Specified Configuration Of Electrode Or Contact Patents (Class 438/666)
  • Patent number: 12165923
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, underlying structures comprising gate electrodes and source/drain epitaxial layers are formed, one or more layers are formed over the underlying structures, a hard mask layer is formed over the one or more layers, a groove pattern is formed in the hard mask layer, one or more first resist layers are formed over the hard mask layer having the groove pattern, a first photo resist pattern is formed over the one or more first resist layers, the one or more first resist layers are patterned by using the first photo resist pattern as an etching mask, thereby forming a first hard mask pattern, and the hard mask layer with the groove pattern are patterned by using the first hard mask pattern, thereby forming a second hard mask pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chuan-Hui Lu, Ming-Feng Shieh, Ming-Jhih Kuo, Ming-Wen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 12133385
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device and a fabricating method for forming the same are disclosed. The 3D memory device can include an alternating conductor/dielectric layer stack disposed on a substrate, a first staircase structure and a second staircase structure formed in the alternating conductor/dielectric layer stack, a staircase bridge extending in a first direction and electrically connecting the first staircase structure and the second staircase structure, and a first bottom select gate segment covered or partially covered by the staircase bridge. The first bottom select gate segment can include an extended portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Guo, Qiang Tang
  • Patent number: 12125775
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor package including a semiconductor chip having a first surface adjacent to an active layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a conductive stud disposed on the first surface of the semiconductor chip and connected to the active layer; an adhesive layer disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor chip; a conductive post disposed outside the semiconductor chip; a first redistribution structure, which is on the first surface of the semiconductor chip and includes a first redistribution insulation layer supporting the conductive stud and the conductive post; a second redistribution structure, which is on the second surface of the semiconductor chip and includes a second redistribution insulation layer disposed on the adhesive layer; and a first molding layer disposed on the first redistribution structure and surrounding the semiconductor chip, the adhesive layer, the conductive stud, and the conductive post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignees: NEPES CO., LTD., NEPES LAWEH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Byung Cheol Kim, Yong Tae Kwon, Hyo Gi Jo, Dong Hoon Oh, Jae Cheon Lee, Hyung Jin Shin, Mary Maye Melgo Galimba
  • Patent number: 12119306
    Abstract: A semiconductor package including a redistribution substrate including an insulating layer and redistribution patterns in the insulating layer may be provided. Each of the redistribution patterns may include a via portion, a pad portion vertically overlapping the via portion, and a line portion extending from the pad portion. The via portion, the pad portion, and the line portion may be connected to each other to form a single object. A level of a bottom surface of the pad portion may be lower than a level of a bottom surface of the line portion. A width of the line portion may have a largest value at a level between a top surface of the line portion and the bottom surface of the line portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju-Il Choi, Gyuho Kang, Un-Byoung Kang, Byeongchan Kim, Junyoung Park, Jongho Lee, Hyunsu Hwang
  • Patent number: 12112939
    Abstract: A cleaning process for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor structure is provided, in which residue layer is formed on the surface of the semiconductor structure. The cleaning process includes providing a first reaction gas and a second reaction gas to the surface of the semiconductor structure, in which the first reaction gas reacts with the second reaction gas to remove the residue layer while forming a protection layer on the surface of the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Zhaopei Cui, Bingyu Zhu
  • Patent number: 12087616
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of non-insulator structures on a substrate, the plurality of non-insulator structures being spaced apart by trenches, forming a sacrificial layer overfilling the trenches, reflowing the sacrificial layer at an elevated temperature, wherein a top surface of the sacrificial layer after the reflowing is lower than a top surface of the sacrificial layer before the reflowing, etching back the sacrificial layer to lower the top surface of the sacrificial layer to fall below top surfaces of the plurality of non-insulator structures, forming a dielectric layer on the sacrificial layer, and removing the sacrificial layer to form air gaps below the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Chih Ho, Yu-Chung Su, Ching-Yu Chang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 12087617
    Abstract: The present application relates to a formation method for an air spacer layer and a semiconductor structure. The formation method for an air spacer layer includes: forming a first structure on a substrate and forming a second structure on the substrate, the second structure being located on a side surface of the first structure, a first trench being formed between the second structure and the first structure, and the second structure being exposed in the first trench; and growing, by an epitaxial growth process, an epitaxial layer on the second structure exposed in the first trench, the epitaxial layer not filling up the first trench, and an unfilled portion of the first trench forming the air spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kang You, Jie Bai
