U.S. patent application number 13/906609 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for nonvolatile memory element and method of manufacturing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANON ANELVA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Eun-mi KIM, Takashi NAKAGAWA, Yuichi OTANI.
Application Number | 20130256623 13/906609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46171445 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130256623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Eun-mi ; et
al. |
October 3, 2013 |
NONVOLATILE MEMORY ELEMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Abstract
The present invention provides a nonvolatile memory element, in
a nonvolatile memory element having a variable resistance layer
possessing a stacked structure, in which the variable resistance
layer has a high resistance change ratio, and a method of
manufacturing the same. The nonvolatile memory element according to
one embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode,
a second electrode, and a variable resistance layer which is
interposed between the first electrode and second electrode and in
which the resistance value changes into at least two different
resistance states. The variable resistance layer possesses a
stacked structure having a first metal oxide layer containing Hf
and O, and a second metal oxide layer that is provided between the
first metal oxide layer and at least one of the first electrode and
the second electrode and contains Al and O.
Inventors: |
KIM; Eun-mi; (Kawasaki-shi,
JP) ; OTANI; Yuichi; (Kawasaki-shi, JP) ;
NAKAGAWA; Takashi; (Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON ANELVA CORPORATION |
Kawasaki-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
46171445 |
Appl. No.: |
13/906609 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2011/006597 |
Nov 28, 2011 |
|
|
|
13906609 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
257/4 ;
438/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 45/1233 20130101;
H01L 45/04 20130101; C23C 14/0641 20130101; C23C 14/081 20130101;
H01L 45/1253 20130101; G11C 2213/15 20130101; C23C 14/083 20130101;
G11C 13/0007 20130101; C23C 14/0042 20130101; G11C 2213/55
20130101; H01L 45/146 20130101; C23C 14/35 20130101; C23C 14/505
20130101; H01L 45/16 20130101; H01L 45/1625 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/4 ;
438/104 |
International
Class: |
H01L 45/00 20060101
H01L045/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 1, 2010 |
JP |
2010-268517 |
Claims
1. A nonvolatile memory element comprising: a first electrode; a
second electrode; and a variable resistance layer that is
interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and
in which a resistance value thereof changes into at least two
different resistance states, wherein the variable resistance layer
possesses a stacked structure having a first metal oxide layer
containing Hf and O and a second metal oxide layer that is provided
between the first metal oxide layer and at least one of the first
electrode and the second electrode and contains Al and O, wherein a
molar ratio of Hf and O (O/Hf) of the first metal oxide layer has a
composition range represented by 0.30 to 1.90, and a molar ratio of
Al and O (O/Al) of the second metal oxide layer has a composition
range represented by 1.0 to 2.2, wherein the first electrode and
the second electrode are made of a titanium nitride film, wherein
each of film compositions of the titanium nitride films (a N/Ti
ratio) of the first and second electrodes is 1.15 or more, and
wherein each of film densities of the titanium nitride films of the
first and second electrodes is 4.7 g/cc or more.
2. (canceled)
3. The nonvolatile memory element according to claim 1, wherein the
molar ratio of Al and O (O/Al) of the second metal oxide layer has
a composition range represented by 1.5 to 2.2.
4. The nonvolatile memory element according to claim 1, wherein a
thickness of the second metal oxide layer is at least 1 nm or
more.
5. The nonvolatile memory element according to claim 1, wherein the
nonvolatile memory element is a resistance change type memory.
6. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory element
including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a variable
resistance layer that is interposed between the first electrode and
the second electrode and in which a resistance value thereof
changes into at least two different resistance states, wherein the
variable resistance layer possesses a stacked structure having a
first metal oxide layer containing Hf and O, and a second metal
oxide layer that is provided between the first metal oxide layer
and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode
and contains Al and O, wherein a step of forming the variable
resistance layer includes: forming the first metal oxide layer; and
forming the second metal oxide layer, wherein the forming of the
first metal oxide layer has a first magnetron sputtering step,
under a mixed atmosphere of a reactive gas containing oxygen and an
inert gas, of using hafnium as a metal target and setting a mixing
ratio of the reactive gas and the inert gas so that a molar ratio
of Hf and O (an O/Hf ratio) satisfies a range of 0.30 to 1.90,
wherein the forming of the second metal oxide layer has a second
magnetron sputtering step, under a mixed atmosphere of a reactive
gas containing oxygen and an inert gas, of using aluminum as a
metal target and setting a mixing ratio of the reactive gas and the
inert gas so that a molar ratio of Al and O (an O/Al ratio)
satisfies a range of 1.0 to 2.2, wherein the first electrode and
the second electrode are made of a titanium nitride film, wherein
each of a step of forming the first electrode and a step of forming
the second electrode is a step of subjecting a Ti target to
magnetron sputtering under a mixed atmosphere of a reactive gas
containing nitrogen and an inert gas, and wherein in each of the
step of forming the first electrode and the step of forming the
second electrode, a mixing ratio of the nitrogen gas and the inert
gas is set so that a molar ratio of Ti and N in the titanium
nitride film is 1.15 or more, and that crystal orientation X being
a ratio of (200) peak intensity and (111) peak intensity
(C(200)/C(111)) in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of the titanium
nitride film satisfies the range of 1.2<X.
7. The method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory element
according to claim 6, wherein in the forming of the first metal
oxide layer, a supply rate of a reactive gas containing oxygen
supplied into a vacuum vessel, in which the forming of the first
metal oxide layer is performed, is set to be not more than a supply
rate that provides a maximum decreasing rate of a sputtering rate
generated by the oxidation of a surface of a hafnium metal target,
and wherein in the forming of the second metal oxide layer, a
supply rate of a reactive gas containing oxygen supplied into a
vacuum vessel, in which the forming of the second metal oxide layer
is performed, is set to be not more than a supply rate that
provides a maximum decreasing rate of a sputtering rate generated
by the oxidation of a surface of an aluminum metal target.
8. The method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory element
according to claim 6, further comprising: the step of forming the
first electrode before the step of forming the variable resistance
layer; and the step of forming the second electrode after the step
of forming the variable resistance layer, wherein the step of
forming the first electrode, the step of forming the variable
resistance layer, and the step of forming the second electrode are
performed without exposure of a substrate to be processed to the
air.
