Nanocrystal quantum dot memory devices
AssigneeThe Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
InventorsMarija Drndic, Michael Fischbein
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Abstract
Memory devices and recordable media are disclosed that take advantage of memory effects in the electronic transport in CdSe nanocrystal (NC) quantum dot arrays. Conduction through a NC array can be reduced with a negative voltage and then restored with a positive voltage. Light can also be used to restore or even increase the NC array conduction. The switching of the conduction in CdSe NC arrays and found the behavior to be highly sensitive to the value and duration of the laser and voltage pulses.
Claims49
A memory device, comprising an electrically conductive film composed of one or more nanocrystals, the electrically conductive film situated in electrical communication with a source electrode and a drain electrode, and a voltage source for inducing and detecting a memory effect in said electrically conductive film.
A method of operating a memory device, comprising:
- applying a first voltage pulse to alter the electrical properties of an electrically conductive film composed of nanocrystals during a first time period, the electrically conductive film being in electrical contact with a source electrode and a drain electrode, and
- applying a second voltage pulse to the electrically conductive film during a second time period, and
- correlating an electrical property of said electrically conductive film in response to the second voltage pulse to ascertain whether the electrically conductive film was altered by the first voltage pulse.
A composition comprising a nanotube having an open end, and a semiconducting nanocrystal covalently bonded to said open end.
An electrical component comprising a nanotube having an open end, and a semiconducting nanocrystal covalently bonded to said open end, wherein the nanotube and nanocrystal are in electrical communication.
A recordable media, comprising an electrically conductive film composed of one or more nanocrystals, the electrically conductive film situated in electrical communication with a source electrode and a drain electrode.
A method of writing one or more data bits on a recordable media, comprising:
- applying a first voltage pulse to alter the electrical properties of an electrically conductive film composed of nanocrystals during a first time period, the electrically conductive film being in electrical contact with a source electrode and a drain electrode.
A method of reading one or more data bits written on a recordable media in which a first voltage pulse may have been applied to alter the electrical properties of an electrically conductive film composed of nanocrystals during a first time period, the electrically conductive film being in electrical contact with a source electrode and a drain electrode, the method comprising:
- applying a second voltage pulse to the electrically conductive film during a second time period, and
- correlating an electrical property of said electrically conductive film in response to the second voltage pulse to ascertain whether the electrically conductive film was altered by the first voltage pulse.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.