Utilizing Gate Sidewall Structure Patents (Class 438/303)
  • Patent number: 12125899
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a MOS transistor includes forming a conductive first gate and forming insulating spacers along opposite sides of the gate, wherein the spacers are formed before the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventors: Arnaud Regnier, Dann Morillon, Franck Julien, Marjorie Hesse
  • Patent number: 12107146
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit device including a self-aligned air spacer including the operations of forming a dummy gate, forming a sidewall on the dummy gate, forming a dummy layer on the sidewall, constructing a gate structure within an opening defined by the sidewall, removing at least a portion of the first dummy layer to form a first recess between the sidewall layer and the dummy gate, and capping the first recess to form a first air spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Huan-Chieh Su, Jia-Chuan You, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 12094720
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes: forming a stacked structure on the substrate, the stacked structure at least including a first material layer, a second material layer and a third material layer from bottom to top; patterning the stacked structure to obtain a first pattern structure; forming a spacer structure on a side wall of the first pattern structure, a top of the spacer structure being not lower than a top of the first material layer; and removing the third material layer, wherein during removing the third material layer, an etching selectivity of the third material layer to the second material layer is greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Chung-Yen Chou
  • Patent number: 12020933
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device structure includes forming a resist structure over a substrate, the resist structure includes an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer and a photoresist layer over the ARC layer. The method further includes patterning the photoresist layer to form a trench therein. The method further includes performing a hydrogen plasma treatment to the patterned photoresist layer, wherein the hydrogen plasma treatment is configured to smooth sidewalls of the trench, and the hydrogen plasma treatment is performed at a temperature ranging from about 200° C. to about 600° C. The method further includes patterning the ARC layer using the patterned photoresist layer as a etch mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheng-Lin Hsieh, I-Chih Chen, Ching-Pei Hsieh, Kuan Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 11929229
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes a first surface and an implantation area adjacent to the first surface and a certain distance away from the first surface, the implantation area including implanted particles and defects. A defect concentration in the implantation area deviates by less than 5% from a maximum defect concentration in the implantation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MI2-FACTORY GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Krippendorf, Constantin Csato
  • Patent number: 11929290
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a plurality of transistors on a substrate comprising at least two adjacent active areas separated by at least one electrically-isolating area, each transistor of the plurality of transistors including a gate having a silicided portion, and first and second spacers on either side of the gate, the first spacers being located on sides of the gate and the second spacers being located on sides of the first spacers. The method includes forming the gates of the transistors, forming the first spacers, forming the second spacers, siliciding the gates so as to form the silicided portions of the gates, and removing the second spacers. The removal of the second spacers takes place during the silicidation of the gates and before the silicided portions are fully formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Fabrice Nemouchi, Clemens Fitz, Nicolas Posseme
  • Patent number: 11923433
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer over a semiconductor fin. The method includes forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. The method includes exposing a portion of the first dielectric layer. The method includes oxidizing a surface of the second dielectric layer while limiting oxidation on the exposed portion of the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Liang Pan, Yungtzu Chen, Chung-Chieh Lee, Yung-Chang Hsu, Chia-Yang Hung, Po-Chuan Wang, Guan-Xuan Chen, Huan-Just Lin
  • Patent number: 11903192
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first gate structure over a substrate and laterally surrounded by a first sidewall spacer. The first gate structure protrudes outward from a top of the first sidewall spacer. A second gate structure is over the substrate and is laterally surrounded by a second sidewall spacer. The first gate structure has a first height that is larger than a second height of the second gate structure. The first sidewall spacer has a first cross-sectional profile that is a different shape and a different size than a second cross-sectional profile of the second sidewall spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Josh Lin, Chia-Ta Hsieh, Chen-Ming Huang, Chi-Wei Ho
  • Patent number: 11895819
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first transistor including forming a first gate stack, epitaxially growing a first source/drain region on a side of the first gate stack, and performing a first implantation to implant the first source/drain region. The method further includes forming a second transistor including forming a second gate stack, forming a second gate spacer on a sidewall of the second gate stack, epitaxially growing a second source/drain region on a side of the second gate stack, and performing a second implantation to implant the second source/drain region. An inter-layer dielectric is formed to cover the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region. The first implantation is performed before the inter-layer dielectric is formed, and the second implantation is performed after the inter-layer dielectric is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Dian-Sheg Yu, Ren-Fen Tsui, Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 11855086
