A self-aligned fabrication process for three-dimensional non-volatile memory is disclosed. A double etch process forms conductors at a given level in self-alignment with memory pillars both underlying and overlying the conductors. Forming the conductors in this manner can include etching a first conductor layer using a first repeating pattern in a given direction to form a first portion of the conductors. Etching with the first pattern also defines two opposing sidewalls of an underlying pillar structure, thereby self-aligning the conductors with the pillars. After etching, a second conductor layer is deposited followed by a semiconductor layer stack. Etching with a second pattern that repeats in the same direction as the first pattern is performed, thereby forming a second portion of the conductors that is self-aligned with overlying layer stack lines. These layer stack lines are then etched orthogonally to define a second set of pillars overlying the conductors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to integrated circuits containing non-volatile memory cell arrays and particularly those arrays incorporating passive element memory cells.

2. Description of the Related Art

Materials having a detectable level of change in state, such as a resistance or phase change, are used to form various types of non-volatile semiconductor based memory devices. For example, simple antifuses are used for binary data storage in one time field-programmable (OTP) memory arrays by assigning a lower resistance initial physical state of a memory cell to a first logical state such as logical ‘0,’ and assigning a higher resistance physical state of the cell to a second logical state such as logical ‘1.’ Some materials can have their resistance switched back in the direction of their initial resistance. These types of materials can be used to form re-writable memory cells. Multiple levels of detectable resistance in materials can further be used to form multi-state devices which may or may not be re-writable.

Materials having a memory effect such as a detectable level of resistance are often used as a state change element and placed in series with a steering element to form a memory cell. Diodes or other devices having a non-linear conduction current are typically used as the steering element. In many implementations, a set of word lines and bit lines are arranged in a substantially perpendicular configuration with a memory cell at the intersection of each word line and bit line. Two-terminal memory cells can be constructed at the intersections with one terminal (e.g., terminal portion of the cell or separate layer of the cell) in contact with the conductor forming the respective word line and another terminal in contactor with the conductor forming the respective bit line. Such cells are sometimes referred to as passive element memory cells.

Two-terminal memory cells with state change elements have been used in three-dimensional field programmable non-volatile memory arrays because of their more simple design when compared to other three-terminal memory devices such as flash EEPROM. Three-dimensional non-volatile memory arrays are attractive because of their potential to greatly increase the number of memory cells that can be fabricated in a given wafer area. In monolithic three-dimensional memories, multiple levels of memory cells can be fabricated above a single substrate, without intervening substrate layers.

One type of three-dimensional memory utilizes a rail-stack structure to form the memory cells. A rail stack is formed by creating successive layers of material which are etched together to form an aligned stack of layers. A memory cell may be formed at the intersection of two such rail stacks. The fabrication of rail-stack structures generally requires fewer mask layers and processing steps to implement an array than other memory structures. The unintentional programming of unselected memory cells is possible in rail-stack structures, particularly with respect to memory cells adjacent to those currently selected. Exemplary memory arrays utilizing rail stacks are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,085 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,022,572.

Another type of three-dimensional memory includes pillars of layers formed at the intersection of upper and lower conductors. Pillar based memory arrays are characterized by the separation of the various structures forming each memory cell from similar structures forming adjacent memory cells.FIGS. 1A-1Bare perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a portion of a traditional monolithic three-dimensional memory array. Both the word line and bit line layers are shared between memory cells forming what is often referred to as a fully mirrored structure. A plurality of substantially parallel and coplanar conductors form a first set of bit lines162at a first memory level L0. Memory cells152at level L0are formed between these bit lines and adjacent word lines164. In the arrangement ofFIGS. 1A-1B, word lines164are shared between memory layers L0and L1and thus, further connect to memory cells170at memory level L1. A third set of conductors form the bit lines174for these cells at level L1. These bit lines174are in turn shared between memory levels L1and memory level L2, depicted in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1B. Memory cells178are connected to bit lines174and word lines176to form the third memory level L2, memory cells182are connected to word lines176and bit lines180to form the fourth memory level L3, and memory cells186are connected to bit lines180and word lines184to form the fifth memory level L5. Exemplary memory arrays including pillar-based memory cells are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,835,396, 6,034,882 and 6,984,561, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIGS. 2A-2Fdepict a fabrication technique for forming a pillar-type three-dimensional memory array as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,882. A first conductor material46and first semiconductor layer stack45are deposited as shown inFIG. 2A. The layers are patterned and etched in a first direction to form substantially parallel first conductors46aand46band first etched lines of the semiconductor layer stack in a single masking step as shown inFIG. 2B. The semiconductor layer stack is etched into lines45aand45b, but is not yet etched into pillars. The gaps between the lines of semiconductor layer stack and the conductors are filled with dielectric material (not shown) to insulate the wiring and devices from one another.

A second conductor material50and second semiconductor layer stack51are deposited as shown inFIG. 2C. A second pattern is applied followed by etching in a second direction to form substantially parallel second conductors50aand50band second semiconductor layer stack lines51aand51b. The second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The second etch continues through the second conductors and the first semiconductor layer stack lines, to forming pillars45a1,45a2,45b1and45b2. Because they were formed in a shared masking step, two opposing sidewalls of each of the first pillars (e.g.45a1) are self-aligned with the edges of the first conductor below (e.g.46a), while the other two opposing sidewalls of each of the first pillars are self-aligned with the edges of the second conductor above (e.g.50a.) The gaps in between the second conductors and second lines of semiconductor material are filled with dielectric material.

After filling the gaps between adjacent lines, a third conductor material52and third semiconductor layer stack53are deposited as shown inFIG. 2E. A third pattern is applied, followed by etching again in the first direction as shown inFIG. 2F. The third etch forms substantially parallel third conductors52a,52band third semiconductor layer stack lines53a,53bthat are substantially perpendicular to the second conductors. The third etch continues through the third conductors and layer stack lines51a,51b, forming pillars51a1,51a2,51b1,51b2. Because they were formed in a shared masking step, the second pillars each have two opposing sidewalls that are self-aligned with the edges of the third conductor (e.g.,52a) above. The other two opposing sidewalls of the second pillars are self-aligned with the edges of the second conductors (e.g.,50a) below as a result of being formed in the shared second masking step.

AsFIGS. 2A-2Fillustrate, the formation of pillar structures requires precise alignment in forming the small feature sizes of the structures. Numerous processing difficulties may exist in the formation of these structures. For example, the technique inFIGS. 2A-2Fetches one conductor layer and two semiconductor layer stacks in each of the masking operations. This technique is effective to self-align the pillars with both the overlying and underlying conductors. However, etching through a significant number of layers in a single etch process can pose its own set of difficulties. The structures may lack stability during various stages of the process. Moreover, the precision necessary in forming the features may be affected by such deep etches. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved three-dimensional pillar designs and corresponding fabrication processes for forming the same in non-volatile memory array technologies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-aligned fabrication process for three-dimensional non-volatile memory is disclosed. A double etch process forms conductors at a given memory level in self-alignment with memory pillars both underlying and overlying the conductors. Forming the conductors in this manner can include etching a first conductor layer using a first repeating pattern in a given direction to form a first portion of the conductors. Etching with the first pattern also defines two opposing sidewalls of an underlying pillar structure, thereby self-aligning the conductors with the pillars. After etching, a second conductor layer is deposited followed by a semiconductor layer stack. Etching with a second pattern that repeats in the same direction as the first pattern is performed, thereby forming a second portion of the conductors that is self-aligned with overlying layer stack lines. These layer stack lines are then etched orthogonally to define a second set of pillars overlying the conductors.

