Patent ID: 8227787
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A first memory level of nonvolatile memory cells, each cell comprising: a heterojunction diode, each heterojunction diode comprising: a) a switching element comprising a binary metal oxide or nitride compound, wherein the switching element is switchable between a low-resistance state and a high-resistance state, and has a first polarity; and b) a semiconductor element of silicon, germanium, silicon-germanium, or an alloy thereof, the semiconductor element comprising a lightly-doped or intrinsic region and a heavily doped region, the lightly-doped or intrinsic region in contact with the heavily doped region and the switching element, the semiconductor element having a second polarity opposite the first, wherein a p-n junction is formed between the binary metal oxide or nitride compound and the lightly-doped or intrinsic region.