Multiple Insulative Layers In Groove Patents (Class 438/435)
  • Patent number: 11769707
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes: a fin heat-dissipation region on a substrate; a fin channel part on the fin heat-dissipation region, and an isolation structure on the substrate. A width of the fin channel part is smaller than a width of the fin heat-dissipation region. A top surface of the isolation structure is coplanar with a top surface of the fin heat-dissipation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignees: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation, Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation Please
    Inventor: Fei Zhou
  • Patent number: 11605543
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a silicon layer, which includes first portions over a plurality of strips, and second portions filled into trenches between the plurality of strips. The plurality of strips protrudes higher than a base structure. The method further includes performing an anneal to allow parts of the first portions of the silicon layer to migrate toward lower parts of the plurality of trenches, and performing an etching on the silicon layer to remove some portions of the silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY. LTD.
    Inventors: De-Wei Yu, Chien-Hao Chen, Chia-Ao Chang, Pin-Ju Liang
  • Patent number: 11289343
    Abstract: A method includes depositing a silicon layer, which includes first portions over a plurality of strips, and second portions filled into trenches between the plurality of strips. The plurality of strips protrudes higher than a base structure. The method further includes performing an anneal to allow parts of the first portions of the silicon layer to migrate toward lower parts of the plurality of trenches, and performing an etching on the silicon layer to remove some portions of the silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: De-Wei Yu, Chien-Hao Chen, Chia-Ao Chang, Pin-Ju Liang
  • Patent number: 11264248
    Abstract: A method of etching a substrate including an etching film and a mask formed on the etching film is provided. The mask includes a first pattern of a first recess having a first opening and a second pattern of a second recess having a second opening. The method includes etching the etching film to a predetermined depth; depositing a protective film on the mask after the etching; and etching the etching film after the depositing. The first opening is smaller than the second opening. As a result of the depositing, the first opening of the first pattern is clogged and the second opening of the second pattern is not clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Kon, Atsushi Uto, Lifu Li, Tomonori Miwa
  • Patent number: 11133192
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of processing a workpiece in which a plurality of holes are formed on a surface of the workpiece. The method includes a first sequence including a first process of forming a film with respect to an inner surface of each of the holes and a second process of isotropically etching the film. The first process includes a film forming process using a plasma CVD method, and the film contains silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Masahiro Tabata, Toru Hisamatsu, Yoshihide Kihara
  • Patent number: 11120997
    Abstract: Generally, this disclosure provides examples relating to tuning etch rates of dielectric material. In an embodiment, a dielectric material is conformally deposited in first and second trenches in a substrate. Merged lateral growth fronts of the first dielectric material in the first trench form a seam in the first trench. The dielectric material is treated. The treating causes a species to be on first and second upper surfaces of the dielectric material in the first and second trenches, respectively, to be in the seam, and to diffuse into the respective dielectric material in the first and second trenches. After the treating, the respective dielectric material is etched. A ratio of an etch rate of the dielectric material in the second trench to an etch rate of the dielectric material in the first trench is altered by presence of the species in the dielectric material during the etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Chiang Chen, Chun-Hung Lee, Ryan Chia-jen Chen, Hung-Wei Lin, Lung-Kai Mao
  • Patent number: 11069648
    Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining one or more Light Emitting Diode (LED) devices reconstituted over a carrier substrate. The method includes providing a silicon-based semiconductor substrate as the carrier substrate; providing, per each of the one or more LED devices, a compound semiconductor stack including an LED layer; applying a SiCN layer to the stack and the substrate, respectively; bonding the stack to the substrate, wherein the SiCN layer applied to the stack and the SiCN layer applied to the substrate are contacted; and annealing, after bonding, the bonded stack and substrate at a temperature equal to or higher than a processing temperature for completing the LED device from the stack, wherein said temperatures are at least 400° C. A semiconductor structure including the one or more LED devices reconstituted over a carrier substrate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Alexander Mityashin, Soeren Steudel
  • Patent number: 10991805
