Abstract: A thin film capacitor is characterized by forming a lower electrode, coating a composition onto the lower electrode without applying an annealing process having a temperature of greater than 300° C., drying at a predetermined temperature within a range from ambient temperature to 500° C., and calcining at a predetermined temperature within a range of 500 to 800° C. and higher than a drying temperature. The process from coating to calcining is performed the process from coating to calcining once or at least twice, or the process from coating to drying is performed at least twice, and then calcining is performed once. The thickness of the dielectric thin film formed after the first calcining is 20 to 600 nm. The ratio of the thickness of the lower electrode and the thickness of the dielectric thin film formed after the initial calcining step (thickness of lower electrode/thickness of the dielectric thin film) is preferably in the range 0.10 to 15.0.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a capacitor within a trench in a workpiece, the capacitor comprising a bottom electrode, a dielectric layer disposed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed over the dielectric layer. A cap layer is formed over the capacitor. Forming the capacitor and forming the cap layer comprise optimizing at least one of: a width of the trench, a thickness of the bottom electrode, a thickness of the dielectric layer, a thickness of the top electrode, and a thickness of the cap layer, so that the cap layer completely covers the top electrode.

Abstract: A phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) device and a method of manufacturing the same. The PCRAM device includes memory cells that each include a semiconductor substrate having a switching element, a lower electrode formed on the switching element, a phase-change layer formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the phase-change layer; and a porous insulating layer arranged to insulate one memory cell from another memory cell of the memory cells.

Abstract: In a replacement gate approach for forming high-k metal gate electrode structures, electronic fuses may be provided on the basis of a semiconductor material in combination with a metal silicide by using a recessed surface topography and/or a superior selectivity of the metal silicide material during the replacement gate process. For example, in some illustrative embodiments, electronic fuses may be provided in a recessed portion of an isolation region, thereby avoiding the removal of the semiconductor material when replacing the semiconductor material of the gate electrode structures with a metal-containing electrode material. Consequently, the concept of well-established semiconductor-based electronic fuses may be applied together with sophisticated replacement gate structures of transistors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a second electrode layer is formed on first structures where a first electrode layer and a first memory cell layer sequentially stacked above a substrate are patterned in a line-and-space shape extending in a first direction and a first interlayer insulating film embedded between the first structures. Etching is performed from the second electrode layer to a predetermined position in an inner portion of the first memory cell layer by using a first mask layer having a line-and-space pattern extending in a second direction, so that a first trench is formed. A first modifying film is formed on a side surface of the first trench, anisotropic etching is performed on the first memory cell layer by using the first mask layer, and after that, isotropic etching is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrically active devices (e.g., capacitors, transistors, diodes, floating gate memory cells, etc.) having dielectric, conductor, and/or semiconductor layers with smooth and/or dome-shaped profiles and methods of forming such devices by depositing or printing (e.g., inkjet printing) an ink composition that includes a semiconductor, metal, or dielectric precursor. The smooth and/or dome-shaped cross-sectional profile allows for smooth topological transitions without sharp steps, preventing feature discontinuities during deposition and allowing for more complete step coverage of subsequently deposited structures. The inventive profile allows for both the uniform growth of oxide layers by thermal oxidation, and substantially uniform etching rates of the structures. Such oxide layers may have a uniform thickness and provide substantially complete coverage of the underlying electrically active feature.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for power inductors in silicon (PIiS) In one embodiment, a PIiS includes a magnetic core of magnetic material embedded in a silicon substrate, and a conductive winding having a plurality of turns, where adjacent turns of the conductive winding have a space therebetween, and where at least a portion of the magnetic core is encircled by the conductive winding In another embodiment, a DC to DC converter includes a PIiS, which includes a magnetic core of magnetic material embedded in a silicon substrate, a conductive winding having a plurality of turns, where at least a portion of the magnetic core is encircled by the conductive winding, and a cap layer of magnetic material disposed on at least one side of the silicon substrate The DC to DC converter also includes an integrated circuit mounted on the cap layer of the power inductor in silicon

