Fabrication and integration of photonic devices for phase-change memory and neuromorphic computing

In the past decade,there has been tremendous progress in integrating chalcogenide phase-change materials(PCMs)on the silicon photonic platform for non-volatile memory to neuromorphic in-memory computing applications.In particular,these non von Neumann computational elements and systems benefit from mass manufacturing of silicon photonic integrated circuits(PICs)on 8-inch wafers using a 130 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor line.Chip manufacturing based on deep-ultraviolet lithography and electron-beam lithography enables rapid prototyping of PICs,which can be integrated with high-quality PCMs based on the wafer-scale sputtering technique as a back-end-of-line process.In this article,we present an overview of recent advances in waveguide integrated PCM memory cells,functional devices,and neuromorphic systems,with an emphasis on fabrication and integration processes to attain state-of-the-art device performance.After a short overview of PCM based photonic devices,we discuss the materials properties of the functional layer as well as the progress on the light guiding layer,namely,the silicon and germanium waveguide platforms.Next,we discuss the cleanroom fabrication flow of waveguide devices integrated with thin films and nanowires,silicon waveguides and plasmonic microheaters for the electrothermal switching of PCMs and mixed-mode operation.Finally,the fabrication of photonic and photonic–electronic neuromorphic computing systems is reviewed.These systems consist of arrays of PCM memory elements for associative learning,matrix-vector multiplication,and pattern recognition.With large-scale integration,the neuromorphic photonic computing paradigm holds the promise to outperform digital electronic accelerators by taking the advantages of ultra-high bandwidth,high speed,and energy-efficient operation in running machine learning algorithms.

MoS_(2)Lubricate‑Toughened MXene/ANF Composites for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

The design and fabrication of high toughness electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding composite films with diminished reflection are an imperative task to solve electromagnetic pollution problem.Ternary MXene/ANF(aramid nanofibers)–MoS_(2)composite films with nacre-like layered structure here are fabricated after the introduction of MoS_(2)into binary MXene/ANF composite system.The introduction of MoS_(2)fulfills an impressive“kill three birds with one stone”improvement effect:lubrication toughening mechanical performance,reduction in secondary reflection pollution of electromagnetic wave,and improvement in the performance of photothermal conversion.After the introduction of MoS_(2)into binary MXene/ANF(mass ratio of 50:50),the strain to failure and tensile strength increase from 22.1±1.7%and 105.7±6.4 MPa and to 25.8±0.7%and 167.3±9.1 MPa,respectively.The toughness elevates from 13.0±4.1 to 26.3±0.8 MJ m^(−3)(~102.3%)simultaneously.And the reflection shielding effectiveness(SE_(R))of MXene/ANF(mass ratio of 50:50)decreases~10.8%.EMI shielding effectiveness(EMI SE)elevates to 41.0 dB(8.2–12.4 GHz);After the introduction of MoS_(2)into binary MXene/ANF(mass ratio of 60:40),the strain to failure increases from 18.3±1.9%to 28.1±0.7%(~53.5%),the SE_(R)decreases~22.2%,and the corresponding EMI SE is 43.9 dB.The MoS_(2)also leads to a more efficient photothermal conversion performance(~45 to~55℃).Additionally,MXene/ANF–MoS_(2)composite films exhibit excellent electric heating performance,quick temperature elevation(15 s),excellent cycle stability(2,2.5,and 3 V),and long-term stability(2520 s).Combining with excellent mechanical performance with high MXene content,electric heating performance,and photothermal conversion performance,EMI shielding ternary MXene/ANF–MoS_(2)composite films could be applied in many industrial areas.This work broadens how to achieve a balance between mechanical properties and versatility of composites in the case of high-function fillers.

Progress in Research on Structural Ceramic Materials Toughened by Graphene

Graphene has excellent mechanical properties and unique physical/chemical properties,which make it have a good strengthening and toughening effect on structural ceramic materials.In recent years,it has received widespread attention and research.This article reviews the mixing and sintering processes in the preparation of graphene/ceramic com-posites,as well as the toughening mechanism of graphene on ceramic materials.It also looks forward to how to further enhance the toughening effect of graphene.