    Abstract: A method of applying and then removing a protective layer over a portion of a gate stack is provided. The protective layer is deposited and then a plasma precursor is separated into components. Neutral radicals are then utilized in order to remove the protective layer. In some embodiments the removal also forms a protective by-product which helps to protect underlying layers from damage during the etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chia Tai, Ju-Yuan Tzeng, Hsin-Che Chiang, Yuan-Sheng Huang, Chun-Sheng Liang
  • Patent number: 10892321
    Abstract: An electronic chip includes first transistors connected in parallel so that gates of the first transistors are interconnected, drain areas of the first transistors are interconnected, and source areas of the first transistors are interconnected. The first transistors are separated from one another by first isolating trenches. The chip also includes second transistors and second isolating trenches. The second transistors are separated from one another by the second isolating trenches. The first isolating trenches have a maximum width that is smaller than a maximum width of all the second isolating trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: François Tailliet
  • Patent number: 10886366
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a device region including field effect transistors located on a semiconductor substrate, and a planarization dielectric layer overlying the field effect transistors. A hydrogen-blocking structure can be formed to prevent subsequent hydrogen diffusion into the device region. A moat trench is formed through the planarization dielectric layer and into the semiconductor substrate around the device region. A ring-shaped hydrogen-diffusion-blocking material portion is formed within the moat trench. A horizontally-extending portion of a silicon nitride diffusion barrier layer is formed over the planarization dielectric layer. The ring-shaped hydrogen-diffusion-blocking material portion may include a vertically-extending annular portion of the silicon nitride layer, or may include an annular metal portion that is formed prior to formation of the silicon nitride diffusion barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Noritaka Fukuo
  • Patent number: 10872961
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of semiconductor fins on a substrate. A liner layer is deposited on the semiconductor fins and on the substrate conformally. The semiconductor fins are patterned to form a plurality of active regions on the substrate after the liner layer is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Han-Pin Chung
  • Patent number: 10861871
    Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed over a substrate. Memory stack structures are formed through the alternating stack. A pair of backside trenches and a set of nested trenches are simultaneously formed through the alternating stack. Each trench within the set of nested trenches is spaced from any other trench within the set of nested trenches by at least one patterned remaining portion of the alternating stack having a respective shape of an enclosing wall. The at least one patterned remaining portion of the alternating stack is removed from inside to outside using sequential etch processes. A dielectric pillar structure is formed within the pillar-shaped cavity. The sacrificial material layers are replaced with electrically conductive layers. A through-memory-level conductive via structure is formed through the dielectric pillar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Akihiro Tobioka
  • Patent number: 10847650
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes: a substrate; an isolation region adjacent to the drain region; a gate electrode over the substrate and further downwardly extends into the substrate, wherein a portion of the gate electrode below a top surface of the substrate abuts the isolation region; and a source region and a drain region formed in the substrate on either side of the gate structure. An associated method for fabricating the semiconductor structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Rui Lee, Kuo-Ming Wu, Yi-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 10790355
    Abstract: In an SOI substrate having a semiconductor substrate serving as a support substrate, an insulating layer on the semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor layer on the insulating layer, an element isolation region which penetrates the semiconductor layer and the insulating layer and whose bottom part reaches the semiconductor substrate is formed, and a gate electrode is formed on the semiconductor layer via a gate insulating film. A divot is formed in the element isolation region at a position adjacent to the semiconductor layer, and a buried insulating film is formed in the divot. The gate electrode includes a part formed on the semiconductor layer via the gate insulating film, a part located on the buried insulating film and a part located on the element isolation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Shinkawata
  • Patent number: 10756199