A silicide process for forming conductors is also provided. Silicon can be etched to form conductor array lines for a memory array, followed by a silicidization process to form low resistance structures. Additional techniques for adjusting the size of the state change element relative to the memory pillar size are provided. Thermal oxidization and nitridation processes are disclosed for rounding square or rectangular pillar structures.

A method of fabricating a monolithic three-dimensional non-volatile memory array is provided in one embodiment that includes forming a first layer stack elongated in a first direction over a substrate. The first layer stack includes a first strip of conductive material and a plurality of strips of semiconductor material. A second layer of conductive material is then formed over the first layer stack, followed by etching using a first pattern that includes etching the second layer of conductive material into a second strip of conductive material elongated in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and etching the plurality of strips of semiconductor material into a pillar. The pillar includes first sidewalls elongated in the first direction and second sidewalls elongated in the second direction. The second sidewalls are self-aligned with sidewalls of the second strip of conductive material that are elongated in the second direction. A third layer of conductive material is formed over and in electrical contact with the second strip of conductive material after etching the second layer of conductive material and the plurality of strips of semiconductor material. Next, a set of semiconductor layers are formed over the third layer of conductive material, followed by etching the set of semiconductor layers and the third layer of conductive material using a second pattern. Etching with the second pattern includes etching the set of semiconductor layers into a second plurality of strips of semiconductor material elongated in the second direction and etching the third layer of conductive material into a third strip of conductive material elongated in the second direction. The third strip of conductive material includes sidewalls elongated in the second direction that are self-aligned with sidewalls of the second plurality of strips of semiconductor material that are elongated in the second direction.

A method of fabricating a monolithic three-dimensional non-volatile memory array in another embodiment includes forming a first set of conductors elongated in a first direction over a substrate and forming a first set semiconductor layer stack lines over the first set of conductors. A first layer of silicon is then formed over the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines, followed by etching the first layer of silicon and the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines according to a first pattern. The etching forms from the first layer of silicon a second set of conductors elongated in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The etching also forms from the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines a first plurality of pillars at intersections of the first set of conductors and the second set of conductors. After etching, the second set of conductors is subjected to a silicidization process to form silicide conductors for the second set of conductors.

Other features, aspects, and objects of the disclosed technology can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 3A-3Hare schematic illustrations of a fabrication sequence for a monolithic non-three-dimensional non-volatile memory array in accordance with one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. Conceptually, the disclosed technique includes a double etch process in the same direction for each of the conductor layers except the first conductor layer. A semiconductor layer stack and underlying conductor layer are patterned in a first direction (e.g., north-to-south) and etched into strips elongated in a second orthogonal direction (e.g., east-to-west). A second conductor layer is then deposited and patterned in the second direction before forming a second semiconductor layer stack. The second conductor layer is etched into strips elongated in the first direction and the layer stack strips are etched into pillars. A third conductor layer is then deposited, followed by a second semiconductor layer stack. A third pattern is then formed, also in the second direction. The stack and third conductor layer are etched into strips elongated in the first direction. One strip from the third conductor layer and a corresponding strip from the second conductor layer combine to form a single conductor for the second set of array lines. A fourth conductor layer is then formed, followed by patterning and etching in the first direction. The fourth conductor layer forms portions of the third set of array lines that will be elongated in the second direction. Etching the fourth conductor layer includes etching the second semiconductor layer stack lines into pillars. By using this double etch technique, a particular conductor will have a first portion self-aligned with two opposing sidewalls of the underlying pillars and a second portion self-aligned with two opposing sidewalls of the overlying pillars. The technique differs from previous techniques by etching twice in the same direction before switching to the orthogonal direction.

FIG. 3Ais a perspective view of a small portion of the memory array after deposition and before patterning, depicting a conductor layer246and layer stack245as a continuous sheet extending across the entire integrated circuit or across the entire wafer (not shown). The semiconductor layer stack includes a plurality of semiconductor layers that will eventually form the memory cells of the array. The layers include materials for the steering element and optionally, materials for the state change element, though the state change material layer can be formed independently of the layer stack as described in the following more detailed examples. The conductor layer will form a first set of array lines and may be fabricated from any conductive material such as a metal or a polysilicon.

A first pattern which defines the features on the first conductor layer is then applied, and the features etched into the layer stack245and conductor layer246. The first pattern includes patterning strips repeating in a first direction over the first conductor layer. The patterning strips are elongated in a second direction with spaces between strips adjacent in the first direction, the first and second directions being substantially orthogonal. A pattern that repeats in a given direction is referred to herein as patterning in that given direction. Etching according to such a pattern will also be referred to as etching in that given direction. The first pattern can be formed of strips of photoresist or a hard-masking material. The pattern could also be formed using spacer-assisted patterning techniques with spacers forming the patterning strips. The resulting structure after etching is depicted inFIG. 3B. Both the layer stack and conductor layer are etched into long continuous strips245a,246aand245b,246b. Strips246aand246bform a first set of array lines (conductors) and strips245aand245bform a first set of semiconductor layer stack lines. The first set of array lines are elongated over the surface of the substrate in the second direction (e.g., y-direction) with spaces between array lines that are adjacent in the first direction (e.g., x-direction). Each semiconductor layer stack line is also elongated in the first direction and is formed over one of the first set of array lines. In this embodiment, the first set of array lines and the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines are formed using a shared pattern and etch process to self-align first sidewalls of each semiconductor layer stack line with the edges of its corresponding underlying first conductor. Other techniques, such as forming the first set of array lines by a damascene process followed by patterning of a layer stack into the individual layer stack lines can also be used.

The spaces between adjacent array lines and adjacent layer stack lines are filled with a dielectric material (not shown) to insulate and provide support for the individual structures. A planarization step, using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for example, is used to expose the upper surface of the layer stack lines. A second conductor layer250for forming a first portion of each conductor in a second set of array lines is deposited over the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines as shown inFIG. 3C. The first conductor layer is deposited over the entire wafer, extending in both the x and y-directions as a continuous sheet.

