Coexistence of threshold and memory switching characteristics of ALD HfO₂ memristor synaptic arrays for energy-efficient neuromorphic computing.

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM), also known as memristors, having a very simple device structure with two terminals, fulfill almost all of the fundamental requirements of volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, and neuromorphic characteristics. Its memory and neuromorphic behaviors are currently being explored in relation to a range of materials, such as biological materials, perovskites, 2D materials, and transition metal oxides. In this review, we discuss the different electrical behaviors exhibited by RRAM devices based on these materials by briefly explaining their corresponding switching mechanisms. We then discuss emergent memory technologies using memristors, together with its potential neuromorphic applications, by elucidating the different material engineering techniques used during device fabrication to improve the memory and neuromorphic performance of devices, in areas such as I _ON/I _OFF ratio, endurance, spike time-dependent plasticity (STDP), and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), among others. The emulation of essential biological synaptic functions realized in various switching materials, including inorganic metal oxides and new organic materials, as well as diverse device structures such as single-layer and multilayer hetero-structured devices, and crossbar arrays, is analyzed in detail. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future prospects for the development of inorganic and new materials-based memristors.

A controllable and reversible transition of volatile and non-volatile resistive switching is presented in Ag/indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO)/manganese oxide (MnO)/Pt bilayer resistive memory devices. The coexistence of volatile and non-volatile switching characteristics was demonstrated by controlling the current compliance during the SET process. With lower current compliance (<50 μA), the formation of an unstable conducting filament presented typical diode-like non-volatile switching. A reversible transition from volatile to non-volatile switching could be obtained by applying a higher current compliance (≥50 μA). Moreover, highly uniform multistate memory characteristics were achieved by modulating the current compliance in the non-volatile switching region. The coexistence of volatile and multistate non-volatile resistive switching behaviors with a reversible transition demonstrates the capability of developing a selector element for crossbar arrays and the application for next generation multistate high-density storage with the same Ag/IGZO/MnO/Pt device.

Due to a rapid increase in the amount of data, there is a huge demand for the development of new memory technologies as well as emerging computing systems for high-density memory storage and efficient computing. As the conventional transistor-based storage devices and computing systems are approaching their scaling and technical limits, extensive research on emerging technologies is becoming more and more important. Among other emerging technologies, CBRAM offers excellent opportunities for future memory and neuromorphic computing applications. The principles of the CBRAM are explored in depth in this review, including the materials and issues associated with various materials, as well as the basic switching mechanisms. Furthermore, the opportunities that CBRAMs provide for memory and brain-inspired neuromorphic computing applications, as well as the challenges that CBRAMs confront in those applications, are thoroughly discussed. The emulation of biological synapses and neurons using CBRAM devices fabricated with various switching materials and device engineering and material innovation approaches are examined in depth.