Programmable resistance memory element with threshold switching material

1. An electrically programmable memory element, comprising:

a programmable resistance material;

a threshold switching material; and

a first layer of a dielectric material of a thickness less than 100 Angstroms between said programmable resistance material and said threshold switching material, the dielectric layer thereby blocking direct contact between the programmable resistance material and the threshold switching material.

2. The memory element of claim 1 , further comprising a second layer of a dielectric material, said threshold switching material being between said first layer of said dielectric material and said second layer of said dielectric material.

3. The memory element of claim 2 , further comprising a third layer of a dielectric material, said programmable resistance material being between said third layer of said dielectric material and said first layer of said dielectric material.

4. The memory element of claim 1 , further comprising a second layer of a dielectric material, said programmable resistance material being between said first layer of said dielectric material and said second layer of said dielectric material.

5. The memory element of claim 1 , wherein said programmable resistance material is a phase-change material.

6. The memory element of claim 1 , wherein said programmable resistance material comprises a chalcogen element.

7. The memory element of claim 1 , wherein said threshold switching material comprises a chalcogen element.

8. The memory element of claim 1 , wherein said dielectric material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of oxide and nitride.

9. The memory element of claim 1 , wherein said dielectric material is silicon nitride.