A second pattern is then formed over the first conductor layer, followed by etching the first conductor layer and the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines as shown inFIG. 3D. The second pattern includes strips elongated in the first direction repeating with spaces therebetween in the second direction. Using the pattern as a mask, the second conductor layer is etched into strips250aand250bthat are elongated in the first direction. Etching continues through the first conductor layer and through at least a portion of the layers in the first set of semiconductor layer lines245aand245b. Etching can proceed through all the layers in the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines as depicted inFIG. 3Dor only a portion of the layers as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Etching through the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines forms a first set of pillars245a1,245a2,245b1and245b2between the first set of array lines and the strips of the second conductor layer. Because the first set of layer stack lines and the first conductor layer are etched with a shared pattern, the pillars include second sidewalls that are self-aligned with edges of the strips of the second conductor layer that extend in the first direction. If a shared pattern is used in forming the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines and the first set of array lines, the pillars will include first sidewalls self-aligned with edges of the first set of array lines that extend in the second direction.

It is noted that the fabrication sequence etches to form the pillars at the first memory level and a portion of each conductor in the second set of array lines prior to forming a second semiconductor layer stack for forming pillars at the second memory level. Hence, the etch process for forming the first level pillars only includes etching one semiconductor layer stack. This can be contrasted with the technique described inFIGS. 2A-2F, where the second level semiconductor layer stack is etched into layer stack lines in the same etch process used to etch the first level semiconductor layer stack lines into pillars.

After etching to form pillars and the first portion of each array line in the second set of array lines, a dielectric material (not shown) is deposited to fill the resulting spaces in the first direction and thereby insulate the pillars and array lines. Following this, a second conductor layer260for forming second portions of each array line in the second set is deposited over the memory as shown inFIG. 3E. After depositing the second conductor layer, a series of layers for a second semiconductor layer stack251is deposited over the second conductor layer. As with the first semiconductor layer stack, the second layer stack can include different materials in different implementations. Moreover, the second stack can include a layer of state change material in one example, or the layer of state change material for the second memory level can be formed independently.

After depositing the second conductor layer and the second semiconductor layer stack, a third pattern is formed over the wafer. Like the second pattern, the third pattern includes patterning strips elongated in the first direction with spaces repeating therebetween in the second direction. Using the third pattern as a mask, the second semiconductor layer stack251and underling third conductor layer260are etched as shown inFIG. 3F. Etching the third conductor layer260forms second portions260aand260bfor the second set of array lines. These second portions are elongated in the first direction over the first portions250aand250b. Together, one first portion and one second portion form one conductor or array line of the second set. For example, strips250aand260aform a single conductor of the second set and strips250band260bform a single conductor of the second set. Etching layer stack251forms a second set of semiconductor layer stack lines251aand251b. These layer stack lines are elongated in the first direction over the second set of array lines.

A fourth conductor layer252is deposited over the wafer as shown inFIG. 3G. The fourth conductor layer will form first portions of the array lines for a third set of array lines. Before forming a third semiconductor layer stack, a fourth pattern is applied for etching the fourth conductor layer. The fourth pattern includes strips elongated in the second direction repeating with spaces therebetween in the first direction. The fourth conductor layer is etched into first portions252aand252bof the third set of array lines as shown inFIG. 3H. The first portions of the third set of array lines are elongated in the second direction. Processing would continue afterFIG. 3Hby filling with a dielectric material, then depositing a fifth conductor layer and third semiconductor layer stack. Additional etching in the first direction follows to form second portions of the third set of array lines and to form third semiconductor layer line stacks.

As the process ofFIGS. 3A-3Hillustrate, the masking or patterning sequence includes patterning in a first direction to form the first set of array lines and first semiconductor layer lines, followed by patterning in a second orthogonal direction to form a first portion of the second set of array lines. The next patterning step is also in the second direction, forming second portions of the second set of array lines and second semiconductor layer lines. The fourth patterning step is in the first direction, forming first portions of a third set of array lines and the firth patterning step is also in the first direction, forming second portions of the third set of array lines. This can be contrasted with the technique described inFIGS. 2A-2Fthat patterns in orthogonal directions for each alternating patterning step. That technique patterns in the first direction for the first set of array lines, then the second direction for the second set of array lines. The third pattern in this technique is again in the first direction to form the third set of array lines and the fourth pattern is in the second direction to form the fourth set of array lines. By contrast, the presently disclosed technique patterns in the first direction, then the second direction, then the second direction again before switching back to the first direction.

FIGS. 4A-4Uschematically illustrate a detailed fabrication process in accordance with embodiment for forming a monolithic three-dimensional memory array. Substrate400inFIG. 4Amay undergo initial processing to form transistors (for example CMOS) in the substrate for the peripheral circuitry. The substrate can be any semiconductor substrate such as monocrystalline silicon, IV-IV compounds, III-V compounds, II-VII compounds, etc. and include epitaxial or other semiconductor layers formed over the substrate. Although not depicted, an insulating layer can be formed over the substrate surface followed by planarization using chemical and mechanical polishing, resist etch-back planarization or any number of other suitable planarization technologies to provide a substantially uniform surface upon which to begin the fabrication sequence. Note that the various thicknesses and dimensions of the layers and features described below are exemplary only and will be modified in various implementations depending upon the characteristics of the desired device.

A first conductor layer402is formed over the substrate surface or any insulating layer formed thereon. A number of suitable conducting materials can be used for layer402. For example, the conductor layer is a metal layer in one embodiment including but not limited to tantalum, titanium, tungsten, copper cobalt or alloys thereof. Any suitable process can be used to form the conductor layer such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD). For example, in one exemplary embodiment conductor layer402is a layer of tungsten deposited by CVD to a thickness of about 3,000 A. Optional adhesion layers (not shown) may be formed over the insulating layer to aid in the adhesion of conductor layer602. A barrier metal layer404is formed over conductor layer402. The barrier metal layer is optional. Numerous metals can be used for the barrier metal layer including but not limited to titanium nitride. In one example, barrier metal layer602has a thickness of 150 A.

A first semiconductor layer stack including layers406,408,410is formed over the barrier metal layer404. The semiconductor layer stack can vary by embodiment depending upon the exact memory cell configuration to be used. In a particularly disclosed example, the semiconductor layer stack includes a first semiconductor layer406of a first conductivity type separated from a second semiconductor layer410of a second conductivity type by an intrinsic layer408. The materials for the various layers in the semiconductor layer stack can be formed using any suitable materials, including but not limited to silicon, silicon-germanium, silicon-germanium-carbon, germanium or other suitable IV-IV compounds, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, or other suitable III-V compounds, zinc selenide, or other II-VII compounds, or a combination of these materials. Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material so for simplicity, reference is frequently made herein to silicon, but it will be understood that other materials may be substituted. Layer406is a heavily doped N+ type silicon layer in one embodiment. The heavily doped N+ silicon layer can be doped at a concentration greater than 5×1018atoms/cm3in one embodiment, doped at a concentration greater than 1×1019atoms/cm3in another embodiment, and doped at a concentration greater than 1×1020atoms/cm3in yet another embodiment. In one example, layer406has a thickness of 350 A. The silicon can be deposited and then doped or it can be doped in-situ. As will be described below, the conductivity type of the various layers can be modified in different implementations. For simplicity, layer406is referred to as an N+ layer hereinafter but in different embodiments can be of a different conductivity type, for example P+ type polysilicon.

