Performance of silicon nanocrystal non-volatile memory devices under various programming mechanisms

Non-volatile memory devices based on silicon nanocrystal synthesized with very low energy Si+ implantation are fabricated. Memory performance under various programming mechanisms including Fowler-Nordheim (FN), drain-bias channel-hot-electron (DCHE), and source-bias channel-hot-electron (SCHE) has been investigated. It is observed that the DCHE yields the largest memory window among the three programming mechanisms. The DCHE and SCHE have similar endurance characteristics, but the SCHE has a longer retention time than the DCHE. Both the DCHE and SCHE have a larger memory window, a better endurance and a longer retention time as compared to the FN. Explanations to the phenomena are given.