진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Electrical characterization and modeling of new types of 3D integrated ferroelectric memories that are prototyped in imec’s world-renowned 300mm R&D facility.

What you will do

Memories are an essential building block for all electronic systems and great efforts are being made by the industry and academia to improve existing technologies and to invent new ones. Since its invention in 1968, the dominant memory type has been the Dynamic Random Access memory (DRAM), serving as the main memory of almost every computer. Over many decades, DRAM cost scaling followed the well-known law of Gordon Moore. However, more recently this historical scaling trend has significantly slowed down, posing increasing challenges for memory hungry data centers. At the same time, a major shift is occurring in the design of computer architectures. New applications such as machine learning require data access patterns that are different from the classical Von Neuman computer model. This evolution opens opportunities for new types of so-called Storage Class Memories (SCM). Several types of SCM are being investigated currently, and one of the leading candidates is 3D integrated ferroelectric memory.

Imec has made significant progress in the research of this type of memory and is increasing its research effort on this topic. By establishing a solid test vehicle platform, a wide range of different device design, operation and memory array implementation options have become available. A critical aspect in the evaluation of the viability of these concepts will be the characterization of the electrical performance such as speed, memory window and disturb, as well as reliability performance such as retention, imprint, wake-up, breakdown and fatigue. A first step is the determination and documentation of these various parameters. A second step is to establish a deeper understanding of the device behavior. Ultimately, these studies are expected to result in recommendations for improved device design, processing or operating conditions.

Imec is soliciting enthusiastic candidates for a post-doctoral position to explore 3D integrated ferroelectric memories. The goal is to characterize and model the operation and reliability of these types of memories. A thorough literature study will be a first step to investigate the different concepts, explore their limits and potential and identify promising avenues. Next steps will be the electrical and physical characterization of existing devices, and to propose new ones to be implemented in imec’s research test vehicles, in collaboration with our technology experts. Emphasis will be put on the use and development of advanced electrical measurement techniques and the in-depth understanding of the fabricated devices.

Type of work: 15% literature, 60% measurement, 25% modeling.
Promotor: Jan Van Houdt
Co-Promotor: Maarten Rosmeulen
Daily advisors: Nicolo Ronchi

Who you are

• You have a PhD in Electrical engineering. Background in solid-state physics, material science, semiconductor characterization.
• You have a passion for research and have demonstrated excellence and independence during your PhD or post-PhD industry related experience. 
• You take initiatives and can work on your own, while also working well as part of a team comprised of diverse technical and cultural backgrounds. 
• You are an innovative, result-driven, and can meet deadlines with quality output.  
• You are a clear and effective communicator. Strong language skills in English are required for imec’s diverse working environment.