TFT array substrate. The present invention can enhance the quality of the passivation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., LTD.
    Inventors: CHENGMING HE, Fengju Liu
  • Publication number: 20120126232
    Abstract: An object is to provide a display device with excellent display characteristics, where a pixel circuit and a driver circuit provided over one substrate are formed using transistors which have different structures corresponding to characteristics of the respective circuits. The driver circuit portion includes a driver circuit transistor in which a gate electrode layer, a source electrode layer, and a drain electrode layer are formed using a metal film, and a channel layer is formed using an oxide semiconductor. The pixel portion includes a pixel transistor in which a gate electrode layer, a source electrode layer, and a drain electrode layer are formed using an oxide conductor, and a semiconductor layer is formed using an oxide semiconductor. The pixel transistor is formed using a light-transmitting material, and thus, a display device with higher aperture ratio can be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Junichiro SAKATA, Masashi TSUBUKU, Kengo AKIMOTO, Miyuki HOSOBA, Masayuki SAKAKURA, Yoshiaki OIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120119232
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for manufacturing an array substrate, wherein the procedure for forming a data line, an active layer with a channel, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a pixel electrode comprises applying a photoresist on a data line metal thin film and performing exposure and development processes by using a multi-tone mask so as to form a photoresist pattern including a third thickness region, a second thickness region and a first thickness region whose thicknesses are successively increased, the third thickness region at least corresponding to the pixel electrode, the second thickness region corresponding to the data line, the active layer, the source electrode and the drain electrode, and the first thickness region corresponding to the other regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youngsuk SONG, Seungjin CHOI, Seongyeol YOO
  • Publication number: 20120122281
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a GaN-based thin film transistor includes: forming a semiconductor epitaxial layer on a substrate, the semiconductor epitaxial layer having a n-type GaN-based semiconductor material; forming an insulating layer on the semiconductor epitaxial layer; forming an ion implanting mask on the insulating layer, the ion implanting mask having an opening to partially expose the insulating layer; ion-implanting a p-type impurity through the opening and the insulating layer to form a p-doped region in the n-type GaN-based semiconductor material, followed by removing the insulating layer and the ion implanting mask; forming a dielectric layer on the semiconductor epitaxial layer; partially removing the dielectric layer; forming source and drain electrodes; and forming a gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yi Chang, Chia-Hua Chang, Yueh-Chin Lin
  • Publication number: 20120119211
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thin film transistor including a gate electrode on a substrate. A gate dielectric layer is disposed on the gate electrode and the substrate, and source/drain electrodes are disposed on the gate dielectric layer overlying two edge parts of the gate electrode. A channel layer is disposed on the gate dielectric layer overlying a center part of the gate electrode, and the channel region contacts the source/drain electrodes. An insulating capping layer overlies the channel layer, wherein the channel layer includes an oxide semiconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CHIMEI INNOLUX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsin-Hung Lin, Jung-Fang Chang, Ker-Yih Kao
  • Publication number: 20120115289
    Abstract: Numerous other aspects are provided a method for making a nonvolatile memory cell. The method includes forming a non-planar dielectric structure, and conformally depositing a semiconductor layer over the dielectric structure. A portion of the semiconductor layer serves as a channel region for a transistor, and the channel region is non-planar in shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Publication number: 20120115288
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an active device array substrate is provided. A first patterned semiconductor layer, a gate insulator, a first patterned conductive layer and a first dielectric layer is sequentially formed on a substrate. First contact holes exposing the first patterned semiconductor layer are formed in the first dielectric layer and the gate insulator. A second patterned conductive layer and a second patterned semiconductor layer disposed thereon are simultaneously formed on the first dielectric layer. The second conductive layer includes contact conductors and a bottom electrode. The second patterned semiconductor layer includes an active layer. A second dielectric layer having second contact holes is formed on the first dielectric layer, wherein a portion of the second contact holes exposes the active layer. A third patterned conductive layer electrically connected to the active layer through a portion of the second contact holes is formed on the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming-Wei Sun, Chen-Yueh Li, Yu-Cheng Chen, Chia-Tien Peng
  • Publication number: 20120112186
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally include TFTs and methods for their manufacture. The gate dielectric layer in the TFT may affect the threshold voltage of the TFT. By treating the gate dielectric layer prior to depositing the active channel material, the threshold voltage may be improved. One method of treating the gate dielectric involves exposing the gate dielectric layer to N2O gas. Another method of treating the gate dielectric involves exposing the gate dielectric layer to N2O plasma. Silicon oxide, while not practical as a gate dielectric for silicon based TFTs, may also improve the threshold voltage when used in metal oxide TFTs. By treating the gate dielectric and/or using silicon oxide, the threshold voltage of TFTs may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: YAN YE
  • Patent number: 8173494
