Toward the Speed Limit of Phase-Change Memory

Phase-change memory (PCM) is one of the most promising candidates for next-generation data-storage technology, the programming speed of which has enhanced within a timescale from milliseconds to sub-nanosecond (approximate to 500 ps) through decades of effort. As the potential applications of PCM strongly depend on the switching speed, namely, the time required for the recrystallization of amorphous chalcogenide media, the finding of the ultimate crystallization speed is of great importance both theoretically and practically. In this work, through systematic analysis of discovered phase-change materials and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, elemental Sb-based PCM is predicted to have a superfast crystallization speed. Indeed, such cells experimentally present extremely fast crystallization speeds within 360 ps. Remarkably, the recrystallization process is further sped up as the device shrinks, and a record-fast crystallization speed of only 242 ps is achieved in 60 nm-size devices. These findings open opportunities for dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)-like and even cache-like PCM using appropriate storage materials.

Automated summary

Phase-change memory (PCM), with its significantly improved programming speed, has the potential to revolutionize data-storage technology. Through analysis of discovered phase-change materials and simulations, Sb-based PCM is predicted to have a superfast crystallization speed, achieving record-fast speeds in 60 nm-size devices. These findings open up opportunities for developing dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)-like and cache-like PCM using appropriate storage materials.