Objective
Data centres running artificial intelligence AI and machine-learning workloads significantly impact climate change due to their massive electricity consumption. The urgent need for sustainable solutions has highlighted the potential of emerging ferroelectric random-access memories (FRAMs), particularly HfO2-based FRAMs. These devices offer low power consumption and fast switching speeds, making them ideal for energy-efficient data storage technologies. However, achieving stable and uniform ferroelectric properties in HfO2-based thin films requires the precise engineering of strain and defects under specific conditions. Overcoming these technical challenges is crucial for the widespread adoption of the FRAM technology to help mitigating the environmental impacts of data centres. I aim to tackle these challenges by proposing metal-ion-based magnetron sputtering strategies. HiPIMS-Fmemories will enable the growth of HfZrO2 thin films (as a model HfO2-based material system) with specific polar phases and nanocolumnar structures, essential for achieving uniform, enhanced ferroelectricity. HiPIMS-Fmemories will deliver: (1) fabrication of high-quality thin films using high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) and the effects of metal-ion irradiation on metastable domains and material properties, (2) rapid, energy-efficient ferroelectric switching by optimising key metal-ion parameters, (3) enhanced understanding of the relationship between polarisation responses and resistive switching arising from ionic-conduction effects, and (4) device fabrication and testing. These fabrication solutions can also be applicable for other ferroelectric thin-film materials. Overall, this research aims to represent a significant advancement in developing sustainable and efficient FRAM technologies.
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
2800 Kongens Lyngby
Denmark