Toughening mechanism of lined Al_2O_3-ZrO_2 multiphaseceramics in SHS composite pipes

Hypoeutectic and hypereutectic Al2O3-ZrO2 multiphase ceramics-lined composite pipes were produced by using the gravitational separation self-propagate high-temperature synthesis （SHS） process. The microstructure of the ceramics was observed by means of SEM and EPMA. The fracture toughness of the multiphase ceramics was tested by using the Vickers indentation method. The fracture toughness of hypoeutectic Al2O3-ZrO2 multiphase ceramics is 15.96 MPa·m^1/2 and that of hypoeutectic Al2O3-ZrO2 multiphase ceramics is 15.23 MPa·m^1/2. The toughening mechanisms were systematically investigated by means of SEM and XRD. The results show that the bridging toughening mechanism, stress induced ZrO2 transformation toughening mechanism, and microcrack toughening mechanism are the predominant toughening mechanism.

SPECIAL EFFECT OF ULTRA-FINE RUBBER PARTICLES ON PLASTIC TOUGHENING

According to the present theories of plastic toughening, it is impossible to enhance the toughness, stiffness and/orheat resistance of plastics simultaneously by using rubber. A series of novel nano-rubber particles (UFPR) were introduced,which were prepared through irradiating common rubber lattices and spray drying them. Epoxies toughened with UFPRshowed a much better toughening effect than those with CTBN, and the heat resistance of epoxy was unexpectedly elevated.For polypropylene toughening, UFPR can improve the toughness, stiffness and heat resistance of PP simultaneously. Thesespecial toughening effects overcome the deficiencies in rubber toughening technology and are worth further investigating.

TOUGHENING OF POLYCARBONATE WITH PBA-PMMA CORE-SHELL PARTICLES

The miscibility,mechanical properties,morphology and toughening mechanism of PC/PBA-PMMA blends wereinvestigated.The dynamic mechanical results show that PC/PBA-PMMA blend has good miscibility and strong interfacialadhesion.The Izod impact strength of blend PC/PBA-PMMA with 4%(volume fraction)PBA-PMMA core-shell modifier is16 times higher than that of pure PC.The core-shell volume fraction and thickness of the PMMA shell have effect on thetoughness of PC/PBA-PMMA blends.As PMMA volume fraction increases,the toughness of PC/PBA-PMMA blendincreases,and reaches a maximum value at 30% volume fraction of PMMA or so.The tensile properties of PC/PBA-PMMAblend with a minimum amount of PBA-PMMA modifier show that brittle-tough transition has no significant variance incomparison with that of pure PC.The scanning electron microscopic(SEM)observation indicates that the tougheningmechanism of the blend with the pseudo-ductile matrix modified by small core-shell latex polymer particles is the synergeticeffect of cavitation and shear yielding of the matrix.

FRACTURAL PROCESS AND TOUGHENING MECHANISM OF LAMINATED CERAMIC COMPOSITES

Based on the model of multi-layer beam and the assumption of micro-inhomogeneity of material, the 3D fractural characteristics of laminated ceramic composites have been studied with numerical simulation. Under three-point bending load, crack initiation, coalescence, propagation, tuning off in the weak interface and final rupture have been simulated. The spatial distribution and evolution process of acoustic emission are also presented in the paper. The simulation verifies the primary mechanism of the weak interface inducing the crack to expand along there and absorbing the fractural energy. The disciplinary significance of the effect of strength and properties of material on the toughness and strength of laminated ceramic composites is, therefore, discussed in this paper.

