Project C6 (2019-2023) aims to understand the structure, bonding and switching phenomenon in phase change materials of reduced dimensions. The related studies require samples with very well-defined film or superlattice structure. Therefore, the samples will be grown with molecular beam epitaxy providing precise control of the films and superlattices deposited. Subsequently, the bonding in the samples will be analyzed employing the characteristic fingerprints in terms of properties and bond breaking. Subsequently, iPCM devices will be fabricated and switched in situ using electron beam induced-current (EBIC) and ex situ using an electrical tester.
High textured phase change nanostructures for low power devices
(2015-2019)
This project aims at reproducing and elucidating the favorable switching properties (including improved power consumption) reported in so-called “interfacial phase change memories” (iPCMs). Beside preparing and characterizing epitaxial Sb2Te3/GeTe superlattices forming the basis of iPCMs, simpler model systems highlighting individual aspects of the iPCM structures will be studied. To this end, highly textured or epitaxial GeTe and Sb2Te3 thin films, crystalline epitaxial ternary Ge-Sb-Te alloys and nanostructures will be investigated. By isolating and disentangling the impacts of texture, superstructure and dimensionality, we aspire a deeper understanding of the iPCM effect, which will permit the systematic improvement of iPCM devices.
Dr. Oana Cojocaru-Mirédin
I. Physikalisches Institut IA
RWTH Aachen University
Phone: +49 (0)241 80 20270
E-mail: cojocaru-miredin@physik.rwth-aachen.de
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. D. Grützmacher
Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Phone: +49 (0)2461 61 2340
E-mail: d.gruetzmacher@fz-juelich.de
Dr. rer. nat. H. Hardtdegen
Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Phone: +49 (0)2461 61 2360
E-mail: h.hardtdegen@fz-juelich.de
Dr. rer. nat. P. Jost
I. Physikalisches Institut IA
RWTH Aachen University
Phone: +49 (0)2461 61 9822
E-mail: jost@physik.rwth-aachen.de