Charge Trapping Sites in nc-RuO Embedded ZrHfO High-k Nonvolatile Memories

Abstract

AbstractMaterials and electrical properties of the MOS capacitor containing nc-RuO embedded in the high-k ZrHfO dielectric film have been studied. The electron- and hole-trapping capacities and trapping sites in this kind of device were investigated using the constant voltage stress method, the frequency-dependent C-V measurement, and the retention characteristics. The negligible charge trapping phenomenon in the non-embedded device rules out the possibility of any trapping site in the bulk ZrHfO film or at the Si/ZrHfO interface. The electrical characterization result suggests that electrons are trapped in the bulk nc-RuO. However, holes have two possible trapping sites, i.e., in the bulk nc-RuO or at the nc-RuO/ZrHfO interface.