  • Patent number: 12074063
    Abstract: A method and structure for forming a semiconductor device includes etching back a source/drain contact to define a substrate topography including a trench disposed between adjacent hard mask layers. A contact etch stop layer (CESL) is deposited along sidewall and bottom surfaces of the trench, and over the adjacent hard mask layers, to provide the CESL having a snake-like pattern disposed over the substrate topography. A contact via opening is formed in a dielectric layer disposed over the CESL, where the contact via opening exposes a portion of the CESL within the trench. The portion of the CESL exposed by the contact via opening is etched to form an enlarged contact via opening and expose the etched back source/drain contact. A metal layer is deposited within the enlarged contact via opening to provide a contact via in contact with the exposed etched back source/drain contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Lin, Chao-Hsun Wang, Chia-Hsien Yao, Fu-Kai Yang, Mei-Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 12062547
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, where the method includes the following operations. A semiconductor stack including a silicon-containing layer, an oxide deposited on a portion of the silicon-containing layer, an underlayer, and a resist layer is formed. The resist layer is patterned to form a first opening in the resist layer. The underlayer is etched to extend the first opening into the underlayer, where a top surface of the oxide is exposed by the first opening. The oxide and the underlayer are etched with a first etchant, where a ratio of etching rates of the oxide and the underlayer is about 1:1. The oxide and the silicon-containing layer are etched with a second etchant to form a second opening below the first opening, where an etching rate of the oxide is higher than that of the silicon-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hsing Ou Yang
  • Patent number: 12057349
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of fabricating a semiconductor structure that includes forming a gate structure over a substrate, forming an interlayer dielectric structure surrounding the gate structures, and forming a first opening in the gate structure and the interlayer dielectric structure. The first opening has a first portion in the gate structure and a second portion in the interlayer dielectric structure, in which the first portion has a width larger than the second portion. The method further includes depositing a dielectric layer in the first opening and forming a second opening over the first opening. The first portion of the opening remains open and the second portion of the opening is filled after depositing the dielectric layer. The second opening in the gate structure has a depth larger than the first opening in the gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yao Wu, Chang-Yun Chang, Ming-Chang Wen
  • Patent number: 12052870
    Abstract: Embodiments of staircase structures of a three-dimensional memory device and fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes a first and a second film stacks, wherein the first film stack is disposed over the second film stack and has M1 number of layers. The second film stack has M2 number of layers. M1 and M2 are whole numbers. The semiconductor structure also includes an upper staircase structure and a lower staircase structure, wherein the upper staircase structure is formed in the first film stack and the lower staircase structure is formed in the second film stack. The upper and lower staircase structures are next to each other with an offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhong Zhang, Wenyu Hua, Bo Huang, Zhiliang Xia
  • Patent number: 12046280
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The semiconductor structure includes a transistor; a first phase change memory structure, a bottom electrode of the first phase change memory structure being electrically connected to a first terminal (source or drain) of the transistor; a second phase change memory structure, a top electrode of the second phase change memory structure being electrically connected to the first terminal of the transistor; a first bit line, electrically connected to a top electrode of the first phase change memory structure; and a second bit line, electrically connected to a bottom electrode of the second phase change memory structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Wang, Dinggui Zeng, Huihui Li, Jiefang Deng
  • Patent number: 12040412
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device including a substrate, multiple first gate structures, and a protective structure. The substrate includes a first region and a second region. The first gate structures are disposed on the substrate in the first region. The protective structure conformally covers a sidewall of one of the first gate structures adjacent to the second region. The protective structure includes a lower portion and an upper portion disposed on the lower portion. The lower portion and the upper portion have different dielectric materials. A method of forming a semiconductor device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Wang, Yao-Ting Tsai, Jian-Ting Chen, Yuan-Huang Wei
  • Patent number: 12040423
    Abstract: A micro-light emitting diode (uLED) device comprises: a mesa comprising: a plurality of semiconductor layers including an n-type layer, an active layer, and a p-type layer; a p-contact layer contacting the p-type layer; a cathode contacting the first sidewall of the n-type layer; a first region of dielectric material that insulates the p-contact layer, the active layer, and a first sidewall of the p-type layer from the cathode; an anode contacting the top surface of the p-contact layer; and a second region of dielectric material that insulates the active layer, a second sidewall of the p-type layer, and the second sidewall of the n-type layer from the anode. The top surface of the p-contact layer has a different planar orientation compared to the first and second sidewalls of the n-type layer. Methods of making and using the uLED devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Yeow Meng Teo, Wee-Hong Ng, Pei-Chee Mah, Chee Chung James Wong, Geok Joo Soh