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetic tunnel junction cell includes forming a pinning layer, a pinned layer, a dielectric layer and a free layer over a first electrode, forming a second electrode on the free layer, etching the free layer and the dielectric layer using the second electrode as an etch barrier to form a first pattern, forming a prevention layer on a sidewall of the first pattern, and etching the pinned layer and the pinning layer using the second electrode and the prevention layer as an etch barrier to form a second pattern.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention provides a method of forming electronic fuse or commonly known as e-fuse. The method includes forming a polysilicon structure and a field-effect-transistor (FET) structure together on top of a common semiconductor substrate, the FET structure having a sacrificial gate electrode; implanting at least one dopant into the polysilicon structure to create a doped polysilicon layer in at least a top portion of the polysilicon structure; subjecting the polysilicon structure and the FET structure to a reactive-ion-etching (RIE) process, the RIE process selectively removing the sacrificial gate electrode of the FET structure while the doped polysilicon layer being substantially unaffected by the RIE process; and converting the polysilicon structure including the doped polysilicon layer into a silicide to form the electronic fuse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fabricating piezoresistive polysilicon on a substrate by low-temperature metal induced crystallization by: (1) providing the substrate having a passivation layer; (2) performing, at or near room temperature in a chamber without breaking a vacuum or near-vacuum within the chamber, the steps of: (a) creating a metal layer on the passivation layer, and (b) creating an amorphous silicon layer on the metal layer, wherein the metal layer and the amorphous silicon layer have approximately the same thickness; (3) annealing the substrate, the passivation layer, the metal layer and the amorphous silicon layer at a temperature equal to or less than 600° C. and a period of time equal to or less than three hours to form a doped polysilicon layer below a residual metal layer; and (4) removing the residual metal layer to expose the doped polysilicon layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an LC circuit, including forming a first conductive layer pattern serving as a lower electrode of a capacitor on a first interlayer insulating layer, forming a dielectric layer pattern storing electric charges on the first conductive layer pattern, forming a second conductive layer pattern serving as an upper electrode of the capacitor on the dielectric layer pattern, forming a second interlayer insulating layer on the second conductive layer pattern, forming a contact via exposing one of the first or second conductive layer pattern in the second interlayer insulating layer, and filling the contact via with a contact plug, and forming a third conductive layer pattern on the second interlayer insulating layer having the contact plug, wherein the third conductive layer pattern is electrically connected to the contact plug, and is etched in a metal interconnection type layer and functions as an inductor.

Abstract: A programmable metallization device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and an ion-supplying layer in series between the first and second electrodes. In operation, a conductive bridge is formed or destructed in the first dielectric layer to represent a data value. During read, a read bias is applied that is sufficient to cause formation of a transient bridge in the second dielectric layer, and make a conductive path through the cell if the bridge is present in the first dielectric layer. If the bridge is not present in the first dielectric layer during the read, then the conductive path is not formed. Upon removal of the read bias voltage any the conductive bridge formed in the second dielectric layer is destructed while the conductive bridge in the corresponding other first dielectric layer, if any, remains.

Abstract: The memory cell includes a memory area which is formed in a phase-change material pattern based on chalcogenide. An electric pin-type junction is series-connected between electrodes. The pin junction is formed in a crystalline area by the interface between first and second doped areas of the phase-change material pattern. The memory area is formed in one of the two doped areas, at a distance from the junction.

Abstract: A MIIIM diode and method of fabricating are disclosed. In one aspect, the MIIIM diode comprises a first metal electrode, a first region comprising a first insulator material having an interface with the first metal electrode, a second region comprising a second insulator material having an interface with the first insulator material, a third region comprising a third insulator material having an interface with the second insulator material, and a second metal electrode having an interface with the third insulator material. At least one of the first, second, or third insulator materials is lanthanum oxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a capacitor, the capacitor includes: a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type disposed on the first semiconductor region, the second semiconductor region having a higher first-conductivity-type impurity concentration than the first semiconductor region; a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type disposed on the second semiconductor region, the third semiconductor region including a contact region and having a higher first-conductivity-type impurity concentration than the second semiconductor region; a dielectric film disposed on the third semiconductor region; and an upper electrode disposed on the dielectric film beside the contact region.

