20FUN06 MEMQuD

"Memristive devices as quantum standard for nanometrology"

A Joint Research Project within the European Metrology Research Programme EMPIR

This is the website of the EMPIR project 20FUN06 MEMQuD.

Project overview

Memristive devices are electrical resistance switches that couple ionics (i.e. dynamics of ions) with electronics. These devices offer a promising platform to observe quantum effects in air, at room temperature, and without an applied magnetic field. For this reason, they can be traced to fundamental physics constants fixed in the revised International System of Units (SI) for the realization of a quantum-based standard of resistance. However, as an emerging technology, memristive devices lack standardization and insights into the fundamental physics underlying its working principles.

The overall aim of the project is to investigate and exploit quantized conductance effects in memristive devices that operate reliably, in air and at room temperature. In particular, the project will focus on the development of memristive model systems and nanometrological characterization techniques at the nanoscale level of memristive devices, in order to better understand and control the quantized effects in memristive devices. Such an outcome would enable not only the development of neuromorphic systems but also the realization of a standard of resistance implementable on-chip for self-calibrating systems with zero-chain traceability in the spirit of the revised SI.

Trailer MEMQuD (1).mp4

MEMEQuD essentials

Investigation of fundamentals physical and chemical processes underlying quantized conduttance phenomena in memristive devices.
Development of:
- new neuromorphic systems
- new standard of resistance to be implemented on-chip

What is EMPIR?

EMPIR means European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research

EMPIR coordinates research projects to address grand challenges, while supporting and developing the International System of measurement units.

EMPIR is focused on innovation activities to target the needs of industry and accelerate the uptake of research outputs.

The EMPIR programme enables European metrology institutes, academia, industrial and medical organisations to collaborate on a wide variety of joint research projects within several fields – energy, environment, health and industry.

EMPIR is an initiative of EURAMET, the European association of National Metrology Institutes, devoted to developing and disseminating an integrated, cost effective and internationally competitive measurement infrastructure for Europe.

What's the project impact?

The outcomes of this project will contribute to the development of new technologies and advancement of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology, including new hardware for brain-inspired neuromorphic computing and quantum technologies for development of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and Internet of Things (IoT).

Impact on metrology

Quantized conductance phenomena in memristive devices can be exploited for the realization of a resistance standard that works in air at room temperature, allowing the integration of a memristive resistance standard on-chip for the realization of self-calibrating systems with zero chain traceability.

Industrial impact

The development of nanoelectrical and nanodimensional characterization tools and techniques for nanoelectronics paves the way for the realization of design rules and roadmaps for rational design and ultimate scaling of nanodevices.

What's the goal of MEMQuD project?

The project goal involves the investigation of fundamental nanoionic processes underlaying resistive switching events to establish a relationship in between material properties and device functionalities, with a focus on quantized conductance phenomena.

The specific objectives are:

To develop well-controlled memristive model systems.
To investigate nanoionic processes by advancing reliable nanoelectrical characterization of memristive devices.
To develop a traceable quantification of chemical, structural and ionic/electronic properties of memristive devices.
To develop metrological cross-platforms measurement techniques.
To facilitate the take up of the technology and measurement infrastructure developed in the project.

What about the project funding?

The 20FUN06 MEMQuD project has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.