Magnetic Tunnel Junction Pinned Layer Magnetization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic tunnel junction devices face challenges in manufacturing pinned layers with varying magnetization states due to the limitation of applying an external magnetic field in only one direction during the magnetization fixing process, resulting in all pinned layers having the same magnetization direction.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic tunnel junction device is designed with a magnetization induction unit that utilizes ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic coupling to control the magnetization of the pinned layer, allowing for the adjustment of magnetization direction by applying an external magnetic field in one direction, enabling the production of pinned layers with various magnetization states on the same substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional magnetization fixing process using external magnetic field and heat treatment is applied, then the magnetization of the pinned layer can be fixed, but all pinned layers on the substrate end up with the same magnetization direction because the external magnetic field can only be applied in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetization induction unit is divided into multiple independent magnetic induction units, each capable of inducing magnetization in different directions. This segmentation allows different pinned layers on the same substrate to have different magnetization directions while using the same processing equipment and method.
Solution Approach 2:
Each magnetic induction unit has different magnetic properties (such as different magnetization directions) tailored to specific local requirements. This local quality differentiation enables the creation of pinned layers with varied magnetization states in different regions of the substrate without requiring multiple processing steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pinned layers with different magnetization states are required, then device functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes complex requiring multiple external magnetic field applications in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic induction units are designed with multi-functionality, where each unit can induce magnetization in different directions depending on its inherent magnetic properties. This universal design allows a single processing step to create multiple pinned layers with different magnetization states, eliminating the need for multiple separate magnetic field application steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic induction units are pre-configured with specific magnetization directions and properties during fabrication. This preliminary action ensures that when the external magnetic field is applied during heat treatment, the pinned layers automatically acquire the desired different magnetization directions without requiring additional processing steps or complex manufacturing procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single external magnetic field is applied during heat treatment, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but only one magnetization direction can be achieved across all pinned layers
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic induction units are designed to be self-orienting during the heat treatment process. Each unit's inherent magnetic properties cause it to automatically align in the desired direction when exposed to the external magnetic field, eliminating the need for complex field application sequences while achieving precise magnetization direction control for each pinned layer.
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 solution allows for the convenient setting of pinned layer magnetization states in multiple magnetic tunnel junction devices on the same substrate by applying a single-direction external magnetic field, overcoming the difficulty of achieving diverse magnetization directions in conventional manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetization induction unit formed on the magnetic tunnel junction unit, having ferromagnetic coupling and antiferromagnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
a magnetization induction unit formed on the magnetic tunnel junction unit, having ferromagnetic coupling and antiferromagnetic coupling
Implementation Method 3
applying an external magnetic field to align all ferromagnetic layers of the magnetic tunnel junction unit and the magnetization induction unit in a direction of the external magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic tunnel junction device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The magnetization switching of a free layer may be induced through spin orbit torque or spin transfer torque, and a magnetization direction of a pinned layer may be easily set according to the intention of a designer through ferromagnetic coupling and antiferromagnetic coupling.