9. The method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory element
according to claim 6, wherein the at least two different resistance
states are a reset state that changes from a low resistance to a
high resistance, and a set state that changes from a high
resistance to a low resistance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
International Application No. PCT/JP2011/006597, filed Nov. 28,
2011, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-268517, filed Dec. 1, 2010. The contents of the aforementioned
applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a nonvolatile memory
element and a method of manufacturing the same, and in particular,
is a technology relating to a resistance change type nonvolatile
memory element and a method of manufacturing the same.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] For a flash memory using a floating gate, which is the
mainstream currently, there is such a problem that, along with the
miniaturization of a memory cell, a threshold voltage (Vth)
variation occurs caused by the interference due to capacitive
coupling between floating gates of neighboring cells.
[0004] Accordingly, as a memory of a configuration appropriate to
the miniaturization, the development of a resistance change type
nonvolatile memory element having a layer in which resistance
changes interposed between electrodes, is advanced. The resistance
change type nonvolatile memory element is characterized in that the
electric resistance of a resistive layer can be switched between
two or more values by electric stimulus. The element is expected,
because of the simplicity on the element structure and operation,
as a nonvolatile memory element that allows the miniaturization and
cost reduction.
[0005] Layers in which the resistance changes by an applied voltage
include a layer of an oxide of an element selected from the group
consisting of transition metals. As the oxides, there are nickel
oxide (NiO), vanadium oxide (V.sub.2O.sub.5), zinc oxide (ZnO),
niobium oxide (Nb.sub.2O.sub.5), titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2),
tungsten oxide (WO.sub.3), titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2), cobalt oxide
(CoO), tantalum oxide (Ta.sub.2O.sub.5) etc.
[0006] Although details of the operation principle of resistance
change are not clear, a principle that, by application of a voltage
to a resistance change layer, a current path referred to as a
filament is formed in the resistance change layer and the
resistance of the element changes according to the connection state
between the filament and the upper and lower electrodes, and a
principle that the resistance of the resistance change layer
changes due to the movement of oxygen atoms at the boundary of the
electrode and the resistance change layer, are reported.
[0007] By use of FIG. 16, an example of the operation principle of
a resistance change type nonvolatile memory element (ReRAM:
Resistive Random Access Memory) is described. A resistance change
type nonvolatile memory element (a memory element) 610 being a
general ReRAM has a parallel plate type stacked structure, in which
a resistance change film (for example, a transition metal oxide
film) 613 is interposed between a lower electrode 612 and an upper
electrode 614 formed on an interlayer insulating film 611. A
reference numeral 618 is a contact hole for connection with an
external wiring. When a voltage is applied between the upper
electrode 614 and the lower electrode 612, the electric resistance
of the resistance change film 613 changes and can take two
different resistance states (a reset state, a set state).
[0008] Regarding the operation mechanism of the resistance change
type nonvolatile memory element 610, first, as an initial operation
for allowing transition between two resistance states, a forming
voltage is applied. The application of the forming voltage sets a
state that a filament to be a current path may be formed in the
resistance change film 613. After that, the application of an
operation voltage (a set voltage or a reset voltage) changes the
generation state of the filament to perform a set/reset operation,
that is, writing or deletion.
[0009] In Patent Literature 1, a nonvolatile memory element is
proposed in which an amorphous insulating layer containing a nickel
oxide and a crystalline resistance change layer containing a nickel
oxide are stacked between upper and lower electrodes, and it is
described that insulation breakdown of the amorphous insulating
film occurs and a stable filament is formed in the resistance
change layer on a region through which a current flowed.
[0010] In Patent Literature 2, a nonvolatile memory element is
proposed in which a hafnium oxide film having a composition of HfOx
(0.9.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.6) and a hafnium oxide film having a
composition of HfOy (1.8<y<2.0) are stack between upper and
lower electrodes and which has a high-speed and reversibly stable
rewriting property.
[0011] In Non Patent Literature 1, a nonvolatile memory element is
proposed in which Pt is used as upper and lower electrodes and the
resistance change layer contains NiO, and it is described that a
current path referred to as a filament is formed in a Ni oxide and
the resistance changes. In addition, in Non Patent Literature 2, a
nonvolatile memory element is proposed in which Pt is used as upper
and lower electrodes and the resistance change layer contains TaOx,
and it is described that the resistance changes by the movement of
oxygen atoms at the boundary layer between the Pt electrode and
TaOx.
[0012] In addition, a technology regarding a resistance change type
nonvolatile memory element by use of a titanium nitride electrode
as an electrode material for which etching processing is easy
attracts attention. In Non Patent Literature 3, a nonvolatile
memory element is proposed in which Pt is used as a lower
electrode, HfOx or HfAlOx is used as a resistance change layer and
an upper electrode contains TiN, and it is described that, by use
of HfAlOx as a resistance change layer, the variation of operation
voltage can be suppressed. In addition, in Non Patent Literature 4,
it is described that it is possible to realize a resistance change
operation by fabricating a stacked structure having
TiN/TiOx/HfOx/TiN by oxygen annealing of a TiN/Ti/HfO.sub.2/TiN
stacked structure.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0013] PTL 1: International Patent Publication Pamphlet No.
2008/062623
[0014] PTL 2: Japanese Patent No. 04469023
Non Patent Literature
[0015] NPL 1: APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 86, 093509 (2005)
[0016] NPL 2: International electron devices meeting technical
digest, 2008, P 293
[0017] NPL 3: Symposium on VLSI technology digest of technical
papers, 2009. p 30
[0018] NPL 4: International electron devices meeting technical
digest, 2008, P 297
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0019] However, in the above described technologies, there are such
problems, respectively, as described below.
[0020] First, the technology using the stacked structure in which
an amorphous insulating layer and a crystalline resistance change
layer are stacked as in Patent Literature 1 is effective for
suppressing variation of operation voltage of the element, and for
stably storing information, but, since the composition of the
resistance change layer is not specifically described, there is
such a problem that a resistance change ratio can not be
improved.
[0021] Secondly, as in Patent Literature 2, two layers of an HfOx
film and an HfOy film different in compositions are used as a
variable resistance layer in order to obtain stable rewriting
resistance change characteristics, but, there is such a problem
that the change ratio between a high resistance state and a low
resistance state is 5 to 8, which is low.
[0022] Thirdly, in order to obtain good resistance change
characteristics by use of NiOx or TaOx as a variable resistance
layer as in Non Patent Literature 1 and Non Patent Literature 2, as
upper and lower electrodes, it is necessary to use Pt. The
technology of using a Pt electrode as an electrode of a resistance
change type nonvolatile memory element is effective for suppressing
operation instability of element characteristics caused by the
oxidation of electrode, but there are such problems that etching in
an electrode processing process is difficult and reduction in
material cost is difficult.
