Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Devices via Reversible Oxidation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in controlling magnetic properties of solids using electric fields, particularly in modulating anisotropy of magnetic materials, which limits energy efficiency and device functionality.

Innovation Solution

The use of voltage-controlled magnetic components, where a ferromagnetic layer adjacent to an oxide layer undergoes reversible oxidation in response to an external electric field, allowing for the modulation of saturation magnetization and anisotropy field, enabling changes in magnetic anisotropy energy with a small electric field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If magnetic fields or spin-polarized currents are used to control magnetic properties, then magnetic anisotropy can be modulated, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidmagnetic property control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based control and spin-polarized current control with electric field-based control through voltage-induced reversible oxidation. This substitution fundamentally changes the control mechanism from magnetic or spin-dependent interactions to electrochemical oxidation-reduction processes, achieving superior energy efficiency while maintaining full magnetic property control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the oxidation state of the ferromagnetic layer through voltage-controlled electrochemical reactions. By modulating the oxidation parameter (from metallic to oxidized states), the magnetic properties including saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy are dynamically controlled, achieving both energy efficiency and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional magnetic control methods are used, then magnetic states can be changed, but writing current density increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata operation speedVSAvoidwriting current density

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces high-current spin-polarized transport mechanisms with low-power electrochemical oxidation-reduction processes. The voltage-induced magnetic state changes occur through ion transport and electrochemical reactions rather than high-density spin currents, dramatically reducing the writing current density while maintaining fast switching speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an oxide layer as an intermediary between the voltage source and the ferromagnetic layer. This oxide layer serves as the medium for voltage-induced reversible oxidation, enabling magnetic state changes through electrochemical processes rather than direct current injection, thereby reducing the writing current density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed magnetic anisotropy is used in antennas, then antenna structure is simple, but operating frequency adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating frequency tuning rangeVSAvoidantenna structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the magnetic anisotropy dynamic and tunable through voltage-controlled reversible oxidation. The antenna's magnetic properties can be dynamically adjusted by applying different voltages, enabling frequency tuning without changing the physical antenna structure, thus achieving frequency adaptability with minimal structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single antenna structure capable of multiple operating frequencies through voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy tuning. The same antenna geometry can operate across different frequencies by electrically controlling the magnetic properties, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized antenna designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables efficient control of magnetic properties, optimizing device performance by allowing for reversible changes in magnetic states, reducing writing current density, improving data operation speed, and tuning operating frequencies in wireless systems and electromagnetic devices.

Implementation Method 1

Application of an external electric field alters magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic layer via voltage-induced reversible oxidation in the ferromagnetic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage-induced reversible oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Through application of voltage, a small electric field can be used to change magnetic anisotropy energy of a voltage controlled magnetic component based on control of both saturation magnetization and anisotropy field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoelectric effect:

Data Source

PatentUS9779865B2Voltage-controlled magnetic devices

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF ARIZONA

AI summary

Voltage controlled magnetic components are described. The magnetic components include a thin layer of ferromagnet adjacent to an oxide layer. The magnetic properties of the ferromagnet may be controlled in a reversible manner via application of an external electric field and voltage-induced reversible oxidation of the ferromagnet.