A method for forming a semiconductor structure in a semiconductor wafer including a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor layer including a semiconductor body, and a buried dielectric layer separating the semiconductor substrate from the semiconductor layer, the method comprising:
- forming a first trench that extends through the semiconductor body and the buried dielectric layer into the semiconductor substrate;
- building a first vertical memory cell in the first trench;
- and
- implanting ions into a region of the buried dielectric layer to form a body contact that electrically couples the semiconductor body with the semiconductor substrate.