Semiconductor layer408is an undoped intrinsic silicon material having a thickness of about 50 A in one embodiment. It is noted that intrinsic layer408may not be perfectly electrical neutral and thus can include lightly doped silicon in various implementations. Reference to an intrinsic material is intended to include such materials as a lightly doped N-region. In one example, layer408has a thickness of 400 A. Layer410is a silicon layer having a second conductivity type opposite of the conductivity type of layer406. In one example, layer410is a heavily doped P+ type polysilicon layer having a thickness of about 300 A. Layer410can be doped with p-type impurities at concentrations similar to the n-type concentrations used for layer406.

A pad layer412is formed over the semiconductor layer stack. The pad layer is used in the formation of the subsequent pattern used for etching the semiconductor layer stack and conductor layer. In one example, the pad layer is a semiconductor layer of silicon nitride deposited to a depth of about 2500 A. The particular material and thickness of layer412will vary by embodiment depending upon the particular type of patterning to be used. A first pattern is formed over the semiconductor layer stack and pad layer as shown inFIGS. 4B-4E. Different techniques can be used to form the pattern. In one example, the pattern is formed of strips of photo resist using conventional photo lithography techniques. Photomasking spacer assisted patterning and nano imprint masking technologies can also be used. InFIG. 4B, strips414of oxide such as SiO2elongated in the y-direction over the pad layer412. The oxide is tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in one example. The strips can be formed by forming a layer of advanced patterning film (APF) such as amorphous carbon followed by a layer of sacrificial TEOS. Over the sacrificial TEOS layer is formed a sacrificial high temperature oxide layer (HTO) and a thin layer of spin-on glass (SOG) oxide. Strips of photo resist extending in the y-direction are formed over the SOG layer and using the photo resist, the SOG and sacrificial HTO layers are etched followed by etching the sacrificial TEOS layer to form strips414. After forming the strips, any remaining SOG and sacrificial HTO material is removed.

An optional slimming process for strips414is depicted inFIG. 4C. For example, a wet etch process is used to decrease the dimension of the oxide strips in the x-direction in one example. After the optional slimming process, spacers are formed along the substantially vertical side walls of strips414as shown inFIG. 4D. Spacers416can be formed by depositing a layer of polysilicon using conformal processes to form polysilicon along the vertical side walls of strips414and over the exposed portions of layer412. Reactive ion etching or other suitable processes can be used to etch back the polysilicon layer to form spacers416. In the disclosed example, the spacers have a dimension in the x-direction that is equal to the dimension of strips414in the x-direction and include an equal spacing therebetween, also equal to the dimension of strips414.

The sacrificial strips of oxide414are removed after forming spacers416as shown inFIG. 4Eto complete the pattern. In one example, a wet chemical etch is used to selectively strip the oxide from the pad layer412. Spacers416form a first pattern for etching the semiconductor layer stack and first conductor layer. Spacers416are elongated in the y-direction repeating with spaces therebetween in the x-direction. This pattern may be described as x-direction patterning because of its repetition in the x-direction. Using the spacers416as a mask, the underlying layer stack is etched as shown inFIG. 4F. Etching proceeds through pad layer412, semiconductor layers410,408and406, barrier metal layer404and first conductor layer402. Any suitable etch process can be used for etching the layer stack. Combinational etch processes may be used to etch the different layers with various selectivities.

Etching conductor layer402forms a first set of conductors402a,402b,402cand402delongated in the y-direction with spaces therebetween in the x-direction. Semiconductor layer stack lines403s1,403s2,403s3and403s4elongated in the y-direction are formed over each of the underlying first conductors as a result of the common etch process used in their formation. The barrier metal layer is not denoted as part of the layer stack lines because it will remain elongated with the underlying conductors instead of undergoing further etching as with the layer stack lines. However, the barrier metal layer can be considered part of the layer stack lines as well. Layer stack line403s1includes strips406s1,408s1and410s1overlying conductor402a. Layer stack line403s2includes strips406s2,408s2and410s2overlying conductor402b. Layer stack line403s3includes strips406s3,408s3and410s3is formed over conductor402c1. Layer stack line403s4includes strips406s4,408s4and410s4overlying conductor402d1. The semiconductor layer stack lines are self aligned with the underlying strips of titanium nitride and first conductors. Because of the common etch process used in their formation, the substantially vertical side walls of the stacks elongated in the y-direction and extending in a plane substantially vertical to the substrate surface are self-aligned with the substantially vertical side walls of the first set of conductors and the overlying titanium nitride strips.

After etching and removing spacers416, a gap fill material420is deposited as shown inFIG. 4G. Material420fills the spaces in the x-direction between conductors and semiconductor layer stack lines. The gap fill material420is planarized to about the upper surface of the strips of pad layer412using a process such as chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP). Different materials can be used for the gap fill in various embodiments. In one example, SiO2is deposited using CVD or another suitable process. After planarizing gap fill material420, the strips of pad layer412are removed as shown inFIG. 4H. A chemical wet etch process can be used in one embodiment with a selectivity for removing the pad layer material without significant portions of the gap fill material420.

Strips of state change material are formed over the individual semiconductor layer stack lines as shown inFIG. 4I. A damascene process is used in this example to fill the trenches that result from the removal of the pad layer with the state change material. The strips are elongated in the y-direction over the individual semiconductor layer stack lines. Using chemical-mechanical polishing, excess material is removed to form individual strips422s1,422s2,422s3and422s4of the state change material. The individual strips form part of the corresponding semiconductor layer stack lines below.

FIG. 4Jis an overhead view of the wafer at the point of processing depicted inFIG. 4I. The strips422S1,422S2,422S3and422S4of state change material at the top of each layer stack line are depicted, elongated in the y-direction with spaces therebetween in the x-direction. The spaces between are filled with the gap fill material420.

FIG. 4Kis a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 4Ithrough conductor402a, barrier metal strip404S1and the overlying layer stack line. An optional barrier metal layer424is next deposited over the wafer. Barrier metal layer424is titanium nitride in one example. A second conductor layer426is formed over barrier metal layer424. Notably, the second conductor layer is formed with a reduced thickness in the vertical direction as compared with conductor layer402. In one example where conductor layer402is formed with a thickness of about 3000 A, conductor layer426is formed to a thickness of about 1500 A. Note that the half dimension of layer426as compared to layer402is exemplary only. Other ratios can be used in different examples. Moreover, different thicknesses than those described can be used. In one example, layer426is tungsten.