Abstract: An electronic device including a bio-polymer material and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic device of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate; a bio-polymer layer disposed on the first electrode, wherein the bio-polymeric material is selected from a group consisting of wool keratin, collagen hydrolysate, gelatin, whey protein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and a second electrode disposed on the biopolymer material layer. The present invention is suitable for various electronic devices such as an organic thin film transistor, an organic floating gate memory, or a metal-insulator-metal capacitor.

Abstract: A device comprises a semiconductor substrate having first and second implant regions and an electrode above and between the first and second implant regions of a first dopant type. A contact structure is in direct contact with the first and second implant regions and the electrode. A third implant region has a second dopant type different from the first dopant type. A bulk contact is provided on the third implant.

Abstract: A discrete Through-Assembly Via (TAV) module includes a substrate, and vias extending from a surface of the substrate into the substrate. The TAV module is free from conductive features in contact with one end of each of the conductive vias.

Abstract: A dielectric layer is formed in the surface of an anode body which is composed of a sintered body, a semiconductor layer composed of an electrically-conductive polymer is formed on the dielectric layer, and then an electric conductor layer is formed on the semiconductor layer with an electrically-conductive paste which contains a dispersant to obtain a solid electrolytic capacitor element: The electric conductor layer of the solid electrolytic capacitor element is electrically connected to a cathode terminal using the electrically-conductive paste which contains a dispersant, and the anode body is electrically connected to an anode terminal through a lead wire by welding. The solid electrolytic capacitor element connected to the terminals is immersed in a solvent, and then the solid electrolytic capacitor element is encapsulated with a resin to obtain a solid electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides fuse patterns and a method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, an insulating layer and a contact plug are filled between fuse patterns which are formed to have their ends broken and are isolated from each other. In case of a fail cell, the insulating layer is broken owing a difference in an electrical bias (current or voltage) between a metal wire and the fuse patterns, and a short is generated between the fuse patterns. Accordingly, embodiments avoid damage to a semiconductor substrate associated with a conventional fuse repair method employing laser energy, and the area of a fuse box can be reduced.

Abstract: A power management module, provides an inductor including one or more electrical conductors disposed around a ferromagnetic ceramic element including one or more metal oxides having fluctuations in metal-oxide compositional uniformity less than or equal to 1.50 mol % throughout the ceramic element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a phase change memory structure having low-k dielectric heat-insulating material and fabrication method thereof, wherein the phase change memory cell comprises diode, heating electrode, reversible phase change resistor, top electrode and etc; the heating electrode and reversible phase change resistor are surrounded by low-k dielectric heat-insulating layer; an anti-diffusion dielectric layer is designed between the reversible phase change resistor and the low-k dielectric heat-insulating layer surrounding thereof. The present invention utilizes low-k dielectric material as heat-insulating material, thereby avoiding thermal crosstalk and mutual influence during operation between phase change memory cells, enhancing the reliability of devices, and eliminating the influence of temperature, pressure and etc. on phase change random access memory (PCRAM) data retention during the change from amorphous to polycrystalline states.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate has at least two active regions, each having at least one active device that includes a gate electrode layer, and a shallow trench isolation (STI) region between the active regions. A decoupling capacitor comprises first and second dummy conductive patterns formed in the same gate electrode layer over the STI region. The first and second dummy conductive regions are unconnected to any of the at least one active device. The first dummy conductive pattern is connected to a source of a first potential. The second dummy conductive pattern is connected to a source of a second potential. A dielectric material is provided between the first and second dummy conductive patterns.

Abstract: An FeRAM is produced by a method including the steps of forming a lower electrode layer, forming a first ferroelectric film on the lower electrode layer, forming on the first ferroelectric film a second ferroelectric film in an amorphous state containing iridium inside, thermally treating the second ferroelectric film in an oxidizing atmosphere to crystallize the second ferroelectric film and to cause iridium in the second ferroelectric film to diffuse into the first ferroelectric film, forming an upper electrode layer on the second ferroelectric film, and processing each of the upper electrode layer, the second ferroelectric film, the first ferroelectric film, and the lower electrode layer to form the capacitor structure. With such a structure, the inversion charge amount in a ferroelectric capacitor structure is improved without increasing the leak current pointlessly, and a high yield can be assured, thereby realizing a highly reliable FeRAM.