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first polysilicon structure over a first portion of the substrate, and a first spacer on a sidewall of the first polysilicon structure. The first spacer has a concave corner region between an upper portion and a lower portion. The semiconductor device includes a second polysilicon structure over a second portion of the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a second spacer on a sidewall of the second polysilicon structure. The semiconductor device further includes a protective layer covering an entirety of the first spacer and the first polysilicon structure, wherein the protective layer has a first thickness over the concave corner region and a second thickness over the first polysilicon structure, a difference between the first thickness and the second thickness is at most 10% of the second thickness, and the protective layer exposes a top-most portion of a sidewall of the second spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Shao Cheng, Chui-Ya Peng, Kung-Wei Lee, Shin-Yeu Tsai
  • Patent number: 11855170
    Abstract: A transistor device and method of making the same are disclosed. The transistor device includes one or more air gaps in one or more sidewall spacers. The one or more air gaps may be located adjacent the gate and/or above the source or drain regions of the device. Various embodiments may include different combinations of air gaps formed in one or both sidewall spacers. Various embodiments may include air gaps formed in one or both sidewall spacers adjacent to the gate and/or above the source or drain regions of the device. The formation of the air gaps may reduce unwanted parasitic and/or fringing capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Gulbagh Singh, Po-Jen Wang, Kun-Tsang Chuang
  • Patent number: 11854796
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate. The structure also includes a sealing element extending along a sidewall of the gate stack. The sealing element has a first atomic layer and a second atomic layer, and the first atomic layer and the second atomic layer have different atomic concentrations of carbon. The structure further includes a spacer element over the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Guan-Yao Tu, Yu-Yun Peng
  • Patent number: 11854803
    Abstract: A method for protecting a gate spacer when forming a FinFET structure, the method comprising: providing a fin with at least one dummy gate crossing the fin wherein a gate hardmask is present on top of the dummy gate; providing a gate spacer such that it is covering the dummy gate and the gate hardmask; recessing the gate spacer such that at least a part of the gate hardmask is exposed; selectively growing, by means of area selective deposition, extra capping material over the exposed part of the gate hardmask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Boon Teik Chan, Pierre Morin, Antony Premkumar Peter
  • Patent number: 11830919
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor device with a flat surface. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device including providing a substrate, forming a gate structure on the substrate, and forming a plurality of word lines having top surfaces at a same vertical level as a top surface of the gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tse-Yao Huang
  • Patent number: 11824057
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of making same. The semiconductor device includes: a first conductivity type transistor and a second conductivity type transistor, wherein each of the first conductivity type transistor and the second conductivity type includes a gate insulating film formed on a base, a metal gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film, and side wall spacers formed at side walls of the metal gate electrode, wherein the gate insulating film is made of a high dielectric constant material, and wherein offset spacers are formed between the side walls of the metal gate electrode and the inner walls of the side wall spacers in any one of the first conductivity type transistor and the second conductivity type transistor, or offset spacers having different thicknesses are formed in the first conductivity type transistor and the second conductivity type transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11799018
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate; and a fin structure disposed on the substrate. The fin structure includes a channel region, a source region, and a drain region. The channel region is located between the source region and the drain region. The channel region includes a first nanowire and a second nanowire above the first nanowire. The first nanowire contains first threshold-voltage adjustment ions, and the second nanowire contains second threshold-voltage adjustment ions. A first opening is formed between the first nanowire and the substrate, and between the source region and the drain region, and a second opening is formed between the first nanowire and the second nanowire, and between the source region and the drain region. The first threshold-voltage adjustment ions are different from the second threshold-voltage adjustment ions in type, concentration, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation, Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation
    Inventor: Fei Zhou
  • Patent number: 11798786
    Abstract: A power converter configured to generate a high-frequency power signal comprises at least one amplifier stage having first and second amplifier paths each having an amplifier, the first amplifier path outputting a first amplifier path output signal and the second amplifier path outputting a second amplifier path output signal that, has a phase shift relative to the first amplifier path output signal greater than 0° and less than 180°. The first and second amplifier paths are connected to a phase-shifting coupler that is configured to couple the first and second amplifier path output signals to form the high-frequency power signal. At least one amplifier of the first and second amplifier paths comprises a SiC MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TRUMPF HUETTINGER SP. Z O. O.
