Patents by Inventor Mohamad Towfik Krounbi

Mohamad Towfik Krounbi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9917249
    Abstract: A magnetic junction and method for providing the magnetic junction are described. The magnetic junction resides on a substrate and is usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes free and pinned layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. The pinned layer has a pinned layer perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy greater than a pinned layer out-of-plane demagnetization energy. The pinned layer includes a high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) layer including at least one nonmagnetic component, a magnetic layer and a magnetic barrier layer between the high PMA layer and the magnetic layer. The magnetic barrier layer includes Co and at least one of Ta, W and Mo. The magnetic barrier layer is for blocking diffusion of the nonmagnetic component of the high PMA layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xueti Tang, Dmytro Apalkov, Gen Feng, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Patent number: 9876164
    Abstract: A magnetic junction and method for providing the magnetic junction are described. The magnetic junction resides on a substrate and is usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes free and pinned layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. The free layer has a free layer perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy greater than a free layer out-of-plane demagnetization energy. The free layer includes an alloy. The alloy includes [CoxFeyBz]uMgt, where u+t=1 and x+y+z=1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xueti Tang, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Dustin Erickson, Donkoun Lee, Gen Feng
  • Publication number: 20170263859
    Abstract: A magnetic junction and method for providing the magnetic junction are described. The magnetic junction resides on a substrate and is usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes free and pinned layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. The pinned layer has a pinned layer perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy greater than a pinned layer out-of-plane demagnetization energy. The pinned layer includes a high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) layer including at least one nonmagnetic component, a magnetic layer and a magnetic barrier layer between the high PMA layer and the magnetic layer. The magnetic barrier layer includes Co and at least one of Ta, W and Mo. The magnetic barrier layer is for blocking diffusion of the nonmagnetic component of the high PMA layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Xueti Tang, Dmytro Apalkov, Gen Feng, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Publication number: 20170256708
    Abstract: A method for providing magnetic junctions is described. Each magnetic junction includes a free layer. A first portion of a stack for the magnetic junctions is provided. The first portion of a stack includes magnetic layer(s) for the free layer. A hard mask is provided. The hard mask covers a part of the first portion of the stack corresponding to the magnetic junctions. The hard mask includes aperture(s) exposing a second part of the first portion of the stack corresponding to spacing(s) between the magnetic junctions. The spacing(s) are not more than fifty nanometers. The second part of the first portion of the stack is etched. A remaining part of the first portion of the stack forms a first portion of each magnetic junction. This first portion of each magnetic junction includes the free layer. A second portion of the stack for the magnetic junctions is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Dustin William Erickson, Xueti Tang, Donkoun Lee
  • Publication number: 20170256702
    Abstract: A magnetic junction and method for providing the magnetic junction are described. The magnetic junction includes free and pinned layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. Providing the pinned and/or free layer(s) includes providing a magnetic layer including a glass-promoting component, providing a sacrificial oxide layer on the magnetic layer, providing a sacrificial layer on the sacrificial oxide layer and performing at least one anneal of the magnetic layer, the sacrificial oxide layer and the sacrificial layer at anneal temperature(s) greater than 300 degrees Celsius and not exceeding 475 degrees Celsius. The magnetic layer is amorphous as-deposited but is at least partially crystallized after the anneal(s). The sacrificial layer includes a sink for the glass-promoting component. The sacrificial layer and the sacrificial oxide layer are removed after the anneal(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Xueti Tang, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Gen Feng, Vladimir Nikitin
  • Patent number: 9460397
    Abstract: A quantum computing device magnetic memory is described. The quantum computing device magnetic memory is coupled with a quantum processor including at least one quantum device corresponding to at least one qubit. The quantum computing device magnetic memory includes magnetic storage cells coupled with the quantum device(s) and bit lines coupled to the magnetic storage cells. Each of the magnetic storage cells includes at least one magnetic junction. The magnetic junction(s) include a reference layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction(s) are configured to allow the free layer to be switched between stable magnetic states. The magnetic junction(s) are configured such that the free layer has a nonzero initial writing spin transfer torque in an absence of thermal fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dmytro Apalkov, Matthew J. Carey, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy
  • Patent number: 9236561
