Ferroelectric mechanical memory based on remanent displacement and method

A nonvolatile memory device comprising:

• a base;
• a cantilever subassembly operatively supported at one end by the base and comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion;
• the cantilever subassembly comprising:
• two conductive layers formed of flexible material and adapted to be connected to a voltage source;
• a flexible layer positioned between the two conductive layers;
• the flexible layer comprising one of ferroelectric or antiferroelectric material that flexes upon application of a voltage and exhibits remanent polarization and remanent strain when the voltage ceases;
• at least one contact adapted to be connected to one of a voltage potential or ground;
• the cantilever subassembly being configured such that application of one of a positive or negative voltage to the two conductive layers operates to bend the cantilever causing the movable portion of the cantilever to move from a closed position in electrical connection with the at least one contact to an open position;
• the cantilever subassembly being configured such that upon application of a subsequent positive or negative voltage to the two conductive layers, the movable portion of the cantilever will remain in electrical connection with the at least one contact and move to the open position if the opposite of one of a positive or negative voltage is applied;
• whereby the flexible layer exhibits asymmetrical strain hysteresis and exhibits remanent strain therein such that the reaction of the movable portion of the cantilever to an instantaneously applied voltage between the two conductive layers is dependent on the previously applied voltages between the two conductive layers, and the remanent strain operates to retain the movable portion of the cantilever in a closed or open position upon removal of the voltage from the two conductive layers;
• wherein the at least one contact comprises first and second conductors and wherein the cantilever further comprises a third conductor which bridges the first and second conductors when the cantilever is in the closed position.