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Interpretation and consequences of Meyer–Neldel rule for conductivity of phase change alloys
Author(s) -
Savransky S. D.,
Yelon A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
physica status solidi (a)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1862-6319
pISSN - 1862-6300
DOI - 10.1002/pssa.200982663
Subject(s) - condensed matter physics , conductivity , materials science , phase change memory , interpretation (philosophy) , statistical physics , electrical resistivity and conductivity , thermodynamics , thermal conduction , reset (finance) , phase change , physics , quantum mechanics , computer science , financial economics , economics , programming language
Measurements of conductivity as a function of temperature were performed on a large number of memory cells of a GeSbTe phase change memory alloy, in both the set and reset states. Conductivity obeys the Meyer–Neldel rule in both states, with the same Meyer–Neldel, or isokinetic, temperature, but with conductivity prefactors about six orders of magnitude larger in the set than in the reset state. These observations are interpreted in terms of the multiexcitation entropy model, and conduction mechanisms are suggested. Their effect on the expected behavior of memories is considered.