Patent ID: 8916845
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A memory device comprising: a phase change memory element having a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, and a thickness between the top and bottom surfaces; an electrically insulating element covering and contacting the entire top surface of the phase change memory element, blocking a current flow through the top surface; a thermal isolation element on the electrically insulating element, the thermal isolation element comprising material having a thermal conductivity less than that of material of the electrically insulating element; a bottom electrode contacting the bottom surface of the phase change memory element at a first contact surface, the first contact surface when projected above the bottom electrode defining a cylinder having sides extending the thickness of the phase change memory element, said sides of the cylinder having a surface area less than or equal to twice that of the first contact surface; and a side electrode contacting only the side surface of the phase change memory element at a second contact surface.