Spin Torque Oscillator Structure Without External Magnetic Field

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spin torque oscillators require a large external magnetic field to generate high-frequency signals, which is difficult to supply effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of oscillators that utilize a magnetic layer and a magnetization fixing element to induce precession of the magnetic moment without an external magnetic field, using a synthetic antiferromagnet structure and spin transfer torque, allowing for the generation of high-frequency signals through current application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a large external magnetic field is applied to generate high-frequency signals, then the oscillation frequency is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase due to the difficulty of supplying such large magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation frequencyVSAvoidmagnetic field supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the external magnetic field supply system from the oscillator structure. By using the magnetization fixing element to provide internal magnetic anisotropy, the patent removes the need for complex external magnetic field generation equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high-frequency oscillation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetization fixing element serves a dual function: it fixes the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer and simultaneously provides the magnetic anisotropy needed for high-frequency oscillation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate magnetic field supply systems, reducing both device complexity and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If a large external magnetic field is applied to generate high-frequency signals, then the oscillation frequency is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation frequencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetization fixing element provides internal magnetic anisotropy that enables high-frequency oscillation without requiring external magnetic field supply. This self-service approach eliminates continuous power consumption associated with maintaining large external magnetic fields, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high oscillation frequencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the magnetization fixing element is added to fix magnetization direction, then the oscillation stability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetization direction stabilityVSAvoidlayer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetization fixing element merges multiple functions into a single structural component: it fixes the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer, provides magnetic anisotropy for high-frequency oscillation, and serves as part of the synthetic antiferromagnet structure. This merging approach improves oscillation stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 generation of high-frequency signals without the need for an external magnetic field, achieving frequencies similar to those generated by oscillators operated in magnetic fields of 0.1 to 0.5 Tesla, with adjustable oscillation frequency through exchange coupling constants.

Implementation Method 1

An exchange coupling constant between the magnetic layer and the magnetization fixing element may be smaller than an exchange coupling constant between the second fixed layer and the second antiferromagnetic layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExchange coupling:

Implementation Method 2

spin torque oscillators using a spin transfer torque phenomenon have been introduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpin transfer torque:

Implementation Method 3

the oscillator is configured to generate a signal by using precession of a magnetic moment of the magnetic layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecession: Precession

Data Source

PatentUS8847692B2Oscillators and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2014.09.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8847692B2 patent drawing
  • US8847692B2 patent drawing
  • US8847692B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Oscillators and method of operating the same are provided, the oscillators include a magnetic layer, and a magnetization fixing element configured to fix a magnetization direction of the magnetic layer. The oscillators generate a signal by using precession of a magnetic moment of the magnetic layer.