Enhancement of charge storage performance in double-gate silicon nanocrystal memories with ultrathin body structure

We propose double-gate silicon nanocrystal memories (NCMs) with ultrathin body structure. Double-gate NCMs experimentally show larger threshold voltage shift (/spl Delta/V/sub th/) and longer charge retention time than single-gate NCMs. These superior behaviors in double-gate NCMs are explained by the increase in the body potential due to electrons in one side nanocrystals that prevent electrons in the other side nanocrystals from escaping. Thinner transistor body enhances the mutual influence between electrons in both sides. It is also found that the endurance characteristics are also improved by the reduced potential difference in the tunnel oxide.     

Scaling of nanocrystal memory cell by direct tungsten bitline on self-aligned landing plug polysilicon contact

This letter reports the first full process integration of nanocrystal memory cell with 4.6 F/sup 2/ area ( NOR type), which is achieved by direct tungsten (W) bitline on self-aligned landing plug polysilicon contact. Prior to the nanocrystals (NCs) formation, surface hydroxylation of the tunnel SiO/sub 2/ by exposure to 1:99 hydrogen flouride (HF) is performed to maintain controllability of NCs. Also, the degradation of the tunnel SiO/sub 2/ caused by HF dipping is overcome to some extent through its fluorination. Robust four-threshold voltage (V/sub th/) states for 2-bit operation per cell are observed due to the localized injected charge and V/sub th/ asymmetry from different reading sensitivity to localized charges.     

Effects of exercise-training on hypoxia and angiotensin II-induced pulmonary vasoconstrictions

The present study was undertaken to determine whether exercise-training for 6 weeks would inhibit pulmonary vasoconstriction induced by hypoxia in isolated, blood-perfused rat lungs. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and angiotensin II (AII)-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction were significantly less in the exercise-trained (ET) group than in the control (cont) group with all challenges. Normoxic pulmonary arterial and capillary pressures in the ET group were significantly lower than those in the cont group and capillary pressor response to hypoxia was less in the ET group than in the cont group. In conclusion, it appears that HPV and AII-induced vasoconstrictions can be reduced by exercise-training, because it would seem that exercise-training repeated responses to increased shear-stress resulting from elevated blood flow in pulmonary vessels.     

Generation of Anode Spot in Low‐Current DC Vacuum Arcs by the Effect of Embedded Magnet in the Anode

Experiments were conducted with the aim of keeping low‐current DC vacuum arcs stable. A permanent columnar magnet was embedded in the anode and a permanent disk‐shaped magnet was arranged behind the anode. As result, the arc plasma is strongly constricted to a column and a light emitting point appeared on the anode surface. Generation of the anode spot was confirmed by detecting anode metal vapor and ions using mass and spectroscopic analyses under low‐current arcs of less than 20 A. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.