TiN nanocrystal flash memory devices
by S. Maikap, P.J. Tzeng, C.H. Lin, Ting-Yu Wang, H.Y. Lee, Sheng-Shiung Tzeng, C.C. Wang, T.C. Tien, L.S. Lee, Pei-Wen Li, Jer-Ren Yang, M.J. Tsai
International Journal of Nanomanufacturing (IJNM), Vol. 2, No. 5, 2008

Abstract: Memory characteristics of TiN metal nanocrystals embedded by high-κ Al2O3 films have been investigated. The TiN (0.5 nm)/Al2O3 (1 nm) multilayers with high-κ Al2O3 film as a blocking oxide on SiO2/p-Si substrates have been deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). After subsequent annealing treatment (>900°C), tiny TiN nanocrystals with a diameter of ∼3 nm have been formed. The size and density of TiN nanocrystals have been measured by High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The densities of TiN nanocrystals are found to be ∼1.6 × 1012/cm² at 950°C for 2 min and ∼5.3 × 1012/cm² at 900° for 2 min in N2 (90%) + O2 (10%) annealing ambient. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) shows the Ti-N bonds, suggesting that the TiN nanocrystals embedded in high-κ Al2O3 films can be formed. A high programming speed of threshold voltage shift (ΔVt) ∼6.7 V @ 0.1 ms can be observed for the TiN nanocrystal memory devices. The erasing speed of ΔVt ∼6.7 V @ 20 ms is slow, due to low work function poly-Si gate electrode. The charge loss of the TiN nanocrystal memory devices is ∼14% at 20°C and ∼17% at 85°C, which is better result as compared with the best published data in the literatures. A good programming speed, endurance and retention characteristics have been observed, due to small metal nano-dot, high density and deep level charge trapping as well as strong charge confinement in the TiN nanocrystals. The memory device performance can be improved with increasing the density of TiN nanocrystals. The TiN nanocrystal flash memory devices can be useful in future nanoscale high-performance applications.

Online publication date: Wed, 11-Feb-2009

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