Threshold switching and electrical self-oscillation in niobium oxide films

Electrical self-sustained oscillations have been observed in a broad range of two-terminal systems and are of interest as possible building blocks for bio-inspired neuromorphic computing. In this work, we experimentally explore voltage-controlled oscillations in NbOx devices with a particular focus on understanding how the frequency and waveform are influenced by circuit parameters. We also introduce a finite element model of the device based on a Joule-heating induced insulator-metal transition. The electroformed device structure is represented by a cylindrical conductive channel (filament) comprised of NbO/NbO2 zones and surrounded by an Nb2O5−x matrix. The model is shown to reproduce the current-controlled negative differential resistance observed in measured current-voltage curves, and is combined with circuit elements to simulate the waveforms and dynamics of an isolated Pearson–Anson oscillator. Such modeling is shown to provide considerable insight into the relationship between the material response and device and circuit characteristics.