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Title: Resistance controllability and variability improvement in a TaO{sub x}-based resistive memory for multilevel storage application

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4922446· OSTI ID:22412562
; ;  [1]
  1. Im2np, UMR CNRS 7334, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille (France)

In order to obtain reliable multilevel cell (MLC) characteristics, resistance controllability between the different resistance levels is required especially in resistive random access memory (RRAM), which is prone to resistance variability mainly due to its intrinsic random nature of defect generation and filament formation. In this study, we have thoroughly investigated the multilevel resistance variability in a TaO{sub x}-based nanoscale (<30 nm) RRAM operated in MLC mode. It is found that the resistance variability not only depends on the conductive filament size but also is a strong function of oxygen vacancy concentration in it. Based on the gained insights through experimental observations and simulation, it is suggested that forming thinner but denser conductive filament may greatly improve the temporal resistance variability even at low operation current despite the inherent stochastic nature of resistance switching process.

OSTI ID:
22412562
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 106, Issue 23; Other Information: (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English