Patent ID: 8148711
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A nonvolatile memory element comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a resistance variable layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the resistance variable layer comprises an oxide containing tantalum and nitrogen and is a semiconductor or an electric conductor, and the resistance variable layer switches from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state in which a resistance value is lower than a resistance value corresponding to the high-resistance state, in response to a first electric signal with a first polarity which is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, retains the low-resistance state after application of the first electric signal stops, switches from the low-resistance state to the high-resistance state in response to a second electric signal with a second polarity different from the first polarity which is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and retains the high-resistance state after application of the second electric signal stops.