Direct observation of charge transfer in solid electrolyte for electrochemical metallization memory.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy study on an electrochemical metallization cell of GeS(x) :Ag shows clear experimental evidence of chemical ionization of the active metal atoms (Ag) and consequent transfer of charge to the electrolyte (GeS(x) ). The valence electron density and its change upon the Ag intercalation are depicted schematically as transparent waves on the Ge-S bond structure in amorphous GeS(x) .