Abstract: Embodiments of a three-dimensional (3D) memory device are provided. The 3D memory device includes a stack structure over a substrate. The stack structure includes a plurality of conductor layers insulated from one another by a gate-to-gate dielectric structure. The gate-to-gate dielectric structure includes a gate-to-gate dielectric layer between adjacent conductor layers along a vertical direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate. The 3D memory device also includes a channel structure extending in the stack structure. The channel structure includes a memory layer that protrudes towards the gate-to-gate dielectric layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices having a shielding layer and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a peripheral device disposed on the substrate, a plurality of memory strings each extending vertically above the peripheral device, a semiconductor layer disposed above and in contact with the plurality of memory strings, and a shielding layer disposed between the peripheral device and the plurality of memory strings. The shielding layer includes a conduction region configured to receive a grounding voltage during operation of the 3D memory device.

Abstract: A method for forming a gate structure of a 3D memory device is provided. The method comprises: forming multiple hybrid shallow trench isolation structures in a substrate; forming an alternating dielectric stack on the substrate, the alternating dielectric stack including multiple dielectric layer pairs each comprising a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer different from the first dielectric layer; forming multiple channel structures in the alternating dielectric stack; forming a slit penetrating vertically through the alternating dielectric stack and extending in a horizontal direction to divide the multiple channel structures and to expose a row of hybrid shallow trench isolation structures; replacing the second dielectric layers in the alternating dielectric stack with multiple gate structures through the slit; forming a spacer wall to fill the slit; and forming multiple array common source contacts each in electric contact with a corresponding hybrid shallow trench isolation structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a gate structure of a 3D memory device is provided. The method comprises: forming a plurality of hybrid shallow trench isolation structures in a substrate, each hybrid shallow trench isolation structure comprising a dielectric sublayer and a conductive sublayer, both of which are embedded in the substrate; forming an alternating dielectric stack on the substrate; forming a slit penetrating vertically through the alternating dielectric stack and extending in a horizontal direction to expose a row of hybrid shallow trench isolation structures; forming a plurality of array common source contacts in the slit, each array common source contact being in electric contact with a corresponding hybrid shallow trench isolation structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional memory device architectures and fabrication methods therefor are disclosed. In an example, the memory device includes a substrate and one or more peripheral devices on the substrate. The memory device also includes one or more interconnect layers and a semiconductor layer disposed over the one or more interconnect layers. A layer stack having alternating conductor and insulator layers is disposed above the semiconductor layer. A plurality of structures extend vertically through the layer stack. A first set of conductive lines are electrically coupled with a first set of the plurality of structures and a second set of conductive lines are electrically coupled with a second set of the plurality of structures different from the first set. The first and second sets of conductive lines are vertically distanced from opposite ends of the plurality of structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a first single-crystal silicon layer above the substrate, a first memory stack above the first single-crystal silicon layer, a first channel structure extending vertically through the first memory stack, and a first interconnect layer above the first memory stack. The first memory stack includes a first plurality of interleaved conductor layers and dielectric layers. The first channel structure includes a first lower plug extending into the first single-crystal silicon layer and including single-crystal silicon. The first interconnect layer includes a first bit line electrically connected to the first channel structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for forming a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes the following operations. First, a channel hole is formed in a stack structure of a plurality first layers and a plurality of second layers alternatingly arranged over a substrate. A semiconductor channel is formed by filling the channel hole with a channel-forming structure. The plurality of first layers is removed. A plurality of conductor layers is formed from the plurality of second layers. Further, a gate-to-gate dielectric layer is formed between the adjacent conductor layers, the gate-to-gate dielectric layer including at least one sub-layer of silicon oxynitride.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a memory device, a plurality of first insulating layers and a bottom select gate (BSG) layer are formed over a substrate, where the first insulating layers are disposed between the substrate and the BSG layer. One or more first dielectric trenches are formed to pass through the BSG layer and the first insulating layers, and extend in a length direction of the substrate. A plurality of word line layers and a plurality of second insulating layers are formed over the BSG layer, where the second insulating layers are disposed between the BSG layer and the word line layers. One or more common source regions are formed over the substrate to extend in the length direction of the substrate, and further extend through the BSG layer, the first insulating layers, the word line layers, and the second insulating layers.

Abstract: A memory device includes a stack of alternating word line layers and insulating layers over a substrate. The word line layers includes a bottom select gate (BSG) positioned over the substrate. The memory device includes first dielectric trenches that are formed in the BSG of the word line layers and extend in the length direction of the substrate to separate the BSG into a plurality of sub-BSGs. The memory device also includes a first common source region (CSR) that is formed over the substrate and extends in the length direction of the substrate. The first CRS further extends through the word line layers and the insulating layers in a height direction of the substrate, where the first CSR is arranged between two adjacent first dielectric trenches of the first dielectric trenches.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for forming a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes the following operations. First, an initial channel hole is formed in a stack structure of a plurality first layers and a plurality of second layers alternatingly arranged over a substrate. An offset is formed between a side surface of each one of the plurality of first layers and a side surface of each one of the plurality of second layers on a sidewall of the initial channel hole to form a channel hole. A semiconductor channel is formed by filling the channel hole with a channel-forming structure, the semiconductor channel having a memory layer including a plurality of first memory portions each surrounding a bottom of a respective second layer and a plurality of second memory portions each connecting adjacent first memory portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and fabricating methods thereof are disclosed. The method comprises forming an array device semiconductor structure comprising an alternating conductor/dielectric stack disposed on a semiconductor layer, and an array interconnect layer disposed on the alternating conductor/dielectric stack and including a first interconnect structure. The method further comprises a peripheral device disposed on a substrate, and a peripheral interconnect layer disposed on the peripheral device and including a second interconnect structure and a pad. The pad is electrically connected with the peripheral device through the second interconnect structure. The method further comprises bonding the array interconnect layer to the peripheral interconnect layer, such that the first interconnect structure is joined with the second interconnect structure. The method further comprises forming a pad opening exposing a surface of the pad.

