Investigation of Ge2Te2Sb5 Chalcogenide Films for Use as an Analog Memory

<p>This work investigates the feasibility of using Ge2Te2Sbs chalcogenide films for analog memory. Thick film chalcogenide memory devices provided by Ovonyx Inc. are characterized to determine how well the devices meet the repeatability stability and predictability criteria needed to accurately store analog data values. Chalcogenide memory devices take advantage of the phase-shifting nature of chalcogenide materials to store the analog data as a resistance level. An automated test system was developed to characterize the material and the prototype devices with the goal to determine the 1) non-destructive readability of the device at different resistance values; 2) repeatability of programming the device; 3) stability the resistance value has over time; 4) parametric variations between devices; and 5) maximum and reliably achievable analog resolution. The results of these characterizations demonstrate that thick film chalcogenide devices possess the necessary repeatability stability and predictability properties needed in an analog memory with at least a 4-bit analog resolution. However the prototype devices as produced for this research do not demonstrate these properties consistently. A full scale commercial fabrication process is likely to improve the device design and manufacture so it can be used as an analog memory.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>