4 ms·
This is Phase Change Memory based on "GST467" or 4 parts Germanium (1.3ppm in the earth's crust), 6 parts Antimony (0.2ppm in the earth's crust), and 7 parts Te
by RunningDroid 3y ago
This is Phase Change Memory based on "GST467" or 4 parts Germanium (1.3ppm in the earth's crust), 6 parts Antimony (0.2ppm in the earth's crust), and 7 parts Tellurium (0.001ppm in the earth's crust).
I suspect the rarity (and by extension, cost) of Tellurium on earth is going to limit the potential of memory based on this compound.
- PaulHoule 3y agoTellurium can play a role in high performance semiconductors. It can be used for thin film solar cells but I understand that toxicity is a concern, I think more so than the cost.
- Veserv 3y agoA quick search shows current prices are ~80 $/kg for Tellurium, ~10 $/kg for Antimony, and ~1,300 $/kg for Germanium. Unless pure ingots are not the preferred mode of delivery, the relative scarcity of metals in the entire Earth crust seems to have limited correlation to human accessibility or cost.