    Abstract: An embodiment fin field-effect-transistor (finFET) includes a semiconductor fin comprising a channel region and a gate oxide on a sidewall and a top surface of the channel region. The gate oxide includes a thinnest portion having a first thickness and a thickest portion having a second thickness different than the first thickness. A difference between the first thickness and the second thickness is less than a maximum thickness variation, and the maximum thickness variation is in accordance with an operating voltage of the finFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chen, Meng-Shu Lin, Liang-Yin Chen, Xiong-Fei Yu, Syun-Ming Jang, Hui-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 10607832
    Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for forming a thin layer. The method for forming the thin layer comprises providing a substrate including patterns, forming a bonding layer on the substrate covering an inner surface of a gap between the patterns, forming a preliminary layer on the bonding layer filling the gap; and thermally treating the preliminary layer to form the thin layer. The bonding layer is a self-assembled monomer layer formed using an organosilane monomer. The preliminary layer is formed from a flowable composition comprising polysilane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junyeong Lee, Soonwook Jung, Bongjin Kuh, Pyung Moon, Sukjin Chung
  • Patent number: 10566326
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices are provided. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device includes first and second source/drain regions in the semiconductor substrate. Moreover, the semiconductor device includes a multi-layer device isolation region in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second source/drain regions. The multi-layer device isolation region includes a protruding portion that protrudes away from the semiconductor substrate beyond respective uppermost surfaces of the first and second source/drain regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Young Kwak, Ki Byung Park, Kyoung Hwan Yeo, Seung Jae Lee, Kyung Yub Jeon, Seung Seok Ha, Sang Jin Hyun
  • Patent number: 10559473
    Abstract: A semiconductor process for improving loading effects in planarization is provided including steps of forming multiple first protruding patterns on a first region and a second region of a substrate, wherein the pattern density of the first protruding patterns in the first region is larger than the one in the second region, forming a first dielectric layer on the substrate and the first protruding patterns, wherein the first dielectric layer includes multiple second protruding patterns corresponding to the first protruding patterns below, forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, performing a first planarization process to remove parts of the second dielectric layer, so that the top surface of the second protruding patterns are exposed, performing an etch process to remove the second protruding patterns of the first dielectric layer, removing the remaining second dielectric layer, and performing another planarization process to the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignees: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP., Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng-Yi Chang, Fu-Che Lee
  • Patent number: 10529576
    Abstract: Implementations of a method of forming a semiconductor package may include forming electrical contacts on a first side of a wafer, applying a photoresist layer to the first side of the wafer, patterning the photoresist layer, and etching notches into the first side of the wafer using the photoresist layer. The method may include applying a first mold compound into the notches and over the first side of the wafer, grinding a second side of the wafer opposite the first side of the wafer to the notches formed in the first side of the wafer, applying one of a second mold compound and a laminate resin to a second side of the wafer, and singulating the wafer into semiconductor packages. Six sides of a die included in each semiconductor package may be covered by one of the first mold compound, the second mold compound, and the laminate resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eiji Kurose
  • Patent number: 10510560
    Abstract: A method of encapsulating a substrate is disclosed, in which the substrate has at least the following layers: a CMOS device layer, a layer of first semiconductor material different to silicon, and a layer of second semiconductor material, the layer of first semiconductor material arranged intermediate the CMOS device layer and the layer of second semiconductor material. The method comprises: (i) circumferentially removing a portion of the substrate at the edges; and (ii) depositing a dielectric material on the substrate to replace the portion removed at step (i) for encapsulating at least the CMOS device layer and the layer of first semiconductor material. A related substrate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: Nanyang Technological University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kwang Hong Lee, Eng Kian Kenneth Lee, Chuan Seng Tan, Eugene A. Fitzgerald, Viet Cuong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10373683
    Abstract: A DRAM device with embedded flash memory for redundancy is disclosed. The DRAM device includes a substrate having a DRAM array area and a peripheral area. The peripheral area includes an embedded flash forming region and a first transistor forming region. DRAM cells are disposed within the DRAM array area. Flash memory is disposed in the embedded flash forming region. The flash memory includes an ONO storage structure and a flash memory gate structure. A first transistor is disposed in the first transistor forming region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP., Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nagai
