Magnetic Photodetection Element With High-Thermal-Conductivity Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photodetection elements using semiconductor pn junctions face challenges with heat dissipation, which can adversely affect the element and circuit performance when light is applied.

Innovation Solution

A photodetection element is designed with a magnetic element comprising a first and second ferromagnetic layer, a spacer layer, and a first high thermal conductivity layer outside the first ferromagnetic layer, which enhances heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a semiconductor pn junction is used for photodetection, then photodetection function is achieved, but heat dissipation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidelement performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite magnetic element structure consisting of multiple ferromagnetic layers (CoFeB, CoFe, Fe) with different properties, combined with a high thermal conductivity layer. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of photodetection function and improved heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining element performance and improving temperature management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The high thermal conductivity layer acts as an intermediary component between the magnetic element and the heat sink. This intermediary layer efficiently conducts heat away from the photodetection element without interfering with its optical and magnetic properties, thereby improving heat dissipation while preserving element reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If light is applied to the photodetection element, then photodetection is enabled, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotodetection capabilityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated during photodetection into a manageable thermal conduction problem. By introducing the high thermal conductivity layer, the previously harmful heat generation is transformed into an efficient heat transfer process, allowing the photodetection element to operate at high productivity without excessive temperature rise.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic element structure is used, then new photodetection functionality is achieved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotodetection functionalityVSAvoidelement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic element is segmented into multiple functional layers (CoFeB layer, CoFe layer, Fe layer, spacer layer) with distinct roles. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions while collectively achieving enhanced photodetection capabilities. The modular structure manages complexity by dividing the system into manageable, functionally-specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-layer magnetic element structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: optical absorption, magnetic moment modulation, and heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing overall device complexity while enhancing adaptability and versatility of the photodetection element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 proposed solution achieves excellent heat dissipation in photodetection elements, improving their performance and reliability by effectively managing heat generated during light application.

Implementation Method 1

a first high thermal conductivity layer disposed outside of the first ferromagnetic layer and having higher thermal conductivity than the first electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic element including a first ferromagnetic layer to which light is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12218266B2Photodetection element, receiving device, and optical sensor device

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 TDK CORP

AI summary

A photodetection element includes a magnetic element including a first ferromagnetic layer to which light is applied, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a spacer layer sandwiched between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer; a first electrode in contact with a first surface of the magnetic element, the first surface being located on a first ferromagnetic layer side of the magnetic element in a lamination direction; a second electrode in contact with a second surface of the magnetic element, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; and a first high thermal conductivity layer disposed outside of the first ferromagnetic layer and having higher thermal conductivity than the first electrode.