Patent · US Active

Three-dimensional memory device containing self-aligned bit line contacts and methods for forming the same

US11935784B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
11References
20Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateJun 11, 2021
Grant dateMar 19, 2024
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 16, 2042

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH10B43/50
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A vertical layer stack including a bit-line-level dielectric layer and an etch stop dielectric layer can be formed over an array region. Bit-line trenches are formed through the vertical layer stack. Bit-line-trench fill structures are formed in the bit-line trenches. Each of the bit-line-trench fill structures includes a stack of a bit line and a capping dielectric strip. At least one via-level dielectric layer can be formed over the vertical layer stack. A bit-line-contact via cavity can be formed through the at least one via-level dielectric layer and one of the capping dielectric strips. A bit-line-contact via structure formed in the bit-line-contact via cavity includes a stepped bottom surface including a top surface of one of the bit lines, a sidewall segment of the etch stop dielectric layer, and a segment of a top surface of the etch stop dielectric layer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.