Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers, an array of memory structures, conductive structures located between a substrate and the alternating stack, conductive via structures, including an upper portion that overlies and contacts a top surface of a respective one of the electrically conductive layers, and a lower portion that underlies and is adjoined to the upper portion, contacts a top surface of a respective one of the conductive structures, and is electrically insulated from the rest of the electrically conductive layers. Inner, outer and intermediate dielectric spacers laterally surround a respective one of the conductive via structures.

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers, an array of memory structures, conductive structures located between a substrate and the alternating stack, conductive via structures, including an upper portion that overlies and contacts a top surface of a respective one of the electrically conductive layers, and a lower portion that underlies and is adjoined to the upper portion, contacts a top surface of a respective one of the conductive structures, and is electrically insulated from the rest of the electrically conductive layers. Inner, outer and intermediate dielectric spacers laterally surround a respective one of the conductive via structures.

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed over a semiconductor substrate. Memory openings are formed through the alternating stack. An optional silicon-containing epitaxial pedestal and a memory film are formed in each memory opening. After forming an opening through a bottom portion of the memory film within each memory opening, a germanium-containing semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer is formed in each memory opening. Employing the memory film and the dielectric layer as a crucible, a liquid phase epitaxy anneal is performed to convert the germanium-containing semiconductor layer into a germanium-containing epitaxial channel layer. A dielectric core and a drain region can be formed over the dielectric layer. The germanium-containing epitaxial channel layer is single crystalline, and can provide a higher charge carrier mobility than a polysilicon channel.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes forming a dielectric material and a first sacrificial material above a substrate, forming a second sacrificial material above the substrate and disposed adjacent the dielectric material and the first sacrificial material, forming a first hole in the second sacrificial material, the first hole disposed in a first direction, forming a word line layer above the substrate via the first hole, the word line layer disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, forming a first portion of a nonvolatile memory material on peripheral sides of the word line layer via the first hole, forming a second hole in the second sacrificial material, forming a second portion of the nonvolatile memory material on a sidewall of the second hole, forming a local bit line in the second hole, and forming a memory cell including the nonvolatile memory material at an intersection of the local bit line and the word line layer.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes forming a dielectric material and a first sacrificial material above a substrate, forming a second sacrificial material above the substrate and disposed adjacent the dielectric material and the first sacrificial material, forming a first hole in the second sacrificial material, the first hole disposed in a first direction, forming a word line layer above the substrate via the first hole, the word line layer disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, forming a first portion of a nonvolatile memory material on peripheral sides of the word line layer via the first hole, forming a second hole in the second sacrificial material, forming a second portion of the nonvolatile memory material on a sidewall of the second hole, forming a local bit line in the second hole, and forming a memory cell including the nonvolatile memory material at an intersection of the local bit line and the word line layer.

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed over a semiconductor substrate. Memory openings are formed through the alternating stack. An optional silicon-containing epitaxial pedestal and a memory film are formed in each memory opening. After forming an opening through a bottom portion of the memory film within each memory opening, a germanium-containing semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer is formed in each memory opening. Employing the memory film and the dielectric layer as a crucible, a liquid phase epitaxy anneal is performed to convert the germanium-containing semiconductor layer into a germanium-containing epitaxial channel layer. A dielectric core and a drain region can be formed over the dielectric layer. The germanium-containing epitaxial channel layer is single crystalline, and can provide a higher charge carrier mobility than a polysilicon channel.