IrO2/Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3(PZT)/Pt Ferroelectric Thin-Film Capacitors Resistant to Hydrogen-Annealing Damage

Abstract
The PZT polarization hysteresis characteristics in a Pt/PZT/Pt ferroelectric capacitor are degraded by annealing in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere due to the catalytic effect of the top Pt electrode. This can be avoided by using an IrO2/PZT/Pt capacitor structure as we proposed. During hydrogen annealing of the as-grown capacitor, the top IrO2 electrode is deoxidized, degrading the capacitor characteristics. However, the polarization hysteresis characteristics are preserved after hydrogen annealing at 300° C if the IrO2/PZT/Pt capacitor is pre-annealed in oxygen at 600° C.