Thermally driven resistive switching in a charge density wave compound

Abstract

This study delves into the nonlinear transport phenomena exhibited by the telephone number compound Sr14Cu24O41 (SCO), shedding light on the underlying mechanisms driving resistive switching behavior. Through a comprehensive investigation utilizing various measurement techniques, including continuous and pulsed I–V sweeps, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, and numerical simulations, we unravel the intricate interplay between charge density wave (CDW) dynamics and Joule heating. Our findings reveal that while CDW-related effects contribute to the nonlinear conductivity observed in SCO at moderate electric fields, Joule heating emerges as the primary driving force behind the observed negative differential resistance and hysteresis at high electric fields/current densities. This conclusion is corroborated by the disappearance of nonlinear behavior under pulsed excitation, as well as the agreement between the numerical simulations and the experimental observations. Simulations underscore the pivotal role of Joule heating in inducing resistive switching. These insights deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between CDW physics and thermal effects in correlated electron systems, offering avenues for the design and optimization of functional electronic devices.