Two-terminal reversibly switchable memory device

摘要

A memory using mixed valence conductive oxides is disclosed. The memory includes a mixed valence conductive oxide that is less conductive in its oxygen deficient state and a mixed electronic ionic conductor that is an electrolyte to oxygen and promotes an electric field effective to cause oxygen ionic motion.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
providing a memory element (ME) including a first ion reservoir having mobile oxygen ions and in contact with a first electrode of a two-terminal switch and a tunnel barrier and a second reservoir in contact with the tunnel barrier and positioned between a second electrode of the two-terminal switch and the tunnel barrier, the second reservoir operative as a repository for the mobile oxygen ions; and applying a read voltage across the first and second electrodes, the read voltage operative to generate a read current having a magnitude that is indicative of a present conductivity of the ME, wherein applying the read voltage is non-destructive to the present conductivity of the ME.