[0023] Fourthly, the technology of using a metal oxide containing
Hf and Al as a resistance change layer and using TiN as an
electrode material as in Non Patent Literature 3 and Non Patent
Literature 4 is effective for reducing material cost in the etching
in the above-mentioned electrode processing process, but there is
such a problem that nothing is described about the range or oxygen
composition in the metal oxide film optimum for obtaining
resistance change characteristics.
[0024] The present invention was achieved for the above-described
conventional problems, and has an object of providing, in a
nonvolatile memory element having a variable resistance layer of a
stacked structure, a nonvolatile memory element in which the
variable resistance layer has a high resistance change ratio and a
method of manufacturing the same.
[0025] In order to achieve above-described object, a first aspect
of the present invention is a nonvolatile memory element including
a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistance
layer which is interposed between the first electrode and the
second electrode and in which a resistance value thereof changes
into at least to different resistance states, wherein the variable
resistance layer possesses a stacked structure having a first metal
oxide layer containing Hf and O and a second metal oxide layer that
is provided between the first metal oxide layer and at least one of
the first electrode and the second electrode and contains AL and
O.
[0026] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is a
method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory element including a
first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistance
layer which is interposed between the first electrode and the
second electrode and in which a resistance value thereof changes
into at least two different resistance states, wherein the variable
resistance layer possesses a stacked structure having a first metal
oxide layer containing Hf and O, and a second metal oxide layer
that is provided between the first metal oxide layer and at least
one of the first electrode and the second electrode and contains Al
and O; wherein a step of forming the variable resistance layer
includes, forming the first metal oxide layer; and forming the
second metal oxide layer, wherein the forming the first metal oxide
layer includes a first magnetron sputtering step, under a mixed
atmosphere of a reactive gas containing oxygen and an inert gas, of
using hafnium as a metal target and setting a mixing ratio of the
reactive gas and the inert gas so that a molar ratio of Hf and O
(an O/Hf ratio) satisfies a range of 0.30 to 1.90; and wherein the
forming the second metal oxide layer includes a second magnetron
sputtering step, under a mixed atmosphere of a reactive gas
containing oxygen and an inert gas, of using aluminum as a metal
target and setting a mixing ratio of the reactive gas and the inert
gas so that a molar ratio of Al and O (an O/Al ratio) satisfies a
range of 1.0 to 2.2.
[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to
realize a resistance change type nonvolatile semiconductor element
haying a high resistance change ratio.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a cross-section of an element
structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an outline of a processing
apparatus for use in a formation process of a titanium nitride film
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a current-voltage characteristic
of a resistance change type nonvolatile memory element due to a
composition of Hf and O of a stacked type resistance change layer
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4A is a drawing showing a current-voltage
characteristic of a resistance change type nonvolatile memory
element due to a composition of Al and O of the stacked type
resistance change layer according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 4B is a drawing showing a current-voltage
characteristic of a resistance change type nonvolatile memory
element due to the composition of Al and O of the stacked type
resistance change layer according to one embodiment or the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 4C is a drawing showing a current-voltage
characteristic of a resistance change type nonvolatile memory
element due to the composition of Al and O of the stacked type
resistance change layer according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 4D is a drawing showing a current-voltage
characteristic of a resistance change type nonvolatile memory
element due to the composition of Al and O of the stacked type
resistance change layer according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing current-voltage characteristics
of resistance change type nonvolatile memory elements of the
stacked type resistance change layer according to one embodiment of
the present invention, and of a conventional monolayer type
resistance change layer.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a currant-voltage characteristic
of an element in which an AlOx layer is inserted into the boundary
of the HfOx layer being a resistance change layer and a lower TiN
electrode, and of an element in which the AlOx layer is inserted
into the boundaries of the HfOx layer and an upper TiN electrode
and a lower TiN electrode, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the relationship between the
resistance change ratio and the AlOx film thickness of the
resistance change type nonvolatile memory element according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the relationship between the
film composition (an N/Ti ratio: corresponding to .cndot. in the
drawing) and the film composition (an O/Ti ratio: corresponding to
.quadrature. in the drawing), and the film density of the titanium
nitride film according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the relationship between the
peak intensity ratio in an XRD diffraction spectrum of the titanium
nitride film and the film composition according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the relationship between the
peak intensity ratio in an XRD diffraction spectrum and the film
composition of the titanium nitride film according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an observed image of the
titanium nitride film according to one embodiment of the present
invention with an SEM.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a plan view of a manufacturing
apparatus of the element according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a process flow of a variable
resistance element of the element according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional structure of
the element according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a current-voltage
characteristic of the element according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0046] FIG. 16 is an outline view showing a cross-sectional
structure of a conventional resistance change type nonvolatile
memory element.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention is
described in detail on the basis of drawings.
[0048] The present invention is directed to a resistance change
type nonvolatile semiconductor element (a resistance change type
nonvolatile memory element etc.) that has a variable resistance
layer having a stacked structure of a first metal oxide film
containing Hf and O and a second metal oxide layer containing Al
and O, and an electrode including a metal nitride layer containing
Ti and N as a first and a second electrode. The present inventors
studied hard on metal oxide film structures suitable for resistance
change in these resistance change type nonvolatile semiconductor
elements, and, as the result, discovered that it is possible to
realize a resistance change type nonvolatile semiconductor element
(a nonvolatile memory element) having a high resistance change
ratio, by setting the molar ratio of Hf and O (an O/Hf ratio) of
the first metal oxide layer containing Hf and O to be in the
composition range represented by 0.30 to 1.90, and setting the
molar ratio of Al and O (an O/Al ratio) of the second metal oxide
layer containing Al and O to be in the composition range
represented by 1.0 to 2.2.
[0049] In addition, the present inventors discovered that it is
possible to realize a resistance change type nonvolatile
semiconductor element (a nonvolatile memory element) having a high
resistance change ratio, in a method of manufacturing a nonvolatile
memory element including a variable resistance layer, in which a
resistance value changes into at least two different states,
interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, by
forming a first metal oxide layer containing Hf and O by performing
a first magnetron spattering process while using hafnium as a metal
target under a mixed atmosphere of a reactive gas containing oxygen
and an inert gas and setting the mixing ratio of the reactive gas
and the inert gas so that the molar ratio of Hf and O (an O/Hf
ratio) satisfies the range of 0.30 to 1.90 in a vacuum vessel, and
by forming a variable resistance layer by forming a second metal
oxide layer containing Al and O by performing a second magnetron
sputtering process while using aluminum as a metal target under a
mixed atmosphere of a reactive gas containing oxygen and an inert
gas and setting the mixing ratio of the reactive gas and the inert
gas so that the molar ratio of Al and O (an O/Al ratio) satisfies
the range of 1.0 to 2.2 in a vacuum vessel.
