随着器件尺寸的缩小,阻变存储器(RRAM)具有取代现有主流Flash存储器成为下一代新型存储器的潜力。但对RRAM器件电阻转变机制的研究在认识上依然存在很大的分歧,直接制约了RRAM的研发与应用。通过介绍阻变存储器的基本工作原理、不同的阻变机制以及基于阻变存储器所表现出的不同I-V特性,研究了器件的阻变特性;详细分析了阻变存储器的五种阻变物理机制,即导电细丝(filament)、空间电荷限制电流效应(SCLC)、缺陷能级的电荷俘获和释放、肖特基发射效应(Schottky emission)以及普尔-法兰克效应(Pool—Frenkel);同时,对RRAM器件的研究发展趋势以及面临的挑战进行了展望。
With the conventional memories approaching their scaling limits in recent years, the nonvolatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) device is considered as one of the promising candidates of next-generation memories for possibly replacing the flash memory. However, the detailed switching mechanisms are not yet clearly understood, which is a direct constraint for the application of RRAM. Therefore, an overview of RRAM devices is presented, including the development status, basic operation principle and resistive switching mechanisms. Based on different I-V characteristics, these mechanisms are mainly divided into conduction filament, space charge limited conduction, trap charging and discharging, Schottky emission and Pool-Frenkel emission. Meanwhile, the future research directions and challenges of RRAM memories are analysed.