  • Patent number: 10115796
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first, a second and a third trenches extending through a dielectric layer over a substrate, forming a material layer in the first, the second and the third trenches, forming a sacrificial layer to fully fill in the remaining first and the second trenches, recessing the sacrificial layer in the first trench and the second trench, recessing the material layer in the first trench and in the second trench. After recessing the material layer, a top surface of the remaining material layer is co-planar with a top surface of the remaining sacrificial layer in the first trench and a top surface of the remaining material layer is co-planar with a top surface of the remaining sacrificial layer in the second trench. The method also includes removing the remaining sacrificial layer in the first trench and the second trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-Dah Chen, Han-Wei Wu, Ming-Feng Shieh
  • Patent number: 10068997
    Abstract: A thin Ge layer is formed between an SiGe intrinsic base and single-crystal Si extrinsic base structures to greatly simplify the fabrication of raised-base SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). The fabrication process includes sequentially depositing the SiGe intrinsic base, the Ge, and Si extrinsic base layers as single-crystal structures over a patterned silicon wafer while the wafer is maintained inside a reaction chamber. The Ge layer subsequently functions as an etch stop, and protects the crystallinity of the underlying SiGe intrinsic base material during subsequent dry etching of the Si extrinsic base layer, which is performed to generate an emitter window. A wet etch then removes residual Ge from the emitter window to expose a contact portion of the SiGe layer surface without damage. A polysilicon emitter structure is formed in the emitter window, and then salicide is formed over the base stacks to encapsulate the SiGe and Ge structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Newport Fab, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Preisler
  • Patent number: 10062561
    Abstract: Methods are described for reducing the wet etch rate of dielectric films formed on a patterned substrate by flowing the material into gaps during deposition. Films deposited in this manner may initially exhibit elevated wet etch rates. The dielectric films are treated by exposing the patterned substrate to a high pressure of water vapor in the gas phase. The treatment may reduce the wet etch rate of the dielectric films, especially the gapfill portion of the dielectric film. Scanning electron microscopy has confirmed that the quantity and/or size of pores is reduced or eliminated by the procedures described herein. The treatment has also been found to reduce the etch rate, e.g., at the bottom of gaps filled with the dielectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurtis S Leschkies, Keith Tatseun Wong, Steven Verhaverbeke
  • Patent number: 10043753
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to airgaps which isolate metal lines and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a plurality of metal lines formed on an insulator layer; and a dielectric material completely filling a space having a first dimension between metal lines of the plurality of metal lines and providing a uniform airgap with a space having a second dimension between metal lines of the plurality of metal lines. The first dimension is larger than the second dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Huy Cao, Zhiguo Sun, Joseph F. Shepard, Jr., Moosung M. Chae
  • Patent number: 9929233
    Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor constructions having trenched isolation regions. The trenches of the trenched isolation regions can include narrow bottom portions and upper wide portions over the bottom portions. Electrically insulative material can fill the upper wide portions while leaving voids within the narrow bottom portions. The trenched isolation regions can be incorporated into a memory array, and/or can be incorporated into an electronic system. The invention also includes methods of forming semiconductor constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zailong Bian, Janos Fucsko
  • Patent number: 9812319
    Abstract: A method for forming a film filled in a trench of a substrate without seam or void includes: depositing a conformal SiN film in a trench of a substrate placed in a reaction space, using a halide compound as a precursor, until the trench is filled with the conformal SiN film serving as a filled film which has a seam and/or void; and then oxidizing the filled film without deposition of film to make the filled film expand until the seam and/or void of the filled film are/is diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Atsuki Fukazawa, Hideaki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9721828
    Abstract: A method of filling STI trenches with dielectric with reduced particle formation. A method of depositing unbiased STI oxide on an integrated circuit during STI trench fill that reduces STI defects during STI CMP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andrew Brian Nelson, Richard A. Stice, Joe Tran
