Single-layer organic memory devices based on N, N′ -di(naphthalene-l-yl)- N, N′ -diphenyl-benzidine

Abstract

We report a single-layer organic electrically bistable device made of N, N′ -di(naphthalene-l-yl)-N, N′ -diphenyl-benzidine sandwiched between two electrodes. The measured current-voltage characteristics show two states of different conductivities at the same applied voltage-high-conductance state (ON state) and low-conductance state (OFF state)-and the two states are reproducible by applying a negative writing voltage. It was found that the ratio of the ONOFF current depends strongly on the writing voltage, and the bistable characteristics were yet retained for up to hours and days before reading the device after applying a writing voltage. Furthermore, more than 106 write-read-erase-reread cycles have been performed in ambient conditions without degradation. These properties show the devices promising for high-density, low-cost memory application. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.