    Abstract: A magnetic device including memory cells is provided. Each memory cell can store multiple bits corresponding to multiple data storage layers. Desired spacing(s) and desired junction angle(s) for the data storage layers are determined in each memory cell. The desired junction angle(s) and the desired spacing(s) correspond to spin transfer switching currents for the data storage layers having. A magnetoresistive stack including plurality of layers for each of the memory cells is deposited. The memory cells include the data storage layers. A data storage layer layers is spaced apart from nearest data storage layer(s) by a distance corresponding to the desired spacing(s). A mask corresponding to the memory cells is provided on the layers. The memory cells are defined such that each memory cell has the desired junction angle(s) and the desired spacing(s) and such that the data storage layers for each of the memory cells is self-aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Dmytro Apalkov, Vladimir Nikitin, Alexander A. G. Driskill-Smith
  • Patent number: 9142758
    Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a first pinned layer having a first pinned layer magnetization, a first nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer having an easy axis. The first nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the first pinned layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction and such that the free layer employs precessional switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dmytro Apalkov, Xueti Tang, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Vladimir Nikitin
  • Patent number: 9129690
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a magnetic memory including magnetic junctions on a substrate. The apparatus include an RIE chamber and an ion milling chamber. The chambers are coupled such that the magnetic memory is movable between the chambers without exposing the magnetic memory to ambient. The method provides magnetic junction layers and a hard mask layer on the magnetic junction layers. A hard mask is formed from the hard mask layer using an RIE. The magnetic junction layers are ion milled after the RIE and without exposing the magnetic memory to an ambient after the RIE. The ion milling defines at least part of each magnetic junction. A magnetic junction may be provided. The magnetic junction includes pinned, nonmagnetic spacer, and free layers. The free layer has a width of not more than twenty nanometers and is switchable when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Man Park, Dustin William Erickson, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Patent number: 9130155
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device are described. The magnetic junction includes a reference layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. A portion of the magnetic junction includes at least one magnetic substructure. The magnetic substructure includes at least one Fe layer and at least one nonmagnetic insertion layer. The at least one Fe layer shares at least one interface with the at least one nonmagnetic insertion layer. Each of the at least one nonmagnetic insertion layer consists of at least one of W, I, Hf, Bi, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Os and In.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Roman Chepulskyy, Xueti Tang, Dmytro Apalkov, Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy, Vladimir Nikitin, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Patent number: 9105830
    Abstract: A magnetic memory is described. The magnetic memory includes dual magnetic junctions and spin-orbit interaction (SO) active layer(s). Each dual magnetic junction includes first and second reference layers, first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers and a free layer. The free layer is magnetic and between the nonmagnetic spacer layers. The nonmagnetic spacer layers are between the corresponding reference layers and the free layer. The SO active layer(s) are adjacent to the first reference layer of each dual magnetic junction. The SO active layer(s) exert a SO torque on the first reference layer due to a current passing through the SO active layer(s) substantially perpendicular to a direction between the SO active layer(s) and the first reference layer. The first reference layer has a magnetic moment changeable by at least the SO torque. The free layer is switchable using a spin transfer write current driven through the dual magnetic junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy, Dmytro Apalkov, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Patent number: 9087633
    Abstract: A magnetic device has a contact structure including a magnetic material therein. The contact structure is magnetostatically and/or electrically coupled to a magnetic element such as one having a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) multilayer structure. The magnetic material included in the contact structure is configured to compensate for an offset field acting on the free layer of the magnetic element by reference layers of the magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy, Vladimir Nikitin, Dmytro Apalkov, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Publication number: 20150200357
    Abstract: A magnetic device including memory cells is provided. Each memory cell can store multiple bits corresponding to multiple data storage layers. Desired spacing(s) and desired junction angle(s) for the data storage layers are determined in each memory cell. The desired junction angle(s) and the desired spacing(s) correspond to spin transfer switching currents for the data storage layers having. A magnetoresistive stack including plurality of layers for each of the memory cells is deposited. The memory cells include the data storage layers. A data storage layer layers is spaced apart from nearest data storage layer(s) by a distance corresponding to the desired spacing(s). A mask corresponding to the memory cells is provided on the layers. The memory cells are defined such that each memory cell has the desired junction angle(s) and the desired spacing(s) and such that the data storage layers for each of the memory cells is self-aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Dmytro Apalkov, Vladimir Nikitin, Alexander A.G. Driskill-Smith
