Effects of resistive switching in Au/FeOx/Pt structures

Abstract

The dynamics of forming and resistive switching in Au/iron oxide/Pt structures based on magnetite (Fe₃O₄) is investigated. It has been revealed that these processes have an electrochemical nature and are accompanied by formation of low-resistance conductive filaments formed by inclusions of magnetite in the matrix of high-resistance maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃). It has been found that the electric field stimulates reversible redox reactions in iron oxide. The direction and rate of these reactions are determined by the polarity and the amplitude of voltage pulses. The possibility of setting the resistance of the structure by changing the amplitude of the “record” voltage pulses opens prospects for the development of multilevel memory elements.