公开(公告)号：US20150137064A1

公开(公告)日：2015-05-21

申请号：US14595421

申请日：2015-01-13

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.

Inventor： Pragati Kumar ,  Tony P. Chiang ,  Prashant B. Phatak ,  Yun Wang

IPC: H01L27/24 ,  H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/146 ,  G11C13/0002 ,  G11C2013/0083 ,  G11C2213/51 ,  H01L27/2409 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/10 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/1625 ,  H01L45/1641

Abstract: This disclosure provides a nonvolatile memory device and related methods of manufacture and operation. The device may include one or more resistive random access memory (ReRAM) approaches to provide a memory device with more predictable operation. In particular, the forming voltage required by particular designs may be reduced through the use of a barrier layer, a reverse polarity forming voltage pulse, a forming voltage pulse where electrons are injected from a lower work function electrode, or an anneal in a reducing environment. One or more of these techniques may be applied, depending on the desired application and results.

Abstract translation: 本公开提供了一种非易失性存储器件及相关的制造和操作方法。 该装置可以包括一个或多个电阻随机存取存储器（ReRAM）方法来为存储器装置提供更可预测的操作。 特别地，可以通过使用阻挡层，反极性形成电压脉冲，从下功函电极注入电子的形成电压脉冲或还原环境中的退火来降低特定设计所需的形成电压 。 可以根据期望的应用和结果应用这些技术中的一种或多种。

公开(公告)号：US08975727B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-10

申请号：US13721310

申请日：2012-12-20

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba ,  SanDisk 3D LLC

Inventor： Yun Wang ,  Tony P. Chiang ,  Imran Hashim ,  Tim Minvielle ,  Dipankar Pramanik ,  Takeshi Yamaguchi

IPC: H01L29/8605 ,  H01L45/00 ,  H01L27/24

CPC classification number: H01L45/12 ,  H01L27/2409 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/10 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/146

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

Abstract translation: 提供了一种结合到具有改进的性能和寿命的电阻式开关存储单元中的电阻器结构。 电阻器结构可以是设计成减小流过存储器单元的最大电流的两端结构。 还提供了一种用于制造这种存储单元的方法。 该方法包括沉积电阻器结构并沉积存储单元的电阻式开关存储单元的可变电阻层，其中电阻器结构与可变电阻层串联布置以限制存储单元的开关电流。 电阻器结构的结合对于获得满足各种类型的存储器单元的开关规范的期望的开关电流水平是非常有用的。 存储单元可以形成为可用于各种电子设备的大容量非易失性存储器集成电路的一部分。

公开(公告)号：US20150034898A1

公开(公告)日：2015-02-05

申请号：US14519376

申请日：2014-10-21

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba ,  SanDisk 3D LLC

Inventor： Yun Wang ,  Vidyut Gopal ,  Chien-Lan Hsueh

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/10 ,  G11C13/0002 ,  G11C13/0007 ,  G11C2213/15 ,  G11C2213/51 ,  G11C2213/56 ,  G11C2213/71 ,  G11C2213/77 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/1266 ,  H01L45/145 ,  H01L45/146 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L45/1625 ,  H01L45/1641

Abstract: Provided are resistive random access memory (ReRAM) cells and methods of fabricating thereof. A stack including a defect source layer, a defect blocking layer, and a defect acceptor layer disposed between the defect source layer and the defect blocking layer may be subjected to annealing. During the annealing, defects are transferred in a controllable manner from the defect source layer to the defect acceptor layer. At the same time, the defects are not transferred into the defect blocking layer thereby creating a lowest concentration zone within the defect acceptor layer. This zone is responsible for resistive switching. The precise control over the size of the zone and the defect concentration within the zone allows substantially improvement of resistive switching characteristics of the ReRAM cell. In some embodiments, the defect source layer includes aluminum oxynitride, the defect blocking layer includes titanium nitride, and the defect acceptor layer includes aluminum oxide.

