Patent ID: 8389967
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A device comprising: heater; a dielectric layer disposed at least partially overlaying the heater, the dielectric layer comprising a first opening and a second opening, the first and second openings formed completely through the dielectric layer down to the heater, the first opening having a lower portion and an uppermost portion; a phase-change element at least mostly filling the lower portion of the first opening and in thermal contact with the heater; a diffusion barrier layer overlying the phase-change element and at least mostly filling the uppermost portion of the first opening; and a conductive via formed in the second opening of the dielectric layer in contact with the heater, wherein at least a fraction of the phase-change element is operative to change between lower and higher electrical resistance states in response to an application of an electrical signal to the heater.