SONOS memories with embedded silicon nanocrystals in nitride

Abstract

We have successfully demonstrated SONOS memories with embedded Si-NCs in silicon nitride. This new structure exhibits excellent characteristics in terms of larger memory windows and longer retention time compared to control devices. Using the same thickness 2.5 nm of the bottom tunneling oxide, we found that N(2)O is better than O(2) oxide. Retention property is improved when the thickness of N(2)O is increased to 3.0 nm.