Domain Wall Recording Layer With Local SOT Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Domain wall moving type magnetic recording elements require low electric power consumption, as existing technologies face challenges in efficiently reducing the energy needed to move domain walls for data recording.

Innovation Solution

A domain wall moving element with a layer structure comprising alternately stacked rare earth and transition metals, incorporating non-magnetic metal SOT suppression parts at interfaces to minimize spin-orbit torque, allowing efficient domain wall movement with reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional domain wall moving structures are used, then domain wall movement can be achieved, but high electric power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoiddomain wall movement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces SOT suppression parts with non-magnetic metals at specific interfaces between first and second layers. These localized non-magnetic metal regions suppress spin-orbit torque generation at critical interfaces, reducing energy loss while maintaining domain wall movement capability in other regions. The local modification of magnetic properties at interfaces optimizes energy efficiency without compromising overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite layer structures combining ferromagnetic layers, non-magnetic metal layers, and insulating layers. This composite structure enables precise control of spin-orbit torque by strategically placing non-magnetic metals at specific interfaces, reducing energy consumption for domain wall movement while maintaining reliable data storage functionality through the coordinated properties of different materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If spin-orbit torque is enhanced for better domain wall control, then domain wall movement precision improves, but electric power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedomain wall position controlVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically places non-magnetic metal SOT suppression parts only at specific interfaces where spin-orbit torque would otherwise be excessively generated. This localized suppression maintains sufficient domain wall control precision in regions where it is needed while eliminating energy-wasting spin-orbit torque in regions where it is harmful, achieving a balance between control precision and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful excessive spin-orbit torque into a benefit by using non-magnetic metal layers to suppress it at specific interfaces. The spin-orbit torque that would otherwise cause energy loss and potential magnetic domain instability is transformed into a controlled parameter, enabling efficient domain wall movement with reduced power consumption while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If magnetic correlation is maintained for stable data storage, then data reliability improves, but energy required to move domain walls increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage stabilityVSAvoiddomain wall movement energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains magnetic correlation and data storage stability by preserving the magnetic layer structure and its interfaces, while locally introducing non-magnetic metal SOT suppression parts. These localized suppressors reduce the energy required for domain wall movement by minimizing spin-orbit torque at critical interfaces, without disrupting the overall magnetic correlation needed for stable data storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables domain wall movement with low electric power consumption, stabilizing data storage by maintaining magnetic correlation and preventing spin Hall effects, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of magnetic recording.

Implementation Method 1

SOT suppression parts which are positioned in one of interfaces between the first layers and the second layers and contain a non-magnetic metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin-orbit torque (SOT):

Implementation Method 2

first layers containing a rare earth metal and second layers containing a transition metal are alternately stacked

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic correlation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11894172B2Domain wall moving element, domain wall moving type magnetic recording element and magnetic recording array

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 TDK CORP

AI summary

A domain wall moving type magnetic recording element includes: a domain wall moving layer in which first layers containing a rare earth metal and second layers containing a transition metal are alternately stacked in a first direction; and a first electrode and a second electrode which face the domain wall moving layer and are arranged to be away from each other. The domain wall moving layer has SOT suppression parts which are positioned in one of interfaces between the first layers and the second layers and contain a non-magnetic metal. The SOT suppression parts are locally distributed at the interface.