A structure and method for an insulator layer having carbon-graded layers above a substrate is disclosed, wherein the concentration of carbon increases in each successive carbon-graded layer above the substrate. The at least two imaging means are arranged such that a first imaging means is provided for the magnified imaging of the light modulator on a second imaging means. The memory cells may include memory cell structures such as mushroom-type memory cell structures, bridge-type memory cell structures, active-in-via type memory cell structures, and pore-type memory cell structures.