Impact of oxide and electrode materials on the switching characteristics of oxide ReRAM devices

Abstract

Resistive switching random-access memory (ReRAM) is one of the most promising technologies for non-volatile memories. Thanks to the low power and high speed operation, the high density CMOS-compatible integration, and the high cycling endurance, the ReRAM technology is becoming a strong candidate for high-density storage arrays and novel in-memory computing systems. However, ReRAM suffers from cycle-to-cycle switching variability and noise-induced resistance fluctuations, leading to insufficient read margin between the programmed resistive states. To overcome the existing challenges, a deep understanding of the roles of the ReRAM materials in the device characteristics is essential. To better understand the role of the switching layer material in controlling ReRAM performance and reliability, this work compares SiO_x- and HfO₂-based ReRAM at fixed geometry and electrode materials. Ti/HfO₂/C and Ti/SiO_x/C devices are compared from the point of view of the forming process, switching characteristics, resistance variability, and temperature stability of the programmed states. The results show clear similarities for the two different oxides, including a similar resistance window and stability at high temperatures, thus suggesting a common nature of the switching mechanism, highlighting the importance of the electrodes. On the other hand, the oxide materials play a clear role in the forming, breakdown, and variability characteristics. The discrimination between the role of the oxide and the electrode materials in the ReRAM allows ReRAM optimization via materials engineering to be better explored for future memory and computing applications.