Electric selective activation of memristive interfaces in TaO$_x$-based devices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that in Ta₂O₅-based memristive devices, selective activation of interfaces enables control over multilevel resistance states, which can be used for neuromorphic and non-traditional logic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a simple, scalable fabrication method for memristive devices with tunable multilevel resistance states through interface activation control.

Findings

Selective interface activation controls resistance loops

Physical origin linked to oxygen vacancy electromigration

Devices exhibit multiple stable intermediate states

Abstract

The development of novel devices for neuromorphic computing and non-traditional logic operations largely relies on the fabrication of well controlled memristive systems with functionalities beyond standard bipolar behavior and digital ON-OFF states. In the present work we demonstrate for Ta$_2$O$_5$-based devices that it is possible to selectively activate/deactivate two series memristive interfaces in order to obtain clockwise or counter-clockwise multilevel squared remanent resistance loops, just by controlling the (a)symmetry of the applied stimuli and independently of the nature of the used metallic electrodes. Based on our thorough characterization, analysis and modeling, we show that the physical origin of this electrical behavior relies on controlled oxygen vacancies electromigration between three different zones of the active Ta$_2$O$_{5-x}$ layer: a central -- bulk -- one and two quasi-symmetric interfaces with reduced TaO$_{2-h(y)}$ layers. Our devices fabrication process is rather simple as it implies the room temperature deposition of only one CMOS compatible oxide -- Ta-oxide -- and one metal, suggesting that it might be possible to take advantage of these properties at low cost and with easy scability. The tunable opposite remanent resistance loops circulations with multiple -- analogic -- intermediate stable states allows mimicking the adaptable synaptic weight of biological systems and presents potential for non-standard logic devices.