  • Patent number: 12009266
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein are directed to a method for mitigating the fringing capacitances generated by patterned gate structures. The method includes forming a gate structure on fin structures disposed on a substrate; forming an opening in the gate structure to divide the gate structure into a first section and a second section, where the first and second sections are spaced apart by the opening. The method also includes forming a fill structure in the opening, where forming the fill structure includes depositing a silicon nitride liner in the opening to cover sidewall surfaces of the opening and depositing silicon oxide on the silicon nitride liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keng-Yao Chen, Chang-Yun Chang, Ming-Chang Wen
  • Patent number: 11916028
    Abstract: A package structure and a method of forming the same are provided. The package structure includes a die, an encapsulant and a RDL structure, the encapsulant encapsulate sidewalls of the die. The RDL structure is disposed on the die and the encapsulant. The RDL structure includes a first dielectric structure and a first redistribution layer. The first dielectric structure includes a first dielectric material layer and a second dielectric material layer on the first dielectric material layer. The first redistribution layer is embedded in the first dielectric structure and electrically connected to the die, the redistribution layer comprises a first seed layer and a first conductive layer disposed on the first seed layer. A topmost surface of the first seed layer and a topmost surface of the first conductive layer are substantially level with a top surface of the second dielectric material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Chun-Hui Yu, Kuo-Chung Yee
  • Patent number: 11901422
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a source/drain region in a fin-type active pattern, a gate structure adjacent to the source/drain region, and an insulating layer on the source/drain region and the gate structure. A shared contact plug penetrates through the insulating layer and includes a first lower portion connected to the source/drain region, a second lower portion connected to the gate structure, and an upper portion connected to upper surfaces of the first lower portion and the second lower portion. A plug spacer film is between the insulating layer and at least one of the first lower portion and the second lower portion and includes a material different from a material of the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deok Han Bae, Hyung Jong Lee, Hyun Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 11888068
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a pillar of semiconductor material. The pillar has a base region, and bifurcates into two segments which extend upwardly from the base region. The two segments are horizontally spaced from one another by an intervening region. A conductive gate is within the intervening region. A first source/drain region is within the base region, a second source/drain region is within the segments, and a channel region is within the segments. The channel region is adjacent to the conductive gate and is vertically disposed between the first and second source/drain regions. Some embodiments include methods of forming integrated assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonino Rigano, Marcello Mariani
  • Patent number: 11854883
    Abstract: A method for forming an interconnect structure is provided. The method for forming the interconnect structure includes forming a first dielectric layer over a substrate, forming a first conductive feature through the first dielectric layer, etching the first conductive feature to form a recess over the first conductive feature, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and filling the recess, etching the second dielectric layer to form an opening exposing an upper surface of the first conductive feature, and forming a second conductive feature in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Han Lin, Che-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 11842924
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a substrate. A first conductive wire is within a first dielectric layer that is over the substrate. A first etch-stop layer is over the first dielectric layer. A second etch-stop layer is over the first etch-stop layer. A conductive via is within a second dielectric layer that is over the second etch-stop layer. The conductive via extends through the second etch-stop layer and along the first etch-stop layer to the first conductive wire. A first lower surface of the second etch-stop layer is on a top surface of the first etch-stop layer. A second lower surface of the second etch-stop layer is on a top surface of the first conductive wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chih Wei Lu, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11837544
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming liner-free or barrier-free conductive structures. The method includes depositing an etch stop layer on a cobalt contact disposed on a substrate, depositing a dielectric on the etch stop layer, etching the dielectric and the etch stop layer to form an opening that exposes a top surface of the cobalt contact, and etching the exposed top surface of the cobalt contact to form a recess in the cobalt contact extending laterally under the etch stop layer. The method further includes depositing a ruthenium metal to substantially fill the recess and the opening, and annealing the ruthenium metal to form an oxide layer between the ruthenium metal and the dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsu-Kai Chang, Keng-Chu Lin, Sung-Li Wang, Shuen-Shin Liang, Chia-Hung Chu
