1. An antifuse element comprising: a substrate material having an active area formed in an uppermost surface; a gate electrode having an end corner positioned above the active area; and an insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode and the active area such that a voltage between the gate electrode and the active area creates a current path through the insulating layer and an electric field at the end corner of the gate electrode positioned above the active area, causing a rupture of the insulating layer at a point beneath the end corner of the gate electrode.