A second pattern is formed as shown inFIG. 4Lfor etching the second conductor layer and the underlying semiconductor layer stack lines. In the described example, the pattern includes spacers430which are formed along sacrificial features428. The spacers and sacrificial features can be formed as earlier described with respect to the first pattern. After forming the spacers along the sacrificial features, the sacrificial features are removed and the spacers used as a mask for etching the underlying layers as shown inFIG. 4M. This second pattern is orthogonal to the first pattern, comprising a y-direction pattern of strips elongated in the x-direction. Etching second conductor layer426forms strips426s1,426s2,426s3and426s4. Each of these strips forms a first portion of a conductor for a second set of array lines. Etching barrier metal layer424forms strips424s1,424s2,424s3and424s4. Etching proceeds through strip422s1of the state change material to form state change elements422a1,422a2,422a3and422a4. Etching proceeds through a portion of the semiconductor layer stack lines. Strip410S1is etched through completely to form regions410a1,410a2,410a3and410a4. Etching proceeds through a portion of semiconductor layer408S1. Etching through a portion of this layer forms regions409a1,409a2,409a3and409a4. A second portion of layer408s1is not etched, leaving a continuous strip408S1. Regions422a1,410a1and409a1form a pillar427a1after having been etched in the y-direction. Regions422a2,410a2and408a2form a pillar427a2. Regions422a3,410a3and408a3form a pillar427a3. Regions422a4,410a4and408a4for a pillar427a4. In another embodiment, strip408S1can be completely etched so that its entire thickness is divided into regions for each pillar. Pillar427a1includes a state change element422a1and a diode comprising a first electrode406S1and a second electrode410a1separated by intrinsic regions408a1and408S1. Pillar427a2includes a state change element422a2and a diode comprising a first electrode406S1and a second electrode410a2separated by intrinsic regions408a2and408S1. Pillar427a3includes a state change element422a3and a diode comprising a first electrode406S1and a second electrode410a3separated by intrinsic regions408a3and408S1. Pillar427a4includes a state change element422a4and a diode comprising a first electrode406S1and a second electrode410a4separated by intrinsic regions408a4and408S1.

The state change elements formed in each pillar (e.g., state change elements422a1-422a4) can vary by embodiment and include different types of materials to store data through representative physical states. The state change elements can include resistance change materials, phase change resistive materials, etc. A semiconductor or other material having two or more detectable levels resistance can be used to form a passive storage element. The state change elements can include materials capable of a single resistance change to form a one-time programmable memory or materials capable of reversible resistance changes to form a re-writable memory. A range of resistance values can be assigned to a physical data state to accommodate differences amongst devices as well as variations within devices after set and reset cycling. The terms set and reset are typically used, respectively, to refer to the process of changing an element from a high resistance physical state to a low resistance physical state (set) and changing an element from a low resistance physical state to a higher resistance physical state (reset).

A variety of materials exhibit resistivity change behavior suitable for implementing the state change elements. Examples include, but are not limited to, doped semiconductors (e.g., polycrystalline silicon, more commonly polysilicon), transition metal oxides, complex metal oxides, programmable metallization connections, phase change resistive elements, organic material variable resistors, carbon polymer films, doped chalcogenide glass, and Schottky barrier diodes containing mobile atoms that change resistance. State change elements formed from carbon can include any combination of amorphous and graphitic carbon. In one aspect, the carbon is deposited as a carbon film. However, it is not required that a carbon state change element be a carbon film. In one aspect, the state change element can include a carbon nanotube. One type of carbon nanotube stores a charge based on position of a “guest” molecule in the nanotube. The position of the guest molecule, which remains stable even without energy supplied to the memory cell, modifies the electric properties of the nanotube. One stable position of the guest molecule results in a high current, whereas the current is measurably lower in at least one other position. In one embodiment, the state change element104is Ge2Sb2Te5(GST). GST has a property of reversible phase change from crystalline to amorphous-allowing two levels per cell. However, quasi-amorphous and quasi-crystalline phases may also be used to allow additional levels per cell with GST. The resistivity of the aforementioned materials in some cases may only be set in a first direction (e.g., high to low), while in others, the resistivity may be set from a first level (e.g., higher resistance) to a second level (e.g., lower resistance), and then reset back to the first resistivity level. As a discreet device or element may have a resistance and different resistance states, the terms resistivity and resistivity state are used to refer to the properties of materials themselves. Thus, while a resistance change element or device may have resistance states, a resistivity change material may have resistivity states.

In one embodiment, the state change elements are antifuses. An antifuse is manufactured in a high resistance state and can be popped or fused to a lower resistance state. An antifuse is typically non-conductive in its initial state and exhibits high conductivity with low resistance in its popped or fused state. Various types of antifuses can be used, including but not limited to dielectric rupture antifuses, intrinsic or lightly doped polycrystalline semiconductor antifuses and amorphous semiconductor antifuses, for example. In addition to its data storage ability, an antifuse can serve to set the on-resistance of the memory cell in at an appropriate level relative to the read-write circuitry associated with the cell. These circuits are typically used to pop the antifuse and have an associated resistance. Because these circuits drive the voltages and current levels to pop the antifuse, the antifuse tends to set the memory cell in an appropriate on-resistance state for these same circuits during later operations.

Looking back atFIG. 4M, the second conductor layer426and the second barrier metal layer424are etched in the same process as layers422,410and408. By etching these layers in the same process, the substantially vertical side walls of strips426S1and424S1are substantially self aligned with the substantially vertical side walls of pillar427a1Similarly, strips426S2and424S2have side walls that are self aligned with the side walls of pillar427a2, strips426S3and424S3have side walls that are self aligned with the side walls of pillar427a3and strips426S4and424S4have sidewalls that are self aligned with the side walls of pillar427a4.

FIG. 4Ndepicts the wafer after depositing a second gap fill material432. Gap fill material432can be different materials as described with the first gap fill material420. The gap fill material is deposited to fill the spaces between adjacent structures in the y-direction. After depositing the gap fill material, chemical-mechanical polishing can be used to create a substantially planar and flat surface between the gap fill material and second conductor layer strips426s1,426s2,426s3and426s4.

FIG. 4Ois an overhead view of the wafer at the point in processing depicted inFIG. 4N. Strips426S1,426S2,426S3and426S4of the second conductor layer are elongated in the x-direction with spaces therebetween in the y-direction. Insulating material432fills the spaces between adjacent strips of the second conductor layer.FIG. 4Pis also an overhead at the point in processing ofFIG. 4N. In this depiction, the second conductor layer strips426S1,426S2,426S3and426S4and the barrier metal strips424S1,424S2,424S3and424S4are omitted to reveal the underlying charge storage regions. State change regions422a1,422a2,422a3and422a4are shown in a repeating pattern in the y-direction. These regions are part of pillars427a1,427a2,427a3and427a4which are formed over first conductor402a. Also shown are state change regions422b1,422b2,422b3and422b4. These regions are not visible in the cross-section ofFIG. 4Nbut are part of the pillars formed over first conductor402b.FIG. 4Qis a corresponding view to that ofFIG. 4Ntaken along line B-B therein.