  • Patent number: 11798892
    Abstract: Integrated circuit (IC) packages having a through-via interposer with an embedded die, as well as related structures, devices, and methods, are disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, an IC package may include a through-via interposer with an embedded die, the through-via connections having front to back conductivity. In some embodiments, a die may be disposed on the back side of an IC package having a through-via interposer with an embedded die and may be electrically coupled to the embedded die. In some embodiments, a second IC package in a package-on-package (PoP) arrangement may be disposed on the back side of an IC package having a through-via interposer with an embedded die and may be electrically coupled to the conductive vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Guzek
  • Patent number: 11744084
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure, a source region, a drain region, an interconnect structure, a memory cell and a conductive via. The semiconductor substrate has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The gate structure is disposed over the first side of the semiconductor substrate. The source region and the drain region are disposed in the semiconductor substrate aside the gate structure. The interconnect structure is disposed over the first side of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the source region. The memory cell is disposed over the second side of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the drain region. The conductive via is disposed in the semiconductor substrate between the drain region and the memory cell and electrically connects the drain region and the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ku Shen, Liang-Wei Wang, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 11728211
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure, along with methods of forming such, are described. The semiconductor device structure includes a device, a first conductive structure disposed over the device, and the first conductive structure includes a first sidewall having a first portion and a second portion. The semiconductor device structure further includes a first spacer layer disposed on the first portion, a second conductive structure disposed adjacent the first conductive structure, and the second conductive structure includes a second sidewall having a third portion and a fourth portion. The semiconductor device structure further includes a second spacer layer disposed on the third portion, and an air gap is formed between the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure. The second portion, the first spacer layer, the fourth portion, and the second spacer layer are exposed to the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Lin-Yu Huang, Li-Zhen Yu, Chia-Hao Chang, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11651964
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a forming method thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jisong Jin
  • Patent number: 11631664
    Abstract: A resistor-transistor-logic (RTL) circuit with GaN structure, including a GaN layer, a AlGaN barrier layer on the GaN layer, multiple p-type doped GaN capping layers on the AlGaN barrier layer, wherein parts of the p-type doped GaN capping layers in a high-voltage region and in a low-voltage region convert the underlying GaN layer into gate depletion areas, the GaN layer not covered by the p-type doped GaN capping layers in a resistor region becomes a 2DEG resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsing Lee, Sheng-Yuan Hsueh, Chien-Liang Wu, Te-Wei Yeh, Yi-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 11605597
    Abstract: A semiconductor package structure and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor package structure are provided. The semiconductor package structure includes a first passivation layer, a first metal layer and a first semiconductor die. The first metal layer is embedded in the first passivation layer. The first metal layer defines a first through-hole. The first semiconductor die is disposed on the first passivation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Hsu-Nan Fang, Chun-Jun Zhuang
  • Patent number: 11587828
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device and a method for forming a semiconductor device with a graphene conductive structure. The semiconductor device includes a first gate structure disposed over a semiconductor substrate, and a first source/drain region disposed in the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the first gate structure. The semiconductor device also includes a first silicide layer disposed in the semiconductor substrate and over the first source/drain region, and a graphene conductive structure disposed over the first silicide layer. The semiconductor device further includes a first dielectric layer covering the first gate structure, and a second dielectric layer disposed over the first dielectric layer. The graphene conductive structure is surrounded by the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ching-Cheng Chuang
  • Patent number: 11502035
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first metal feature in a first dielectric layer over a substrate, wherein a sidewall portion of the first dielectric layer is over a top surface of the first metal feature, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and a second metal feature extending through the second dielectric layer, wherein a bottom of a first portion of the second metal feature is in contact with the top surface of the first metal feature and a bottom of a second portion of the second metal feature is in contact with the sidewall portion of the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Su-Jen Sung
  • Patent number: 11482453
    Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using a thermally decomposable layer, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and the semiconductor device. The method includes forming an etch target layer on a substrate, forming thermally decomposable patterns spaced apart from each other on the etch target layer, forming a first mask pattern covering at least sidewalls of the thermally decomposable patterns, and removing the thermally decomposable patterns by a heating method to expose a sidewall of the first mask pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Heon Lee, Munjun Kim, Jaekang Koh, Tae-Jong Han
  • Patent number: 11469170
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an active region, an isolation structure, a first metal line, gate structure, source/drain region, a source/drain contact, and a second metal line. The active region protrudes from a top surface of the substrate. The isolation structure is over the substrate and laterally surrounds the active region. The first metal line is in the isolation structure. The gate structure is over the active region. The source/drain region is in the active region. The source/drain contact is over the active region and is electrically connected to the source/drain region. The second metal line is over the gate structure and the source/drain contact, in which the second metal line vertically overlaps the first metal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITED, TSMC CHINA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhang-Ying Yan, Xin-Yong Wang
  • Patent number: 11456208
    Abstract: A method of forming an apparatus includes forming pillar structures extending vertically through a first isolation material, forming conductive lines operatively coupled to the pillar structures, forming dielectric structures overlying the conductive lines, and forming air gaps between neighboring conductive lines. The air gaps are laterally adjacent to the conductive lines with a portion of the air gaps extending above a plane of an upper surface of the laterally adjacent conductive lines and a portion of the air gaps extending below a plane of a lower surface of the laterally adjacent conductive lines. Apparatuses, memory devices, methods of forming a memory device, and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidhartha Gupta, David Ross Economy, Richard J. Hill, Kyle A. Ritter, Naveen Kaushik
  • Patent number: 11450601
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an assembly having a memory stack which includes dielectric levels and conductive levels. A select gate structure is over the memory stack. A trench extends through the select gate structure. The trench has a first side and an opposing second side, along a cross-section. The trench splits the select gate structure into a first select gate configuration and a second select gate configuration. A void is within the trench and is laterally between the first and second select gate configurations. Channel material pillars extend through the memory stack. Memory cells are along the channel material pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, George Matamis
  • Patent number: 11437403
    Abstract: Provided is a storage device according to an embodiment including: a stacked body including gate electrode layers stacked in a first direction; a semiconductor layer provided in the stacked body and extending in the first direction; and a gate insulating film provided between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode layer, the gate insulating film having a first region disposed between the gate electrode layer and the semiconductor layer and a second region disposed between the two first regions adjacent to each other in the first direction, the gate insulating film containing a hafnium oxide, in which a first thickness of the first region in the second direction from the semiconductor layer toward the gate electrode layer is smaller than a second thickness of the second region in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Keiko Sakuma, Akio Kaneko, Hidenori Miyagawa, Yuuichi Kamimuta
  • Patent number: 11404273
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure and a forming method thereof. One form of a forming method includes: providing a base; forming a plurality of discrete mandrel layers on the base, where an extending direction of the mandrel layers is a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction; forming a plurality of spacer layers covering side walls of the mandrel layers; forming a pattern transfer layer on the base, where the pattern transfer layer covers side walls of the spacer layers; forming a first trench in the pattern transfer layer between adjacent spacer layers in the second direction; removing a mandrel layer to form a second trench after the first trench is formed; and etching the base along the first trench and the second trench to form a target pattern by using the pattern transfer layer and the spacer layer as a mask. In the present disclosure, the accuracy of the pattern transfer is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignees: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhu Chen, He Zuopeng, Yang Ming, Yao Dalin, Bei Duohui
  • Patent number: 11380582
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the following steps: forming a lining layer on a substrate and a plurality of gate structures; forming a first spacer layer on the lining layer; forming a stop layer on the first spacer layer; forming a first sacrificial layer on the stop layer and between the gate structures; removing a portion of the first sacrificial layer so that the top surface of the first sacrificial layer is located between the upper portions of the gate structures; forming a second spacer layer on the first sacrificial layer and the gate structures; and removing a portion of the second spacer layer so that the remaining second spacer layer is located between the upper portions of the gate structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: Che-Fu Chuang
  • Patent number: 11325348
