SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME

A method includes forming a plurality of memory cells, which includes a plurality of first conductive lines over a substrate, charge-trapping layers coupled to the conductive lines, channel layers arranged adjacent to the charge-trapping layers, and a plurality of first filling regions arranged between the channel layers; etching the first filling regions to form first trenches; depositing a liner over upper surfaces of the charge-trapping layers and the channel layers and sidewalls of the first trenches; forming second filling regions in the first trenches; patterning the second filling regions to form second trenches; depositing a partition region in each of the second trenches; and removing the liner to expose the charge-trapping layers and the channel layers.