Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) structure laterally surrounding a conductive interconnect. A dielectric protection layer is disposed over the ILD structure and a passivation layer is disposed over the dielectric protection layer. The passivation layer includes a protrusion extending outward from an upper surface of the passivation layer. A bottom electrode continuously extends from over the passivation layer to between sidewalls of the passivation layer. A data storage element is over the bottom electrode and a top electrode is over the data storage element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor memory device includes depositing a bottom metal line layer on a dielectric layer, and patterning the bottom metal line layer into a plurality of bottom metal lines spaced apart from each other. In the method, a plurality of switching element dielectric portions are formed on respective ones of the plurality of bottom metal lines, and a top metal line layer is deposited on the plurality of switching element dielectric portions. The method further includes patterning the top metal line layer into a plurality of top metal lines spaced apart from each other. The plurality of top metal lines are oriented perpendicular to the plurality of bottom metal lines.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip including a resistor structure. A resistive layer overlies a substrate. The resistor structure overlies the substrate. The resistor structure includes a resistor segment of the resistive layer and conductive via structures overlying the resistor segment. A ring structure encloses the resistor structure. The ring structure extends continuously from a first point above the conductive structures to a second point below a bottom surface of the resistive layer.

Abstract: A method is presented for protecting resistive random access memory (RRAM) stacks within a resistive memory crossbar array. The method includes forming conductive lines within an interlayer dielectric (ILD), forming a metal nitride layer over at least one conductive line, forming a bottom electrode, forming a RRAM stack over the metal nitride layer, the RRAM stack including a first top electrode and a second top electrode, undercutting the second top electrode to define recesses, and filling the recesses with inner spacers.

Abstract: Methods for scaling dimensions of resistive change elements, resistive change element arrays of scalable resistive change elements, and sealed resistive change elements are disclosed. According to some aspects of the present disclosure the methods for scaling dimensions of resistive change elements and the resistive change element arrays of scalable resistive change elements reduce the impact of overlapping materials on the switching characteristics of resistive change elements. According to some aspects of the present disclosure the methods for scaling dimensions of resistive change elements include sealing surfaces of resistive change elements. According to some aspects of the present disclosure the methods for scaling dimensions of resistive change elements include forming barriers to copper migration in a copper back end of the line.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structures and integrated circuits are provided. An exemplary method for fabricating an integrated circuit including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure includes forming magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) layers over a substrate. Further, the method includes forming a conductive pillar over the MTJ layers, wherein the conductive pillar is formed with an uppermost surface, and wherein the uppermost surface is not planarized. Also, the method includes etching the MTJ layers to form a pillar structure from portions of the MTJ layers underlying the conductive pillar.

Abstract: The invention provides a resistive memory apparatus including at least one first resistive memory cell, a first bit line selecting switch, a first source line selecting switch, a first pull down switch and a second pull down switch. The first bit line selecting switch is coupled between a first bit line and a sense amplifier. The first source line selecting switch is coupled between a source line and the sense amplifier. The first and second pull down switches are respectively coupled to the bit line and source line. When a reading operation is operated, on or off statuses of the first bit line selecting switch and the second pull down switch are the same, on or off statuses of the first source line selecting switch and the first pull down switch are the same, and on or off statuses of the first and second pull down switches are complementary.

Abstract: High frequency currents may be rectified by means of a printable diode comprising a first and a second electrode, between which a semiconducting layer comprising semiconducting particles embedded in an inert matrix, and a conducting layer comprising conducting particles embedded in an inert matrix are arranged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe electrode configurations to increase electro-thermal isolation of phase-change memory elements and associated techniques. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of phase-change memory (PCM) elements, wherein individual PCM elements of the plurality of PCM elements include a phase-change material layer, a first electrode layer disposed on the phase-change material layer and in direct contact with the phase-change material layer, and a second electrode layer disposed on the first electrode layer and in direct contact with the first electrode layer. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of novel three dimensional RRAM devices, and various methods of making such devices. In one example, a device disclosed herein includes a first electrode for a first bit line comprising a variable resistance material, a second electrode for a second bit line comprising a variable resistance material and a third electrode positioned between the variable resistance material of the first bit line and the variable resistance material of the second bit line.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a lower interconnection having second conductivity-type impurities on a substrate having first conductivity-type impurities. A switching device is on the lower interconnection. A first blocking layer is provided between the lower interconnection and the switching device. The first blocking layer includes carbon (C), germanium (Ge), or a combination thereof. A second blocking layer may be provided between the substrate and the lower interconnection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a resistive switching nonvolatile memory device having an interface layer structure disposed between at least one of the electrodes and a variable resistance layer formed in the nonvolatile memory device, and a method of forming the same. Typically, resistive switching memory elements may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices, such as digital cameras, mobile telephones, handheld computers, and music players. In one configuration of the resistive switching nonvolatile memory device, the interface layer structure comprises a passivation region, an interface coupling region, and/or a variable resistance layer interface region that are configured to adjust the nonvolatile memory device's performance, such as lowering the formed device's switching currents and reducing the device's forming voltage, and reducing the performance variation from one formed device to another.

