Three dimensional nand memory device with novel support structures

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure provide a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first stack of layers including a source connection layer and a second stack of layers including gate layers and insulating layers. The gate layers and the insulating layers are stacked alternatively upon the first stack of layers. Further, the semiconductor device includes channel structures that are formed along the first direction in the first stack of layers and the second stack of layers, and a gate line cut structure having a trench that cuts through the first stack of layers and the second stack of layers. The trench is filled with at least an insulating layer. The semiconductor device includes a support structure having a first portion that is disposed at a side of the gate line cut structure and extended from the side of the gate line cut structure and underneath the second stack of layers.