TMR Sensor Vortex Coupling for Stable High-Sensitivity Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic field sensors, particularly those using spin valves, face challenges in maintaining a stable magnetic vortex and increasing the core size of the vortex, which affects their sensitivity and accuracy in detecting magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a TMR sensor with a tuned vortex response, achieved by magnetically coupling a vortex layer with a perpendicular magnetic layer having perpendicular anisotropy. This configuration maintains the magnetic vortex and increases its core size, enhancing the sensor's sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If magnetic coupling between the vortex layer and perpendicular layer is increased, then the vortex core size increases, but the vortex stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the magnetic coupling strength between the vortex layer and perpendicular layer. By adjusting the coupling parameter to a specific optimal value, the patent achieves enlargement of the vortex core while maintaining vortex stability. This is accomplished through careful selection of layer thicknesses, material compositions, and spacing between the vortex layer and perpendicular layer, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing core size and maintaining stability.
2Measurement precision
If the magnetic coupling between vortex layer and perpendicular layer is optimized, then sensitivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by stacking multiple functional layers including the vortex layer, perpendicular layer, spacer layer, and capping layer. Each layer is composed of specific materials with tailored magnetic properties (e.g., CoFeB, CoFe, MgO, Ru) that work together to achieve enhanced sensitivity. The composite structure allows optimization of magnetic coupling while maintaining overall device simplicity through standardized layering approaches and commonly available materials.
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 TMR sensor with a tuned vortex response demonstrates improved sensitivity and accuracy in detecting magnetic fields, with a wider linear range and reduced hysteresis, making it suitable for various magnetic sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex layer configured to provide a magnetic vortex
Implementation Method 2
magnetic coupling of the vortex layer and the perpendicular layer is configured to maintain the magnetic vortex and to increase a core size of the magnetic vortex
Implementation Method 3
the perpendicular layer comprises a material having anisotropy that is perpendicular to the vortex layer
Implementation Method 4
The resistance of the spin valve changes as a function of the magnetic alignment of the reference and free layers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a device having a TMR element that includes a free layer, a spacer layer, and a reference layer. In embodiments, the free layer comprises a vortex layer configured to provide a magnetic vortex, and a coupling layer magnetically coupled to the vortex layer to modulate the vortex in the vortex layer.