Patent ID: 8097487
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a memory device, comprising the steps of: forming a first electrode member; forming an insulator stack, including first, second and third insulating layers, on the first electrode; etching a cavity through the insulator stack; selectively etching the second insulator layer to form a recess in the side of the cavity, the insulator stack forming step, cavity etching step and selectively etching step creating first, second and third insulator members from the first, second and third insulating layers; depositing a phase change memory element, extending into the cavity to make contact with the third and first insulator members and the first electrode member; the phase change material element depositing step carried out so that the phase change member and the second insulator member define a thermal isolation void, the thermal isolation void (1) being between the third and first insulator members, and (2) fully surrounding the phase change member; and depositing a second electrode member in contact with the phase change memory element.