FIG. 4Rdepicts the system as shown inFIG. 4Nafter additional processing. A third conductor layer442is deposited over the upper surfaces of strips426s1-426s4and intervening gap fill material432. A third barrier metal layer444is formed over the third conductor layer442. A second semiconductor layer stack is then formed over layer444. In the disclosed example, the second semiconductor layer stack is formed as described with respect to the first semiconductor layer stack. A first semiconductor layer446having a first conductivity type is formed over layer444followed by an intrinsic layer448and a second semiconductor layer450having a second conductivity type. As earlier described, different material types can be used in various examples. Continuing with the earlier example, layer446can be a heavily doped N+ type material and layer450a heavily doped P+ type material with layer448being an intrinsic or lightly doped N− type layer. After forming the second semiconductor layer stack, a second pad layer452is formed over layer450. Different pad materials can be used. In one example, layer452is silicon nitride. A third pattern is then formed over layer452. This third pattern can be formed as described with respect to the earlier first and second patterns. In the disclosed example, the pattern includes spacers456which are formed along the substantially vertical side walls of sacrificial features454. After removing features454, the spacers server as the third pattern. The third pattern is in the same direction as the second pattern, comprising a repeating pattern in the y-direction of strips elongated in the x-direction.

FIG. 4Sdepicts the system after removing sacrificial features454and etching layers452-442using spacers456as a mask. Etching proceeds all the way through layers452,450,448,446,444and442to the level of strips426S1-426S4from the second conductor layer. After etching, spacers456are removed. Layer452is etched into strips452S1,452S2,452S3and452S4. Layer450is etched into strips450S1,450S2,450S3and450S4. Layer448is etched into strips448S1,448S2,448S3and448s4. Layer446is etched into strips446S1,446S2,446S3and446S4. Layer444is etched into strips444S1,444S2,444S3and444S4. Layer442is etched into strips442S1,442S2,442S3and442S4. Strips452S1,450S1,448S1and446S1form semiconductor layer line stack405s1, strips452S2,450S2,448S2and446S2form semiconductor layer line stack405s1, strips452S3,450S3,448S3and446S3form semiconductor layer line stack405s3and strips452S4,450S4,448S4and446S4form semiconductor layer line stack405s4. Strips444S1,444S2,444S3and444S4are not denoted as part of the layer stack lines since they will not undergo further etching as with the other strips. Again, these strips could be considered part of the layer stack lines as well.

Recall that strips426S1,426S2426S3and426S4were described as first portions of conductors for the second set of array lines. Strips442S1,442S2,442S3and442S4form the second portions of the conductors for the second set of array lines. Together, strips426S1and442S1form second conductor443a. Similarly, strips426S2and442S2form second conductor443b, strips426S3and442S3form second conductor443cand strips426S4and442S4form second conductor443d. In this manner, each second conductor is defined by two separate masking and etch steps. As such, the first portions426S1,426S2,426S3and426S4of the second conductors include two substantially vertical sidewalls self-aligned with two opposing sidewalls of the underlying pillars427a1-427a4. The second portions442S1,442S2,442S3and442S4of the second conductors include two substantially vertical sidewalls self-aligned with two opposing sidewalls of the overlying layer stack lines405s1-405s4. These upper layer stack lines are later etched into pillars which will thus have sidewalls self-aligned with the second portions of the second conductors by virtue of the common etch to define the layer stack lines and second portions of the conductors.

After etching, a third gap fill material458is deposited to fill the spaces between adjacent structures in the y-direction as depicted inFIG. 4T. After depositing gap fill material458, CMP is applied to create a substantially planar and conformal surface comprising strips452S1-452S4and the intervening gap fill material458.FIG. 4Udepicts the system after removing pad layer strips452s1-452s4and depositing a state change material to fill the trenches resulting from the removal of strips45S1-452S4. A first strip460s1of state change material is formed in the trench at the top of layer stack line405a1. A second strip460S2of state change material is formed in the trench at the top of layer stack line405a2, a third strip of state change material460s3is formed in the trench at the top of layer stack line405a3, and a fourth strip460s4of state change material is formed in the trench at the top of layer stack line405a4. After forming the strips of state change material, another chemical-mechanical polishing process is applied to create a substantially planar and uniform surface comprising upper surfaces of strips460s1-460s4and intervening gap fill material458.

Although not shown, processing continues as earlier described with respect toFIG. 4Lafter planarizing. An additional barrier metal layer followed by a fourth conductor layer can be deposited and then etched as shown inFIGS. 4M and 4N. The first portion of conductors for a third set of array lines are created. This etch process will also etch layer stack lines405s1-405s4to form a set of pillars at this second memory level. This process is repeated for as how many layers are desired to be formed.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view in the y-direction illustrating the tolerance for mis-alignment that the presently disclosed technology provides. Recall that pillar427a1is formed in a second etch process that includes the formation of the first portion426S1of the second conductor line443ain self-alignment with the underlying pillar structure. The semiconductor layer stack line405s1is formed in a third etch process that includes the formation of the second portion442S1of conductor line443a. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the second etch process and third etch process are not aligned, causing substantial mis-alignment between the second layer stack lines405s1-405s4and the first portions of the second conductors443a-443d. Because the second portions of the second conductors are formed during the third etch process and contact the first portions426S1-426S4of the second conductors, substantial mis-alignment is easily tolerated. Conductor strip442S1is self-aligned with the x-direction sidewalls of overlying strips444S1,446S1,448S1and450S1which will become the pillars of a second memory level. In this manner, both memory levels are aligned with one of the conductor lines, the second memory level being aligned with conductor line442S1and the first memory level being aligned with conductor line426S1. Conductor line442S1and426S1combine to form a common array line such that both memory levels are aligned with the array line even though the two memory levels themselves are mis-aligned.

FIGS. 6A-6Bare cross-sectional views of an optional step that can be used to increase the width of the state change element in the x-direction. The processes depicted inFIGS. 6A-6Bcan be performed after the operations depicted inFIG. 4Has an alternate toFIG. 4I. Recall thatFIG. 4Hdepicts the array after planarizing the gap fill material and removing pad layer strips412S1-412S4. Removing the pad layer strips results in strips of oxide extending in the y-direction over the gap fill material at locations adjacent in the x-direction to strips410S1-410S4. Before filling the resulting spaces with the state change material, the strips of oxide are slimmed as shown inFIG. 6A. By slimming the oxide strips, larger spaces in the x-direction are created over the semiconductor layer stack lines. A chemical wet etch or other suitable process can be used to etch the oxide and decrease its x-direction dimension. After slimming the oxide, the gaps are filled with the state change material, followed by CMP as shown inFIG. 6B. The resulting strips of state change material have a larger dimension in the x-direction than the strips formed as shown inFIG. 4I. After forming the strips of state change material, processing can proceed as earlier described.