  • Patent number: 9076954
    Abstract: A magnetic memory is described. In one aspect, the magnetic memory includes magnetic junctions and at least one semi-spin valve (SSV) line adjacent to the magnetic junctions. Each magnetic junction includes a magnetic free layer. The SSV line(s) include a ferromagnetic layer and a nonmagnetic layer between the ferromagnetic layer and the magnetic junctions. The SSV line(s) are configured to exert a spin accumulation induced torque on at least a portion of the magnetic junctions due to an accumulation of spin polarized current carriers from a current that is substantially in-plane. The free layer is configured to be written using at least the spin accumulation induced torque. In another aspect, the magnetic memory includes magnetic memory cells and at least one spin torque (ST) line that is analogous to the SSV line. Each magnetic memory cell includes magnetic junction(s) analogous to those above and magnetoelectric selection device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy, Dmytro Apalkov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Publication number: 20150097159
    Abstract: A quantum computing device magnetic memory is described. The quantum computing device magnetic memory is coupled with a quantum processor including at least one quantum device corresponding to at least one qubit. The quantum computing device magnetic memory includes magnetic storage cells coupled with the quantum device(s) and bit lines coupled to the magnetic storage cells. Each of the magnetic storage cells includes at least one magnetic junction. The magnetic junction(s) include a reference layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction(s) are configured to allow the free layer to be switched between stable magnetic states. The magnetic junction(s) are configured such that the free layer has a nonzero initial writing spin transfer torque in an absence of thermal fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Dmytro Apalkov, Matthew J. Carey, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi, Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy
  • Patent number: 8987006
    Abstract: A magnetic junction usable in a magnetic memory and a method for providing the magnetic memory are described. The method includes providing a pinned layer, providing an engineered nonmagnetic tunneling barrier layer, and providing a free layer. The pinned layer and the free layer each include at least one ferromagnetic layer. The engineered nonmagnetic tunneling barrier layer has a tuned resistance area product. In some aspects, the step of providing the engineered nonmagnetic tunneling barrier layer further includes radio-frequency depositing a first oxide layer, depositing a metal layer, and oxidizing the metal layer to provide a second oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiseok Moon, Xueti Tang, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Publication number: 20150041934
    Abstract: A magnetic memory is described. In one aspect, the magnetic memory includes magnetic junctions and at least one semi-spin valve (SSV) line adjacent to the magnetic junctions. Each magnetic junction includes a magnetic free layer. The SSV line(s) include a ferromagnetic layer and a nonmagnetic layer between the ferromagnetic layer and the magnetic junctions. The SSV line(s) are configured to exert a spin accumulation induced torque on at least a portion of the magnetic junctions due to an accumulation of spin polarized current carriers from a current that is substantially in-plane. The free layer is configured to be written using at least the spin accumulation induced torque. In another aspect, the magnetic memory includes magnetic memory cells and at least one spin torque (ST) line that is analogous to the SSV line. Each magnetic memory cell includes magnetic junction(s) analogous to those above and magnetoelectric selection device(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Alexey Vasilyevitch Khvalkovskiy, Dmytro Apalkov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Publication number: 20150041933
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device are described. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer includes body-centered cubic Co. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Roman Chepulskyy, Dmytro Apalkov, Xueti Tang, Keith Chan, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Patent number: 8908428
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a three terminal magnetic element for a semiconductor memory device. The magnetic element includes a reference layer; a free layer; a barrier layer disposed between the reference layer and the free layer; a first electrode; an insulating layer disposed between the electrode and the free layer; and a second electrode coupled to sidewalls of the free layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Adrian E. Ong, Vladimir Nikitin, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi
  • Patent number: 8890267
    Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer has a gradient in a critical switching current density (Jc0) such that a first Jc0 of a first portion of the free layer is lower than a second Jc0 of a second portion of the free layer. The second portion of the free layer is further from the nonmagnetic spacer layer than the first portion is. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dmytro Apalkov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mohamad Towfik Krounbi