Spin-orbit logic with magnetoelectric nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spintronic logic devices face inefficiencies in converting charge to spin and vice versa, resulting in high energy consumption and slow switching times due to large write currents and long switching times, leading to significant Joule heat dissipation and slow operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of spin-orbit logic devices that utilize magnetoelectric switching, combining spin to charge conversion via the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect or inverse spin Hall effect, and charge to spin conversion through direct magnetoelectric effects, allowing for efficient conversion and low-energy switching by using materials like bismuth ferrite and copper, achieving high-speed logic operations with reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional spintronic logic devices are used for charge-to-spin and spin-to-charge conversion, then logic operations can be performed, but high energy consumption and slow switching times occur due to large write currents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching energyVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical mechanism parameter from conventional spin-transfer torque to magnetoelectric coupling, enabling voltage-controlled magnetization switching instead of current-controlled, thereby reducing switching energy by several orders of magnitude while maintaining fast switching speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical spin-transfer torque mechanism with a magnetoelectric field coupling mechanism, where electric field induces magnetization changes through inverse magnetoelectric effect, eliminating the need for large write currents and reducing Joule heating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If large write currents are used to switch magnetization in spintronic devices, then magnetization switching can be achieved, but significant Joule heat dissipation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetization switchingVSAvoidJoule heat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes current-driven spin-transfer torque with voltage-driven magnetoelectric coupling, where the electric field directly induces magnetization switching through inverse magnetoelectric effect in multiferroic materials, eliminating resistive Joule heating while maintaining reliable magnetization switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from current magnitude to voltage polarity, enabling magnetization switching through electric field direction rather than current magnitude, thereby decoupling switching reliability from energy dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables high-speed logic operations at 100 picoseconds with reduced switching energy from 1 to 10 attojoules, utilizing low driving supply voltage and minimizing heat dissipation, comparable to CMOS transistors, while maintaining efficient magnetization switching.

Implementation Method 1

Spin to charge conversion is achieved via an inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect or inverse spin Hall effect where a spin current injected from an input magnet produces a charge current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInverse Rashba-Edelstein effect:

Implementation Method 2

Spin to charge conversion is achieved via an inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect or inverse spin Hall effect where a spin current injected from an input magnet produces a charge current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInverse spin Hall effect:

Implementation Method 3

Charge to spin conversion is achieved by way of a direct magnetoelectric effect in which the charge current produces a voltage on a capacitor leading to switching magnetization of an output magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect magnetoelectric effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10062731B2Spin-orbit logic with charge interconnects and magnetoelectric nodes

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus including a spin to charge conversion node; and a charge to spin conversion node, wherein an input to the spin to charge conversion node produces an output at the charge to spin conversion node. An apparatus including a magnet including an input node and output node, the input node including a capacitor operable to generate magnetic response in the magnet and the output node including at least one spin to charge conversion material. A method including injecting a spin current from a first magnet; converting the spin current into a charge current operable to produce a magnetoelectric interaction with a second magnet; and changing a direction of magnetization of the second magnet in response to the magnetoelectric interaction. A method including injecting a spin current from an input node of a magnet; and converting the spin current into a charge current at an output node of the magnet.