Junghyeon Hwang, Chaeheon Kim, Jinho Ahn, Sanghun Jeon
{"title":"Enhanced performance of hafnia self-rectifying ferroelectric tunnel junctions at cryogenic temperatures","authors":"Junghyeon Hwang, Chaeheon Kim, Jinho Ahn, Sanghun Jeon","doi":"10.1186/s40580-024-00461-2","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The advancement in high-performance computing technologies, including quantum and aerospace systems, necessitates components that operate efficiently at cryogenic temperatures. In this study, we demonstrate a hafnia-based ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) that achieves a record-high tunneling electroresistance (TER) ratio of over 200,000 and decade-long retention characteristics. By introducing asymmetric oxygen vacancies through the strategic use of indium oxide (InO<sub>x</sub>) layer, we enhance the TER ratio without increasing off-current, addressing the longstanding issue of low on-current in hafnia-based FTJs. Unlike prior approaches that led to leakage currents, our method optimizes tunneling behavior by leveraging the differential oxygen dissociation energy between InO<sub>x</sub> and hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO). This results in asymmetric modulation of the tunnel barrier, enhancing electron tunneling in one polarization state while maintaining stability in the opposite state. Furthermore, we explore the intrinsic characteristics of the FTJ at cryogenic temperatures, where reduced thermal energy minimizes leakage currents and allows the maximization of device performance. These findings establish a new benchmark for TER in hafnia-based FTJs and provide valuable insights for the integration of these devices into advanced cryogenic memory systems.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\n<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":712,"journal":{"name":"Nano Convergence","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.4000,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://nanoconvergencejournal.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s40580-024-00461-2","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nano Convergence","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40580-024-00461-2","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The advancement in high-performance computing technologies, including quantum and aerospace systems, necessitates components that operate efficiently at cryogenic temperatures. In this study, we demonstrate a hafnia-based ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) that achieves a record-high tunneling electroresistance (TER) ratio of over 200,000 and decade-long retention characteristics. By introducing asymmetric oxygen vacancies through the strategic use of indium oxide (InOx) layer, we enhance the TER ratio without increasing off-current, addressing the longstanding issue of low on-current in hafnia-based FTJs. Unlike prior approaches that led to leakage currents, our method optimizes tunneling behavior by leveraging the differential oxygen dissociation energy between InOx and hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO). This results in asymmetric modulation of the tunnel barrier, enhancing electron tunneling in one polarization state while maintaining stability in the opposite state. Furthermore, we explore the intrinsic characteristics of the FTJ at cryogenic temperatures, where reduced thermal energy minimizes leakage currents and allows the maximization of device performance. These findings establish a new benchmark for TER in hafnia-based FTJs and provide valuable insights for the integration of these devices into advanced cryogenic memory systems.
期刊介绍:
Nano Convergence is an internationally recognized, peer-reviewed, and interdisciplinary journal designed to foster effective communication among scientists spanning diverse research areas closely aligned with nanoscience and nanotechnology. Dedicated to encouraging the convergence of technologies across the nano- to microscopic scale, the journal aims to unveil novel scientific domains and cultivate fresh research prospects.
Operating on a single-blind peer-review system, Nano Convergence ensures transparency in the review process, with reviewers cognizant of authors' names and affiliations while maintaining anonymity in the feedback provided to authors.