A solid electrolyte nanometer switch

Abstract

We have investigated solid electrolyte switches that utilize electrochemical reactions (deposition and dissolution) of metallic ions. The switch turns off or on when a metallic bridge electrochemically forms or dissolves in the solid electrolyte. Each state is nonvolatile and the switching is repeatable up to 105 cycles. The promising application is a programmable switch in a field programmable logic because of its small size (< 30 nm) and low ON resistance (< 100 Ω). This paper discusses the electrical characteristics, operation principle, and applications of the solid electrolyte switch. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.