Abstract translation: 提供了电阻随机存取存储器（ReRAM）单元及其制造方法。 可以对包括缺陷源层，缺陷阻挡层和设置在缺陷源层和缺陷阻挡层之间的缺陷受主层的堆叠进行退火。 在退火过程中，缺陷以可控方式从缺陷源层转移到缺陷受体层。 同时，缺陷不会转移到缺陷阻挡层中，从而在缺陷受体层内形成最低浓度区。 该区域负责电阻交换。 精确控制区域的尺寸和区域内的缺陷浓度允许ReRAM单元的电阻开关特性得到显着改善。 在一些实施例中，缺陷源层包括氮氧化铝，缺陷阻挡层包括氮化钛，缺陷受主层包括氧化铝。

公开(公告)号：US20150008386A1

公开(公告)日：2015-01-08

申请号：US14492852

申请日：2014-09-22

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba ,  SanDisk 3D LLC

Inventor： Federico Nardi ,  Yun Wang

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/06 ,  H01L27/2409 ,  H01L27/2436 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/065 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/10 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/141 ,  H01L45/145 ,  H01L45/146 ,  H01L45/147 ,  H01L45/148 ,  H01L45/16 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L51/0098

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device contains a resistive switching memory element with improved device switching performance and life and methods for forming the same. The nonvolatile memory device has a first layer on a substrate, a resistive switching layer on the first layer, and a second layer. The resistive switching layer is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and the resistive switching layer comprises a material having the same morphology as the top surface of the first layer. A method of forming a nonvolatile memory element in a ReRAM device includes forming a resistive switching layer on a first layer and forming a second layer, so that the resistive switching layer is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The resistive switching layer comprises a material formed with the same morphology as the top surface of the first layer.

公开(公告)号：US20140353566A1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-04

申请号：US13903656

申请日：2013-05-28

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  SanDisk 3D LLC ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba

Inventor： Yun Wang ,  Tony P. Chiang ,  Dipankar Pramanik

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/146 ,  H01L27/2409 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1266 ,  H01L45/145 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L45/1641

Abstract: A switching element for resistive-switching memory (ReRAM) provides a controllable, consistent filament break-point at an abrupt structural discontinuity between a layer of high-k high-ionicity variable-resistance (VR) material and a layer of low-k low-ionicity VR material. The high-ionicity layer may be crystalline and the low-ionicity layer may be amorphous. The consistent break-point and characteristics of the low-ionicity layer facilitate lower-power operation. The defects (e.g., oxygen or nitrogen vacancies) that constitute the filament originate either in the high-ionicity VR layer or in a source electrode. The electrode nearest to the low-ionicity layer may be intrinsically inert or may be rendered effectively inert. Some electrodes are rendered effectively inert by the creation of the low-ionicity layer over the electrode.

Abstract translation: 用于电阻式开关存储器（ReRAM）的开关元件在高k高离子度可变电阻（VR）材料层和低k低电平层之间突然的结构不连续性时提供可控的一致的灯丝断裂点 活性VR材料。 高离子层可以是结晶的，低离子层可以是无定形的。 低离子层的一致性断点和特性有利于低功率运行。 构成长丝的缺陷（例如，氧或氮空位）起源于高离子性VR层或源电极。 最接近低离子层的电极本质上是惰性的，或者可以有效地使其成为惰性的。 通过在电极上产生低离子层，使一些电极变得有效地是惰性的。

公开(公告)号：US08890109B2

公开(公告)日：2014-11-18

申请号：US13721658

申请日：2012-12-20

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba ,  SanDisk 3D LLC

Inventor： Yun Wang ,  Tony P. Chiang ,  Tim Minvielle ,  Takeshi Yamaguchi

IPC: H01L47/00 ,  H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/1293 ,  H01L27/2481 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/10 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/146 ,  H01L45/1608 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L45/1625

Abstract: Provided are resistive random access memory (ReRAM) cells including resistive switching layers and thermally isolating structures for limiting heat dissipation from the switching layers during operation. Thermally isolating structures may be positioned within a stack or adjacent to the stack. For example, a stack may include one or two thermally isolating structures. A thermally isolating structure may directly interface with a switching layer or may be separated by, for example, an electrode. Thermally isolating structures may be formed from materials having a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W/m*K, such as porous silica and mesoporous titanium oxide. A thermally isolating structure positioned in series with a switching layer generally has a resistance less than the low resistance state of the switching layer. A thermally isolating structure positioned adjacent to a switching layer may have a resistance greater than the high resistance state of the switching layer.