    Abstract: A thin film transistor array and method of manufacturing the same include a pixel electrode formed of a transparent conductive layer on a substrate, a gate line formed of the transparent conductive layer and an opaque conductive layer on the substrate, a gate electrode connected to the gate line and formed of the transparent conductive layer and an opaque conductive layer on the substrate, a gate insulating layer which covers the gate line and the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer to overlap the gate electrode, a data line which intersects the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line to overlap a part of the semiconductor layer, and a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode to overlap a part of the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Hyun Choung, Hong-Sick Park, Joo-Ae Youn, Sun-Young Hong, Bong-Kyun Kim, Won-Suk Shin, Byeong-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8174053
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor as a resistance element, wherein a variation in resistance of the thin film transistor is suppressed without increasing an area of the resistance element and the resistance element can be produced through simplified production steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidehito Kitakado
  • Patent number: 8174078
    Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to fabricate a flat panel display. A poly-last structure is formed for a display panel using an amorphous silicon or amorphous silicon compatible process. The poly-last structure has a channel silicon precursor. The display panel is formed from the poly-last structure using a polysilicon specific or polysilicon compatible process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Jackson H. Ho, Jeng Ping Lu
  • Patent number: 8173492
    Abstract: Provided are a wire structure, a method of forming a wire, a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, and a method of manufacturing the TFT substrate. The wire structure includes a barrier layer disposed on a lower structure, a copper conductive layer comprising copper or copper alloy disposed on the barrier layer, an intermediate layer comprising copper nitride disposed on the copper conductive layer, and a capping layer disposed on the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-hun Lee, Chang-oh Jeong, Beom-seok Cho, Yang-ho Bae
  • Publication number: 20120108018
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor substrate includes a step of forming a gate electrode (11a) and a first interconnect on a substrate (10), a step of forming a gate insulating film (12a) having a contact hole at a position overlapping the first interconnect, a step of forming a source electrode (13a) and a drain electrode (13b) overlapping the gate electrode (11a) and separated apart from each other, and a second interconnect connected via the contact hole to the first interconnect, a step of successively forming an oxide semiconductor film (14) and a second insulating film (15), and thereafter, patterning the second insulating film (15) to form an interlayer insulating film (15a), and a step of reducing the resistance of the oxide semiconductor film (14) exposed through the interlayer insulating film (15a) to form a pixel electrode (14b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tohru Okabe, Hirohiko Nishiki, Yoshimasa Chikama, Takeshi Hara
  • Patent number: 8168483
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor deposition method and a vapor deposition system of film formation systems by which EL materials can be used more efficiently and EL materials having superior uniformity with high throughput rate are formed. According to the present invention, inside a film formation chamber, an evaporation source holder in a rectangular shape in which a plurality of containers sealing evaporation material is moved at a certain pitch to a substrate and the evaporation material is vapor deposited on the substrate. Further, a longitudinal direction of an evaporation source holder in a rectangular shape may be oblique to one side of a substrate, while the evaporation source holder is being moved. Furthermore, it is preferable that a movement direction of an evaporation source holder during vapor deposition be different from a scanning direction of a laser beam while a TFT is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hideaki Kuwabara, Masakazu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20120098066
    Abstract: A method and structure comprise a field effect transistor structure that includes a first rectangular fin structure position on a substrate. The first rectangular fin structure has a bottom contacting the substrate, a top opposite the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The structure additionally includes a second rectangular fin structure position on the substrate. Similarly, the second rectangular fin structure also has a bottom contacting the substrate, a top opposite the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The sides of the second rectangular fin structure are parallel to the sides of the first rectangular fin structure. Further, a trench insulator is positioned on the substrate and is positioned between a side of the first rectangular fin structure and a side of the second rectangular fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Publication number: 20120100676
    Abstract: A thin film transistor substrate of horizontal electric field type liquid crystal display device includes: a gate line and a common line arranged in parallel on a substrate; a data line crossing the gate line and the common line to define a pixel area; a thin film transistor having a gate connected to the gate line and a source electrode connected to the data line; a common electrode extending from the common line into the pixel area; a protective film for covering a plurality of signal lines and electrodes and the thin film transistor; a pixel hole in the protective film having an elongated shape that parallels the common electrode; and a pixel electrode connected to a side surface of a drain electrode of the thin film transistor within the pixel hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Youn Gyoung CHANG, Heung Lyul CHO
  • Publication number: 20120097923
    Abstract: The invention provides a graphene device structure and a method for manufacturing the same, the device structure comprising a graphene layer; a gate region in contact with the graphene layer; semiconductor doped regions formed in the two opposite sides of the gate region and in contact with the graphene layer, wherein the semiconductor doped regions are isolated from the gate region; a contact formed on the gate region and contacts formed on the semiconductor doped regions. The on-off ratio of the graphene device is increased through the semiconductor doped regions without increasing the band gap of the graphene material, i.e., without affecting the mobility of the material or the speed of the device, thereby increasing the applicability of the graphene material in CMOS devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: INSTITUTE OF MICROELECTRONICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Qingqing Liang, Zhi Jin, Wenwu Wang, Huicai Zhong, Xinyu Liu, Huilong Zhu