Lateral Spin Valve Reader with 2D Semiconducting Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic data storage devices face challenges in increasing data density due to limitations in reducing the spacing between magnetic shields in traditional read transducers, leading to exponential increase in signal degradation and noise at smaller scales.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a lateral spin valve reader with a two-dimensional semiconducting layer, such as graphene, which reduces the shield-to-shield spacing and enhances spin diffusion length, thereby improving data storage density while minimizing magnetic noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If traditional MR sensor structure is used, then read transducer function is achieved, but shield-to-shield spacing cannot be reduced sufficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield-to-shield spacingVSAvoidsignal degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional vertical stack structure to a lateral spin valve structure where the spin diffusion occurs in a planar dimension rather than through a vertical stack. This dimensional change allows the shields to be positioned closer together vertically while maintaining adequate spin diffusion length through the lateral channel, directly resolving the contradiction between reduced shield spacing and signal degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a non-magnetic spacer layer as an intermediary element between the magnetic shields and the spin valve structure. This spacer enables the shields to be positioned closer together while preventing direct magnetic interference and maintaining the integrity of the spin diffusion path, thus allowing reduced shield spacing without compromising signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If shield-to-shield spacing is reduced, then data storage density increases, but magnetic noise increases exponentially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage densityVSAvoidmagnetic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The non-magnetic spacer layer acts as an intermediary that decouples the magnetic shields from each other, preventing magnetic noise generation while allowing them to be positioned close together for high data density. The lateral spin valve structure further isolates the spin diffusion path from magnetic interference, enabling high-density storage without exponential noise increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional vertical spin diffusion path with a lateral spin diffusion mechanism. This substitution allows the spin signal to propagate through a dedicated non-magnetic channel that is isolated from magnetic noise sources, enabling reduced shield spacing for higher density without the exponential noise penalty of traditional structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional sensor structure is used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but device complexity increases at smaller scales

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor fabricationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the read transducer into distinct functional layers including non-magnetic spacers, magnetic shields, and lateral spin valve components. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized and fabricated using specialized processes, simplifying the overall manufacturing of high-density devices compared to attempting to scale conventional integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach allows for a significant reduction in shield-to-shield spacing, increasing data storage density and reducing magnetic noise, enabling more efficient detection of magnetic bits at smaller scales.

Implementation Method 1

enhances spin diffusion length, thereby improving data storage density while minimizing magnetic noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin diffusion:

Implementation Method 2

a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor such as a Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor or a Tunnel Junction Magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor has traditionally been employed as the read transducer to read a magnetic signal from the magnetic media. The MR sensor has an electrical resistance that changes in response to an external magnetic field.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS10446176B1Lateral spin valve reader with vertically-integrated two-dimensional semiconducting channel

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

A lateral spin valve reader includes a detector located proximate to a bearing surface of the reader, and a spin injector located away from the bearing surface. The lateral spin valve reader also includes a channel that extends from the detector to the spin injector. The channel includes a two-dimensional semiconducting layer that extends from the detector to the spin injector.