    Inventors: Andrzej Klimczak, Konrad Lewandowski, Marcin Golan
  • Patent number: 11798989
    Abstract: Transistor structures and methods of forming transistor structures are provided. The transistor structures include alternating layers of a first epitaxial material and a second epitaxial material. In some embodiments, one of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material may be removed for one of an n-type or p-type transistor. A bottommost layer of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material maybe be removed, and sidewalls of one of the first epitaxial material and the second epitaxial material may be indented or recessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Peng, Hung-Li Chiang, Yu-Lin Yang, Chih Chieh Yeh, Yee-Chia Yeo, Chi-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 11769812
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a gate structure over the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a source in the substrate on a first side of the gate structure. The semiconductor device further includes a drain in the substrate on a second side of the gate structure. The semiconductor device further includes a first well having a first dopant type, wherein the first well contacts at least two surfaces of the source. The semiconductor device further includes a second well having the first dopant type, wherein the second well contacts at least two surfaces of the drain. The semiconductor device further includes a deep well below the first well and below the second well, wherein the second well extends between the first well and the deep well. In some embodiments, the deep well has a second dopant type, and the second dopant type is opposite the first dopant type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chang Cheng, Fu-Yu Chu, Ruey-Hsin Liu
  • Patent number: 11764281
    Abstract: Fin-like field effect transistors (FinFETs) and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed herein. The FinFETs disclosed herein have gate air spacers integrated into their gate structures. An exemplary transistor includes a fin and a gate structure disposed over the fin between a first epitaxial source/drain feature and a second epitaxial source/drain feature. The gate structure includes a gate electrode, a gate dielectric, and gate air spacers disposed between the gate dielectric and sidewalls of the gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chien-Ning Yao, Bo-Feng Young, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11751401
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a memory gate, and a data storage element. The semiconductor substrate includes a memory well which has two source/drain regions and a channel region between the source/drain regions. The memory gate is disposed above the channel region. The data storage element includes a ferroelectric material, and is disposed around the memory gate to separate the memory gate from the channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yu Chen, Sheng-Hung Shih, Kuo-Chi Tu
  • Patent number: 11735588
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region. A device isolation layer is disposed in the substrate between the first region and the second region. The device isolation layer includes a buried dielectric layer in a trench that is recessed from a top surface of the substrate. A first liner layer is between the trench and the buried dielectric layer. A semiconductor layer is disposed on a top surface of the substrate of the first region. A first gate pattern is disposed on the semiconductor layer. A protrusion is disposed on a top surface of the device isolation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chan-Sic Yoon, Dongoh Kim
  • Patent number: 11735425
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor fin. The semiconductor device includes a metal gate disposed over the semiconductor fin. The semiconductor device includes a gate dielectric layer disposed between the semiconductor fin and the metal gate. The semiconductor device includes first spacers sandwiching the metal gate. The first spacers have a first top surface and the gate dielectric layer has a second top surface, and the first top surface and a first portion of the second top surface are coplanar with each other. The semiconductor device includes second spacers further sandwiching the first spacers. The second spacers have a third top surface above the first top surface and the second top surface. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode disposed over the metal gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu Ang Chiang, Ming-Hsi Yeh, Chun-Neng Lin, Jian-Jou Lian, Po-Yuan Wang, Chieh-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11699758
    Abstract: A first FinFET device includes first fin structures that extend in a first direction in a top view. A second FinFET device includes second fin structures that extend in the first direction in the top view. The first FinFET device and the second FinFET device are different types of FinFET devices. A plurality of gate structures extend in a second direction in the top view. The second direction is different from the first direction. Each of the gate structures partially wraps around the first fin structures and the second fin structures. A dielectric structure is disposed between the first FinFET device and the second FinFET device. The dielectric structure cuts each of the gate structures into a first segment for the first FinFET device and a second segment for the second FinFET device. The dielectric structure is located closer to the first FinFET device than to the second FinFET device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Yun Chang, Ming-Ching Chang, Shu-Yuan Ku