Abstract: The use of a monolayer or partial monolayer sequencing process, such as atomic layer deposition, to form a dielectric layer of hafnium oxide doped with dysprosium and a method of fabricating such a combination produces a reliable structure for use in a variety of electronic devices. Forming the dielectric structure can include depositing hafnium oxide onto a substrate surface using precursor chemicals, followed by depositing dysprosium oxide onto the substrate using precursor chemicals, and repeating to form a thin laminate structure. A dielectric layer of dysprosium doped hafnium oxide may be used as the gate insulator of a MOSFET, as a capacitor dielectric in a DRAM, as a tunnel gate insulator in flash memories, or as a dielectric in NROM devices, because the high dielectric constant (high-k) of the film provides the functionality of a thinner silicon dioxide film, and because the reduced leakage current of the dielectric layer when the percentage of dysprosium doping is optimized improves memory function.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of forming a memory cell is provided that includes: (a) forming a layer of dielectric material above a substrate; (b) forming an opening in the dielectric layer; (c) depositing a solution that includes a carbon-based switching material on the substrate; (d) rotating the substrate to cause the solution to flow into the opening and to form a carbon-based switching material layer within the opening; and (e) forming a memory element using the carbon-based switching material layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a phase-change random access memory device. The method includes forming a word line on a semiconductor substrate, forming a switching element material and a hard mask material on the word line, etching the switching element material and the hard mask material to form a hole exposing the word line, forming an insulating material on a sidewall and a bottom of the hole, removing the hard mask material; and forming a heater material on the switching element material. The hard mask material has different etch selectivity from the insulating material.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same, a mesh shaped lower electrode of a peripheral region is used as a reservoir capacitor to increase the size of a region contacting a dielectric film, such that Cs deterioration is minimized. An exemplary semiconductor device may include a line-type storage node contact plug formed over a semiconductor substrate, a mesh shaped lower electrode formed over the storage node contact plug, and a dielectric film and an upper electrode formed over the lower electrode.

Abstract: A nanoscale switching device comprises a first electrode of a nanoscale width; a second electrode of a nanoscale width; an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes, the active region containing a switching material; an area within the active region that constrains current flow between the first electrode and the second electrode to a central portion of the active region; and an interlayer dielectric layer formed of a dielectric material and disposed between the first and second electrodes outside the active region. A nanoscale crossbar array and method of forming the nanoscale switching device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable resistance memory array, programming a variable resistance memory element and methods of forming the array. A variable resistance memory array is formed with a plurality of word line transistors surrounding each phase change memory element. To program a selected variable resistance memory element, all of the bitlines are grounded or biased at the same voltage. A top electrode select line that is in contact with the selected variable resistance memory element is selected. The word line having the word line transistors surrounding the selected variable resistance memory element are turned on to supply programming current to the element. Current flows from the selected top electrode select line through the variable resistance memory element into the common source/drain region of the surrounding word line transistors, across the transistors to the nearest bitline contacts. The word lines are patterned in various lattice configurations.

Abstract: A variable resistance memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having an active area defined by an isolation layer extending in one direction, a gate line extending in another direction crossing the isolation layer through the isolation layer and the active area, a protective layer located over the gate line, a contact plug positioned in a partially removed space of the active area between the protective layers, and a variable resistance pattern coupled to a part of the contact plug.

Abstract: A device that may be used for a phase change random access memory in a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The device includes a phase change unit and two sidewall electrodes respectively located on two opposite sidewalls of the phase change unit. The phase change unit includes a three layer structure, in which a phase change material layer is positioned between a top insulating material layer and a bottom insulating material layer. The first sidewall electrode and the second sidewall electrode are in contact with two opposite end faces of the phase change material layer. The contact area between electrode and phase change material is reduced, thereby obtaining a relatively small drive current and meeting a demand that the integrated level of such a device is increasingly enhanced.

