Objective The Project aims at demonstrating the feasibility of multilevel storage in chalcogenide-based Phase Change Memories, and at defining material properties, cell architectures and programming conditions to achieve this objective.Chalcogenide-based Phase Change Memories are considered the best candidate to replace Flash memories, beyond the 45nm node. However, in order to maintain the present growth rate in terms of storage densities, and to support the emerging, memory-intensive applications (e.g. video-phones, high resolution pictures, storage of short movies), ways must be found to further increase the storage capability of Phase Change Memories, introducing multilevel storage (two or more bits/cell).The research activity will follow two lines:- Understanding and modelling of phase change mechanism in existing chalcogenide material (GST), including long-term stability of the phases and the factors influencing it. Statistical analysis on large samples will be performed to assess the role of defects.- Investigation of basic material properties, starting from theoretical models, to develop the most suitable material for multilevel storage (new compositions or use of dopants). Sample deposition tests and analysis will be performed in a research environment, taking into account future compatibility with industrial environment.At the end of the project it is expected that the programming conditions and the physical limits of multilevel storage in Phase Change Materials will be available, together with an extended modelling of the phase change mechanism, and an indication of possible material improvements.The final targets of the project include:- a demonstration of multilevel programmability on a Multimegabit test device;- a demonstration of the multilevel performances of the optimised material developed in the project;- a demonstration of the manufacturability of a target for sputter deposition of the optimum material. Fields of science humanitiesartsmodern and contemporary artcinematography Programme(s) FP6-NMP - Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices: thematic priority 3 under the 'Focusing and integrating community research' of the 'Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area' specific programme 2002-2006. Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project Coordinator STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L. EU contribution No data Address Via C.Olivetti, 2 AGRATE BRIANZA Italy See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all POLITECNICO DI MILANO Italy EU contribution No data Address PIAZZA LEONARDO DA VINCI 32 20133 MILANO See on map Total cost No data RHEINISCH-WESTFAELISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE AACHEN Germany EU contribution No data Address TEMPLERGRABEN 55 52062 AACHEN See on map Total cost No data UMICORE MATERIALS AG Liechtenstein EU contribution No data Address ALTE LANDSTRASSE 8 9496 BALZERS See on map Total cost No data UNIVERZITE PARDUBICE Czechia EU contribution No data Address Studentska 95 PARDUBICE See on map Total cost No data
