Dynamic observation of phase transformation behaviors in indium(III) selenide nanowire based phase change memory

ACS Nano. 2014 Sep 23;8(9):9457-62. doi: 10.1021/nn503576x. Epub 2014 Aug 25.

Abstract

Phase change random access memory (PCRAM) has been extensively investigated for its potential applications in next-generation nonvolatile memory. In this study, indium(III) selenide (In2Se3) was selected due to its high resistivity ratio and lower programming current. Au/In2Se3-nanowire/Au phase change memory devices were fabricated and measured systematically in an in situ transmission electron microscope to perform a RESET/SET process under pulsed and dc voltage swept mode, respectively. During the switching, we observed the dynamic evolution of the phase transformation process. The switching behavior resulted from crystalline/amorphous change and revealed that a long pulse width would induce the amorphous or polycrystalline state by different pulse amplitudes, supporting the improvement of the writing speed, retention, and endurance of PCRAM.

Keywords: In2Se3; PCRAM; in situ TEM; nanodevices; nonvolatile memory; phase change.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't