Abstract: A method of forming a multi-component dielectric layer on the surface of a substrate by atomic layer deposition includes injecting a cocktail source of a plurality of sources at least having a cyclopentadienyl ligand, wherein the cocktail source is adsorbed on a surface of a substrate by injecting the cocktail source, performing a first purge process to remove a non-adsorbed portion of the cocktail source, injecting a reactant to react with the adsorbed cocktail source, wherein a multi-component layer is formed by the reaction between the reactant and the absorbed cocktail source, and performing a second purge process to remove reaction byproducts and an unreacted portion of the reactant.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes conductive pillars disposed vertically over a seed layer, a conformal insulating layer formed over the conductive pillars, and a conformal conductive layer formed over the conformal insulating layer. A first conductive pillar, the conformal insulating layer, and the conformal conductive layer constitute a vertically oriented integrated capacitor. The semiconductor device further includes a semiconductor die or component mounted over the seed layer, an encapsulant deposited over the semiconductor die or component and around the conformal conductive layer, and a first interconnect structure formed over a first side of the encapsulant. The first interconnect structure is electrically connected to a second conductive pillar, and includes an integrated passive device. The semiconductor device further includes a second interconnect structure formed over a second side of the encapsulant opposite the first side of the encapsulant.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming an insulation layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming a first conductive layer over the insulation layer; forming a plurality of buried bit lines and insulation layer patterns isolated by a plurality of trenches, wherein the plurality of trenches are formed by etching the first conductive layer and the insulation layer; forming a sacrificial layer to gap-fill the trenches; forming a second conductive layer over the buried bit lines and the sacrificial layer; and forming a plurality of pillars over each of the buried bit lines by etching the second conductive layer.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to various methods of making a capacitor with a sealing liner and a semiconductor device including such a capacitor. In one example, the method includes forming a layer of insulating material, forming a capacitor opening in the layer of insulating material, forming a sealing liner on the sidewalls of the capacitor opening and forming a first metal layer in the capacitor opening and on the sealing liner by performing a process using a precursor having a minimum particle size, wherein the sealing liner is made of a material having an opening size that is less than the minimum particle size of the precursor.

Abstract: An IC device (100) includes an IC body (106) having a base layer (108) and first and second upper layers (114, 116) on the base layer. The IC body includes a cavity region (104) extending through said base and first upper layers and at least a portion of said second upper layer. In the IC device, a portion of said second upper layer in the cavity region comprises a planar inductive element (102) having first and second contacting ends (140, 142). In the IC device, at least one support member (128, 130, 132) extends at least partially into said cavity region from said IC body in at least a first direction parallel to said base layer and intersects at least a portion of said planar inductive element.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a capacitor of a semiconductor device includes sequentially forming an etch-stop layer and a mold layer over a substrate, sequentially forming a support layer and a hard mask pattern over the mold layer, forming a storage node hole by etching the support layer and the mold layer using the hard mask pattern as an etch barrier, forming a barrier layer on the sidewall of the mold layer inside the storage node hole, etching the etch-stop layer under the storage node hole, forming a storage node inside the storage node hole, and removing the hard mask pattern, the mold layer, and the barrier layer.

Abstract: A capacitor array includes a plurality of capacitors and a support frame. Each capacitor includes an electrode. The support frame supports the plurality of electrodes and includes a plurality of support structures corresponding to the plurality of electrodes. Each support structure may surround the respective electrode. The support frame may include oxide of a doped oxidizable material.