  • Patent number: 11664452
    Abstract: A method including forming an opening in a junction region of a fin on and extending from a substrate; introducing a doped semiconductor material in the opening; and thermal processing the doped semiconductor material. A method including forming a gate electrode on a fin extending from a substrate; forming openings in the fin adjacent opposite sides of the gate electrode; introducing a doped semiconductor material in the openings; and thermally processing the doped semiconductor material sufficient to induce the diffusion of a dopant in the doped semiconductor material. An apparatus including a gate electrode transversing a fin extending from a substrate; and semiconductor material filled openings in junction regions of the fin adjacent opposite sides of the gate electrode, wherein the semiconductor material comprises a dopant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Pratik A. Patel, Mark Y. Liu, Jami A. Wiedemer, Paul A. Packan
  • Patent number: 11646353
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure includes a substrate, a first gate structure, a second gate structure, a first well region, and a first structure. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first gate structure is disposed on the first surface. The second gate structure is disposed on the first surface. The first well region is in the substrate and between the first gate structure and the second gate structure. The first structure is disposed in the first well region. A shape of the first structure has an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu-Ping Chen, Chun-Shun Huang
  • Patent number: 11594603
    Abstract: An exemplary device includes a channel layer, a first epitaxial source/drain feature, and a second epitaxial source/drain feature disposed over a substrate. The channel layer is disposed between the first epitaxial source/drain feature and the second epitaxial source/drain feature. A metal gate is disposed between the first epitaxial source/drain feature and the second epitaxial source/drain feature. The metal gate is disposed over and physically contacts at least two sides of the channel layer. A source/drain contact is disposed over the first epitaxial source/drain feature. A doped crystalline semiconductor layer, such as a gallium-doped crystalline germanium layer, is disposed between the first epitaxial source/drain feature and the source/drain contact. The doped crystalline semiconductor layer is disposed over and physically contacts at least two sides of the first epitaxial source/drain feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Georgios Vellianitis, Blandine Duriez
  • Patent number: 11527613
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a plurality of nanowire transistors stacked vertically, wherein each nanowire transistor of the plurality of nanowire transistors comprises a corresponding nanowire of a plurality of nanowires; and a gate stack, wherein the gate stack fully encircles at least a section of each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron Lilak, Patrick Keys, Sean Ma, Stephen Cea, Rishabh Mehandru
  • Patent number: 11495609
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a high-voltage MOS (HV) transistor and a capacitor supported by a semiconductor substrate. A gate stack of the HV transistor includes a first insulating layer over the semiconductor layer and a gate electrode formed from a first polysilicon. The capacitor includes a first electrode made of the first polysilicon and a second electrode made of a second polysilicon and at least partly resting over the first electrode. A first polysilicon layer deposited over the semiconductor substrate is patterned to form the first polysilicon of the gate electrode and first electrode, respectively. A second polysilicon layer deposited over the semiconductor substrate is patterned to form the second polysilicon of the second electrode. Silicon oxide spacers laterally border the second electrode and the gate stack of the HV transistor. Silicon nitride spacers border the silicon oxide spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Fausto Piazza, Sebastien Lagrasta, Raul Andres Bianchi, Simon Jeannot
  • Patent number: 11482596
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a channel, a first source/drain structure on a first side surface of the channel, a second source/drain structure on a second side surface of the channel, a gate structure surrounding the channel, an inner spacer layer on a side surface of the gate structure, and an outer spacer layer on an outer surface of the inner spacer layer. The first source/drain structure includes a first source/drain layer on the channel and a second source/drain layer on the first source/drain layer, and on a plane of the semiconductor device that passes through the channel, at least one of a first boundary line of the first source/drain layer in contact with the second source/drain layer and a second boundary line of the first source/drain layer in contact with the channel may be convex, extending toward the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinbum Kim, Seokhoon Kim, Kwanheum Lee, Choeun Lee, Sujin Jung
  • Patent number: 11476344
