Enhanced polarization switching characteristics of HfO2 ultrathin films via acceptor-donor co-doping

Zhou, C and Ma, L and Feng, Y and Kuo, C-Y and Ku, Y-C and Liu, C-E and Cheng, X and Li, J and Si, Y and Huang, H and Huang, Y and Zhao, H and Chang, C-F and Das, S and Liu, S and Chen, Z (2024) Enhanced polarization switching characteristics of HfO2 ultrathin films via acceptor-donor co-doping. In: Nature Communications, 15 (1).

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Abstract

In the realm of ferroelectric memories, HfO2-based ferroelectrics stand out because of their exceptional CMOS compatibility and scalability. Nevertheless, their switchable polarization and switching speed are not on par with those of perovskite ferroelectrics. It is widely acknowledged that defects play a crucial role in stabilizing the metastable polar phase of HfO2. Simultaneously, defects also pin the domain walls and impede the switching process, ultimately rendering the sluggish switching of HfO2. Herein, we present an effective strategy involving acceptor-donor co-doping to effectively tackle this dilemma. Remarkably enhanced ferroelectricity and the fastest switching process ever reported among HfO2 polar devices are observed in La3+-Ta5+ co-doped HfO2 ultrathin films. Moreover, robust macro-electrical characteristics of co-doped films persist even at a thickness as low as 3 nm, expanding potential applications of HfO2 in ultrathin devices. Our systematic investigations further demonstrate that synergistic effects of uniform microstructure and smaller switching barrier introduced by co-doping ensure the enhanced ferroelectricity and shortened switching time. The co-doping strategy offers an effective avenue to control the defect state and improve the ferroelectric properties of HfO2 films. © The Author(s) 2024.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Nature Communications
Publisher:	Nature Research
Additional Information:	The copyright for this article belongs to Author.
Keywords:	microstructure; performance assessment; perovskite; polarization, perovskite, article; controlled study; electric potential; polarization; thickness
Department/Centre:	Division of Chemical Sciences > Materials Research Centre
Date Deposited:	17 May 2024 05:22
Last Modified:	17 May 2024 05:22
URI:	https://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/84728

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