Optical Device With Inclined Magnetization Ferromagnetic Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical devices using p-n junction semiconductors are limited in detecting light intensity over a wide range, necessitating a new device capable of accurately measuring light intensity across varying intensities.

Innovation Solution

An optical device comprising a magnetic element with a first and second ferromagnetic layer and a spacer layer, where the magnetization of the first ferromagnetic layer is inclined with respect to both in-plane and surface-perpendicular directions, and exhibits no hysteresis in resistance change when exposed to external magnetic fields, allowing for continuous detection of light intensity changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a p-n junction semiconductor is used for light detection, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the detection range of light intensity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoiddetection range of light intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic state parameters of the ferromagnetic layer by controlling magnetization inclination angle and eliminating hysteresis, enabling the optical device to detect light intensity across a wide range from extremely weak to strong light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite magnetic element structure consisting of ferromagnetic layers, spacer layers, and antiferromagnetic layers, combining multiple materials with different properties to achieve both ease of manufacture and wide detection range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If the magnetization of the first ferromagnetic layer is inclined with respect to both in-plane and surface-perpendicular directions, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific magnetic states in different regions of the ferromagnetic layer, with the first ferromagnetic layer having inclined magnetization for high sensitivity detection while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-setting the magnetization inclination angle during manufacturing and eliminating hysteresis in advance, so that the device operates in a linear response region without requiring complex real-time control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the RH curve shows no hysteresis in the external magnetic field range including zero, then the light intensity detection linearity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection linearityVSAvoidmagnetic element fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic parameters by eliminating hysteresis in the RH curve through specific magnetic layer configuration and magnetization control, achieving linear detection response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the magnetic element structure during manufacturing to eliminate hysteresis, ensuring linear response characteristics are built-in from the start rather than requiring complex post-processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the optical device to detect light intensity over a wide range without hysteresis, effectively converting light intensity changes into continuous output voltage or current changes, enhancing the detection range and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

magnetization of the first ferromagnetic layer is inclined with respect to both an in-plane direction in which the first ferromagnetic layer extends and a surface-perpendicular direction perpendicular to a surface on which the first ferromagnetic layer extends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetization inclination:

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic element includes 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGiant magnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS12152934B2Optical device

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 TDK CORP

AI summary

An optical device includes a magnetic element and a light application part, wherein the light application part configured to apply light to the magnetic element, the magnetic element includes a first ferromagnetic layer to which the light is applied, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a spacer layer sandwiched between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer, and magnetization of the first ferromagnetic layer is inclined with respect to both an in-plane direction in which the first ferromagnetic layer extends and a surface-perpendicular direction perpendicular to a surface on which the first ferromagnetic layer extends in a state in which the light is not applied from the light application part to the magnetic element.