Abstract: A memory device includes a first semiconductor structure and a second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes a first substrate and one or more peripheral devices on the first substrate. The second semiconductor structure includes a first set of conductive lines electrically coupled with a first set of a plurality of vertical structures and a second set of conductive lines electrically coupled with a second set of the plurality of vertical structures different from the first set of the plurality of vertical structures. The first set of conductive lines are vertically distanced from one end of the plurality of vertical structures and the second set of conductive lines are vertically distanced from an opposite end of the plurality of vertical structures.

Abstract: Methods and structures of a three-dimensional memory device are disclosed. In an example, the memory device includes a substrate having one or more first recesses in a first region and one or more second recesses in a second region. A liner layer is disposed over the sidewalls and bottom of the one or more first recesses in the first region and an epitaxially-grown material is formed in the one or more second recesses in the second region. One or more NAND strings are formed over the epitaxially-grown material disposed in the one or more second recesses, and one or more vertical structures are formed over the one or more first recesses in the first region.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a first memory deck above the substrate, a first channel structure, a first inter-deck plug above and in contact with the first channel structure, a second memory deck above the first inter-deck plug, and a second channel structure above and in contact with the first inter-deck plug. The first memory deck includes a first plurality of interleaved conductor layers and dielectric layers. The first channel structure extends vertically through the first memory deck. The first inter-deck plug includes single-crystal silicon. The second memory deck includes a second plurality of interleaved conductor layers and dielectric layers. The second channel structure extends vertically through the second memory deck.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A NAND memory string extending vertically through a dielectric stack including a plurality of interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers above a substrate is formed. A slit opening extending vertically through the interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers of the dielectric stack is formed. A plurality of lateral recesses is formed by removing the sacrificial layers through the slit opening. A plurality of gate-to-gate dielectric layers are formed by oxidizing the dielectric layers through the slit opening and the lateral recesses. A memory stack including a plurality of interleaved gate conductive layers and the gate-to-gate dielectric layers by depositing the gate conductive layers into the lateral recesses through the slit opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for forming three-dimensional (3D) memory devices include the following operations. First, an initial channel hole is formed in a stack structure of a plurality first layers and a plurality of second layers alternatingly arranged over a substrate. An offset is formed between a side surface of each one of the plurality of first layers and a side surface of each one of the plurality of second layers on a sidewall of the initial channel hole to form a channel hole. A semiconductor channel is further formed by filling the channel hole with a channel-forming structure. The semiconductor channel may have a memory layer having a first memory portion surrounding a bottom of each second layer and a second memory portion connecting adjacent first memory portions. The first memory portion and the second memory portion may be staggered along a vertical direction.

Abstract: Methods and structures of a three-dimensional memory device are disclosed. In an example, the memory device includes a substrate having one or more first recesses in a first region and one or more second recesses in a second region. A liner layer is disposed over the sidewalls and bottom of the one or more first recesses in the first region and an epitaxially-grown material is formed in the one or more second recesses in the second region. One or more NAND strings are formed over the epitaxially-grown material disposed in the one or more second recesses, and one or more vertical structures are formed over the one or more first recesses in the first region.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A first semiconductor device is formed on a first substrate. A first single-crystal silicon layer is transferred from a second substrate onto the first semiconductor device on the first substrate. A dielectric stack including interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers is formed on the first single-crystal silicon layer. A channel structure extending vertically through the dielectric stack is formed. The channel structure includes a lower plug extending into the first single-crystal silicon layer and including single-crystal silicon. A memory stack including interleaved conductor layers and the dielectric layers is formed by replacing the sacrificial layers in the dielectric stack with the conductor layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices having a memory layer that confines electron transportation and methods for forming the same are disclosed. The 3D memory device can include a structure of a plurality of gate electrodes insulated by a sealing structure over a substrate. The sealing structure can include an airgap between adjacent gate electrodes along a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate. The 3D memory device can also include a semiconductor channel extending from a top surface of the structure to the substrate. The semiconductor channel can include a memory layer that has two portions extending along different directions. The 3D memory device can further include a source structure extending from the top surface of the structure to the substrate and between adjacent gate electrodes along a direction parallel to the top surface the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices having a shielding layer and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A peripheral device is formed on a first substrate. A first interconnect layer including first interconnect structures are formed above the peripheral device on the first substrate. A shielding layer including a conduction region is formed above the first interconnect layer on the first substrate. The conduction region of the shielding layer covers substantially an area of the first interconnect structures in the first interconnect layer. An alternating conductor/dielectric stack and memory strings each extending vertically through the alternating conductor/dielectric stack are formed on a second substrate. A second interconnect layer including second interconnect structures is formed above the plurality of memory strings on the second substrate.