Robust Resistive Switching Constancy and Quantum Conductance in High-k Dielectric-Based Memristor for Neuromorphic Engineering

Abstract

For neuromorphic computing and high-density data storage memory, memristive devices have recently gained a lot of interest. So far, memristive devices have suffered from switching parameter instability, such as distortions in resistance values of low- and high-resistance states (LRSs and HRSs), dispersion in working voltage (set and reset voltages), and a small ratio of high and low resistance, among other issues. In this context, interface engineering is a critical technique for addressing the variation issues that obstruct the use of memristive devices. Herein, we engineered a high band gap, low Gibbs free energy Al2O3 interlayer between the HfO2 switching layer and the tantalum oxy-nitride electrode (TaN) bottom electrode to operate as an oxygen reservoir, increasing the resistance ratio between HRS and LRS and enabling multilayer data storage. The Pt/HfO2/Al2O3/TaN memristive device demonstrates analog bipolar resistive switching behavior with a potential ratio of HRS and LRS of > 105 and the ability to store multi-level data with consistent retention and uniformity. On set and reset voltages, statistical analysis is used; the mean values (µ) of set and reset voltages are determined to be − 2.7 V and + 1.9 V, respectively. There is a repeatable durability over DC 1000 cycles, 105 AC cycles, and a retention time of 104 s at room temperature. Quantum conductance was obtained by increasing the reset voltage with step of 0.005 V with delay time of 0.1 s. Memristive device has also displayed synaptic properties like as potentiation/depression and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Results show that engineering of interlayer is an effective approach to improve the uniformity, ratio of high and low resistance, and multiple conductance quantization states and paves the way for research into neuromorphic synapses.