Ultralow power switching in a silicon-rich SiN: Y/SiNx double-layer resistive memory device

Sungjun Kim, Yao Feng Chang, Min Hwi Kim, Suhyun Bang, Tae Hyeon Kim, Ying Chen Chen, Jong Ho Lee, Byung Gook Park

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Here we demonstrate low-power resistive switching in a Ni/SiNy/SiNx/p++-Si device by proposing a double-layered structure (SiNy/SiNx), where the two SiN layers have different trap densities. The LRS was measured to be as low as 1 nA at a voltage of 1 V, because the SiNx layer maintains insulating properties for the LRS. The single-layered device suffers from uncontrollability of the conducting path, accompanied by the inherent randomness of switching parameters, weak immunity to breakdown during the reset process, and a high operating current. On the other hand, for a double-layered device, the effective conducting path in each layer, which can determine the operating current, can be well controlled by the ICC during the initial forming and set processes. A one-step forming and progressive reset process is observed for a low-power mode, which differs from the high-power switching mode that shows a two-step forming and reset process. Moreover, nonlinear behavior in the LRS, whose origin can be attributed to the P-F conduction and F-N tunneling driven by abundant traps in the silicon-rich SiNx layer, would be beneficial for next-generation nonvolatile memory applications by using a conventional passive SiNx layer as an active dielectric.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18988-18995
Number of pages8
JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Volume19
Issue number29
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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