Abstract translation: 提供了电阻随机存取存储器（ReRAM）单元，其包括电阻开关层和用于在操作期间限制来自开关层的散热的热隔离结构。 热隔离结构可以位于堆叠内或邻近堆叠。 例如，堆叠可以包括一个或两个热隔离结构。 热隔离结构可以直接与开关层接口或者可以通过例如电极分离。 热分离结构可以由导热率小于1W / m×K的材料形成，例如多孔二氧化硅和中孔氧化钛。 与开关层串联设置的隔热结构通常具有小于开关层的低电阻状态的电阻。 位于与开关层相邻的隔热结构可具有大于开关层的高电阻状态的电阻。

公开(公告)号：US08860002B2

公开(公告)日：2014-10-14

申请号：US13721450

申请日：2012-12-20

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba ,  SanDisk 3D LLC

Inventor： Mihir Tendulkar ,  Imran Hashim ,  Tim Minvielle ,  Yun Wang ,  Takeshi Yamaguchi

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/1253 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/146 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L45/1625

Abstract: Provided are ReRAM cells, each having at least one interface between an electrode and a resistive switching layers with a maximum field value of less than 0.25. The electrode materials forming such interfaces include tantalum nitrides doped with lanthanum, aluminum, erbium yttrium, or terbium (e.g., TaX(Dopant)YN, where X is at least about 0.95). The electrode materials have low work functions (e.g., less than about 4.5 eV). At the same time, the resistive switching materials have high relative dielectric permittivities (e.g., greater than about 30) and high electron affinities (greater than about for 3.5 eV). Niobium oxide is one example of a suitable resistive switching material. Another electrode interfacing the resistive switching layer may have different characteristics and, in some embodiments, may be an inert electrode.

Abstract translation: 提供的是ReRAM单元，每个单元在电极和电阻切换层之间具有至少一个界面，其最大场值小于0.25。 形成这种界面的电极材料包括掺杂有镧，铝，铒钇或铽的钽氮化物（例如TaX（掺杂剂）YN，其中X为至少约0.95）。 电极材料具有低功函数（例如小于约4.5eV）。 同时，电阻式开关材料具有较高的相对介电常数（例如大于约30）和高电子亲和力（大于3.5eV）。 氧化铌是合适的电阻式开关材料的一个例子。 连接电阻式开关层的另一电极可以具有不同的特性，并且在一些实施例中可以是惰性电极。

公开(公告)号：US20140217348A1

公开(公告)日：2014-08-07

申请号：US14252285

申请日：2014-04-14

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba ,  SanDisk 3D LLC

Inventor： Hieu Pham ,  Vidyut Gopal ,  Imran Hashim ,  Tim Minvielle ,  Yun Wang ,  Takeshi Yamaguchi ,  Hong Sheng Yang

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/08 ,  H01L27/2409 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/145 ,  H01L45/146 ,  H01L45/147 ,  H01L45/16 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L45/1625 ,  H01L45/1641

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include nonvolatile memory elements and memory devices comprising the nonvolatile memory elements. Methods for forming the nonvolatile memory elements are also disclosed. The nonvolatile memory element comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a plurality of layers of an oxide disposed between the first and second electrode layers. One of the oxide layers has linear resistance and substoichiometric composition, and the other oxide layer has bistable resistance and near-stoichiometric composition. Preferably, the sum of the two oxide layer thicknesses is between about 20 Å and about 100 Å, and the oxide layer with bistable resistance has a thickness between about 25% and about 75% of the total thickness. In one embodiment, the oxide layers are formed using reactive sputtering in an atmosphere with controlled flows of argon and oxygen.

