Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic random access memory (MRAM) storage devices based on multiferroic tunnel junctions in which ferroelectric polarization is used to control and manipulate the memory state. Invention methods include: (1) method of producing tunneling electroresistance (TER) effect in multiferroic tunnel junction (MFTJ) at finite bias; (2) method of controlling the TER effect in an MFTJ at infinite bias via the switching of the relative orientation of the ferromagnetic leads; (3) method of producing monotonous bias dependence of the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) in a MFTJ; (4) method of controlling the size and direction of the parallel spin transfer torque (STT) component and the perpendicular STT component across the MFTJ; (5) method of producing a monotonous bias dependence of the perpendicular STT component across an MFTJ; and (6) method of controlling the size and sign of the interlayer exchange coupling in an MFTJ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic random access memory (MRAM) storage devices based on multiferroic tunnel junctions in which ferroelectric polarization is used to control and manipulate the memory state. Invention methods include: (1) method of producing tunneling electroresistance (TER) effect in multiferroic tunnel junction (MFTJ) at finite bias; (2) method of controlling the TER effect in an MFTJ at infinite bias via the switching of the relative orientation of the ferromagnetic leads; (3) method of producing monotonous bias dependence of the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) in a MFTJ; (4) method of controlling the size and direction of the parallel spin transfer torque (STT) component and the perpendicular STT component across the MFTJ; (5) method of producing a monotonous bias dependence of the perpendicular STT component across an MFTJ; and (6) method of controlling the size and sign of the interlayer exchange coupling in an MFTJ.

Abstract: A CPP spin-valve element formed on a substrate including a free layer structure including at least one ferromagnetic layer and a pinned layer structure including at least one ferromagnetic layer. The free layer is magnetically softer than the pinned layer. A thin non-magnetic spacer layer structure configured to separate the free layer and the pinned layer is provided in order to prevent a magnetic coupling between the free and pinned layer structures, and to allow an electric current to go there through. At least two current-confining (CC) layer structures including at least two parts having significantly different current conductivities are incorporated therein.

Abstract: A CPP spin-valve element formed on a substrate including a free layer structure including at least one ferromagnetic layer and a pinned layer structure including at least one ferromagnetic layer. The free layer is magnetically softer than the pinned layer. A thin non-magnetic spacer layer structure configured to separate the free layer and the pinned layer is provided in order to prevent a magnetic coupling between the free and pinned layer structures, and to allow an electric current to go there through. At least two current-confining (CC) layer structures including at least two parts having significantly different current conductivities are incorporated therein.