Patent ID: 7884346

Claim:
A nonvolatile memory element comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode formed above the first electrode; a variable resistance film formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a resistance value of the variable resistance film being increased or decreased by an electric pulse applied between the first and second electrodes; and an interlayer dielectric film provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein said interlayer dielectric film is provided with an opening extending from a surface thereof to the first electrode and having height which is not less than a thickness of the variable resistance film; said variable resistance film is formed at an inner wall face and a bottom face of said opening; and an interior region of said opening which is defined by the variable resistance film is filled with an embedded insulating film and said element is configured not to flow a current in a portion other than the variable resistance film, when the electric pulse is applied between said first electrode and said second electrode.