Patent ID: 7385218
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A structure in a phase changeable memory cell, comprising: a bottom electrode having an interlayer dielectric layer thereon, the bottom electrode having a recess therein that extends beyond a boundary between the bottom electrode and the interlayer dielectric; and a phase changeable layer in the recess including a protruding potion of the phase changeable layer that protrudes into the bottom electrode beyond the boundary, wherein the recess extends beyond the boundary to define a side wall of the recess that contacts the protruding portion of the phase changeable layer and wherein the phase changeable layer contacts the bottom electrode within confines of the recess wherein the recess extends beyond the boundary by a depth to define a side wall of the recess that contacts the protruding portion of the phase changeable layer, wherein the depth is defined to limit an amount of heat transmission from the bottom electrode to the phase changeable layer across the side wall to less than an amount sufficient to cause the phase changeable layer to change phase between a crystalline state and an amorphous state.