Strain-Controlled Magnetic Element for Power-Free Information Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information processing methods for magnetic quantum cellular automata (MQCA) face challenges in providing a simple, low-power, and cost-effective way to input information, as existing methods require large-scale apparatuses and consume power, limiting their applicability as independent devices without a power supply.
Innovation Solution
A method where the magnetization orientation of magnetic bodies on an elastically deformable substrate is changed using strain, allowing for information input and output without power consumption, utilizing a detection device to sense the magnetization state, and employing substrates made of materials like synthetic resin or rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic manipulation method using magnetic force microscope is used, then magnetization direction can be controlled, but large-scale apparatus is required and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic force microscope system with a piezoelectric element that generates strain mechanically. This substitution eliminates the need for complex magnetic field generation equipment while achieving the same magnetization control function through strain-induced magnetic anisotropy changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from magnetic field (in magnetic force microscope) to strain (in piezoelectric element). By applying strain to the substrate, the magnetic anisotropy energy changes, which controls the magnetization direction of magnetic dots. This parameter change simplifies the apparatus while maintaining control capability.
2Ease of operation
If piezoelectric element method is used, then information input is achieved, but power consumption occurs and compact design is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect where the piezoelectric element converts mechanical stress directly to electrical strain without requiring external power for the actuation itself. The strain generated mechanically modifies the magnetic anisotropy, creating a self-contained input mechanism that does not consume electrical power during operation.
3Productivity
If existing MQCA input methods are used, then information processing is enabled, but cost is high and compact design is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piezoelectric element and magnetic dot array into a single integrated structure where the piezoelectric element is positioned adjacent to the magnetic dots on the substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate control equipment and reduces overall device complexity and cost while maintaining information processing capability.
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 creation of compact, low-cost, and power-independent information processing devices that can function as sensors, effectively addressing the limitations of existing MQCA input methods by using strain-induced magnetization changes for information processing.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 20 having a longitudinal direction along a strain input direction to the substrate 02 and a width direction orthogonal to the strain input direction, the piezoelectric element 20 being arranged between a pair of electrodes 31, 32
Implementation Method 2
the strain generated by the piezoelectric element changes the magnetic anisotropy, which is the ease with which magnetization is oriented
Implementation Method 3
a magnetization orientation of the magnetic body 11 responding to strain
Implementation Method 4
detecting, by a detection device, a magnetization state including at least the magnetization orientation of the magnetic body constituting the magnetic body layer
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a low-power-consumption information processing method, information processing apparatus, and magnetic element that, without requiring power for input, can be used as an independent information processing device (such as a sensor) with no power supply, can be made compact, and can be implemented at low cost. A magnetic body layer 3 made of one or a plurality of magnetic bodies 4 is provided on an elastically deformable substrate 2, a magnetization orientation of the magnetic body responding to strain, a magnetization state including at least the magnetization orientation of the magnetic body 4 constituting the magnetic body layer 3 is detected by a detection device, and information on the magnetization state is output as a result of an input of strain to the substrate.