Patent ID: 7687377
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a phase change memory (PCM) device, comprising: providing a substrate having a plurality of bottom electrodes formed therein; forming a first dielectric layer having a plurality of cup-shaped thermal electrodes over the substrate, wherein each bottom of the cup-shaped thermal electrodes contacts one of the bottom electrodes; forming a plurality of second dielectric layers on the substrate, wherein each of the second dielectric layers covers a portion of the area surrounded by each of the cup-shaped thermal electrodes in a first direction; forming a plurality of stacked structures on the substrate, wherein each of the stacked structures covers a portions of the area surrounded by each of the cup-shaped thermal electrodes in a second direction, and wherein each of the stacked structures includes a third dielectric layer and a top electrode; forming a PC material film over the substrate, covering the stacked structures and the second dielectric layers; anisotropically etching the PC material film to form a plurality of PC material spacers on sidewalls of the stacked structures, wherein each of the PC material spacers physically and electrically contacts each of the cup-shaped thermal electrodes and top electrodes, and wherein the PC material spacers comprise phase change material; and over-etching the PC material spacers to remove the PC material film on the sidewalls of the second dielectric layers.