Patent ID: 8652923

Claim:
A method of forming a nonvolatile memory element, comprising: forming a first electrode layer comprising a first electrode material over a surface of a substrate; forming a first interface layer, about 8-20 angstroms thick, comprising a first interface material in contact with the first electrode layer; forming a second interface layer comprising a second interface material; forming a variable resistance layer comprising a variable resistance material in contact with the second interface layer, wherein the second interface layer is disposed between the first interface layer and the variable resistance layer; and heating the substrate to form a first interface region and a second interface region; wherein the first interface region is formed between the first electrode layer and the first interface layer; wherein the first interface region comprises the first interface material and the first electrode material; wherein the first interface region has a work function greater than a work function of the first electrode material; wherein the second interface region is formed between the second interface layer and the variable resistance layer; and wherein the second interface region comprises the second interface material and the variable resistance material.