Detection of resistive switching behavior based on the Al₂O₃/ZnO/Al₂O₃ structure with alumina buffers

The single ZnO layer and a sandwich Al₂O₃/ZnO/Al₂O₃ structure were prepared via atomic layer deposition, and the single ZnO layer showed a feature of ohmic conduction only. When we added that together with top and bottom alumina buffers, a non-polar resistive switching (RS) behavior was accomplished, allowing investigation of its electric endurance and retention characteristics. Analysis of the conduction mechanism at both high and low resistance states using auxiliary mathematic tools resulted in the proposed model of conducting filaments formed in the insulating Al₂O₃ buffers. The effect of stopping voltage V_end on the resistance window at high resistance state is studied and discussed.