The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Dec. 20, 2011

Filed:

Feb. 28, 2008
Applicants:

Arturo M. Martinez, Jr., Austin, TX (US);

Rajesh A. Rao, Austin, TX (US);

Inventors:

Arturo M. Martinez, Jr., Austin, TX (US);

Rajesh A. Rao, Austin, TX (US);

Assignee:
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H01L 21/00 (2006.01); H01L 21/06 (2006.01); H01L 21/8234 (2006.01); H01L 21/20 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract

A method of making a phase change random access memory (PCM) device comprises forming a PCM stack that includes a heater layer, phase change material layer, and a top electrode layer. A top protection layer is formed overlying the PCM stack. The top protection layer and a first portion of the PCM stack are then patterned, wherein the first portion of the PCM stack excludes the heater layer. A sidewall protection feature is formed along a sidewall of the patterned top protection layer and first portion of the PCM stack. The heater layer is etched using (i) the sidewall protection feature and (ii) the patterned top protection layer and first portion of the PCM stack collectively as a mask to form a self-aligned heater layer bottom electrode of the PCRAM stack, thereby completing a memory bit of the PCRAM device.


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