Patent ID: 10727241

Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed for forming three-dimensional (3D) NAND structures including group III-nitride (III-N) material channels. Typically, polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) channels are used for 3D NAND structures, such as 3D NAND flash memory devices. However, using III-N channel material for 3D NAND structures offers numerous benefits over poly-Si channel material, such as relatively lower resistance in the channel, relatively higher current densities, and relatively lower leakage. Therefore, using III-N channel material enables an increased number of floating gates or storage cells to be stacked in 3D NAND structures, thereby leading to increased capacity for a given integrated circuit footprint (e.g., increased GB/cm2). For instance, use of III-N channel material can enable greater than 100 floating gates for a 3D NAND structure. Other embodiments may be described and/or disclosed.