[0050] The form of variable resistance layer and the titanium
nitride electrode layer suitable for the resistance change type
nonvolatile memory element in one embodiment of the present
invention is described with the resistance change type nonvolatile
memory element in FIG. 1 taken as an example. As shown in FIG. 1,
on a foundation substrate having a silicon oxide film on the
surface (for example, a Si substrate on which a thermally-oxidized
film is formed) 1, there are formed a titanium nitride film 2 being
a first electrode, a variable resistance layer 5 being a stacked
body of a first metal oxide film (HfOx) 3 containing Hf and O and a
second metal oxide film (AlOx) 4 containing Al and O on the
titanium nitride film 2, and a titanium nitride film 6 being a
second electrode on the variable resistance layer 5.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows an outline of a processing apparatus for use in
a formation process of a titanium nitride film configuring the
first electrode and a variable resistance film (a variable
resistance layer 5) having a stacked structure in one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0052] A deposition processing charaber 100 is configured so as to
be heated to a prescribed temperature by a heater 101. A substrate
to be processed 102 can be heated to a prescribed temperature by a
heater 105 through a susceptor 104 built in a substrate support
103. It is preferable that the substrate support 103 can rotate at
a prescribed rotation number from the viewpoint of the uniformity
of the film thickness. In the deposition processing chamber, a
target 106 is placed in a position facing the substrate to be
processed 102. The target 106 is placed over a target holder 108
through a back plate 107 made of a metal such as copper. Meanwhile,
it is also allowable to fabricate an outer shape of a target
assembly combining the target 106 and the back plate 107 with the
target material as one component and to mount the same as a target.
That is, the configuration in which the target is placed on the
target holder is allowable. To the target holder 106 made of a
metal such as Cu, a direct-current power source 110 applying
electric power for sputtering discharge is connected, and the
holder is insulated from the wall of the deposition processing
chamber 100 at the ground potential by an insulator 109. On the
rear of the target 106 seen from the sputtering face, a magnet 111
for realizing magnetron sputtering is disposed. The magnet 111 is
held by a magnet holder 112, and is rotatable by a magnet holder
rotation mechanism not shown. In order to make erosion of the
target uniform, the magnet 111 rotates during the discharge. The
target 106 is placed in an obliquely upper offset position relative
to the substrate 102. That is, the center point of the sputtering
face of the target 106 lies at a position shifted by a prescribed
dimension relative to the normal line of the center point of the
substrate 102. Between the target 106 and the substrate to be
processed 102, a shielding plate 116 is disposed, which controls
the film formation on the processing substrate 102 by sputtering
particles emitted from the target 106 to which electric power is
supplied.
[0053] For the formation of the first metal oxide film containing
Hf and O, it is sufficient to use a metal target of Hf as the
target 106. The deposition of the first metal oxide film containing
Hf and O is performed by supplying electric power to the metal
target 106 from the direct-current power source 110 through each of
the target holder 108 and the back plate 107. On this occasion, an
inert gas is introduced into the processing chamber 100 from an
inert gas source 201 through a valve 202, a mass flow controller
203 and a valve 204 and from the vicinity of the target. In
addition, a reactive gas containing oxygen is introduced to the
vicinity of the substrate in the processing chamber 100 from an
oxygen gas source 205 through a valve 206, a mass flow controller
207 and a valve 208. The introduced inert gas and reactive gas are
exhausted by a vacuum pump 118 through a conductance valve 117.
[0054] For the deposition or the first metal oxide film containing
Hf and O in one embodiment of the present invention, argon is used
as a sputtering gas, and oxygen as a reactive gas. It is possible
to determine appropriately in the range of 27 to 600.degree. C. for
substrate temperature, 50 W to 1000 W for target power, 0.2 Pa to
1.0 Pa for sputtering gas pressure, 0 sccm to 100 sccm for an Ar
flow rate, and 0 sccm to 100 sccm for an oxygen gas flow rate.
Here, the deposition is performed with the substrate temperature
set at 30.degree. C., the target power of Hf at 600 W (100 kHz, 1
us), sputtering gas pressure at 0.24 Pa and the argon gas flow rate
at 20 sccm, and with the oxygen gas flow rate changed in the range
of 0 sccm to 30 sccm. The molar ratio of the Hf element and the O
element in the metal oxide film is adjusted by the mixing ratio of
argon and oxygen introduced in the sputtering. Meanwhile,
sccm=cm.sup.3 number representing a gas flow rate supplied per one
minute at 0.degree. C. 1 atmospheric pressure=1.69.times.10.sup.-3
Pam.sup.3/s (at 0.degree. C.). In addition, the reason why the
oxygen gas supply rate is set to be 30 sccm or less is to make the
decreasing rate of the sputtering rate caused by the oxidation of
the surface of the hafnium metal target become the maximum. "The
sputtering rate" denotes the proportion of the number of sputtered
atoms emitted per one impact ion impacting a sputtering target.
[0055] For the formation of the second metal oxide film containing
Al and O, it is sufficient to use a metal target of Al as the
target 106. The deposition of the second metal oxide film
containing Al and O is performed by supplying electric power to the
metal target 106 from the direct-current power source 110 through
each of the target holder 108 and the back plate 107. On this
occasion, an inert gas is introduced into the processing chamber
100 from the inert gas source 201 through the valve 202, the mass
flow controller 203 and the valve 204 and from the vicinity of the
target. In addition, the reactive gas containing oxygen is
introduced to the vicinity of the substrate in the processing
chamber 100 from the oxygen gas source 205 through the valve 206,
the mass flow controller 207 and the valve 208. The introduced
inert gas and the reactive gas are exhausted by the vacuum pump 118
through the conductance valve 117.
[0056] For the deposition of the second metal oxide film containing
Al and O in one embodiment of the present invention, argon is used
as a sputtering gas, and oxygen as a reactive gas. It is possible
to determine appropriately in the range of 27 to 600.degree. C. for
the substrate temperature, 50 W to 1000 W for the target power, 0.2
Pa to 1.0 Pa for the sputtering gas pressure, 0 sccm to 100 sccm
for the Ar flow rate, and 0 sccm to 100 sccm for the oxygen gas
flow rate. Here, the deposition is performed with the substrate
temperature set at 30.degree. C., the target power of Al at 200 W
(100 kHz, 1 us), the sputtering gas pressure at 0.24 Pa and the
argon gas flow rate at 20 sccm, and with the oxygen gas flow rate
changed in the range of 0 sccm to 40 sccm. The molar ratio of Al
element and O element in the metal oxide film is adjusted by the
mixing ratio of argon and oxygen introduced in the sputtering.
