Memory Window in Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors: Analytical Approach

Abstract: A memory window of ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs), defined as a separation of the HIGH-state and the LOW-state threshold voltages, is an important measure of the FeFET memory characteristics. In this study, we theoretically investigate the relation between the FeFET memory window and the P-E hysteresis loop of the ferroelectric gate insulator, and derive a compact model explicitly described by material parameters. It is found that the memory window is linearly proportional to the ferroelectric polarization for the small polarization regime, and converges to the limit value of 2 x coercive field x thickness when the remanent polarization is much larger than permittivity x coercive field. We discuss additional factors that possibly influence the memory window in actual devices such as the existence of interlayer (no direct impact), interface charges (invalidity of linear superposition between the ferroelectric and charge-trapping hysteresis), and minor-loop operation (behavior equivalent to the generation of interface charges).