Abstract: A phase-change memory element with side-wall contacts is disclosed, which has a bottom electrode. A non-metallic layer is formed on the electrode, exposing the periphery of the top surface of the electrode. A first electrical contact is on the non-metallic layer to connect the electrode. A dielectric layer is on and covering the first electrical contact. A second electrical contact is on the dielectric layer. An opening is to pass through the second electrical contact, the dielectric layer, and the first electrical contact and preferably separated from the electrode by the non-metallic layer. A phase-change material is to occupy 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 may be formed on the second electrical contact. A top electrode contacts the top surface of the outstanding terminal of the second electrical contact.

Abstract: An embodiment, relates to a phase changeable memory cell. The phase changeable memory cell is formed with an ultra small contact area formed by filament conductive path. This contact area between a heating electrode and phase changeable material layer is determined by the forming of filament path, which is conductive and much smaller in cross-sectional area than the minimum area that can be achieved by lithography. This leads to high heating efficiency and ultra-low programming current. As the disclosed structure has no requirement on endurance for the formed filament and use phase changeable material rather than filament-forming material to provide high on/off resistance ratio, drawbacks of filament-forming material on low endurance and low sensing margin are avoided in the proposed cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrating a resistive memory device on top of an IC substrate monolithically using IC-foundry compatible processes.

Abstract: Resistive-switching memory elements having improved switching characteristics are described, including a memory element having a first electrode and a second electrode, a switching layer between the first electrode and the second electrode comprising hafnium oxide and having a first thickness, and a coupling layer between the switching layer and the second electrode, the coupling layer comprising a material including metal titanium and having a second thickness that is less than 25 percent of the first thickness.

Abstract: A semiconductor process is provided, including following steps. A polysilicon layer is formed on a substrate. The polysilicon layer is cryo-implanted with at least two of multiple species including a germanium species, a carbon species and a p- or n-type species, at a temperature ranging between ?40° C. and ?120° C. An asymmetric dual-side heating treatment is performed to the polysilicon layer, wherein a power for a front-side heating is different from a power for a backside heating.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are direct to nanoscale, reconfigurable, two-terminal memristor devices. In one aspect, a device (400) includes an active region (402) for controlling the flow of charge carriers between a first electrode (104) and a second electrode (106). The active region is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes a storage material. Excess mobile oxygen ions formed within the active region are stored in the storage material by applying a first voltage.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory element includes a first and a second electrode layers, and a variable resistance layer provided between the first and the second electrode layers and having a resistance value reversibly changing according to application of an electrical pulse, wherein the variable resistance layer includes a first variable resistance layer contacting the first electrode layer and comprising an oxygen-deficient first metal oxide, and a second variable resistance layer contacting the first variable resistance layer and comprising a second metal oxide having a smaller oxygen deficiency than the first metal oxide, and including host layers and an inserted layer between each of adjacent pairs of the host layers, wherein the second metal oxide of the inserted layer has a larger oxygen deficiency than the second metal oxide of the host layer, and the first metal oxide has a larger oxygen deficiency than the second metal oxide of the host layer.