Meanwhile, "the molar ratio" in the description denotes the ratio
of molar numbers that are basic units of the amount of a substance.
It is possible to measure the molar ratio, for example, from the
bonding energy of intrinsic electrons lying in a substance and the
energy level and amount of electrons by X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the reason why the oxygen gas supply rate
is set to be 40 sccm or less is to make the decreasing rate of the
sputtering rate caused by the oxidation of the surface of the
aluminum metal target become the maximum.
[0057] For the formation of the first electrode and the second
electrode consisting essentially of a titanium nitride film, it is
sufficient to use a metal target of Ti as the target 106. It is
performed by supplying electric power to the metal target 106 from
the direct-current power source 110 through each of the target
holder 108 and the back plate 107. On this occasion, an inert gas
is introduced into the processing chamber 100 from the inert gas
source 201 through the valve 202, the mass flow controller 203 and
the valve 204 and from the vicinity of the target. In addition, the
reactive gas containing nitrogen is introduced to the vicinity of
the substrate in the processing chamber 100 from a nitrogen gas
source 205 through the valve 206, the mass flow controller 207 and
the valve 208. The introduced inert gas and reactive gas are
exhausted by a vacuum pump 118 through the conductance valve
117.
[0058] The deposition of the titanium nitride film in one
embodiment of the present invention uses argon as a sputtering gas
and nitrogen as a reactive gas. It is possible to determine
appropriately in the range of 27.degree. C. to 600.degree. C., for
the substrate temperature, 50 W to 1000 W for the target power, 0.2
Pa to 1.0 Pa for the sputtering gas pressure, 0 sccm to 100 sccm
for the Ar flow rate, and 0 sccm to 100 sccm for the nitrogen gas
flow rate. Here, the deposition is performed under the substrate
temperature of 30.degree. C., the Ti target power of 1000 W, the
argon gas flow rate of 0 sccm, and the nitrogen gas flow rate of 50
sccm. The molar ratio of Ti element and N element in the titanium
nitride film is adjusted by the mixing ratio of argon and nitrogen
introduced in the sputtering.
[0059] Next, a method of forming the resistance change type
nonvolatile memory element shown in FIG. 1 is described.
[0060] First, by use of a deposition apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the
first electrode 2 consisting essentially of a titanium nitride film
is formed on the Si substrate 1 with a thermally-oxidized film.
[0061] Next, by a deposition apparatus similar to the deposition
apparatus shown in FIG. 2, on the first electrode 2, a first metal
oxide film 3 that contains Hf and O and is included in the variable
resistance layer 5 is formed.
[0062] Next, by a deposition apparatus similar to the deposition
apparatus shown in FIG. 2, on the first metal oxide film 3, a
second metal oxide film 4 that contains Al and O and is included in
the variable resistance layer 5 is formed. Consequently, the
variable resistance layer 5 that is a stacked body of the first
metal oxide film 3 and the second metal oxide film is formed.
[0063] Next, by a deposition apparatus similar to the deposition
apparatus shown in FIG. 2, on the second metal oxide film 4 (that
is, on the variable resistance layer 5), as a second electrode 6, a
titanium nitride film is deposited in the same manner as the
formation process of the first electrode 2.
[0064] Next, by use of a lithographic technology and an RIE
(Reactive Ion Etching) technology, the TiN film is processed into a
desired size to form an element.
[0065] The compositions of the deposited first metal oxide film 3
containing Hf and O and the second metal oxide film 4 containing Al
and O were analyzed by an x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
method. In addition, the resistance change characteristic of the
fabricated element was evaluated by an I-V measurement.
[0066] <Composition of O/Hf and Resistance Change
Characteristics>
[0067] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the relationship between the
resistance change ratio of an element having an HfOx resistance
change layer and the O/Hf ratio (O/Hf=0.16 to O/Hf=2.0) at a
voltage 0.2 V, and, in particular, the situation, in which the
resistance change ratio at set state (the resistance changes from a
high resistance state to a low resistance state)/reset state (the
resistance changes from a low resistance state to a high resistance
state) increases from 1 digit to 6 digits along with the increase
in the O/Hf ratio from 0.30 to 1.90, is known. On the other hand, a
switching operation was not confirmed when the O/Hf ratio was less
than 0.30 or not less than 1.90.
[0068] <Composition of O/Al and Resistance Change
Characteristic>
[0069] In FIGS. 4A to 4D, there are shown current-voltage
characteristics of resistance change type nonvolatile memory
elements at each of the O/Al ratios (O/Al=0 to O/Al=2.2) of an AlOx
layer in a stacked type resistance change layer (the O/Hf ratio is
fixed to 0.30). It was confirmed that the switching operation of a
bipolar type was obtained in resistance change type nonvolatile
memory elements in which the O/Al ratio of the resistance change
layer was from 1.0 or more. That is, it is shown that the
resistance changes from a high resistance state to a low resistance
state (set) when a negative voltage is applied to the resistance
change type nonvolatile memory element and from a low resistance
state to a high resistance state (reset) when a positive voltage is
applied (hereinafter, the negative voltage applied for the set
operation is referred to as "the set voltage" and the positive
voltage applied for the reset operation is referred to as "the
reset voltage"). From FIGS. 4A to 4D, it is known that the
switching operation is not confirmed when O/Al ratio is 0 (metal
Al), but that, in contrast, the switching operation is obtained in
an element having an AlOx layer in which the O/Al ratio is 1.0 or
more and, furthermore, in an element having an AlOx layer in which
the O/Al ratio is 1.5 or more, resistance change ratio of 4 digits
or more can be realized.
[0070] Meanwhile, in the description, "the resistance change ratio"
denotes the ratio of resistance change at a certain voltage value.
For example, in an element having an AlOx layer in which the O/Al
ratio is 1.5 or more, when an applied voltage is about 2 V, a
current 1 changes in the range of 1.times.10.sup.-3 to
1.times.10.sup.-7. Accordingly, from V=I.times.R, the resistance R
can realize, in the range of 10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.7, the
resistance change ratio of 4 digits.
[0071] FIG. 5 shows current-voltage characteristics of an element
(.quadrature. in FIG. 5) in which the resistance change layer has
an HfO single-layer film having the composition of an O/Hf ratio of
0.30, and of an element (.box-solid. in FIG. 5) in which the
resistance change layer has of an AlO/HfO stacked film of a second
metal oxide film having the composition of an O/Al ratio of 2.2 and
a first metal oxide film having the compostion of an O/Hf ratio of
0.30.