  • Patent number: 9633839
    Abstract: In some embodiments a method of processing a substrate disposed atop a substrate support in a physical vapor deposition process chamber includes: (a) depositing a dielectric layer to a first thickness atop a first surface of the substrate via a physical vapor deposition process; (b) providing a first plasma forming gas to a processing region of the physical vapor deposition process chamber, wherein the first plasma forming gas comprises hydrogen but not carbon; (c) providing a first amount of bias power to a substrate support to form a first plasma from the first plasma forming gas within the processing region of the physical vapor deposition process chamber; (d) exposing the dielectric layer to the first plasma; and (e) repeating (a)-(d) to deposit the dielectric film to a final thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Weimin Zeng, Thanh X. Nguyen, Yana Cheng, Yong Cao, Daniel Lee Diehl, Srinivas Guggilla, Rongjun Wang, Xianmin Tang
  • Patent number: 9508715
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor structure including a substrate, having a recess disposed thereon. Two first protruding portions are disposed on two sides of the recess respectively, an epitaxial layer is disposed in the recess, and an insulating layer is disposed on the substrate. A top portion of the first protruding portion is higher than a top surface of the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Li-Wei Feng, Chien-Ting Lin, Shih-Hung Tsai, Ssu-I Fu, Hon-Huei Liu, Jyh-Shyang Jenq
  • Patent number: 9472416
    Abstract: Methods for surface interface engineering in semiconductor fabrication are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate disposed atop a substrate support in a processing volume of a processing chamber includes: generating an ion species from an inductively coupled plasma formed within the processing volume of the processing chamber from a first process gas; exposing a first layer of the substrate to the ion species to form an ammonium fluoride (NH4F) film atop the first layer, wherein the first layer comprises silicon oxide; and heating the substrate to a second temperature at which the ammonium fluoride film reacts with the first layer to selectively etch the silicon oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Zhongyi He, Ping Han Hsieh, Melitta Manyin Hon, Chun Yan, Xuefeng Hua
  • Patent number: 9366814
    Abstract: The application relates to methods of manufacture of improved optical containment structures. The invention relates to arrays of zero-mode waveguide structures comprising nanoscale apertures having non-reflective coatings on their walls. The methods provide for selectively coating the walls of the zero mode waveguides, allowing for selective functionalization of the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Gray, Ronald L. Cicero, Annette Grot
  • Patent number: 9356025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing MOSFET performance with the corner stresses of STI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Huilong Zhu, Zhijiong Luo, Haizhou Yin
  • Patent number: 9299956
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming leak-free coatings on polymeric or other surfaces that provide optical functions or protect underlying layers from exposure to oxygen and water vapor and do not crack or peel in outdoor environments. This method may include both cleaning and surface modification steps preceding coating. The combined method greatly reduces defects in any barrier layer and provides weatherability of coatings. Specific commercial applications that benefit from this include manufacturing of photovoltaic devices or organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices including lighting and displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Aixtron, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Savas, Allan Wiesnoski, Hood Chatham, Carl Galewski
  • Patent number: 9252052
    Abstract: A shallow trench is formed to extend into a handle substrate of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) layer. A dielectric liner stack of a dielectric metal oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer is formed in the shallow trench, followed by deposition of a shallow trench isolation fill portion. The dielectric liner stack is removed from above a top surface of a top semiconductor portion, followed by removal of a silicon nitride pad layer and an upper vertical portion of the dielectric metal oxide layer. A divot laterally surrounding a stack of a top semiconductor portion and a buried insulator portion is filled with a silicon nitride portion. Gate structures and source/drain structures are subsequently formed. The silicon nitride portion or the dielectric metal oxide layer functions as a stopping layer during formation of source/drain contact via holes, thereby preventing electrical shorts between source/drain contact via structures and the handle substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, STMicroelectronics, Inc., COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Bruce B. Doris, Shom Ponoth, Prasanna Khare, Qing Liu, Nicolas Loubet, Maud Vinet
  • Patent number: 9240458
