Highlight

  • In this work, we proposed a concept of CAA 3D 2T0C-FeDRAM using AOS and ALD-deposited HZO ferroelectrics with stable ferroelectric properties and excellent performance.
  • The optimized hetero a-ITZO/a-IGZO structure marks a pivotal advancement in achieving superior stress stability, and the double gate a-ITZO/a-IGZO FeFET showed an enlarged MW of 1.5 V and reliable multi-level states.
  • We achieved a record-long multibit retention time of over 2000 s and 4-bit storage, highlighting the potential for low-power, high-density 3D DRAM applications.
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Press release

Schematic image of 2T0C-FeDRAM with a record-long multibit retention time

Figure abstract

Abstract

Conventional DRAM, consisting of one transistor and one capacitor (1T1C), requires periodic data refresh processes due to its limited retention time and data-destructive read operation. Here, we propose and demonstrate a novel 3D-DRAM memory scheme available with a single transistor and a single ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) DRAM (2T0C-FeDRAM), which offers extended retention time and non-destructive read operation. This architecture uses a back-end-of-line (BEOL)-compatible amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) that is suitable for increasing DRAM cell density. Notably, the device structures of a double gate a-ITZO/a-IGZO FeFET, used for data storage and reading, are engineered to achieve an enlarged memory window (MW) of 1.5 V and a prolonged retention time of 104 s. This is accomplished by a double gate and an a-ITZO/a-IGZO heterostructure channel to enable efficient polarization control in hafnium-zirconium oxide (HZO) layers. We present successful program/erase operations of the double gate a-ITZO/a-IGZO FeFET through incremental step pulse programming (ISPP), demonstrating multi-level states with remarkable retention characteristics. Most importantly, we perform 2T0C-FeDRAM operations by electrically connecting the double gate a-ITZO/a-IGZO FeFET and the a-ITZO FET. Leveraging the impressive performance of the double gate a-ITZO/a-IGZO FeFET technology, we have effectively showcased an exceptionally record-long retention time exceeding 2000 s and 4-bit multi-level states, positioning it as a robust contender among emerging memory solutions in the era of artificial intelligence.

[Link to Journal, Nanoscale]

Congratulations, Tae hyeon and Simin!