Abstract: A resistor structure incorporated into a resistive switching memory cell or device to form memory devices with improved device performance and lifetime is provided. The resistor structure may be a two-terminal structure designed to reduce the maximum current flowing through a memory device. A method is also provided for making such memory device. The method includes depositing a resistor structure and depositing a variable resistance layer of a resistive switching memory cell of the memory device, where the resistor structure is disposed in series with the variable resistance layer to limit the switching current of the memory device. The incorporation of the resistor structure is very useful in obtaining desirable levels of device switching currents that meet the switching specification of various types of memory devices. The memory devices may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of programming a memory cell includes causing a current to flow through a first silicide-containing portion and a second silicide-containing portion of the memory cell; and causing, by the current, an electron-migration effect to form an extended silicide-containing portion within the gap such that the memory cell is converted from a first state into a second state. The memory cell includes a silicon-containing line continuously extending between a first region and a second region; the first silicide-containing portion over the silicon-containing line and adjacent to the first region; and the second silicide-containing portion over the silicon-containing line and adjacent to the second region. The first silicide-containing portion and the second silicide-containing portion are separated by a gap if the memory cell is at the first state. The extended silicide-containing portion extends from the second silicide-containing portion towards the first silicide-containing portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device is disclosed. The method comprises forming a first electrode, forming a resistive switching oxide layer comprising a metal oxide by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) and forming a second electrode by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD), where the resistive switching layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Forming the resistive switching oxide may be performed without exposing a surface of the switching oxide layer to a surface-modifying plasma treatment after depositing the metal oxide.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to an approach for implanting and forming a polysilicon resistor with a single implant dose. Specifically, a mask having a set of openings is formed over a resistor surface. The set of openings are typically formed in a column-row arrangement according to a predetermined pattern. Forming the mask in this manner allows the resistor surface to have multiple regions/zones. A first region is defined by the set of openings in the mask, and a second region is defined by the remaining portions of the mask. The resistor is then subjected to a single implant dose via the openings. Implanting the resistor in this manner allows the resistor to have multiple resistance values (i.e., a first resistance value in the first region, and a second resistance value in the second region).

Abstract: A method for adding a low TCR resistor to a baseline CMOS manufacturing flow. A method of forming a low TCR resistor in a CMOS manufacturing flow. A method of forming an n-type and a p-type transistor with a low TCR resistor in a CMOS manufacturing flow.

Abstract: A 3D semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes forming a first semiconductor layer including a common source node on a semiconductor substrate, forming a transistor region on the first semiconductor layer, wherein the transistor region includes a horizontal channel region substantially parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and source and drain regions branched from the horizontal channel region to a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, processing the first semiconductor layer to locate the common source node corresponding to the source region, forming a gate in a space between the source region and the drain region, forming heating electrodes on the source region and the drain region, and forming resistance variable material layers on the exposed heating electrodes.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of forming a memory cell. A first portion of a switching region is formed over a first electrode. A second portion of the switching region is formed over the first portion using atomic layer deposition. The second portion is a different composition than the first portion. An ion source region is formed over the switching region. A second electrode is formed over the ion source region. Some embodiments include a memory cell having a switching region between a pair of electrodes. The switching region is configured to be reversibly transitioned between a low resistive state and a high resistive state. The switching region includes two or more discrete portions, with one of the portions not having a non-oxygen component in common with any composition directly against it in the high resistive state.

Abstract: To form a memory cell with a phase change element, a hole is formed through an insulator to a bottom electrode, and a phase change material is deposited on the insulator surface covering the hole. A confining structure is formed over the phase change material so the phase change material expands into the hole when heated to melting to become electrically connected to the bottom electrode. A top electrode is formed over and electrically connects to the phase change material. The bottom electrode can include a main portion and an extension having a reduced lateral dimension. The confining structure can include capping material having a higher melting temperature than the phase change material, and sufficient tensile strength to ensure the phase change material moves into the hole when the phase change material melts and expands. The hole can be a J shaped hole.

Abstract: Memory devices and methods for forming a device are disclosed. A substrate prepared with a lower electrode level with bottom electrodes is provided. Fin stack layers are formed on the lower electrode level. Spacers are formed on top of the fin stack layers. The spacers have a width which is less than a lithographic resolution. The fin stack layers are patterned using the spacers as a mask to form fin stacks. The fin stacks contact the bottom electrodes. An interlevel dielectric (ILD) layer is formed on the substrate. The ILD layer fills spaces around the fin stacks. An upper electrode level is formed on the ILD layer. The upper electrode level has top electrodes in contact with the fin stacks. The electrodes and fin stacks form fin-type memory cells.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are direct to nanoscale, reconfigurable, memristor devices. In one aspect, a memristor device comprises an electrode (301,303) and an alloy electrode (502,602). The device also includes an active region (510,610) sandwiched between the electrode and the alloy electrode. The alloy electrode forms dopants in a sub-region of the active region adjacent to the alloy electrode. The active region can be operated by selectively positioning the dopants within the active region to control the flow of charge carriers between the electrode and the alloy electrode.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and methods of forming resistors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first insulating material over a workpiece, and forming a conductive chemical compound material over the first insulating material. The conductive chemical compound material is patterned to form a resistor. A second insulating material is formed over the resistor, and the second insulating material is patterned. The patterned second insulating material is filled with a conductive material to form a first contact coupled to a first end of the resistor and to form a second contact coupled to a second end of the resistor.

