Here comes electrolytic memory

Nov. 3, 2005
The 2005 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting to be held Dec. 5-7 in Washington, D.C., showcases applied electronics research from labs worldwide. Memory is just one of the many topics to be presented at this 51st annual meeting. Here is a sneak peek:

Electrolytes are generally thought of as molten or liquid substances that conduct electricity. Solid electrolytes are also possible and have a property that makes them useful for memory devices: the conducting and nonconducting states are nonvolatile. Creating or dissolving conduction paths in a solid electrolyte that bridge a memory cell's source and drain electrodes could build a nonvolatile memory. But high operating voltages and currents are needed if the controlling gate lies in the conduction path.

A novel nanoscale three-terminal device from NEC researchers gets around the problem. The solid electrolyte consists of a 40-nm spin-coated layer of Cu2S; the source and gate electrodes are copper; and the drain electrode is made from platinum. Applying a positive voltage to the gate causes both the gate and source electrode to inject positive copper ions into the electrolyte. When that happens, a copper bridge grows within the electrolyte and electrically connects the source and drain. The bridge disappears when a negative voltage is applied. More work needs to be done to improve cycling endurance and to reduce switching speeds at lower voltages, but the work is a promising first step.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 6, 2025
In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial manufacturing, reliability, productivity, and worker safety take precedence. However, traditional connectivity approaches often...
June 6, 2025
Amidst the rapid evolution of electronics manufacturing, reliability, productivity, and worker safety remain paramount concerns. Yet, traditional connectivity methods often falter...
June 6, 2025
While many within the industrial manufacturing sector grasp the importance of smart manufacturing for optimizing processes, boosting productivity, and future-proofing operations...
June 6, 2025
For electronics manufacturers grappling with formidable challenges, navigating the path to success requires adapting to the dynamic landscape of the industry. How can electronics...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!