Strength-Toughening Model of Eutectic Ceramic Composite with Inherent Defects

Strengthening and toughening mechanisms in composite ceramics is complex. A change in a single parameter induces multiple property variations. The multiple changes in properties are often incompletely represented in theoretical models. This incompleteness in the parameter chosen fails to explain the mechanism of failure in composite ceramics. The exponential toughness function is used to represent the pull-out toughening mechanism, which dominates the crack growth resistance curve（R-curve）. The strengthening-toughening model is established based on the Mori-Tanaka method（M-T method）. The influence of inherent defects on toughness function and strength is analyzed by using this model. The theoretical result is compared with the experiment data. This model exactly reflects the change in strength. The theoretical result indicates that defects change the toughness function. Moreover, micro-cracks increase toughness size ac, and the strength of crack instable extensions acutely decreases as defect content increases. This presented model establishes the relationship among the important mechanical parameters of defect, strength, elastic modulus, and the R-curve.

Microstructure-fracture toughness relationships and toughening mechanism of TC21 titanium alloy with lamellar microstructure

The independent influence of microstructural features on fracture toughness of TC21alloy with lamellar microstructure was investigated.Triple heat treatments were designed to obtain lamellar microstructures with different parameters,which were characterized by OM and SEM.The size and content ofαplates were mainly determined by cooling rate from singleβphase field and solution temperature in two-phase field;while the precipitation behavior of secondaryαplatelets was dominantly controlled by aging temperature in two-phase field.The content and thickness ofαplates and the thickness of secondaryαplatelets were important microstructural features influencing the fracture toughness.Both increasing the content ofαplates and thickeningαplates(or secondaryαplatelets)could enhance the fracture toughness of TC21alloy.Based on energy consumption by the plastic zone of crack tip inαplates,a toughening mechanism for titanium alloys was proposed.

Synergistically Toughening Effect of SiC Whiskers and Nanoparticles in Al_2O_3-based Composite Ceramic Cutting Tool Material

In recent decades, many additives with different characteristics have been applied to strengthen and toughen Al2O3-based ceramic cutting tool materials. Among them, SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles showed excellent performance in improving the material properties. While no attempts have been made to add SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles together into the ceramic matrix and the synergistically toughening effects of them have not been studied. An Al2O3-SiCw-SiC np advanced ceramic cutting tool material is fabricated by adding both one-dimensional SiC whiskers and zero-dimensional SiC nanoparticles into the Al2O3 matrix with an effective dispersing and mixing process. The composites with 25 vol% SiC whiskers and 25 vol% SiC nanoparticles alone are also investegated for comparison purposes. Results show that the Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp composite with both 20 vo1% SiC whiskers and 5 vol% SiC nanoparticles additives have much improved mechanical properties. The flexural strength of Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp is 730＋ 95 MPa and fracture toughness is 5.6 ± 0.6 MPa.m1/2. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms of SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are studied when they are added either individually or in combination. It is indicated that when SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are added together, the grains are further refined and homogenized, so that the microstructure and fracture mode ratio is modified. The SiC nanoparticles are found helpful to enhance the toughening effects of the SiC whiskers. The proposed research helps to enrich the types of ceramic cutting tool and is benefit to expand the application range of ceramic cutting tool.

Ta-Doped Sb2Te Allows Ultrafast Phase-Change Memory with Excellent High-Temperature Operation Characteristics

Phase-change memory(PCM)has considerable promise for new applications based on von Neumann and emerging neuromorphic computing systems.However,a key challenge in harnessing the advantages of PCM devices is achieving high-speed operation of these devices at elevated temperatures,which is critical for the efficient processing and reliable storage of data at full capacity.Herein,we report a novel PCM device based on Ta-doped antimony telluride(Sb2Te),which exhibits both high-speed characteristics and excellent high-temperature characteristics,with an operation speed of 2 ns,endurance of >106 cycles,and reversible switching at 140℃.The high coordination number of Ta and the strong bonds between Ta and Sb/Te atoms contribute to the robustness of the amorphous structure,which improves the thermal stability.Furthermore,the small grains in the three-dimensional limit lead to an increased energy efficiency and a reduced risk of layer segregation,reducing the power consumption and improving the long-term endurance.Our findings for this new Ta-Sb2Te material system can facilitate the development of PCMs with improved performance and novel applications.

