Patent ID: 7642170
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for constructing a phase change memory device, comprising: forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate; forming a set of conductive components in the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the set of conductive components; forming a set of conductive crowns in the second dielectric layer, the set of conductive crowns being in contact and alignment with the set of conductive components, wherein each memory cell has one of the set of conductive crowns that functions as a heater for independent programming operation of each memory cell; depositing a third dielectric layer in the set of conductive crowns; forming a trench filled with chalcogenic layer programmable by controlling a temperature thereof to represent logic states, wherein the trench extends across a predetermined number of the conductive crowns; selectively removing portions of the trench disposed outside each conductive crown; and depositing dielectric material into the removed portions of the trench for selectively inactivating portions of the trench outside each conductive crown, such that each memory cell can be programmable without affecting neighboring cells.