Abstract:
Flux-closed spin-transfer torque memory having a specular insulative spacer is disclosed. A flux-closed spin-transfer torque memory unit includes a multilayer free magnetic element including a first free magnetic layer anti-ferromagnetically coupled to a second free magnetic layer through an electrically insulating and electronically reflective layer. An electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separates the free magnetic element from a reference magnetic layer.
Abstract:
Spin-transfer torque memory includes a composite free magnetic element, a reference magnetic element having a magnetization orientation that is pinned in a reference direction, and an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the composite free magnetic element from the magnetic reference element. The free magnetic element includes a hard magnetic layer exchanged coupled to a soft magnetic layer. The composite free magnetic element has a magnetization orientation that can change direction due to spin-torque transfer when a write current passes through the spin-transfer torque memory unit.
Abstract:
A magnetic tunnel junction having a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, each having an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and an out-of-plane magnetization orientation, the ferromagnetic free layer switchable by spin torque. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a ferromagnetic assist layer proximate the free layer, the assist layer having a low magnetic anisotropy less than 700 Oe and positioned to apply a magnetic field on the free layer.
Abstract:
An apparatus and associated method for a non-volatile memory cell with a phonon-blocking insulating layer. In accordance with various embodiments, a magnetic stack has a tunnel junction, ferromagnetic free layer, pinned layer, and an insulating layer that is constructed of an electrically and thermally insulative material that blocks phonons while allowing electrical transmission through at least one conductive feature.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for storing data in a semiconductor memory. In accordance with some embodiments, the semiconductor memory has a continuous storage layer of soft ferromagnetic material having opposing top and bottom surfaces with overall length and width dimensions and an overall thickness dimension between the opposing top and bottom surfaces. A plurality of spaced apart, discrete reference layers are adjacent a selected one of the opposing top or bottom surfaces of the continuous storage layer with each having a fixed magnetic orientation. A plurality of spaced apart, discrete barrier layers are disposed in contacting relation between the discrete reference layers and the continuous storage layer.
Abstract:
A magnetic memory unit includes a tunneling barrier separating a free magnetic element and a reference magnetic element. A first phonon glass electron crystal layer is disposed on a side opposing the tunneling barrier of either the free magnetic element or the reference magnetic element. A second phonon glass electron crystal layer also be disposed on a side opposing the tunneling barrier of either the free magnetic element or the reference magnetic element to provide a Peltier effect on the free magnetic element and the reference magnetic element.
Abstract:
A magnetic memory unit includes a tunneling barrier separating a free magnetic element and a reference magnetic element. A first phonon glass electron crystal layer is disposed on a side opposing the tunneling barrier of either the free magnetic element or the reference magnetic element. A second phonon glass electron crystal layer also be disposed on a side opposing the tunneling barrier of either the free magnetic element or the reference magnetic element to provide a Peltier effect on the free magnetic element and the reference magnetic element.
Abstract:
An apparatus and associated method for a non-volatile memory cell with a phonon-blocking insulating layer. In accordance with various embodiments, a magnetic stack has a tunnel junction, ferromagnetic free layer, pinned layer, and an insulating layer that is constructed of an electrically and thermally insulative material that blocks phonons while allowing electrical transmission through at least one conductive feature.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for enhancing data writing and retention to a magnetic memory element, such as in a non-volatile data storage array. In accordance with various embodiments, a programmable memory element has a reference layer and a storage layer. The reference layer is provided with a fixed magnetic orientation. The storage layer is programmed to have a first region with a magnetic orientation antiparallel to said fixed magnetic orientation, and a second region with a magnetic orientation parallel to said fixed magnetic orientation. A thermal assist layer may be incorporated into the memory element to enhance localized heating of the storage layer to aid in the transition of the first region from parallel to antiparallel magnetic orientation during a write operation.
Abstract:
A magnetic tunnel junction having a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, each having an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and an out-of-plane magnetization orientation, the ferromagnetic free layer switchable by spin torque. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a ferromagnetic assist layer proximate the free layer, the assist layer having a low magnetic anisotropy less than 700 Oe and positioned to apply a magnetic field on the free layer.