TMR Vortex Sensor Coupling for Stable Core Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 sensing 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
1Volume of moving object
If magnetic coupling between vortex layer and perpendicular layer is increased, then vortex core size increases, but 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 coupling parameters (such as layer thickness, material composition, or spacing), the patent achieves an optimal balance where the coupling is strong enough to enlarge the vortex core but weak enough to maintain vortex stability, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between core size and stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If TMR sensor uses conventional spin valve structure, then manufacturing is simpler, but sensing sensitivity and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating a vortex layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and a perpendicular magnetic layer into the TMR sensor structure. This composite structure combines the advantages of vortex-based sensing (high sensitivity, linear response) with perpendicular magnetization stability, achieving improved measurement precision while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes through standardized layer deposition techniques.
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
magnetic coupling of the vortex layer and the perpendicular layer is configured to maintain the magnetic vortex
Implementation Method 2
the perpendicular layer comprises a material having anisotropy that is perpendicular to the vortex layer
Implementation Method 3
magnetic field sensors include magnetoresistance elements. These elements have an electrical resistance that changes in the presence of an external magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
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.