Resistive random-access memories have received extensive interest in recent years since they constitute promising candidates for future data storage and information technologies with applications such as non-volatile memories and neuromorphic computing. Among the different approaches, CBRAM based on an Ag:GeSx glass sandwiched between an Ag electrochemically active anode and an inert cathode are considered as one of the most promising technologies [1]. Under the influence of an electric field, it is supposed that Ag ions are produced at the anode and migrate in the electrolyte to form a conducting path. This process is reversible by applying an opposite bias. However to date, the lack of understanding of the switching mechanisms at a nanoscale level has prevented the successful transfer of such a technology to industry. In this context, we report the characterisation of Ag/GeSx/W CBRAM devices using synchrotron techniques.

Our approach was based on the design of CBRAM devices (Figure 74a) specifically-adapted in order to be finely characterised depending on their resistive states by means of depth-selective X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at beamline BM08 (LISA-CRG). The CBRAM devices were tested electrically prior to the experiment in order to simulate a memory in its different states (electrically switched or not). Figure 74b illustrates the typical I(V) curves obtained and the reversible switching from the high to the low resistive state (SET and RESET, respectively).

The CBRAM devices during an electrical test

Fig. 74: (a) The CBRAM devices during an electrical test. The devices consist of a GeSx electrolyte layer (50 nm) deposited on a tungsten bottom electrode (25 nm) and covered by an Ag active top electrode (20 nm). After switching, the Ag top electrode was completely removed by ion beam etching prior to the XAS experiments. (b) Typical I(V) curves of a CBRAM device during cycles of SET and RESET between the low and high resistive states.  4 cycles are reported in this example.

Figure 75a shows the XAS spectra depending on the switching state of the device and on the depth within the sample from which the signal originated. CBRAM devices that never underwent any switching show a lower silver metal fraction whereas the switched ones present a higher value. Moreover, XAS surface data show a higher metal fraction below the anode in comparison to the entire layer. Our experiments highlight that the switching process involves the formation of metallic Ag and the formation of this phase is initiated at the Ag electrode. This supports a model of the formation of nanofilaments consisting of Ag metallic cones with their base on the active electrode as metal reduction happens more rapidly than ion migration. Moreover, the study of the local environment around Ag atoms in such devices reveals that Ag is in two very distinct environments with short Ag-S bonds due to Ag dissolved in the GeSx matrix and longer Ag-Ag bonds related to an Ag metallic phase.

EXAFS spectra of 3 prototypical samples

Fig. 75: (a) EXAFS spectra of 3 prototypical samples (switched CBRAM using surface and depth collection mode and a non-switched CBRAM on the surface) with the best fit curves (continuous lines). The vertical arrows mark the features that grow with increasing  Ag–metal content.  (b) Schematic drawing of a silver nano-filament in GeSx and the silver filament dissolution scheme.

These experimental results are well supported by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations showing that Ag favourably bonds to S atoms. From these results, we were able to deduce the origin of the main limitation of this type of devices [2]: the instability of the ON state can be attributed to the sulfidation of Ag and hence rupture of the Ag–Ag metallic conduction path in the GeSx layer.

This work illustrates the importance of designing specific samples for characterisation with synchrotron radiation in order to understand the mechanisms involved in the operation of nano-electronic devices. Finally, the principle of the nondestructive method described here can be extended to other types of resistive memory concepts (including memristors based on transition metal oxides), and will give fundamental clues about the resistive switching mechanisms.

 

Principal publication and authors

The role of the local chemical environment of Ag on the resistive switching mechanism of conductive bridging random access memories,  E. Souchier (a), F. D’Acapito (b), P. Noé (a),  P. Blaise (a), M. Bernard (a) and V. Jousseaume (a), Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 17, 23931 (2015);  doi: 10.1039/C5CP03601A.
(a) Univ. Grenoble Alpes and CEA, LETI, MINATEC Campus, Grenoble (France)
(b) CNR-IOM-OGG c/o ESRF, Grenoble (France)

 

References

[1] I. Valov et al., Nanotechnology, 22 254003 (2011).
[2] E. Vianello et al., Proceedings of the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) San Francisco, 741 (2012).