Insertion of a pentacene layer into the gold/poly(methyl methacrylate)/heavily doped p-type Si/indium device leading to the modulation of resistive switching characteristics

In order to get a physical insight into the pentacene interlayer-modulated resistive switching (R_S) characteristics, the Au/pentacene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/heavily doped p-type Si (p⁺-Si)/In and Au/PMMA/p⁺-Si/In devices are fabricated and the device performance is provided. The Au/pentacene/PMMA/p⁺-Si/In device shows R_S behavior, whereas the Au/PMMA/p⁺-Si/In device exhibits the set/reset–free hysteresis current–voltage characteristics. The insertion of a pentacene layer is a noticeable contribution to the R_S characteristic. This is because of the occurrence of carrier accumulation/depletion in the pentacene interlayer. The transition from carrier depletion to carrier accumulation (carrier accumulation to carrier depletion) in pentacene occurring under negative (positive) voltage induces the process of set (reset). The switching conduction mechanism is primarily described as space charge limited conduction according to the electrical transport properties measurement. The concept of a pentacene/PMMA heterostructure opens a promising direction for organic memory devices.