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for forming transistor devices having reduced parasitic contact resistance relative to conventional devices. The techniques can be implemented, for example, using a standard contact stack such as a series of metals on, for example, silicon or silicon germanium (SiGe) source/drain regions. In accordance with one example such embodiment, an intermediate boron doped germanium layer is provided between the source/drain and contact metals to significantly reduce contact resistance. Numerous transistor configurations and suitable fabrication processes will be apparent in light of this disclosure, including both planar and non-planar transistor structures (e.g., FinFETs), as well as strained and unstrained channel structures. Graded buffering can be used to reduce misfit dislocation. The techniques are particularly well-suited for implementing p-type devices, but can be used for n-type devices if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Daedalus Prime LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Glass, Anand S. Murthy, Tahir Ghani
  • Patent number: 11466406
    Abstract: A cellulose-silicon oxide composite superhydrophobic material and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. In the method, cellulose substrates with different surface topographies are pretreated by a low-temperature plasma, and then a first silicon oxide layer is deposited on the cellulose substrate by a low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method, then modified by a low-temperature plasma, and finally a second silicon oxide layer is deposited thereon, thereby preparing a micro-nano structured superhydrophobic surface on the cellulose substrate, to obtain a cellulose-silicon oxide composite superhydrophobic material, which is an environmentally friendly bio-based hydrophobic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGXI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chongxing Huang, Yuan Zhao, Hui Zhao, Lijie Huang, Yangfan Xu, Qingshan Duan, Cuicui Li, Hongxia Su, Jian Wang, Linyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 11462679
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an MRAM device, a memory unit including a lower electrode, an MTJ structure and an upper electrode sequentially stacked is formed on a substrate. A protective layer structure including a capping layer, a sacrificial layer and an etch stop layer sequentially stacked is formed on the substrate to cover the memory unit. An insulating interlayer is formed on the protective layer structure. The insulating interlayer is formed to form an opening exposing the protective layer structure. The exposed protective layer structure is partially removed to expose the upper electrode. A wiring is formed on the exposed upper electrode to fill the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hoon Bak, Myoung-Su Son, Jae-Chul Shim, Gwan-Hyeob Koh, Yoon-Jong Song
  • Patent number: 11462407
    Abstract: An etching method includes: forming a second film on a workpiece target including a processing target film, a layer including a plurality of convex portions formed on the processing target film, and a first film that covers the plurality of convex portions and the processing target film exposed between the plurality of convex portions; etching the second film in a state where the second film remains on a portion of the first film that covers a side surface of each of the plurality of convex portions; and etching the first film in a state where the second film remains on the portion of the first film that covers the side surface of each of the plurality of convex portions, thereby exposing a top portion of each of the plurality of convex portions and the processing target film between the plurality of convex portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Yusuke Yanagisawa, Yusuke Takino
  • Patent number: 11444175
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are provided. An example method includes providing a workpiece including a first dummy gate stack and a second dummy gate stack in a first area of the workpiece, a third dummy gate stack and a fourth dummy gate stack in a second area of the workpiece, a hard mask layer over each of the first dummy gate stack, the second dummy gate stack, the third dummy gate stack, and the fourth dummy gate stack. The method further includes depositing a photoresist (PR) layer over the workpiece to form a first PR layer portion over the first area and a second PR layer portion over the second area; and selectively forming a first opening through the second PR layer portion over the third dummy gate stack and a second opening through the second PR layer portion over the fourth dummy gate stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Hsin Yang, Jung-Chi Jeng, Ru-Shang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 11431340
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dual power supply detection circuit including first and second input stage field effect transistors, an inverter stage, a feedback stage field effect transistor, and first and second compensation circuits. The inverter stage includes a complimentary pair of transistors, and the complementary pair of transistors includes an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor configured and arranged so that gate lengths of the PMOS and NMOS transistors are different. The disclosure also relates to an integrated circuit including a dual power supply detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Nexperia B.V.