Abstract: A method of forming capacitors includes forming support material over a substrate. A first capacitor electrode is formed within individual openings in the support material. A first etching is conducted only partially into the support material using a liquid etching fluid to expose an elevationally outer portion of sidewalls of individual of the first capacitor electrodes. A second etching is conducted into the support material using a dry etching fluid to expose an elevationally inner portion of the sidewalls of the individual first capacitor electrodes. A capacitor dielectric is formed over the outer and inner portions of the sidewalls of the first capacitor electrodes. A second capacitor electrode is formed over the capacitor dielectric.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of forming a memory cell is provided that includes (1) forming a metal-insulator-metal (“MIM”) stack above a substrate, the MIM stack including a carbon-based switching material having a resistivity of at least 1×104 ohm-cm; and (2) forming a steering element coupled to the MIM stack. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A process for forming a laminate with capacitance and the laminate formed thereby. The process includes the steps of providing a substrate and laminating a conductive foil on the substrate wherein the foil has a dielectric. A conductive layer is formed on the dielectric. The conductive foil is treated to electrically isolate a region of conductive foil containing the conductive layer from additional conductive foil. A cathodic conductive couple is made between the conductive layer and a cathode trace and an anodic conductive couple is made between the conductive foil and an anode trace.

Abstract: A device using an inductor with one or more through vias, and a method of manufacture is provided. In an embodiment, an inductor is formed in one or more of the metallization layers. One or more through vias are positioned directly below the inductor. The through vias may extend through one or more dielectric layers interposed between a substrate and the inductors. Additionally, the through vias may extend completely or partially through the substrate.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory element configured to store information and an access component configured to allow conduction of current through the memory element when a first voltage difference in a first direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a first voltage value and to prevent conduction of current through the memory element when a second voltage difference in a second direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a second voltage value, wherein the access component includes a material excluding silicon.

Abstract: A phase change memory apparatus is provided that includes a first electrode of a bar type having a trench formed on an active region of a semiconductor substrate, a second electrode formed in a bottom portion of the trench, and a bottom electrode contact formed on the second electrode.

Abstract: A capacitor of a semiconductor device includes a capacitor structure configured to include electrode layers and dielectric layers alternately stacked, edge regions each stepwise patterned, and a central region disposed between the edge regions, sacrificial layers disposed within the respective electrode layers in the edge regions of the capacitor structure, and support plugs formed in the central region of the capacitor structure and configured to penetrate the electrode layers and the dielectric layers.

Abstract: Memory devices and methods of forming include a mixed valent oxide located between a first electrode and a second electrode. Implantation of a metal below a surface of one of the electrodes allows formation of the mixed valent oxide with a direct interface to the electrode. An intermetallic oxide can be subsequently formed between the mixed valent oxide and the electrode by annealing the structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: etching a semiconductor substrate and forming a plurality of bodies separated from one another by a plurality of trenches; forming a protective layer with open parts to expose both sidewalls of each of the bodies; forming buried bit lines in the bodies by silicidizing exposed portions of the bodies through the open parts; and forming a dielectric layer to gap-fill the trenches and define air gaps between adjacent buried bit lines.

Abstract: A solid-state, multi-valued, molecular random access memory (RAM) device, comprising an electrically, optically and/or magnetically addressable unit, a memory reader, and a memory writer. The addressable unit comprises a conductive substrate; one or more layers of electrochromic, magnetic, redox-active, and/or photochromic materials deposited on the conductive substrate; and a conductive top layer deposited on top the one or more layers. The memory writer applies a plurality of predetermined values of potential biases or optical signals or magnetic fields to the unit, wherein each predetermined value applied results in a uniquely distinguishable optical, magnetic and/or electrical state of the unit, thus corresponding to a unique logical value. The memory reader reads the optical, magnetic and/or electrical state of the unit.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Chalcogenide is formed over a plurality of bottom electrodes, and top electrode material is formed over the chalcogenide. Sacrificial material is formed over the top electrode material. A plurality of memory cell structures is formed by etching through the sacrificial material, top electrode material and chalcogenide. Each of the memory cell structures has a cap of the sacrificial material thereover. The etching forms polymeric residue over the sacrificial material caps, and damages chalcogenide along sidewalls of the structures. The sacrificial material is removed with an HF-containing solution, and such removes the polymeric residue off of the memory cell structures. After the sacrificial material is removed, the sidewalls of the structures are treated with one or both of H2O2 and HNO3 to remove damaged chalcogenide from the sidewalls of the memory cell structures.