    Abstract: A method for producing a carbon nanotube-metal composite in which carbon nanotubes are layered on a metal substrate, the method comprising: (i) depositing a liquid, in which carbon nanotubes are suspended, onto said metal substrate; (ii) during or after step (i), subjecting said liquid to a shearing force sufficient to spatially confine the liquid to induce at least partial alignment of said carbon nanotubes on said metal substrate; and (iii) removing said liquid to produce said carbon nanotube-metal composite; wherein, after step (iii), the lengthwise dimensions of said carbon nanotubes are adhered to and oriented parallel with said metal surface, and said carbon nanotubes are at least partially aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the liquid is deposited in the form of droplets, and the droplets are subjected to a shearing force to cause them to elongate, which induces at least partial alignment of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Tolga Aytug, Ilia N. Ivanov, Mina Yoon, Xiangtao Meng, Soydan Ozcan
  • Patent number: 11289363
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: providing a substrate, forming a first opening, forming a first insulating layer, forming a second opening, embedding a conductive layer, forming a protective layer, and performing CMP. The substrate includes a semiconductor substrate and a semiconducting layer. The conductive layer is embedded in the second opening so that a gap along a thickness direction of the semiconducting layer is formed. The protective layer is formed in the second opening on at least a portion of a surfaces of the conductive layer. In the CMP step, a portion of the conductive layers formed outside the second opening is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeo Tokumitsu, Yoshiki Maruyama, Satoshi Iida
  • Patent number: 11225712
    Abstract: A method for depositing tungsten includes arranging a substrate including a titanium nitride layer in a substrate processing chamber and performing multi-stage atomic layer deposition of tungsten on the substrate using a precursor gas includes tungsten chloride (WCIx) gas, wherein x is an integer. The performing includes depositing the tungsten during a first ALD stage using a first dose intensity of the precursor gas, and depositing the tungsten during a second ALD stage using a second dose intensity of the precursor gas. The first dose intensity is based on a first dose concentration and a first dose period. The second dose intensity is based on a second dose concentration and a second dose period. The second dose intensity is 1.5 to 10 times the first dose intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua Collins, Siew Neo, Hanna Bamnolker, Kapil Umesh Sawlani
  • Patent number: 11222915
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a method of forming an integrated chip. The method may be performed by forming a plurality of interconnect layers within a dielectric structure over an upper surface of a substrate. A passivation structure is formed over the dielectric structure. The passivation structure has sidewalls and a horizontally extending surface defining has a recess within an upper surface of the passivation structure. A bond pad is formed having a lower surface overlying the horizontally extending surface and one or more protrusions extending outward from the lower surface. The one or more protrusions extend through one or more openings within the horizontally extending surface to contact a first one of the plurality of interconnect layers. An upper passivation layer is deposited on sidewalls and an upper surface of the bond pad and on sidewalls and the upper surface of the passivation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Chun Hsu, Ching-Chun Wang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Shyh-Fann Ting
  • Patent number: 11205700
    Abstract: A method of forming an air-gap spacer in a semiconductor device includes providing a device including a gate stack, a plurality of spacer layers disposed on a sidewall of the gate stack, and a source/drain feature adjacent to the gate stack. In some embodiments, a first spacer layer of the plurality of spacer layers is removed to form an air gap on the sidewall of the gate stack. In various examples, a first sealing layer is then deposited over a top portion of the air gap to form a sealed air gap, and a second sealing layer is deposited over the first sealing layer. Thereafter, a first self-aligned contact (SAC) layer is etched from over the source/drain feature using a first etching process. In various embodiments, the first etching process selectively etches the first SAC layer while the first and second sealing layers remain unetched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan Syun David Yang, Li-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 11133178
    Abstract: Methods for filling a substrate feature with a seamless dielectric gap fill are described. Methods comprise sequentially depositing a film with a seam, etching the the film to form a recess, and depositing a second film in the recess to form a seamless gap fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Mihaela Balseanu, Ning Li
  • Patent number: 10964648
    Abstract: Various methods and structures for fabricating a semiconductor chip structure comprising a chip identification “fingerprint” layer. A semiconductor chip structure includes a substrate and a chip identification layer disposed on the substrate, the chip identification layer comprising random patterns of electrically conductive material in trenches formed in a semiconductor layer. The chip identification layer is sandwiched between two layers of electrodes that have a crossbar structure. A first crossbar in the crossbar structure is located on a first side of the chip identification layer and includes a first set of electrical contacts in a first grid pattern contacting the first side of the chip identification layer. A second crossbar in the crossbar structure is located on a second side of the chip identification layer and includes a second set of electrical contacts in a second grid pattern contacting the second side of the chip identification layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Shawn P. Fetterolf, Chi-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 10879112
