Different nonvolatile memory effects in epitaxial Pt/PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/LSCO heterostructures

We found different nonvolatile memory effects between ferroelectric and resistive switching in Pt/PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3(PZT)/La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO) heterostructures, depending on thickness of epitaxial PZT films. As the film thickness decreased below 34 nm, leakage and/or tunneling currents increased and hindered ferroelectric switching of films; alternatively, bipolar resistive switching was observed. Analysis using fitting plot on resistive switching behaviors suggested that variable Schottky barrier at the interface between Pt electrode and the film may be responsible for the different nonvolatile memory switching. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3460141]