Patents by Inventor Tetsuya Asayama

Tetsuya Asayama 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).

  • Publication number: 20160351794
    Abstract: A storage element includes a layer structure including a storage layer having a direction of magnetization which changes according to information, a magnetization fixed layer having a fixed direction of magnetization, and an intermediate layer disposed therebetween, which intermediate layer contains a nonmagnetic material. The magnetization fixed layer has at least two ferromagnetic layers having a direction of magnetization tilted from a direction perpendicular to a film surface, which are laminated and magnetically coupled interposing a coupling layer therebetween. This configuration may effectively prevent divergence of magnetization reversal time due to directions of magnetization of the storage layer and the magnetization fixed layer being substantially parallel or antiparallel, reduce write errors, and enable writing operation in a short time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20160336053
    Abstract: A memory apparatus and a memory device are provided. The memory apparatus includes a memory device including a plurality of memory cells and a driving circuit configured to control the memory cells; wherein each of the memory cells includes a memory layer where a magnetization direction is changeable by a current, a magnetic fixed layer having a fixed magnetization, an intermediate layer including a non-magnetic material provided between the memory layer and the magnetic fixed layer, a top electrode provided over the memory layer, a bottom electrode provided over the magnetic fixed layer; wherein the current is configured to flow in a lamination direction between the top electrode and the bottom electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Yutaka HIGO, Masanori HOSOMI, Hiroyuki OHMORI, Kazuhiro BESSHO, Tetsuya ASAYAMA, Kazutaka YAMANE, Hiroyuki UCHIDA
  • Patent number: 9484528
    Abstract: A memory element includes a layered structure: a memory layer having a magnetization direction changed depending on information, the magnetization direction being changed by applying a current in a lamination direction of the layered structure to record the information in the memory layer, including a first ferromagnetic layer having a magnetization direction that is inclined from a direction perpendicular to a film face, a bonding layer laminated on the first ferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer laminated on the bonding layer and bonded to the first ferromagnetic layer via the bonding layer, having a magnetization direction that is inclined from the direction perpendicular to the film face, a magnetization-fixed layer having a fixed magnetization direction, an intermediate layer that is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer, and is contacted with the first ferromagnetic layer, and a cap layer that is contacted with the second ferromagnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9478731
    Abstract: Provided is a storage cell that makes it possible to improve TMR characteristics, a storage device and a magnetic head that include the storage cell. The storage cell includes a layer structure including a storage layer in which a direction of magnetization is varied in correspondence with information, a magnetization pinned layer having magnetization that is perpendicular to a film surface and serves as a reference of information stored in the storage layer, and an intermediate layer that is provided between the storage layer and the magnetization pinned layer and is made of a nonmagnetic body. Carbon is inserted in the intermediate layer, and feeding a current in a laminating direction of the layer structure allows the direction of magnetization in the storage layer to be varied, to allow information to be recorded in the storage layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchida, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane
  • Patent number: 9444034
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a storage element and a storage apparatus capable of performing writing operation in a short time without generating write errors. [Solving Means] A storage element includes a layer structure including a storage layer having a direction of magnetization which changes according to information, a magnetization fixed layer having a fixed direction of magnetization, and an intermediate layer disposed therebetween, which intermediate layer contains a nonmagnetic material. The magnetization fixed layer has at least two ferromagnetic layers having a direction of magnetization tilted from a direction perpendicular to a film surface, which are laminated and magnetically coupled interposing a coupling layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9437267
    Abstract: A storage element includes a magnetization fixed layer, and a magnetization free layer. The magnetization fixed layer includes a plurality of ferromagnetic layers laminated together with a coupling layer formed between each pair of adjacent ferromagnetic layers. The magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are inclined with respect to a magnetization direction of the magnetization fixed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9424903
    Abstract: To provide a memory apparatus capable of operating at high speed with less current and inhibiting a decrease in an amplitude of a readout signal. A memory apparatus includes a memory device at least including a memory layer, a magnetic fixed layer, and an intermediate layer made of a non-magnetic body disposed between the memory layer and the magnetic fixed layer; current being capable of flowing in a lamination direction; a wiring for supplying current flowing to the lamination direction; and a memory control unit for storing information by flowing standby current at a predetermined level to the memory device via the wiring to incline the magnetization direction of the memory layer from the direction perpendicular to a film surface and flowing recording current that is higher than the standby current via the wiring to change the magnetization direction of the memory layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20160240217
