A conductive write line of a memory device includes a resistive heating
portion for setting and resetting a phase-change material (PCM) storage
cell of the device. A dielectric interface extends between the resistive
heating portion of the write line and a side of the storage cell, and
provides electrical insulation while allowing for thermal coupling
between the resistive heating portion and the storage cell. A width of
the resistive heating portion of the write line may be less than a width
of the storage cell and/or may be less than a width of adjacent portions
of the write line, between which the resistive heating portion extends.
The side of the storage cell may define a channel of the storage cell
through which the write line passes, such that the resistive heating
portion is located within the channel.