TOUGHENING OF IN SITU SYNTHESIZED MoSi_2-SiC COMPOSITE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

The in situ synthesized MoSi2-SiC composite is proved to be of higher fracture toughness than the monolithic MoSi2. The TEM and HREM study reveals that the interface between MoSi2/SiC is of direct atomic bonding without any amorphous glassy phase, such the SiO2 structure. Based on the fractography and the observation of crack propagation path from indentation, it is concluded that the toughening of such composite at room temperature can be attributed to the high interfacial binding energy, the refinement of the MoSi2 matrix and the deflection and bridging behavior in the crack propagation.

Transformation toughening of Al_2O_3/ZrO_2 laminated ceramics with residual compressive stress

With the help of scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the relationships of microstructure characteristics, phase assemblage, and fracture micrograph of Al2O3/ZrO2 laminated ceramics were studied. Compared with monolithic Al2O3/ZrO2 ceramics, the existence of surface compressive stresses greatly restrained the growth of ZrO2 and Al2O3 grains at high sinter temperature, fined the grain size, and increased the content of metastable t-ZrO2, which made the fracture transformation energy quantity 70% higher than that of the monolithic ceramics. The trans-granular and inter-granular fracture features were observed in the surface and center layers, which further verified that transformation toughening is the main mechanism, whereas, micro-crack toughening is helpful for enhancing fracture toughness.

Universal memory based on phase-change materials:From phase-change random access memory to optoelectronic hybrid storage

The era of information explosion is coming and information need to be continuously stored and randomly accessed over long-term periods,which constitute an insurmountable challenge for existing data centers.At present,computing devices use the von Neumann architecture with separate computing and memory units,which exposes the shortcomings of“memory bottleneck”.Nonvolatile memristor can realize data storage and in-memory computing at the same time and promises to overcome this bottleneck.Phase-change random access memory(PCRAM)is called one of the best solutions for next generation non-volatile memory.Due to its high speed,good data retention,high density,low power consumption,PCRAM has the broad commercial prospects in the in-memory computing application.In this review,the research progress of phase-change materials and device structures for PCRAM,as well as the most critical performances for a universal memory,such as speed,capacity,and power consumption,are reviewed.By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of phase-change optical disk and PCRAM,a new concept of optoelectronic hybrid storage based on phase-change material is proposed.Furthermore,its feasibility to replace existing memory technologies as a universal memory is also discussed as well.

BRIDGING TOUGHENING OF EPOXY RESINS BY DISPERSED THERMOPLASTICS

The particulate toughening behaviour of epoxy resins modified by ductile thermoplastics is elucidated here by various bridging models. The experimental data for three different epoxy/PSF sys- tems are presented to illustrate the trend of the toughening characteristics. The conventional continuous bridging model is shown to have underestimated the effect of the particulate toughening. A joint appli- cation of the discrete bridging model and the multiple bridging model, however, shows promising result for modified epoxy systems such as AG80/DDS/PSF and E51/DDS/PSF. These models also provide quantitative descriptions for the crack pinning phenomenon previously observed by Fu and Sun in AG80/DDS/PSF.

A review of the strengthening–toughening behavior and mechanisms of advanced structural materials by multifield coupling treatment

The application of an external field is a promising method to control the microstructure of materials, leading to their improved performance. In the present paper, the strengthening and toughening behavior of some typical high-performance structural materials subjected to multifield coupling treatment, including electrostatic field, electro-pulse current, thermal field, and stress field, are reviewed in detail. In addition to the general observation that the plasticity of materials could be increased by multi-external fields, strength enhancement can be achieved by controlling atomic diffusion or phase transformations. The paper is not limited to the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the multifield coupling effects on different types of structural materials but is intended to provide a generic method to improve both the strength and ductility of the materials. Finally, the prospects of the applications of multi-external fields have also been proposed based on current works.

Strengthening and Toughening Effect of Yttrium on Al_(2)O_(3)/TiCN Ceramic Tool Material

The strengthening and toughening effect of yttrium on an advanced Al2O3/TiCN ceramic tool material was studied by means of SEM 9 TEM and energy spectrum analysis. Results showed that yttrium can react with the impurity elements such as W, Fe, Cr, etc. Thus, the interfaces between ceramic phases are purified and the interfacial binding strength is increased. As a result, the mechanical properties of the AL2O3/TiCN ceramic tool material reinforced with yttrium are improved significantly. In addition, the effect of yttrium on particle strengthening of the solid solution TiCN may partly contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties.

Unconventional phase transition of phase-change-memory materials for optical data storage

Recent years, optically controlled phase-change memory draws intensive attention owing to some advanced applications including integrated all-optical nonvolatile memory, in-memory computing, and neuromorphic computing. The light-induced phase transition is the key for this technology. Traditional understanding on the role of light is the heating effect. Generally, the RESET operation of phase-change memory is believed to be a melt-quenching-amorphization process. However, some recent experimental and theoretical investigations have revealed that ultrafast laser can manipulate the structures of phase-change materials by non-thermal effects and induces unconventional phase transitions including solid-to-solid amorphization and order-to-order phase transitions. Compared with the conventional thermal amorphization,these transitions have potential superiors such as faster speed, better endurance, and low power consumption. This article summarizes some recent progress of experimental observations and theoretical analyses on these unconventional phase transitions. The discussions mainly focus on the physical mechanism at atomic scale to provide guidance to control the phase transitions for optical storage. Outlook on some possible applications of the non-thermal phase transition is also presented to develop new types of devices.

Study on Toughening Phenolic Foams in Phosphorus-Containing Tung Oil-Based Derivatives

Phenolic foams(PFs)as thermal insulation material with outstanding flame retardancy are required to match society’s ever-expanding safety expectations;however,a trade-off exists between flame retardancy and toughness.Here,for the first time,we synthesized a novel reactive phosphorus-containing tung-oil-based derivative and used it to toughen PF,resulting in PFs with a combination of excellent mechanical properties and flame retardancy.Compared with pure PF,the modified PFs exhibit enhanced mechanical properties,with specific compressive and flexural strengths as high as 5.67 MPa and 12.46 MPa,which represent increases of 90.67%and 178.7%over those of pure PF,respectively.Meanwhile,the limiting oxygen index(LOI)values of the modified PFs are improved as much as 40.83%.Scanning electron microscopy micrographs show that the microstructure of the modified PFs is better than that of pure PF,with a more uniform cell morphology,a narrower pore size distribution range,and a smaller average pore size,all of which are beneficial to the foam’s mechanical properties.This study provides a scientific paradigm for the development of advanced PFs based on renewable biological resources.

Paraffin/SiC as a Novel Composite Phase-Change Material for a Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Management System

A lithium-ion battery thermal management system has always been a hot spot in the battery industry. In this study, a novel high-thermal-conductivity composite phase-change material(CPCM) made by paraffin wax and silicon was adopted to facilitate heat transfer. Moreover, high resistance or even insulation of CPCM is capable of preventing short circuits between the cells. The heat transfer mechanism of CPCMs was determined under a scanning electron microscope. A thermogravimetric analyzer was employed to determine the thermal stability. A diff erential scanning calorimeter was used to explore the thermophysical properties of the composite samples. By comparing the results of the experiment, it was reported that under the silicon carbide content of 5%, the parameters were better than others. The phase-change enthalpy of CPCM was 199.4 J/g, the leakage rate of liquid was 4.6%, and the melting point was 53.6℃. To verify the practicality of CPCM, a three-dimensional layered battery pack model was built in the COMSOL Multiphysics software. By simulating the thermal runaway inside the battery packs of various materials, it was reported that the addition of CPCM significantly narrowed the temperature range of the battery pack from 300–370 to 303–304 K. Therefore, CPCM can eff ectively increase the rate of heat transfer to prevent the chain of thermal runaway reactions. It also enables the battery pack to run at a stable temperature.