[0072] The resistance change ratio when an applied voltage V is 0.2
V, in the case of the HfO single layer structure, the current I
changes by about 10 in the range of 1.times.10.sup.-3 to
1.times.10.sup.-4. Accordingly, from V=I.times.R, the resistance
change ratios of 1 digit alone can be realized in the resistance R
range of 10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.4. In contrast, the resistance
change ratio when the applied voltage is 0.2 V, in the case of the
AlO/HfO stacked structure, the current changes by about 10.sup.5 in
the range of 1.times.10.sup.-3 to 1.times.10.sup.-8. Accordingly,
from V=I.times.R, the resistance change ratios of 5 digits can be
realized in the resistance R range of 10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.8.
It was confirmed that, by setting the resistance change layer to be
a stacked structure of the first metal oxide layer containing Hf
and O and the second metal oxide layer containing Al and O as in
one embodiment of the present invention, as compared with the case
of the HfO single layer structure, the resistance change ratio was
improved by approximately 4 digits.
[0073] In a resistance change layer having an HfO single layer
structure, in order to obtain a resistance change ratio equivalent
to that in the case of the AlO/HfO stacked structure, there is a
method of increasing the O/Hf ratio. However, it is confirmed that,
although the same resistance change ratio as that in the AlO/HfO
stacked structure is obtained according to the method, a forming
voltage (a voltage to be applied for generating initially a
conduction path in an oxide film) becomes high and the set voltage
and the reset voltage become high. Accordingly, it was shown that,
by use of the stacked film of AlOx and HfOx in one embodiment of
the present invention as the variable resistance layer, the
improvement of the resistance change ratio can be realized without
causing a great increase in the forming voltage.
[0074] Meanwhile, in the evaluation of rewriting resistance
(endurance characteristic) of the resistance change phenomenon by
applying alternately and continuously positive and negative pulses
to the resistance change type nonvolatile memory element, too, an
phenomenon, in which insulation breakdown occurred after the
several times of application to stop the operation, was shown.
[0075] Here, the element in which the AlOx layer is inserted into
the boundary of the HfOx layer and the upper TiN electrode is
described, and it was also confirmed that the same effect was
obtained in an element in which the AlOx layer was inserted into
the boundary of the HfOx layer and the lower TiN electrode and in
an element in which the AlOx layer was inserted into the boundaries
of the HfOx layer and the upper TiN electrode and lower TiN
electrode. That is, it is possible, by inserting the AlOx layer to
at least one of the boundary of the HfOx layer and the upper TiN
electrode and the boundary of the HfOx layer and the lower TiN
electrode, to enhance the resistance change ratio while reducing
the increase in the forming voltage.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows the current-voltage characteristic of an
element in which the AlOx layer is inserted into the boundary of
the HfOx layer and the lower TiN electrode and an element in which
the AlOx layer is inserted into boundaries of the HfOx layer and
the upper TiN electrode and lower TiN electrode. Meanwhile, in FIG.
6, .quadrature. denotes an element in which the resistance change
layer has an HfO single-layer film having the composition of an
O/Hf ratio 0.30, and .box-solid. denotes the current-voltage
characteristic of an element having an AlO/HfO stacked film of a
second metal oxide film having the composition of an O/Al ratio of
2.2 and a first metal oxide film having the composition of an O/Hf
ratio of 0.30. As is the case for FIG. 5, it became clear that,
regarding the resistance change ratio at an applied voltage 0.2 V,
the resistance change ratio was improved by approximately 4 digits
by setting the resistance change layer to be the stacked structure,
as compared with the case of an HfO single layer structure.
[0077] <Thickness of AlO Layer and Resistance Change
Characteristic>
[0078] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the relationship between the
resistance change ratio of the element and the AlO film thickness
as the second metal oxide film at a voltage of 0.2 V, in which case
the HfO film thickness as the first metal oxide film was fixed to
20 nm. It is shown that the resistance change ratio at set/reset
from the AlO film thickness of 1 nm or more is 1.times.10.sup.4 in
the case where the AlO film thickness is 1 nm and 1.times.10.sup.6
in the case where the AlO film thickness is 5 nm. Consequently, the
situation that the resistance change ratio at set/reset increases
from 4 digits to 6 digits is known.
[0079] From the above results, by use of the resistance change
layer (a variable resistance layer) having the stacked film of the
first metal oxide film containing Hf and O and the second metal
oxide containing Al and O in one embodiment of the present
invention, it is possible to increase the resistance change ratio
without increasing greatly the forming voltage. In the element
having the above-mentioned resistance change layer, it is
preferable that the molar ratio of Al and O of the second metal
oxide film for obtaining the resistance change operation is 1.0 to
2.2, and is more preferable that, for realizing the resistance
change ratio of 4 digits or more, the ratio is 1.2 to 2.2. It is
preferable that the film thickness is 1 nm or more. In addition, it
is preferable that the molar ratio of Hf and O of the first metal
oxide film is 0.30 to 1.90.
[0080] In the above description, although it was described that the
molar ratios of Hf and O, and Al and O in the variable resistance
layer were adjusted by the mixing ratio of argon and oxygen
introduced in the sputtering, it is not limited to this, and for
example, a method, in which the molar ratios of Hf and O, and Al
and O are adjusted by a heat treatment in an oxygen atmosphere
after continuous formation of an Hf metal film and an Al metal film
as the variable resistance layer, may also be used. In addition,
from the viewpoint of suppressing the oxidation of the electrode
layer, it is desirable that the heat treatment temperature in an
oxygen atmosphere is in the range of 300.degree. C. to 600.degree.
C.
[0081] <Composition/Crystallinity of Titanium Nitride Film and
Resistance Change Characteristic>
[0082] Next, in the case where the optimum titanium nitride film is
used as electrodes holding the stacked type resistance change layer
obtained by stacking the first metal oxide containing Hf and O and
the second metal oxide containing Al and O according to one
embodiment of the present invention interposed therebetween, the
structure (composition/crystallinity) of the titanium nitride film
for obtaining the resistance change operation is described.
[0083] FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the film composition
(the N/Ti ratio: corresponding to .cndot. in the drawing) and the
film composition (the O/Ti ratio: corresponding to .quadrature. in
the drawing), and the film density of the titanium nitride film in
one embodiment of the present invention. As the result of
evaluating the switching characteristic of the resistance change
type nonvolatile memory element fabricated in the embodiment, it
was confirmed that the switching operation due to the resistance
change was obtained in the region where the film density shown in
the drawing is 4.7 g/cc or more and the film composition N/Ti ratio
is 1.15 or more. On the other hand, in the region where the film
density is smaller than 4.7 g/cc and the film composition O/Ti
ratio is smaller than 1.15, the switching operation due to the
resistance change was not obtained. It is considered that this
results from the increase in the film composition O/Ti ratio in the
region shown in the drawing in which the film composition O/Ti
ratio is smaller than the film density 4.7 g/cc and the film
composition N/Ti ratio is smaller than the film density 4.7 g/cc.
