Vertical FinFet Formation Using Directional Deposition

Disclosed herein are approaches for forming contacts in a 4F2 vertical dynamic random-access memory device. One method includes forming a hardmask over a plurality of pillars and over a plurality of anchors, wherein the pillars are separated from one another by a STI, and removing the STI and etching through the hardmask to form a plurality of gate trenches. The method may further include delivering a capping material to the pillars at a non-zero angle relative to a perpendicular extending from an upper surface of the pillars, wherein the capping material forms a capping layer along an upper portion of the pillars without forming the capping layer along a lower portion of the pillars. The method may further include etching the pillars to trim the lower portion of the pillars, and forming a plurality of contacts in the upper portion of the pillars.