FIGS. 7A-7Bare cross-sectional views of an optional step that can be used to decrease the width of the state change element in the x-direction. These processes can also be performed after the operations depicted inFIG. 4Has an alternate toFIG. 4I. After removing the pad layer strips412S1-412S4, additional oxide is deposited and etched back to form spacers470as shown inFIG. 7A. The spacers are formed along the vertical sidewalls of the gap fill material resulting from removal of the nitride strips. The spacers increase the width of the oxide material in the x-direction. After increasing the width of the oxide, the state change material is deposited in the resulting gaps as shown inFIG. 7B. After depositing the state change material, CMP is applied to planarize the surface and form strips422S1,422S2,422S3and422S4of the state change material elongated in the y-direction. The resulting strips of state change material have a smaller dimension in the x-direction than the strips formed as shown inFIG. 4I. Processing can proceed as earlier described after forming the strips of state change material.

InFIGS. 4A-4U, the state change material is formed using a damascene process. Strips of the state change material are formed over previously formed semiconductor layer stack lines elongated in the y-direction. The state change material need only be etched once, in the y-direction, to subdivide these strips along their length as part of forming pillars from the previously formed semiconductor layer stack lines. It is also possible to form the state change material with the initial semiconductor layer stack and etch it twice with the semiconductor layers to form pillars including a state change element.FIGS. 8A-8Care cross-sectional views depicting the formation of the state change material in this manner.FIG. 8Adepicts the initial formation of the conductor layer402, barrier metal layer404and semiconductor layers406,408and410over substrate400as described inFIG. 4A. InFIG. 8A, a layer422of state change material is deposited over semiconductor layer410(e.g., P+ polysilicon) prior to forming the nitride pad layer412. The state change material thus forms part of the initial layer stack.

A spacer pattern for etching the layer stack is formed as shown inFIG. 8B. Sacrificial strips of oxide414are formed, followed by forming spacers416along the substantially vertical sidewalls of the strips. The spacers are polysilicon in one embodiment. The sacrificial strips of oxide are then removed, leaving the spacers as a pattern elongated in the y-direction over the layer stack. Using the spacers as a mask, the layer stack is etched as shown inFIG. 8C. Like the earlier embodiment, etching results in layer stack lines403s1-403s4that include strips of layers406-422. Unlike the earlier embodiment, the layer stack lines also include strips422S1-422S4of the state change material. After forming the layer stack lines, the spaces between adjacent lines are filled with a gap fill material420, followed by chemical mechanical polishing using the nitride layer as a CMP stop layer. The nitride strips are then removed, followed by an oxide etch back to recess the oxide. The process then proceeds as described inFIGS. 4K-4U.

FIGS. 9A-9Fare cross-sectional views depicting the fabrication of a memory array in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. In this embodiment, a double deposition and etch process for the array lines is not used. After forming the first layer array lines from a metal, the subsequent array lines are formed from polysilicon. The polysilicon is deposited and etched, then silicidized to form a highly conductive array line with low resistance. This embodiment shares a common feature with the earlier described embodiments in that after forming the first array line layer during a first etch process in a first direction, two etch processes in a second orthogonal direction are performed before etching again in the first direction.

FIG. 9Adepicts the array after an initial set of processing steps have been performed to form a first set of array lines and set of semiconductor layer stack lines. For example, the processes depicted inFIGS. 4A-4Ican be performed (the processes inFIGS. 8A-8Ccan optionally be used), resulting in array lines402a-402dand semiconductor layer stack lines elongated in the y-direction.FIG. 9Ais a cross-sectional view in the y-direction, depicting one conductor and one semiconductor layer stack line. Conductor402ais illustrated, with overlying layers404S1,406S1,408S1,410S1and422S1. After forming these lines, a barrier metal layer524is deposited, followed by a layer526of polysilicon.

After forming the polysilicon layer, a pattern is applied for etching in the y-direction as shown inFIG. 9B. A nitride pad layer527(e.g., SiN) is formed over the polysilicon layer. Over the nitride layer is first formed sacrificial strips528of oxide elongated in the x-direction with spaces therebetween in the y-direction. The strips can be formed as earlier described. Spacers530are then formed along the x-direction extending sidewalls of the sacrificial oxide strips508.

FIG. 9Cdepicts the array after removing the oxide strips, and etching a subset of the underlying layers using the spacers as a mask. Etching proceeds all the way through layers527,526,524,422S1and410S1. Etching proceeds partially through layer408S1, stopping before completely etching this layer. Etching forms pillars427a1-427a4. After etching, a gap fill material532is deposited to fill the spaces in the y-direction between adjacent pillars as shown inFIG. 9D. Chemical mechanical polishing is used to form a substantially planar surface with the intervening strips526S1of polysilicon after removing the SiN. Polishing exposes the upper surfaces of the polysilicon layer, which has been etched into strips526S1-526S2.

After exposing the polysilicon, the polysilicon lines are formed into silicide lines using a suitable silicide process. The polysilicon can be fully silicided (FUSI) to form the silicide array lines. A self-aligned silicide process (salicide) is used in one embodiment. A thin metal layer is deposited over the array followed by thermal processing to form a silicide from the reaction of the metal and underlying polysilicon. Various silicides can be used. By way of non-limiting example, nickel silicide (NiSi) or copper silicide (Cu5Si) could be used.

After forming the silicide array lines, processing continues as shown inFIG. 9E. A barrier metal layer544is formed over the array, followed by another series of semiconductor layers546(e.g., N+),548(e.g., N−),550(e.g., P+) and a layer of state change material560. After forming these layers, a second y-direction pattern is formed for etching these layers into strips. The pattern is a spacer pattern in one embodiment formed as earlier described by first forming sacrificial oxide strips554then forming spacers556After removing the sacrificial oxide strips, the spacers are used as a mask to etch the underling layers as shown inFIG. 9G. Etching proceeds all the way through layers560,550,548,546, and544. These strips are elongated in the x-direction with spaces therebetween in the y-direction. Processing can continue by depositing an additional silicon layer and etching in the x-direction to define a third set of array lines and a second set of pillars. After etching this silicon layer, silicidization can be performed on the array lines.

FIGS. 10A-10Idepict an embodiment that includes the formation of the second and subsequent sets of array lines using damascene processes.FIG. 10Ais a cross-sectional view through the memory array in the y-direction, depicting the memory after etching to form the first set of semiconductor layer stack lines. The view inFIG. 10Acorresponds with that ofFIG. 4K, before forming the barrier metal layer and second conductor layer. The steps outlined inFIGS. 4A-4Iare used to form a first conductor402aover substrate400. Over conductor402ais formed strip404S1, strip406S1, strip408S1, strip410S1and strip422S1. A second pattern for etching these strips is then formed. Sacrificial strips628of oxide are formed over the strip422S1of state change material and spacers630are formed along the sidewalls of the sacrificial strips as earlier described. In this particular example, the spacers are a nitride (e.g., SiN) material but other materials can be used. After forming the spacers, the sacrificial oxide features are removed and the underlying layers etched using the spacers as a mask as shown inFIG. 10B. Etching proceeds completely through strips422S1and410S1and partially through intrinsic layer408S1. After etching, an insulating material632is used to fill the gaps between pillars adjacent in the y-direction. After filling the gaps, chemical mechanical polishing is used to create a substantially planar surface. After polishing, the remaining nitride spacer material is removed, followed by an etch back process to recess the insulating material as shown inFIG. 10C.

