Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices having an inter-deck plug and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a first memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the substrate, a second memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the first memory deck, and a first and a second channel structure each extending vertically through the first or second memory deck. The first channel structure includes a first memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the first channel structure, and an inter-deck plug in an upper portion of the first channel structure and in contact with the first semiconductor channel. A lateral surface of the inter-deck plug is smooth. The second channel structure includes a second memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the second channel structure. The second semiconductor channel is in contact with the inter-deck plug.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices having an inter-deck plug and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a first memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the substrate, a second memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the first memory deck, and a first and a second channel structure each extending vertically through the first or second memory deck. The first channel structure includes a first memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the first channel structure, and an inter-deck plug in an upper portion of the first channel structure and in contact with the first semiconductor channel. A lateral surface of the inter-deck plug is smooth. The second channel structure includes a second memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the second channel structure. The second semiconductor channel is in contact with the inter-deck plug.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices having an inter-deck plug and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a first memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the substrate, a second memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the first memory deck, and a first and a second channel structure each extending vertically through the first or second memory deck. The first channel structure includes a first memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the first channel structure, and an inter-deck plug in an upper portion of the first channel structure and in contact with the first semiconductor channel. A lateral surface of the inter-deck plug is smooth. The second channel structure includes a second memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the second channel structure. The second semiconductor channel is in contact with the inter-deck plug.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices with a semiconductor plug protected by a dielectric layer and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a memory stack including a plurality of interleaved conductor layers and dielectric layers on the substrate, and a memory string extending vertically through the memory stack. The memory string includes a semiconductor plug in a lower portion of the memory string, a protective dielectric layer on the semiconductor plug, and a memory film above the protective dielectric layer and along a sidewall of the memory string.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a memory stack including interleaved conductive layers and dielectric layers, a channel structure extending vertically through the memory stack, and a semiconductor layer above the memory stack. The channel structure includes a channel plug in a lower portion of the channel structure, a memory film along a sidewall of the channel structure, and a semiconductor channel over the memory film and in contact with the channel plug. The semiconductor layer includes a semiconductor plug above and in contact with the semiconductor channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a memory stack including interleaved conductive layers and dielectric layers, a channel structure extending vertically through the memory stack, and a semiconductor layer above the memory stack. The channel structure includes a channel plug in a lower portion of the channel structure, a memory film along a sidewall of the channel structure, and a semiconductor channel over the memory film and in contact with the channel plug. The semiconductor layer includes a semiconductor plug above and in contact with the semiconductor channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices having an inter-deck plug and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a first memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the substrate, a second memory deck including interleaved conductor and dielectric layers above the first memory deck, and a first and a second channel structure each extending vertically through the first or second memory deck. The first channel structure includes a first memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the first channel structure, and an inter-deck plug in an upper portion of the first channel structure and in contact with the first semiconductor channel. A lateral surface of the inter-deck plug is smooth. The second channel structure includes a second memory film and semiconductor channel along a sidewall of the second channel structure. The second semiconductor channel is in contact with the inter-deck plug.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices with a semiconductor plug protected by a dielectric layer and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a memory stack including a plurality of interleaved conductor layers and dielectric layers on the substrate, and a memory string extending vertically through the memory stack. The memory string includes a semiconductor plug in a lower portion of the memory string, a protective dielectric layer on the semiconductor plug, and a memory film above the protective dielectric layer and along a sidewall of the memory string.