Directed self-assembly patterning strategies for phase change memory applications

Abstract

Phase change material (PCM)-based memory cells have shown promise as an enabler for low power, high density memory. There is a current need to develop and improve patterning strategies to attain smaller device dimensions. In this work, two methods of patterning of PCM device structures was achieved using directed self-assembly (DSA) patterning: the formation of a high aspect ratio pore designed for atomic layer deposition (ALD) of etch damage-free PCM, and pillar formation by image reversal and plasma etch transfer into a PCM film. We show significant CD reduction (180 nm to 20 nm) of a lithographically defined hole by plasma etch shrink, DSA spin-coat and subsequent high selectivity pattern transfer. We then demonstrate structural fabrication of both DSA-defined SiN pores with ALD PCM and DSA-defined PCM pillars. Challenges to both pore and pillar fabrication are discussed.