Abstract translation: 本发明的实施例包括非易失性存储器元件和包括非易失性存储元件的存储器件。 还公开了形成非易失性存储元件的方法。 非易失性存储元件包括第一电极层，第二电极层和设置在第一和第二电极层之间的多个氧化物层。 氧化物层中的一个具有线性电阻和亚化学计量组成，另一个氧化物层具有双稳态电阻和近化学计量组成。 优选地，两个氧化物层厚度的总和在约和之间，并且具有双稳态电阻的氧化物层具有在总厚度的约25％至约75％之间的厚度。 在一个实施例中，氧化物层在具有受控的氩气和氧气的气氛中使用反应溅射形成。

公开(公告)号：US20140183436A1

公开(公告)日：2014-07-03

申请号：US14186726

申请日：2014-02-21

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc. ,  SanDisk 3D LLC ,  Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba

Inventor： Yun Wang ,  Tony P. Chiang ,  Imran Hashim

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/1253 ,  G11C13/0007 ,  G11C13/003 ,  G11C2213/56 ,  G11C2213/76 ,  H01L27/2409 ,  H01L27/2436 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/12 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/145 ,  H01L45/146 ,  H01L45/148 ,  H01L45/1616

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include a method of forming a nonvolatile memory device that contains a resistive switching memory element that has an improved device switching performance and lifetime, due to the addition of a current limiting component disposed therein. In one embodiment, the current limiting component comprises at least one layer of resistive material that is configured to improve the switching performance and lifetime of the formed resistive switching memory element. The electrical properties of the formed current limiting layer, or resistive layer, are configured to lower the current flow through the variable resistance layer during the logic state programming steps (i.e., “set” and “reset” steps) by adding a fixed series resistance in the formed resistive switching memory element found in the nonvolatile memory device. 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.

Abstract translation: 本发明的实施例通常包括一种形成非易失性存储器件的方法，该非易失性存储器件包含由于添加限定在其中的限流部件而具有改进的器件切换性能和寿命的电阻式开关存储元件。 在一个实施例中，限流部件包括至少一层电阻材料，其被配置为提高所形成的电阻式开关存储元件的开关性能和寿命。 所形成的限流层或电阻层的电性能被配置为在逻辑状态编程步骤（即“设定”和“复位”步骤）期间通过添加固定的串联电阻来降低通过可变电阻层的电流 在形成在非易失性存储器件中的电阻式开关存储元件中。 通常，电阻式开关存储器元件可以形成为可用于各种电子设备（例如数码相机，移动电话，手持式计算机和音乐播放器）的大容量非易失性存储器集成电路的一部分。

公开(公告)号：US20140175359A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-26

申请号：US14194082

申请日：2014-02-28

Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.

Inventor： Yun Wang ,  Imran Hashim

IPC: H01L45/00

CPC classification number: H01L45/146 ,  H01L27/2463 ,  H01L27/2481 ,  H01L45/08 ,  H01L45/12 ,  H01L45/1233 ,  H01L45/1253 ,  H01L45/145 ,  H01L45/147 ,  H01L45/16 ,  H01L45/1608 ,  H01L45/1616 ,  H01L45/1625

Abstract: Provided are resistive random access memory (ReRAM) cells having diffusion barrier layers formed from various materials, such as beryllium oxide or titanium silicon nitrides. Resistive switching layers used in ReRAM cells often need to have at least one inert interface such that substantially no materials pass through this interface. The other (reactive) interface may be used to introduce and remove defects from the resistive switching layers causing the switching. While some electrode materials, such as platinum and doped polysilicon, may form inert interfaces, these materials are often difficult to integrate. To expand electrode material options, a diffusion barrier layer is disposed between an electrode and a resistive switching layer and forms the inert interface with the resistive switching layer. In some embodiments, tantalum nitride and titanium nitride may be used for electrodes separated by such diffusion barrier layers.