Abstract
We demonstrate the feasibility of an approach to nonvolatile memory (NVM) that exploits charge trapping at deep-energy levels formed in Al2 O3 by metal doping. Our calculations show that V and Nb are expected to form such deep energy levels in the band gap of Al2 O3. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach these metal ions were ion-implanted into test structures based on an Al2 O3 trapping layer. Several structural analysis techniques and photocurrent spectroscopy show that the doped metal ions are located close to the Al 2 O3 / SiO2 interface and exhibit characteristics consistent with some of the deep levels predicted in calculations. The resulting test devices are shown to exhibit promising NVM characteristics.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 112110 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 94 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |