Crystallization behaviors of Zn_xSb_(100-x) thin films for ultralong data retention phase change memory applications

摘要

Zn_xSb_(100-x) films with low Zn content are crystallized in a single-step process with Sb, while the film (Zn/Sb ratio is about 1:1) exhibits a two-step crystallization process with ZnSb metastable and stable phases. Importantly, ZnSb films have higher crystallization temperature (~257 °C), larger crystalline activation energy (~5.63 eV), better 10 year-data-retention (~201 °C) and lower melting temperature (~500 °C).