    Abstract: A method of forming a via and a wiring structure formed are disclosed. The method may include forming a conductive line in a first dielectric layer; forming a hard mask adjacent to the conductive line after the conductive line forming; forming a second dielectric layer over the hard mask; and forming a via opening to the conductive line in the second dielectric layer. The via opening lands at least partially on the hard mask to self-align the via opening to the conductive line. A via may be formed by filling the via opening with a conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak
  • Patent number: 10833119
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit having a bond pad with a relatively flat surface topography that mitigates damage to underlying layers. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit has a plurality of metal interconnect layers within a dielectric structure over a substrate. A passivation structure is arranged over the dielectric structure. The passivation structure has a recess with sidewalls connecting a horizontal surface of the passivation structure to an upper surface of the passivation structure. A bond pad is arranged within the recess and has a lower surface overlying the horizontal surface. One or more protrusions extend outward from the lower surface through openings in the passivation structure to contact one of the metal interconnect layers. Arranging the bond pad within the recess and over the passivation structure mitigates stress to underlying layers during bonding without negatively impacting an efficiency of an image sensing element within the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Chun Hsu, Ching-Chun Wang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Shyh-Fann Ting
  • Patent number: 10761388
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, it is provided a display panel and a display. The space between the third wire and the gate line of the display panel is greater than the original thickness of the first insulating layer. Since the capacitance is inversely proportional to the space and the signal delay time is proportional to the capacitance, the signal delay time of the display panel can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: HKC CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Zhongnian Liu
  • Patent number: 10714568
    Abstract: A method for producing a planar free surface comprising embedded, contactable nanostructures includes arranging at least one nanostructure on a surface of an initial substrate; applying a first layer to the surface of the initial substrate, wherein the first layer embeds the at least one nanostructure; applying a target substrate to the first layer; and separating the initial substrate from the first layer such that the at least one nanostructure embedded in the first layer has a planar free surface. An additional layer is applied to the surface of the initial substrate before the at least one nanostructure is applied to the initial substrate, and in that the initial substrate is removed from the first layer using a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FORSCHUNGZENTRUM JUELICH GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Heedt, Julian Gerharz, Thomas Schaepers, Detlev Gruetzmacher
  • Patent number: 10522511
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a package substrate, a first semiconductor chip on the package substrate, an encapsulant layer covering the first semiconductor chip, bar patterns disposed within the package substrate, each bar pattern having a first end and a second end. An encapsulant layer formed to cover at least the bar patterns and the first semiconductor chip, wherein the semiconductor package having the encapsulant layer has a side surface with exposing one or more second ends of the bar patterns, wherein the bar patterns having different lengths are positioned substantially along a predetermined direction with respect to the first semiconductor chip such that the one or more second ends of the bar patterns exposed through the side surface of the semiconductor package indicate a distance between the side surface and the first semiconductor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Moon Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10490624
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing colloidal nanosheet, by lateral growth, on an initial colloidal nanocrystal, of a crystalline semiconductor material represented by the formula MnXy, where M is a transition metal and X a chalcogen. The process includes the following steps: The preparation of a first organic solution, non or barely coordinating used as a synthesis solvent and including at least one initial colloidal nanocrystal; The preparation of a second organic solution including precursors of M and X, and including an acetate salt. And the slow introduction over a predetermined time scale of a predetermined amount of the second solution in a predetermined amount of the first solution, at a predetermined temperature for the growth of nanosheets. The use of the obtained material is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: NEXDOT
    Inventors: Benoit Mahler, Sandrine Ithurria
  • Patent number: 10422746
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes patterning one or more fin structures disposed over a top surface of a substrate, a given one of the fin structures comprising a first semiconductor layer comprising a first material disposed over the top surface of the substrate and a second semiconductor layer comprising a second material disposed over a top surface of the first semiconductor layer. The method further includes forming a liner over the one or more fin structures, and performing an anneal process to form one or more nanoscale features in a top surface of the second semiconductor layer. The second material exhibits enhanced diffusion, relative to the first material, at an interface of the liner and sidewalls of the given fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Juntao Li, Kangguo Cheng, Qing Cao