Abstract: A fin-type programmable memory cell includes a bottom electrode electrically coupled to an access device, a top electrode, and an L-shaped memory material element electrically coupled to the bottom and top electrodes. A memory array includes an array of such memory cells, electrically coupled to an array of access devices.

Abstract: A diode laser having aluminum-containing layers and a Bragg grating for stabilizing the emission wavelength achieves an improved output/efficiency. The growth process is divided into two steps for introducing the Bragg grating, wherein a continuous aluminum-free layer and an aluminum-free mask layer are continuously deposited after the first growth process such that the aluminum-containing layer is completely covered by the continuous aluminum-free layer. Structuring is performed outside the reactor without unwanted oxidation of the aluminum-containing semiconductor layer. Subsequently, the pre-structured semiconductor surface is further etched inside the reactor and the structuring is impressed into the aluminum-containing layer.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to an approach for implanting and forming a polysilicon resistor with a single implant dose. Specifically, a mask having a set of openings is formed over a resistor surface. The set of openings are typically formed in a column-row arrangement according to a predetermined pattern. Forming the mask in this manner allows the resistor surface to have multiple regions/zones. A first region is defined by the set of openings in the mask, and a second region is defined by the remaining portions of the mask. The resistor is then subjected to a single implant dose via the openings. Implanting the resistor in this manner allows the resistor to have multiple resistance values (i.e., a first resistance value in the first region, and a second resistance value in the second region).

Abstract: A phase-change memory device with improved deposition characteristic and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The phase-change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a phase-change area, a first material-rich first phase-change layer forming an inner surface of the phase-change area and comprised of a hetero compound of the first material and a second material, and a second phase-change layer formed on a surface of the first phase-change layer to fill the phase-change area.

Abstract: A method of forming a resistive device includes forming a first wiring layer overlying a first dielectric on top of a substrate, forming a junction material, patterning the first wiring layer and junction material to expose a portion of the first dielectric, forming a second dielectric over the patterned first wiring layer, forming an opening in the second dielectric to expose a portion of the junction material, forming a resistive switching material over the portion of the junction material in the opening, the resistive switching material having an intrinsic semiconductor characteristic, forming a conductive material over the resistive switching material, etching the conductive material and the resistive switching material to expose respective sidewalls of the resistive switching material and the conductive material, and the second dielectric, and forming a second wiring layer over the conductive material in contact with the respective sidewalls and the second dielectric.

Abstract: A method of forming a nonvolatile memory cell includes forming a first electrode having a first current conductive material and a circumferentially self-aligned second current conductive material projecting elevationally outward from the first current conductive material. The second current conductive material is different in composition from the first current conductive material. A programmable region is formed over the first current conductive material and over the projecting second current conductive material of the first electrode. A second electrode is formed over the programmable region. In one embodiment, the programmable region is ion conductive material, and at least one of the first and second electrodes has an electrochemically active surface directly against the ion conductive material. Other method and structural aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a memory cell having a data storage region between a pair of conductive structures. The data storage region is configured to support a transitory structure which alters resistance through the memory cell. The data storage region includes two or more portions, with one of the portions supporting a higher resistance segment of the transitory structure than another of the portions. Some embodiments include a method of forming a memory cell. First oxide and second oxide regions are formed between a pair of conductive structures. The oxide regions are configured to support a transitory structure which alters resistance through the memory cell. The oxide regions are different from one another so that one of the oxide regions supports a higher resistance segment of the transitory structure than the other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a phase change memory device includes forming a lower electrode layer pattern and an insulating interlayer covering the lower electrode layer pattern, forming a first opening in the insulating interlayer to expose the lower electrode layer pattern, forming an oxide layer pattern on the sidewall of the first opening and a lower electrode under the oxide layer pattern by partially removing the oxide layer and the lower electrode layer pattern, forming an insulation layer filling a remaining portion of the first opening, removing the oxide layer pattern by a wet etching process to form a second opening, and forming a phase change material pattern on the lower electrode such that the phase change material pattern fills the second opening.

Abstract: Programmable metallization memory cells having an active electrode, an opposing inert electrode and a variable resistive element separating the active electrode from the inert electrode. The variable resistive element includes a plurality of alternating solid electrolyte layers and electrically conductive layers. The electrically conductive layers electrically couple the active electrode to the inert electrode in a programmable metallization memory cell. Methods to form the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor storage device according to an embodiment includes: stacking a first wiring layer; stacking a memory cell layer on the first wiring layer; and stacking a stopper film on the memory cell layer. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor storage device also includes: etching the stopper film, the memory cell layer, and the first wiring layer; polishing an interlayer insulating film to the stopper film after burying the stopper film, the memory cell layer, and the first wiring layer with the interlayer insulating film; performing a nitridation process to the stopper film and the interlayer insulating film to form an adjustment film and a block film on surfaces of the stopper film and the interlayer insulating film, respectively; and forming a second wiring layer on the adjustment film, the second wiring layer being electrically connected to the adjustment film.

