In-Situ Spectroscopic Characterization of Operating Polythiophene Nonvolatile Memory Devices

• Author / Creator

  Chen, Xiangyu

• Au/P3HT/PEO-EV(ClO4)2/C/Au nonvolatile memory devices were developed based on resistive switch of conducting polymers in the solid state. The P3HT layer was switched using a “write/erase” bias, while internal composition of the device was monitored using in-situ UV-Vis absorbance spectrometer coupled with electronic measurement system. Optical absorption and conductivity changes revealed reversible transition between P3HT neutral and polaron forms, which had different conductance and absorbance at OFF and ON states of the memory device. The results demonstrated the redox reaction in solid state devices, and directly correlate absorption and device conductivity. Finally, a polaron propagation mechanism was proposed and confirmed using a simplified dual pulse experiment setup. The reported results provide an understanding of the mechanism in nonvolatile polymer memory devices, which can be used to improve the memory performance and evaluate possible commercial applications.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • In-Situ Spectroscopic Characterization
  • Nonvolatile Memory
  • Polythiophene

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3JH34

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.