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Full-Text Articles in Structural Materials

Cause And Prevention Of Moisture-Induced Degradation Of Resistance Random Access Memory Nanodevices, Albert Chen Jan 2013

Cause And Prevention Of Moisture-Induced Degradation Of Resistance Random Access Memory Nanodevices, Albert Chen

Albert B Chen

Dielectric thin films in nanodevices may absorb moisture, leading to physical changes and property/performance degradation, such as altered data storage and readout in resistance random access memory. Here we demonstrate using a nanometallic memory that such degradation proceeds via nanoporosity, which facilitates water wetting in otherwise nonwetting dielectrics. Electric degradation only occurs when the device is in the charge-storage state, which provides a nanoscale dielectrophoretic force directing H2O to internal field centers (sites of trapped charge) to enable bond rupture and charged hydroxyl formation. While these processes are dramatically enhanced by an external DC or AC field and electron-donating electrodes, …


Demonstration And Modeling Of Multi-Bit Resistance Random Access Memory, Albert Chen Dec 2012

Demonstration And Modeling Of Multi-Bit Resistance Random Access Memory, Albert Chen

Albert B Chen

Although intermediates resistance states are common in resistance random access memory (RRAM), two-way switching among them has not been demonstrated. Using a nanometallic bipolar RRAM, we have illustrated a general scheme for writing/rewriting multi-bit memory using voltage pulses. Stability conditions for accessing intermediate states have also been determined in terms of a state distribution function and the weight of serial load resistance. A multi-bit memory is shown to realize considerable space saving at a modest decrease of switching speed.


Size-Dependent Metal-Insulator Transition In Pt-Dispersed Sio2 Thin Film: A Candidate For Future Non-Volatile Memory, Albert B. Chen Jun 2012

Size-Dependent Metal-Insulator Transition In Pt-Dispersed Sio2 Thin Film: A Candidate For Future Non-Volatile Memory, Albert B. Chen

Albert B Chen

Non-volatile random access memories (NVRAM) are promising data storage and processing devices. Various NVRAM, such as FeRAM and MRAM, have been studied in the past. But resistance switching random access memory (RRAM) has demonstrated the most potential for replacing flash memory in use today. In this dissertation, a novel RRAM material design that relies upon an electronic transition, rather than a phase change (as in chalcogenide Ovonic RRAM) or a structural change (such in oxide and halide filamentary RRAM), is investigated. Since the design is not limited to a single material but applicable to general combinations of metals and insulators, …


A Parallel Circuit Model For Multi-State Resistive-Switching Random Access Memory, Albert Chen Jan 2012

A Parallel Circuit Model For Multi-State Resistive-Switching Random Access Memory, Albert Chen

Albert B Chen

Large, rapidly growing literature is available on bipolar resistive-switching random access memories (RRAM) made of myriad of simple and advanced materials. Many of them exhibit similar resistance switching behavior but, until now, no unifying model can allow quantification of their voltage and time responses. Using a simple parallel circuit model, these responses of a newly discovered RRAM made of a thin-film random material are successfully analyzed. The analysis clearly reveals a large population of intermediate states with remarkably similar switching characteristics. Such modeling framework based on simple circuit constructs also appears applicable to several RRAM made of other materials. This …