Nanometer-scale two-terminal semiconductor memory operating at room temperature

Based on a nanometer-scale semiconductor channel with an intentionally broken geometric symmetry, we have realized a type of memory device that consists of only two terminals, rather than the minimum of three terminals in conventional semiconductor memories. The charge retention time is at least 10 h at cryogenic temperatures and a few minutes at room temperature. Furthermore, the simplicity of the design allows the active part of the devices to be made in a single nanolithography step which, along with the planar structure of the device, provides promising possibilities for a high integration density.