New memory devices based on the proton transfer process

Abstract

Memory devices operating due to the fast proton transfer (PT) process are proposed by means of the first-principles calculations. Writing an information is performed using the electrostatic potential of the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Reading an information is based on the effect of the local magnetization induced at the zigzag graphene nanoribbon (Z-GNR) edge - saturated with oxygen or the hydroxy group - and can be realized with the use of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR), magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) or spin-transfer torque (STT) devices. The energetic barriers for the hop-forward and -backward processes can be tuned by the distance and potential of the STM tip. Thus, enabling to tailor the non-volatile logic states. The proposed system enables very dense packing of the logic cells and could be used in the random access and flash memory devices.