    Abstract: Provided is a fabricating method of a nonvolatile memory. The fabricating method includes forming a plurality of gates extending in a first direction on a substrate to be adjacent to each other, forming a gap-fill layer filling at least a portion of a space between the plurality of gates, forming a supporter pattern supporting the plurality of gates on the plurality of gates and the gap-fill layer, and forming an air gap in the space between the plurality of gates by removing the gap-fill layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Seok Na, Ji-Hwon Lee, Joong-Shik Shin, Chang-Sun Lee
  • Patent number: 9209243
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure and a method of forming the same. A trench is formed in a substrate. A silicon oxide and a silicon liner layer are formed on sidewalls and a bottom surface of the trench. A flowable silicon oxide material fills in the trench, is cured, and then is partially removed. Another silicon oxide is deposited in the trench to fill the trench. The STI structure in a fabricated device includes a bottom portion having silicon oxide and a top portion having additionally a silicon oxide liner and a silicon liner on the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Yi Chuang, Ta-Hsiang Kung, Hsing-Jui Lee, Ming-Te Chen
  • Patent number: 9196728
    Abstract: An integrated circuit on a rotated substrate with an LDMOS transistor. A method of enhancing the CHC performance of an LDMOS transistor by growing a second STI liner oxide. A method of enhancing the CHC performance of an LDMOS transistor building the LDMOS transistor on a rotated substrate and growing a second STI liner oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Seetharaman Sridhar
  • Patent number: 9184089
    Abstract: Embodiments of a mechanism for forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure filled with a flowable dielectric layer are provided. The mechanism involves using one or more low-temperature thermal anneal processes with oxygen sources and one or more microwave anneals to convert a flowable dielectric material to silicon oxide. The low-temperature thermal anneal processes with oxygen sources and the microwave anneals are performed at temperatures below the ranges that could cause significant dopant diffusion, which help dopant profile control for advanced manufacturing technologies. In some embodiments, an implant to generate passages in the upper portion of the flowable dielectric layer is also used in the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung Tsai, Tsan-Chun Wang
  • Patent number: 9159604
    Abstract: A method includes forming a recess in a substrate and filling a dielectric layer in the recess. The method further includes forming a capping layer over the substrate and the dielectric layer. A top portion of the capping layer is then removed, while leaving a bottom portion of the capping layer over the dielectric layer. A gate structure is then formed over the remaining capping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Lien Huang
  • Patent number: 9147596
    Abstract: A method for forming shallow trench isolation (STI) structures includes using a hard mask, such as silicon nitride, in shallow trench etching and also as a polishing stop layer in planarizing the dielectric that fills the trenches. After the shallow trench is filled with the dielectric material and planarized, a top portion of the hard mask is removed, resulting in a top portion of the filled dielectric material to protrude above the remaining hard mask. The protruding dielectric is then treated in an oxygen plasma and annealed at a high temperature to form a densified oxide cap layer. The densified oxide layer can provide greater resistance to corrosion and can protect the shallow trench isolation structure during subsequent wet processing, such as DHF clean. Variations in the STI structures can be reduced and device performance improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: Hao Deng
  • Patent number: 9142422
    Abstract: Methods of facilitating fabrication of defect-free semiconductor structures are provided which include, for instance: providing a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer comprising at least one consumable material; selectively removing a portion of the dielectric layer, wherein the selectively removing consumes, in part, a remaining portion of the at least one consumable material, leaving, within the remaining portion of the dielectric layer, a depleted region; and subjecting the depleted region of the dielectric layer to a treatment process, to restore the depleted region with at least one replacement consumable material, thereby facilitating fabrication of a defect-free semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC
    Inventors: Hung-Wei Liu, Zhiguo Sun, Huang Liu, Jin Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 9142443
    Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device having improved reliability at an improved production yield. After forming an insulating film on the main surface of a semiconductor substrate as an oxide film, form a silicon nitride film on the insulating film. Then, form an element isolating trench by plasma dry etching, form an insulating film made of silicon oxide so as to fill the trench by using HDP-CVD, and remove the insulating film outside the trench by CMP, while leaving the insulating film in the trench. Then, remove the silicon nitride film, followed by removal of the insulating film by wet etching to expose the semiconductor substrate. At this time, the insulating film is wet etched while applying light of 140 lux or greater to the main surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9040337