    Inventors: Geethanadh Asam, Robert Mossel, Walter Luis Tercariol
  • Patent number: 11423987
    Abstract: A programming method for a memory device is disclosed. The programming method comprises moving a plurality of first charge carriers at a shallow energy level to a channel in a substrate layer before a fine programming operation for a first word line, wherein the plurality of first charge carriers at the shallow energy level correspond to a memory cell to be programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongtao Liu, Ying Huang, Wenzhe Wei, Song Min Jiang, Dejia Huang, Wen Qiang Chen
  • Patent number: 11417740
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to methods for forming recesses in epitaxial source/drain regions for forming conductive features. In some embodiments, the recesses are formed in a two-step etching process including an anisotropic etch to form a vertical opening and an isotropic etch to expand an end portion of the vertical opening laterally and vertically. The recesses can have increased contact area between the source/drain region and the conductive feature, and can enable reduced resistance therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Lien Huang
  • Patent number: 11404537
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate oxide layer formed on the substrate, a gate formed on the gate oxide layer, and a spacer formed adjacent the gate and over the substrate. The spacer includes a void filled with air to prevent leakage of charge to and from the gate, thereby reducing data loss and providing better memory retention. The reduction in charge leakage results from reduced parasitic capacitances, fringing capacitances, and overlap capacitances due to the low dielectric constant of air relative to other spacer materials. The spacer can include multiple layers such as oxide and nitride layers. In some embodiments, the semiconductor device is a multiple-time programmable (MTP) memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Gulbagh Singh, Kun-Tsang Chuang, Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 11393754
    Abstract: Contact over active gate (COAG) structures with etch stop layers, and methods of fabricating contact over active gate (COAG) structures using etch stop layers, are described. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of gate structures above substrate, each of the gate structures including a gate insulating layer thereon. A plurality of conductive trench contact structures is alternating with the plurality of gate structures, each of the conductive trench contact structures including a trench insulating layer thereon. A first dielectric etch stop layer is directly on and continuous over the trench insulating layers and the gate insulating layers. A second dielectric etch stop layer is directly on and continuous over the first dielectric etch stop layer, the second dielectric etch stop layer distinct from the first dielectric etch stop layer. An interlayer dielectric material is on the second dielectric etch stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Atul Madhavan, Nicholas J. Kybert, Mohit K. Haran, Hiten Kothari
  • Patent number: 11387361
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes: forming a first gate structure in a predetermined low-potential region of a substrate and a second gate structure in a predetermined high-potential region of the substrate; sequentially forming a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer covering the first gate structure and the second gate structure; forming a portion of a third dielectric layer along sidewalls of the second gate structure and on the second dielectric layer; and etching the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer with the portion of the third dielectric layer as an etching hard mask to form a first composite spacer covering sidewalls of the first gate structure, and a second composite spacer covering the sidewalls of the second gate structure, wherein a width of the first composite spacer is less than a width of the second composite spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chin-Hsiu Huang, Tse-Hsiao Liu, Pao-Hao Chiu, Chih-Cherng Liao, Ching-Yi Hsu
  • Patent number: 11329137
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate; an isolation layer in a first trench, defining an active region of the substrate; a gate structure in a second trench intersecting the active region; and first and second impurity regions spaced apart from each other by the gate structure. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer in the second trench; a first metal layer on the gate dielectric layer; and a gate capping layer on the first metal layer. The gate dielectric layer includes D+ and ND2+ in an interface region, adjacent the first metal layer, and D is deuterium, N is nitrogen, and D+ is positively-charged deuterium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Naoto Umezawa, Satoru Yamada, Junsoo Kim, Honglae Park, Chunhyung Chung
  • Patent number: 11309185
    Abstract: A method includes forming a gate trench over a semiconductor fin. The gate trench includes an upper portion surrounded by first gate spacers and a lower portion surrounded by second gate spacers and the first gate spacers. The method includes forming a metal gate in the lower portion of the gate trench. The metal gate is disposed over a first portion of a gate dielectric layer. The method includes depositing a metal material in the gate trench to form a gate electrode overlaying the metal gate in the lower portion of the gate trench, while keeping sidewalls of the first gate spacers and upper surfaces of the second gate spacer overlaid by a second portion of the gate dielectric layer. The method includes removing the second portion of the gate dielectric layer, while remaining the gate electrode substantially intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Tzu Ang Chiang, Ming-Hsi Yeh, Chun-Neng Lin, Jian-Jou Lian, Po-Yuan Wang, Chieh-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11264396
