Non-volatile memory based on PZT/FeGa thin film memtranstor

TL;DR

This paper presents a PZT/FeGa thin film memtranstor with non-volatile magnetoelectric properties, demonstrating reversible switching of the magnetoelectric coefficient via electric polarization and magnetic field control, suitable for memory applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel PZT/FeGa memtranstor device exhibiting non-volatile magnetoelectric switching and stable retention, advancing memory technology based on magnetoelectric effects.

Findings

Magnetoelectric coefficient can be reversed by flipping magnetization or polarization.

Sign of the magnetoelectric coefficient can be switched repeatedly with constant magnetic field.

Device shows good retention and endurance for non-volatile memory use.

Abstract

The PZT/FeGa thin film memtranstor was prepared and the modulation of the magnetoelectric coefficient by external magnetic and electric fields was studied. The magnetoelectric coefficient of the PZT/FeGa memtranstor can be reversed by flipping the direction of magnetization of FeGa or ferroelectric polarization of PZT. Notably, the sign of the magnetoelectric coefficient can be switched repeatedly by reversing ferroelectric polarization of PZT when the external magnetic field remains constant. Moreover, the binary switching behavior can still be maintained under zero DC bias magnetic field. When the polarization direction remains stable, the magnetoelectric coefficient also does not change. This means that the magnetoelectric coefficient of PZT/FeGa is non-volatile. Furthermore, the retention and endurance characteristics of the PZT/FeGa thin film memtranstor have been investigated. These findings demonstrate the potential of the PZT/FeGa thin film memtranstor for non-volatile memory applications.