Abstract:
A phase change memory cell includes a phase change region of a phase change material, a heating element (30) of a resistive material, arranged in contact with the phase change region (33') and a memory element (35) formed in said phase change region at a contact area with the heating element (30). The contact area is in the form of a frame that has a width of sublithographic extent (S) and, preferably, a sublithographic maximum external dimension. The heating element (30) includes a hollow elongated portion which is arranged in contact with the phase change region (33').
Abstract:
A process for manufacturing phase change memory cells includes the step of forming a heater element (25a) in a semiconductor wafer (10) and a storage region (31a) of a phase change material on and in contact with the heater element (25a). In order to form the heater element (25a) and the phase change storage region (31a) a heater structure is first formed and a phase change layer (31) is deposited on and in contact with the heater structure. Then, the phase change layer (31) and the heater structure are defined by subsequent self-aligned etch steps.
Abstract:
A process for manufacturing phase change memory cells includes the step of forming a heater element (25a) in a semiconductor wafer (10) and a storage region (31a) of a phase change material on and in contact with the heater element (25a). In order to form the heater element (25a) and the phase change storage region (31a) a heater structure is first formed and a phase change layer (31) is deposited on and in contact with the heater structure. Then, the phase change layer (31) and the heater structure are defined by subsequent self-aligned etch steps.