Novel one-mask self-heating pillar phase change memory

A novel Pillar phase change memory based on fully integrated test arrays in 180nm CMOS technology has been successfully fabricated. A current-confining Pillar structure leads to a self-heating at the center of the chalcogenide layer, and needs only one additional mask level for its fabrication. Switching characteristics with write currents less than 900μA at 75nm diameter and multilevel operation are reported. © 2006 IEEE.