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an IC device and associated forming methods. In some embodiments, a memory region and a logic region are integrated in a substrate. A memory cell structure is disposed on the memory region. A plurality of logic devices disposed on a plurality of logic sub-regions of the logic region. A first logic device is disposed on a first upper surface of a first logic sub-region. A second logic device is disposed on a second upper surface of a second logic sub-region. A third logic device is disposed on a third upper surface of a third logic sub-region. Heights of the first, second, and third upper surfaces of the logic sub-regions monotonically decrease. By arranging logic devices on multiple recessed positions of the substrate, design flexibility is improved and devices with multiple operation voltages are better suited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Cheng Wu, Li-Feng Teng
  • Patent number: 11227828
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure, a capacitor structure, and a conductive contact. The semiconductor substrate has at least one semiconductor fin thereon. The gate structure is disposed across the semiconductor fin. The capacitor structure is disposed on the gate structure. The capacitor structure includes a ferroelectric layer and a first metal layer disposed on the ferroelectric layer. The capacitor structure is sandwiched between the conductive contact and the gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Ho, Chun-Chieh Lu, Chih-Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 11037833
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. First and second gate trenches are formed in the dielectric layer. First and second spacers are disposed in the first and the second gate trenches, respectively. A patterned photoresist is formed on the dielectric layer. The patterned photoresist masks the first region and exposes the second region. Multiple cycles of spacer trimming process are performed to trim a sidewall profile of the second spacer. Each cycle comprises a step of oxygen stripping and a successive step of chemical oxide removal. The patterned photoresist is then removed to reveal the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yao-Hsien Chung, Hao-Hsuan Chang, Ting-An Chien, Bin-Siang Tsai
  • Patent number: 11031484
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to differential silicide structures and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a substrate; a gate structure comprising a silicided gate region; and source and drain regions adjacent to the gate structure and comprising S/D silicided regions having a differential thickness compared to the silicided gate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES U.S. INC.
    Inventors: George R. Mulfinger, Judson R. Holt, Mark Raymond
  • Patent number: 10944002
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly with a semiconductor base having a horizontally-extending upper surface, and having a recessed region. A transistor gate is supported by the semiconductor base. The transistor gate has a first segment over the horizontally-extending upper surface, and has a second segment over the recessed region. The first segment has a first vertically-extending surface along an outer edge. The second segment has a ledge along an edge of the recessed region. The ledge has an upper surface which is lower than the horizontally-extending upper surface. The second segment has a second vertically-extending surface extending upwardly from an inner portion of the ledge. A first spacer is along the first vertically-extending surface. A second spacer is along the second vertically-extending surface. The second spacer has a bottom edge beneath the horizontally-extending upper surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yokomichi
  • Patent number: 10930764
    Abstract: A semiconductor device herein includes doped extension regions for silicon and silicon germanium nanowires. The nanowires can be selectively grown and recessed into a gate spacer. The semiconductor device can include a gate structure including the gate spacer; the nanowire or channel extending through the gate structure such that an end of the channel is recessed within a recess in said gate spacer; an extension region in contact with the end of the channel within the recess, the extension region being formed of an extension material having a different composition than a channel material of the channel such that a strain is provided in the channel; and a source-drain contact in contact with the extension region and adjacent to the gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kandabara Tapily, Jeffrey Smith, Nihar Mohanty, Anton J. deVilliers
  • Patent number: 10825867
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a cross-point memory array and related fabrication techniques are described. The fabrication techniques described herein may facilitate concurrently building two or more decks of memory cells disposed in a cross-point architecture. Each deck of memory cells may include a plurality of first access lines (e.g., word lines), a plurality of second access lines (e.g., bit lines), and a memory component at each topological intersection of a first access line and a second access line. The fabrication technique may use a pattern of vias formed at a top layer of a composite stack, which may facilitate building a 3D memory array within the composite stack while using a reduced number of processing steps. The fabrication techniques may also be suitable for forming a socket region where the 3D memory array may be coupled with other components of a memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hernan A. Castro, Stephen H. Tang, Stephen W. Russell