Abstract: Semiconductor component or device is provided which includes a current barrier element and for which the impedance may be tuned (i.e. modified, changed, etc.) using a focused heating source.

Abstract: A reprocessing method of a semiconductor device, the reprocessing method includes adjusting a resistance value of a first resistor by first trimming the first resistor, wherein the first resistor is electrically connected between a first pad and a second pad, forming a second resistor on the first trimmed first resistor, and adjusting a resistance value of the second resistor by second trimming the second resistor.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a nonvolatile memory cell that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an ion conductive material there-between. At least one of the first and second electrodes has an electrochemically active surface received directly against the ion conductive material. The second electrode is elevationally outward of the first electrode. The first electrode extends laterally in a first direction and the ion conductive material extends in a second direction different from and intersecting the first direction. The first electrode is received directly against the ion conductive material only where the first and second directions intersect. Other embodiments, including method embodiments, are disclosed.

Abstract: A resistor structure incorporated into a resistive switching memory cell or device to form memory devices with improved device performance and lifetime is provided. The resistor structure may be a two-terminal structure designed to reduce the maximum current flowing through a memory device. A method is also provided for making such memory device. The method includes depositing a resistor structure and depositing a variable resistance layer of a resistive switching memory cell of the memory device, where the resistor structure is disposed in series with the variable resistance layer to limit the switching current of the memory device. The incorporation of the resistor structure is very useful in obtaining desirable levels of device switching currents that meet the switching specification of various types of memory devices. The memory devices may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ReRAM, which is a non-volatile memory device, and a production method therefor. A resistance-variable layer, which varies the resistance in accordance with an applied pulse, has a multilayered structure comprising 3 oxide films. Each oxide film consists of an oxide film of the same type as the neighbouring oxide film(s), but the oxygen ratios in the compositions of neighbouring oxide films differ from each other.

Abstract: Resistive-switching memory elements having improved switching characteristics are described, including a memory element having a first electrode and a second electrode, a switching layer between the first electrode and the second electrode comprising hafnium oxide and having a first thickness, and a coupling layer between the switching layer and the second electrode, the coupling layer comprising a material including metal titanium and having a second thickness that is less than 25 percent of the first thickness.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: forming a lower electrode above a substrate; forming, above the lower electrode, a first variable resistance layer comprising a first metal oxide; forming a step region in the first variable resistance layer by collision of ions excited by plasma; removing residue of the first variable resistance layer created in the forming of the step region; forming a second variable resistance layer which covers the step region of the first variable resistance layer, comprises a second metal oxide having a degree of oxygen deficiency lower than a degree of oxygen deficiency of the first metal oxide, and has a bend on a step formed along an edge of the step region; and forming an upper electrode above the second variable resistance layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device including a resistive memory cell includes providing a substrate having an upper surface. A first conductive layer is formed over the upper surface of the substrate. An amorphous silicon layer is formed over the first conductive layer. A surface of the amorphous silicon layer is cleaned to remove native oxide formed on the surface of the amorphous silicon layer. A silver layer is deposited over the amorphous silicon layer after removing the native oxide by performing the cleaning step. The resistive memory cell includes the first conductive layer, the amorphous silicon layer, and the second conductive layer. The surface of the amorphous silicon layer is cleaned to prevent silver agglomeration on the native oxide.

Abstract: An anneal recipe is provided to tighten the distribution of resistance values in the manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuits. An adjusted amount of dopant is implanted to compensate for a shift in the distribution of resistance values associated with the anneal recipe. The distribution tightening can be effectuated by including an ammonia gas flow in the anneal recipe.

Abstract: Electron mobility and hole mobility is improved in long channel semiconductor devices and resistors by employing complementary stress liners. Embodiments include forming a long channel semiconductor device on a substrate, and forming a complementary stress liner on the semiconductor device. Embodiments include forming a resistor on a substrate, and tuning the resistance of the resistor by forming a complementary stress liner on the resistor. Compressive stress liners are employed for improving electron mobility in n-type devices, and tensile stress liners are employed for improving hole mobility in p-type devices.