Nanomechanical Encoding Method Using Enhanced Thermal Concentration on a Metallic Nanobridge

Abstract

We present a fast, energy-efficient nanothermomechanical encoding scheme for digital information storage and retrieval. Digital encoding processes are conducted by the bistable electrothermal actuation of a scalable nanobridge device. The electrothermal energy is highly concentrated by enhanced electron/phonon scattering and heat insulation in a sub-100 nm metallic layer. The efficient conversion of electrothermal energy into mechanical strain allows digital switching and programming processes within 60 ns at 0.75 V with a programming energy of only 54 pJ. Furthermore, this encoding scheme together with the thermally robust design enables data retention at temperatures up to 400 degrees C. These results suggest that the proposed nano-thermomechanical encoding method could contribute to low-power electronics and robust information storage/retrieval systems.