Cryogenic Operation of 3D Flash Memory for New Applications and Bit Cost Scaling with 6-Bit per Cell (HLC) and Beyond

This report is the first to introduce a cryogenic operation and characteristics of 3D Flash memory at 77 K in the liquid nitrogen. It was found that read, program and erase operations were fully functional. The read noise was significantly minimized at 77 K, the cycle endurance was improved over 10 times compared to that at 300 K, and the data retention was greatly improved. In addition, we show the successful demonstration of 6-bit per cell (HLC). The cryogenic operation of 3D Flash memory opens the door for new application and becomes a strong candidate for future storage device enabling further bit cost scaling.