Poly-Si Thin-Film Transistor Nonvolatile Memory Using Ge Nanocrystals as a Charge Trapping Layer Deposited by the Low-Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition

We have successfully developed and fabricated a poly-Si thin-film transistor (poly-Si TFT) nonvolatile memory using Ge nanocrystals (Ge-NCs) as a charge trapping layer. Process compatibility and memory operation of the device were investigated. The Ge-NC trapping layer was directly deposited by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition at 370^degC. Results show that the new poly-Si TFT nonvolatile Ge-NC memory has good programming/erasing efficiency, long charge retention time, and good endurance characteristics. These results show that poly-Si TFT nonvolatile Ge-NC memory is the promising nonvolatile memory candidate for system-on-panel application in the future.