    Abstract: Provided are a stretchable electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. The manufacturing method includes forming coil interconnection on a first substrate, forming a first stretchable insulating layer that covers the coil interconnection, forming a second substrate on the first stretchable insulating layer, separating the first substrate from the coiling interconnection and the first stretchable insulating layer, and forming a transistor on the coil interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chan Woo Park, Jae Bon Koo, Sang Chul Lim, Ji-Young Oh, Soon-Won Jung
  • Publication number: 20150118823
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the disclosure concerns a method of forming a stressed semiconductor layer involving: forming, in a surface of a semiconductor structure having a semiconductor layer in contact with an insulator layer, at least two first trenches in a first direction; introducing, via the at least two first trenches, a stress in the semiconductor layer and temporally decreasing, by annealing, the viscosity of the insulator layer; and extending the depth of the at least two first trenches to form first isolation trenches in the first direction delimiting a first dimension of at least one transistor to be formed in the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Olivier Nier, Denis Rideau, Pierre Morin, Emmanuel Josse
  • Publication number: 20150115396
    Abstract: A method for forming an insulation structure in a semiconductor body includes forming a trench extending from a first surface into a semiconductor body, the trench having a first width in a horizontal direction of the semiconductor body, and forming a void spaced apart from the first surface in a vertical direction of the semiconductor body, the void having a second width in a horizontal direction that is greater than the first width, wherein the trench and the void are arranged adjacent to each other in a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Marko Lemke, Rolf Weis, Ralf Rudolf
  • Publication number: 20150118824
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention concerns a method of forming a semiconductor layer having uniaxial stress including: forming, in a surface of a semiconductor structure having a stressed semiconductor layer and an insulator layer, at least two first trenches in a first direction delimiting a first dimension of at least one first transistor to be formed in the semiconductor structure; performing a first anneal to decrease the viscosity of the insulating layer; and forming, in the surface after the first anneal, at least two second trenches in a second direction delimiting a second dimension of the at least one transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Denis Rideau, Emmanuel Josse, Olivier Nier
  • Patent number: 9018076
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes: memory cells including a transistor and a capacitor; bit lines; word lines; and sense amplifiers including first and second sense amplifiers, wherein the memory cells includes: a first memory cell group sharing a first auxiliary word line; and a second memory cell group sharing a second auxiliary word line, wherein the word lines includes a first word line coupled to the first auxiliary word line and a second word line coupled to the second auxiliary word line, the first word line is coupled to the first auxiliary word line in a first word line contact region, the second word line is coupled to the second auxiliary word line in a second word line contact region, the bit lines includes first and second bit lines coupled to the first sense amplifier on both sides of the first word line contact region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ogawa, Akihisa Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9018075
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma processing method in which sideetching and microloading can be suppressed in a plasma processing method of forming trenches with a mask having a minimum opening width of 20 nm or less. The plasma processing method of the present invention is characterized by including the steps of forming trenches by plasma etching, forming a nitride film on sidewalls of trenches using plasma, and forming an oxide film on sidewalls and bottom surfaces of the trenches using plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Ito, Hiroaki Ishimura, Akito Kouchi, Hayato Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20150108601
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an oxide film structure having different thicknesses depending on where the oxide film structure is formed. In the semiconductor device, a wall oxide film is formed to have different thicknesses depending on locations of sidewalls of an active region. The semiconductor device includes an active region, a first wall oxide film disposed over a first sidewall of the active region that extends along a first direction of the active region, the first wall oxide film having a first thickness, and a second wall oxide film disposed over a second sidewall of the active region that extends along a second direction of the active region, a second wall oxide film having a second thickness that is different from the first thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Se In KWON