An AC-assisted single-nanowire electromechanical switch

Review: Electrostatically actuated nanobeam-based nanoelectromechanical switches – materials solutions and operational conditions

“…This approach is favourable for fundamental research on specific parts and simulation of processes in a NEM switch, where the assembly of the whole device is not required. Real-time visualization helps to evaluate the contact area [ 8 , 10 – 11 54 ], observe the electrical breakdown mechanism for a single nanostructure [ 55 – 58 ], and investigate the dynamic processes occurring in the switch nanocontact [ 54 ].…”

“…The increase of adhesion in the contact or its conductivity reduction down to the noise level with repetitive switching degrades the device stability and often leads to device failure. The state of the art lifetime of NEM switches varies from one-off laboratory-scale measurements [ 59 ], demonstrating a few tens [ 10 – 11 26 , 47 , 49 , 60 ] of switching cycles, up to devices showing 10 4 –10 8 [ 12 , 18 – 19 38 – 39 61 ] switching cycles. However, to achieve a technology readiness level suitable for commercial applications, NEM switches should endure up to 10 15 cycles without failing [ 59 , 62 – 63 ].…”

“…1 ,f drains 1 and 2) [ 14 ] and asymmetrically ( Fig. 1 ,f drains 1 and 3) [ 11 ] relative to the switching element in 2T configuration was demonstrated. While switching between symmetrically located drain electrodes may be applied for switching between two circuits ( Fig.…”

“…The resonant oscillation modes induced in the switching element by an external AC field ( Fig. 6 ) [ 11 ] or mechanically ( Fig. 6 ) [ 71 ] allowed to successfully overcome the adhesion potential in the contact and allowed for reduction of the operating voltage of the NEM switch [ 11 ] or a separation gap necessary for the release of the switching element from the contact [ 71 ] by nearly an order of magnitude.…”

“…Ge nanowire has been switched between two electrodes by applying a combined AC–DC field between the nanowire and the counter electrode. Reprinted with permission from [ 11 ], copyright 2013 Royal Society of Chemistry. b) Resonance-assisted release of a carbon nanotube from the contact with electrode (left panel) and corresponding reduction of separation gap (right panel).…”