After etching back the gap fill material, a layer of oxide670(e.g, TEOS) is deposited over the array as shown inFIG. 10D. A third pattern is then applied over the oxide layer as shown inFIG. 10E. The third pattern can include strips672S1-672S5of photoresist in one example that are elongated in the x-direction. In the y-direction, the strips form a repeating pattern, overlying the oxide where it overlies the underlying gap fill material and leaving the oxide exposed at locations where it overlies the underlying pillar structures. After forming the third pattern, the oxide layer670is etched into strips670S1-670S5elongated in the x-direction as also shown inFIG. 10E. The oxide strips overlie the gap fill material between pillars adjacent in the y-direction. After forming the oxide strips, the photoresist is removed.

A barrier metal layer674(e.g., TaN) is then deposited over the array as shown inFIG. 10F. The barrier metal layer is deposited conformally along the sidewalls of the oxide strips and over the upper surface of the oxide strips and state change material strips. After forming the barrier metal layer, a copper seed is applied, followed by copper electroplating to form a layer676of copper. The copper overlies the oxide strips and fills the spaces between strips adjacent in the y-direction. After forming the copper, CMP is used to polish the copper until the upper surface of the oxide strips is reached as shown inFIG. 10G. The CMP process creates individual electrically isolated strips676S1-676S4of copper between adjacent strips of oxide. The strips, along with strips674S1-674S4of the barrier metal, form the second set of array lines. An additional barrier metal layer680is formed over the array as shown inFIG. 10H, followed by application of a pattern682. This additional metal layer can seal the top of the copper strips and prevent subsequent diffusion of the copper. Barrier metal layer680can vary by embodiment and include materials such as TiN or TaN. Using the pattern as a mask, the barrier metal layer is etched into strips680S1,680S2,680S3and680S4as shown inFIG. 10I. Following etching, the pattern is removed, followed by deposition of an oxide684to fill the spaces in between strips of the barrier metal layer. The oxide layer is polished using CMP to form a planarized surface as shown inFIG. 10I.

In the preceding embodiments, the pillar structures have a substantially rectangular cross-section and shape as viewed from above. In other embodiments, the pillar structures may have different shapes. For example, the pillars can be substantially cylindrical in other embodiments. It is noted that rectangular features formed with features sizes at certain dimensions (e.g., less than 2500 A in both dimension) using standard photomasking techniques may tend to be substantially cylindrical regardless of the shape of the mask. The semiconductor elements after etch may thus be substantially cylindrical, with a diameter ranging from about 300 to about 2500 A in one exemplary embodiment.

In one embodiment, pillars with rectangular cross-sections are formed, then subjected to an oxidation or nitridation process to form a more cylindrical shape. This technique may be useful to avoid diode-to-diode leakage or diode sidewall conduction that could result from sharp diode corners. The oxidation or nitridation process may be applied after etching to form a set of upper electrodes, such as electrodes426S1inFIG. 4L, and before performing a gap fill operation.FIG. 11Ais an overhead depiction of the array, corresponding to the view inFIG. 4M. Electrodes426S1,426S2and426S3are depicted transparently to illustrate the underlying pillars427a1,427b1,427c1,427a2,427b2,427c2,427a3,427b3and427c3. It is noted that the described process may be used with any of the described embodiments and not just that ofFIGS. 4A-4U. For example, the oxidation or nitridation may also be performed before the gap fill depicted inFIG. 9Dor before the gap fill depicted inFIG. 10B.

After etching to form the pillar structures, an oxidation process is employed to round-off the corners of the pillars as shown inFIG. 11B. The oxidation process can include a standard thermal oxidation process which will oxidize the corners more rapidly than the sidewalls of the pillars. More advanced oxidation processes can also be used, such as a low thermal-cycle plasma oxidation to achieve a milder rounding effect. The oxidation process has the additional benefit of annealing the pillar sidewalls, which can heal damage that may be induced during the pillar etch processes. The diameter of the pillars may also be decreased as a result of oxidation.

FIG. 12is a block diagram of an exemplary integrated circuit including a memory array802that may be formed in accordance with the previously described embodiments. The array terminal lines of memory array802include the various layer(s) of word lines organized as rows, and the various layer(s) of bit lines organized as columns. The integrated circuit800includes row control circuitry820whose outputs808are connected to respective word lines of the memory array802. The row control circuitry receives a group of M row address signals and one or more various control signals, and typically may include such circuits as row decoders822, array terminal drivers824, and block select circuitry826for both read and write (i.e., programming) operations. The integrated circuit800also includes column control circuitry810whose input/outputs806are connected to respective bit lines of the memory array802. The column control circuitry806receives a group of N column address signals and one or more various control signals, and typically may include such circuits as column decoders812, array terminal receivers or drivers814, block select circuitry816, as well as read/write circuitry, and I/O multiplexers. Circuits such as the row control circuitry820and the column control circuitry810may be collectively termed control circuitry or array terminal circuits for their connection to the various array terminals of the memory array402.

Exemplary bias conditions for programming a memory cell can include driving a high voltage on an array line corresponding to the anode of the memory cell and driving the other array line to ground. For example, a voltage of 9.5V may be applied in some implementations to breach an antifuse layer for a memory cell. Similar voltages may be applied to change the resistance of a re-writable element during programming. It is possible when programming a selected memory cell to inadvertently program an unselected memory cell, causing program disturb. In implementations where two memory cells share a common diode electrode and part of the intrinsic layer, the bias conditions for programming and sensing can be chosen to minimize the effects of program disturb. With reference toFIG. 4Ufor example, consider that conductor402ais a bit line and conductors443a-443dform word lines. The memory cell in pillar427a1may be programmed by driving a high voltage on conductor402awhile grounding conductor443a. The memory cell in pillar427a2may inadvertently be programmed, owing at least partially to the shared intrinsic region408S1that is shared by the diodes formed in pillars427a1and427a2.

FIG. 13depicts one programming pulse timing arrangement930that may be used to program a memory cell like that in pillar427a1when shared diode components are utilized. The bit line initially transitions from its unselected bias level to its selected bias level. Then, the selected word line transitions from its unselected bias level to ground, and returns to the unselected level after a programming pulse time933. Finally, the selected bit line transitions back to its unselected bias level. As shown, the selected word line pulse falls entirely within the selected bit line pulse, and the separate electrode side of the shared pillar, which could act as an injector to the unselected cell, rises before the shared electrode side of the shared pillar reaches an intermediate voltage. For more information on bias conditions that can be applied, see U.S. Pat. No. 7,022,572, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In other embodiments402aand all the first set of array lines are used as word lines and443aand all the second set of array lines are used as bit lines.

The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The described embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.