Spin-Polarized Supercurrent Logic Circuit for Low-Loss Spin Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current logic gates based on electronic components face limitations in capacity, speed, and functionality, and spintronic components struggle with maintaining spin signal integrity over long distances, achieving high ON/OFF ratios, and minimizing Joule dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A circuit design incorporating a patterned intermediate layer with ferromagnetic and superconducting electrodes, including polarizers and control means to modify magnetization, forming spin-polarized supercurrent spin valves, which enhance spin signal retention and reduce Joule dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device dimensions are reduced to maximize spin signal retention, then the spin signal is retained better, but the Joule effect increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespin signal retentionVSAvoidJoule effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of charge transport from normal current to supercurrent. By utilizing the superconducting state with zero electrical resistance, the system achieves both compact dimensions for spin signal retention and eliminates Joule heating, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure combining ferromagnetic materials (for spin polarization) with superconducting materials (for lossless current transport). This composite approach enables the device to maintain spin signal integrity while operating in a zero-resistance state, thereby avoiding the Joule effect that would otherwise result from miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional electronic components are used for logic gates, then the technology is成熟, but capacity, speed, and functionality reach limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnology maturityVSAvoidcapacity, speed, functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional electronic charge-circulation mechanism with a spintronic mechanism based on electron spin and supercurrent. This substitution enables logic gates to operate beyond the limitations of traditional electronics in terms of capacity, speed, and functionality while leveraging the mature fabrication techniques for thin film deposition and patterning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If materials with long spin diffusion length ISF are used, then spin signal retention improves, but the materials are much more resistive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespin diffusion lengthVSAvoidelectrical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention exploits the phase transition to the superconducting state to achieve zero electrical resistance. By operating below the critical temperature of the superconducting material, the system simultaneously achieves long spin diffusion length for signal retention and zero resistivity for lossless current transport, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

The design effectively extends spin signal retention, increases the ON/OFF ratio, and minimizes Joule dissipation, enabling more efficient and compact spintronic logic circuits.

Implementation Method 1

A superconducting layer, made from a superconducting material, arranged on a surface of the polarizer opposite a surface of the polarizer in contact with the intermediate layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 2

A polarizer, made from a ferromagnetic material, placed at a particular point of the pattern of the intermediate layer, and having a magnetization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

at least one control means able to modify the magnetization of the polarizer of an electrode from among the second and third electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetization control: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9800248B2Logic circuit based on spin valves of the spin-polarized supercurrent type and circuit integrating such logic gates

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 THALES SA

AI summary

This circuit (100) includes: an intermediate layer (103), made from a conductive material and configured according to a pattern; a first electrode and a plurality of electrodes, which includes at least second and third electrodes (126, 127, 128), each electrode including: A polarizer, made from a ferromagnetic material, placed at a particular point of the pattern of the intermediate layer, and having a magnetization; A superconducting layer, made of a superconducting material, arranged on the polarizer; and a control means (112) able to modify the magnetization of the polarizer of the second electrode; another control means (122) able to modify the magnetization of the polarizer of the third electrode; bias terminals for applying a bias signal; and, terminals for measuring an output signal, a level of the output signal being correlated with a mutual orientation of the first, second and third magnetizations.