Patent ID: 7575776

Claim:
A method of forming a phase changeable memory element, comprising: forming an insulating layer including a contact hole therein on a substrate; depositing a phase changeable material film on the substrate and in the contact hole, the phase changeable material film being configured to transition between a crystalline state and an amorphous state having a higher resistance than the crystalline state responsive to heat applied thereto; forming a capping film on the deposited phase changeable material film; and performing a thermal treatment for a duration sufficient to reduce a viscosity of the phase changeable material film such that a portion of the phase changeable material film outside the contact hole migrates into the contact hole, wherein the capping film comprises an evaporation prevention layer configured to substantially reduce evaporation of components of the phase changeable material film while the portion of the phase changeable material film outside the contact hole migrates into the contact hole during the thermal treatment.