That is, this suggests that, when the film composition O/Ti ratio
increases and the oxygen in the variable resistance change layer
moves to some extent into the titanium nitride film, the resistance
change due to the voltage application does not occur.
[0084] Next, XRD (X-ray Diffraction) spectra of deposited titanium
nitride films under the condition A (argon gas flow rate 10 sccm,
nitrogen gas flow rate 10 sccm), the condition B (argon gas flow
rate 0 SCCM, nitrogen gas flow rate 50 SCCM) and the condition C
(argon gas flow rate 13.5 sccm, nitrogen gas flow rate 6 sccm)
shown in FIG. 8 are shown in FIG. 9, 2.theta. on the abscissa in
FIG. 9 is an angle when making X-rays enter at the angle of .theta.
relative to the horizontal direction of a sample and detecting
X-rays of an angle 2.theta. relative to the incident X-rays among
X-rays that come out, reflected from the sample, and the intensity
on tho ordinate denotes the intensity (arbitrary value) of X-rays
of the sample by which the diffraction occurred. C(111), C(200) and
C(220) in FIG. 9 each represent the crystalline plane of the
titanium nitride film, (111) plane, (200) plane and (220) plane. As
shown in the drawing, the titanium nitride film in one embodiment
of the present invention by which the resistance change operation
is obtained has a crystalline structure in which the crystal
orientation of the (200) plane is high.
[0085] FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the film composition
(the N/Ti ratio) of the titanium nitride film in the present
invention and a peak intensity ratio C(200)/C(111) of the (111)
plane and the (200) plane in the XRD spectrum shown in FIG. 9. As
shown in FIG. 10, in the titanium nitride film in which the film
composition N/Ti ratio is 1.15 or more by which the resistance
change operation in the present invention is obtained, the peak
intensity ratio has 1.2 or more. Here, the morphology of a titanium
nitride film with a high peak intensity ratio was evaluated by the
observation of the cross-section and surface with an SEM. FIG. 11
shows an observed image of the titanium nitride film deposited
under the condition A with an SEM (a scanning electron microscope).
As shown in the drawing, it can be confirmed that the titanium
nitride film in the present invention has a columnar structure of a
grain size of 20 nm or less and is excellent in surface flatness.
It is considered that, due to a small grain size and excellence in
surface flatness, a leak current caused by a crystal grain boundary
is suppressed and a high resistance change ratio necessary for the
resistance change type nonvolatile memory element is obtained. In
addition, it is considered that to have a small grain size and
dense crystal structure leads to the improvement of the film
density.
[0086] From the above-mentioned results, in the titanium nitride
film suitable for the element having a variable resistance layer
including a stacked type resistance change layer being the stacked
body of the first metal oxide containing Hf and O and the second
metal oxide containing Al and O in one embodiment of the present
invention, it is preferable that the molar ratio of Ti and N of
1.15 or more, and is furthermore preferable that the film density
is 4.7 g/cc or more. In addition, it is preferable that a peak
intensity ratio X of C[220]/C[111] in the XRD spectrum representing
the crystal orientation of the metal nitride layer is 1.2 or more.
Here, in the present invention, "the crystal orientation" denotes
the ratio of (200) peak intensity and (111) peak intensity
(C(200)/C(111)) in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of a metal
nitride layer containing Ti and N.
[0087] The deposition process of the titanium nitride film in one
embodiment of the present invention is a process of
magnetron-sputtering a Ti target under a mixed atmosphere of a
reactive gas containing nitrogen and an inert gas, in a vacuum
vessel in which the target is placed in an obliquely upper offset
position relative to a substrate as shown in FIG. 2, in order to
suppress the deterioration of element characteristics due to plasma
damage to a variable resistance layer, and to control the
composition and crystal orientation. In the process, it is
preferable to set the mixing ratio of the nitrogen gas and the
inert gas so that the molar ratio of Ti and N in the metal nitride
layer is 1.15 or more and crystal orientation X1 satisfies the
range of 1.2<X.
<Manufacturing Apparatus of Resistance Change Type Nonvolatile
Memory Element>
[0088] From the above-mentioned description, in order to obtain a
resistive operation in the element having the stacked type
resistance change layer of the first metal oxide containing Hf and
O and the second metal oxide containing Al and O in one embodiment
of the present invention, it is necessary to control the
composition of Hf and O and the composition of Al and O. In
addition, it is desirable to suppress the oxidation of the boundary
of the resistance change layer and electrodes (the first electrode
and second electrode) holding the resistance change layer
interposed therebetween. Accordingly, in order to fabricate the
resistance change type nonvolatile memory element in one embodiment
of the present invention, it is desirable to form, after forming
the first electrode on a substrate to be processed, the variable
resistance layer without exposing the substrate to be processed to
the air and, after that, to form the second electrode without
exposing the substrate to be processed to the air.
[0089] Meanwhile, the formation of the first electrode, the
variable resistance layer and the second electrode may be processed
in the same processing apparatus, but, in order to prevent or
reduce mutual contamination of the metal element configuring the
electrode layer and the element configuring the variable resistance
layer, it is desirable to perform the processing by use of a
manufacturing apparatus including a processing apparatus for
forming the electrode and a processing apparatus for forming the
variable resistance layer connected to a conveying device
preventing the air exposure of the substrate to be processed. In
addition, as a formation process of the variable resistance layer,
when performing a heat treatment in an oxygen atmosphere after
depositing continuously metal films of Hf and Al, it is desirable
to perform the processing by use of a manufacturing apparatus
including a processing apparatus for forming the electrode, a
processing apparatus depositing a metal film and a processing
apparatus performing a heat treatment in an oxygen atmosphere
connected to a conveying device preventing the air exposure of the
substrate to be processed. In addition, when a thin film diode
layer in which a metal film, silicon etc. are formed is exposed on
the surface as the substrate to be processed, for the purpose of
reducing contact resistance, a processing of removing the oxide
film on the metal film and silicon surface becomes necessary. On
this occasion, a pretreatment apparatus may be connected to the
above-mentioned manufacturing apparatus.
