Patent ID: 8426838

Claim:
A phase-change memory, comprising: a bottom electrode; a first non-metallic layer formed on the bottom electrode, exposing the periphery of the top surface of the bottom electrode; a first electrical contact formed on the first non-metallic layer and electrically connected to the bottom electrode; a dielectric layer formed on and covering the first electrical contact; a second electrical contact formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the second electrical contact comprises an outstanding terminal; an opening passing through the second electrical contact, the dielectric layer, and the first electrical contact and separated from the bottom electrode by the first non-metallic layer; a phase-change material occupying at least one portion of the opening, wherein the first and second electrical contacts interface the phase-change material at the side-walls of the phase-change material; a second non-metallic layer formed on and covering the second electrical contact and exposing a top surface of the outstanding terminal; and a top electrode formed on the second non-metallic layer and directly contacting the top surface of the outstanding terminal of the second electrical contact.