Phase Change Materials for Applications that Require Fast Switching and High Endurance

Abstract

A memory device utilizing a phase change material as the storage medium, the phase change material based on antimony as the solvent in a solid solution; wherein the memory device further includes a means for heating the phase change material.

1 . A phase change memory cell device comprising: 
     a phase change material comprising a solid solution consisting essentially of antimony as a solvent, and a solute which is a member selected from the group consisting of germanium, arsenic, tellurium, strontium, sulfur, tin and mixtures thereof and, optionally, a dopant; wherein the solid solution presents a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase, and wherein the crystalline phase has the crystal structure of the solvent; and
 a component for applying heat to the phase change material, wherein the component is a member selected from the group consisting of electrodes, a scanning probe microscopy-based element, a laser and combinations thereof.