[0090] In FIG. 12, the best mode manufacturing apparatus 300 of the
resistance change type nonvolatile memory element for use in
implementing one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The
manufacturing apparatus 300 is an apparatus capable of implementing
the following 1 to 6 processes without exposing the substrate to be
processed to the air. A first process is a process of conveying a
substrate 11, which is carried in from a load lock chamber 307 to a
convey chamber 306, to a pretreatment/pre-etch chamber 301 and
implementing a pretreatment, and a second process is a process of
conveying the substrate 11, when the pretreatment terminates, from
the pretreatment/pre-etch chamber 301 to a first electrode (lower
electrode) formation chamber 302 and forming a titanium nitride
film 12 based on film formation conditions. A third process is a
process of conveying, when deposition processing of a foundation
terminates, the substrate 11 in the first electrode (lower
electrode) formation chamber 302 to a variable resistance layer
formation chamber 303 and forming a first variable resistance layer
13, and a fourth process is a process of conveying, when the
deposition processing of the first variable resistance layer 13
terminates, the substrate 11 in the first variable resistance layer
formation chamber 303 to a second variable resistance layer
formation chamber 304, and forming a second variable resistance
layer 14. A fifth process is a process of conveying, when the
deposition processing of the second variable resistance layer 14
terminates, the substrate 11 in the second variable resistance
layer formation chamber 304 to a second electrode (upper electrode)
formation chamber 305, and forming a titanium nitride film 15 based
on film formation conditions, and a six process is a process of
conveying, when the variable resistance element has been formed,
the substrate 11 in the second electrode (upper electrode)
formation chamber 305 to a load lock chamber 307, and carrying out
the substrate 11.
[0091] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a process flow of fabricating
the variable resistance element according to one embodiment of the
present invention by use of the manufacturing apparatus 300 shown
in FIG. 12. Step 701 is a pretreatment step, in which
degasification may be implemented, or may be a process of removing
a surface oxidation film. After the pretreatment, on the substrate,
a titanium nitride film is formed as the first electrode (Step
702). After that, without exposing the substrate to the air, a
variable resistance layer (a resistance change layer HfOx) is
formed (Step 703), and furthermore, a variable resistance layer (a
resistance change layer AlOx) is formed (Step 704), and next, the
titanium nitride film of the second electrode is formed by the same
method as that for the first electrode (Step 705).
EXAMPLE 1
[0092] FIG. 14 is an outline of the cross section of the element
structure according to the example 1. For a silicon substrate 11
having a silicon oxide film of a thickness of 100 nm on the surface
as a substrate to be processed, the formation of an electrode layer
and a variable resistance layer was performed by use of the
manufacturing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 12.
[0093] In a lower electrode processing chamber 302 belonging to the
manufacturing apparatus 300, a titanium nitride film 12 having a
molar ratio of Ti and N of 1.15 or more and a crystal orientation
X1 in the range of 1.2<X was deposited in 10 nm by use of a Ti
metal target under an argon gas flow rate of 0 sccm and a nitrogen
gas flow rate of 50 sccm.
[0094] Next, in the variable resistance layer formation chamber 303
belonging to the manufacturing apparatus 300, a variable resistance
layer HfOx 13 having a molar ratio of O and Hf of 1.30 to 1.90 was
deposited in 20 nm by use of an Hf metal target under an argon gas
flow rate of 20 sccm and an oxygen gas flow rate of 10 sccm.
[0095] Next, on the variable resistance layer HfOx 13, a variable
resistance layer AlOx 14 having a molar ratio of O and Al of 1.0 to
2.2 was deposited in 2.5 nm by use of a variable resistance layer
formation chamber 304 belonging to the manufacturing apparatus 300
and by use of an Al metal target under an argon gas flow rate of 20
sccm and an oxygen gas flow rate of 40 sccm.
[0096] Next, on the variable resistance layer AlOx 14, a titanium
nitride film 15 was deposited by use of an upper electrode
processing chamber 305 belonging to the manufacturing apparatus 300
in the same manner as that in the titanium nitride film 12.
[0097] Next, by use of a lithographic technology and an RIE
(Reactive Ion Etching) technology, the TiN film was processed into
a desired size to form an element.
[0098] Compositions of the deposited HfOx film and AlOx were
analyzed by an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method. The
resistance change operation of the fabricated element was evaluated
by a current-voltage measurement.
[0099] In FIG. 15, the current-voltage characteristic of the
fabricated resistance change type nonvolatile memory element is
shown. Regarding the current-voltage characteristic, a forming
operation of grounding the titanium nitride film 12 of the element
and applying a voltage of 0 V.fwdarw.-2.7 V to the titanium nitride
film 15 to generate a conduction path in the oxide film was
implemented. After that, each of voltages of 0 V.fwdarw.3.0 V, 3.0
V.fwdarw.0 V, 0 V.fwdarw.-2.7 V and -2.7 V.fwdarw.0 V was applied
and measurements were performed. As shown in the drawing, when
applying voltages in the range of 0 V.fwdarw.-2.7 V to the titanium
nitride film 15, the increase in the current value due to the
change from a high resistance state to a low resistance state (a
set operation) can be confirmed at V=-2.1 V. Next, when applying
voltages in the range of 0 V.fwdarw.3.0 V to the titanium nitride
film 15, the decrease in the current value due to the change from a
low resistance state to a high resistance state (a reset operation)
can be confirmed at V=2.6 V. As described above, it is shown that,
in the resistance change type nonvolatile memory element having the
stacked structure of the HfOx film 13 and the AlOx 14 film
according to one embodiment of the present invention, a resistance
change type nonvolatile memory element in which the On/Off
resistance change ratio in a low resistance state and a high
resistance state has a value of 10.sup.3 or more can be formed.
[0100] In the above example, as a method for forming the variable
resistance layer, the case where the deposition was performed by a
reactive sputtering method for an Hf metal target using a mixed gas
of a reactive gas containing oxygen and an inert gas and reactive
sputtering for an Al metal target using a mixed gas of a reactive
gas containing oxygen and an inert gas was described. However, it
was confirmed that the same effect as that in the example was also
obtained using a method as a formation process of the variable
resistance layer, in which an Hf metal film was deposited in the
chamber 303 and, next, an Al metal film was deposited in the
chamber 304, and then an annealing treatment at 300.degree. C. to
600.degree. C. was implemented in an oxygen atmosphere.
[0101] In addition, in the above-mentioned example, the case where
the silicon substrate having a silicon oxide film of thickness of
100 nm on the surface was used as the substrate to be processed.
However, it was confirmed that the same effect as that in the
example was also obtained by using a substrate in which W was
exposed in a part of the substrate surface as the substrate to be
processed and, after removing the surface oxide of W in the
pretreatment chamber 301, forming the electrode layer and the
variable resistance layer in the manufacturing apparatus 300.
* * * * *