Patent ID: 9496490
Filing Date: 2016-11-15
CPC Classification: H01L

Claim Text:
1. A non-volatile memory comprising: a recording layer including a plurality of phase change cells variable in resistance; a tunnel barrier deposited on a surface of the recording layer and having a oxidized material that forms a plurality of non-constricted regions and a noble metal that forms a plurality of constricted regions, the constricted regions being in contact with the recording layer and distributed across the tunnel barrier and configured and arranged to constrict current flow as a result of current density differences in the tunnel barrier, wherein the current density differences are sufficient to locally heat the plurality of phase change cells at the plurality of constricted regions relative to heat at the plurality of non-constricted regions; and a first electrode in electrical communication with the tunnel barrier, the first electrode for electrically communicating with a second electrode via the tunnel barrier, wherein the non-volatile memory further includes the second electrode.