Patent ID: 7176064

Claim:
A method for forming a first memory level of memory cells in a memory array, the method comprising: forming a plurality of first conductors at a first height above a substrate in a first pattern and etch step; forming a plurality of semiconductor pillars above the first conductors in a second pattern and etch step; crystallizing the plurality of first semiconductor pillars, wherein each of the first semiconductor pillars is in contact with a silicide at the time it is crystallized; forming a plurality of second conductors above the first semiconductor pillars in a third pattern and etch step; and forming a plurality of dielectric rupture antifuses between the first and second conductors, each antifuse in series with a first semiconductor pillar of the plurality of first semiconductor pillars, and each antifuse in contact with one of the conductors, wherein the first, second, and third pattern and etch steps are all separate.