    Abstract: A storage element is provided. The storage element includes a memory layer; a fixed magnetization layer; an intermediate layer including a non-magnetic material; wherein the intermediate layer is provided between the memory layer and the fixed magnetization layer; wherein the fixed magnetization layer includes at least a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a non-magnetic layer, and wherein the first magnetic layer includes a CoFeB composition. A memory apparatus and a magnetic head are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka YAMANE, Masanori HOSOMI, Hiroyuki OHMORI, Kazuhiro BESSHO, Yutaka HIGO, Tetsuya ASAYAMA, Hiroyuki UCHIDA
  • Publication number: 20160225980
    Abstract: A memory element includes a layered structure: a memory layer having a magnetization direction changed depending on information, the magnetization direction being changed by applying a current in a lamination direction of the layered structure to record the information in the memory layer, including a first ferromagnetic layer having a magnetization direction that is inclined from a direction perpendicular to a film face, a bonding layer laminated on the first ferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer laminated on the bonding layer and bonded to the first ferromagnetic layer via the bonding layer, having a magnetization direction that is inclined from the direction perpendicular to the film face, a magnetization-fixed layer having a fixed magnetization direction, an intermediate layer that is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer, and is contacted with the first ferromagnetic layer, and a cap layer that is contacted with the second ferromagnetic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9378794
    Abstract: A storage element includes a magnetization fixed layer, and a magnetization free layer. The magnetization fixed layer includes a plurality of ferromagnetic layers laminated together with a coupling layer formed between each pair of adjacent ferromagnetic layers. The magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are inclined with respect to a magnetization direction of the magnetization fixed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20160172583
    Abstract: Provided is an information storage element comprising a first layer, an insulation layer coupled to the first layer, and a second layer coupled to the insulation layer opposite the first layer. The first layer is capable of storing information according to a magnetization state of a magnetic material. The insulation layer includes a non-magnetic material. The second layer includes a fixed magnetization. In an embodiment, the first layer has a transverse length that is approximately 45 nm or less and a volume that is approximately 2,390 nm3 or less. In a further embodiment, the second layer includes MgO and is capable of allowing electrons passing through the second layer reach the first layer before the electrons enter a non-polarized state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20160163969
    Abstract: There is disclosed an information storage element including a first layer including a ferromagnetic layer with a magnetization direction perpendicular to a film face; an insulation layer coupled to the first layer; and a second layer coupled to the insulation layer opposite the first layer, the second layer including a fixed magnetization so as to be capable of serving as a reference of the first layer. The first layer is capable of storing information according to a magnetization state of a magnetic material, and the magnetization state is configured to be changed by a spin injection. A magnitude of an effective diamagnetic field which the first layer receives is smaller than a saturated magnetization amount of the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Hiroyuki Uchida, Tetsuya Asayama
  • Patent number: 9356230
    Abstract: A storage element includes a storage layer which has magnetization perpendicular to its film surface and which retains information by a magnetization state of a magnetic substance, a magnetization pinned layer having magnetization perpendicular to its film surface which is used as the basis of the information stored in the storage layer, an interlayer of a non-magnetic substance provided between the storage layer and the magnetization pinned layer, and a cap layer which is provided adjacent to the storage layer at a side opposite to the interlayer and which includes at least two oxide layers. The storage element is configured to store information by reversing the magnetization of the storage layer using spin torque magnetization reversal generated by a current passing in a laminate direction of a layer structure including the storage layer, the interlayer, and the magnetization pinned layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchida, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane
  • Patent number: 9343657
    Abstract: There is provided a storage element including a layered construction including a storage layer that has magnetization perpendicular to a surface of the storage layer and whose direction of magnetization is changed corresponding to information, a pinned magnetization layer that has magnetization perpendicular to a surface of the pinned magnetization layer and serves as a standard for information stored in the storage layer, and an insulating layer that is composed of a non-magnetic material and is provided between the storage layer and the pinned magnetization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9337416
    Abstract: A memory element has a layered structure, including a memory layer that has magnetization perpendicular to a film face in which a magnetization direction is changed depending on information, and includes a Co—Fe—B magnetic layer, the magnetization direction being changed by applying a current in a lamination direction of the layered structure to record the information in the memory layer, a magnetization-fixed layer having magnetization perpendicular to a film face that becomes a base of the information stored in the memory layer, and an intermediate layer that is formed of a non-magnetic material and is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer, a first oxide layer and a second oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9331270
    Abstract: A memory element includes a layered structure: a memory layer having a magnetization direction changed depending on information, the magnetization direction being changed by applying a current in a lamination direction of the layered structure to record the information in the memory layer, including a first ferromagnetic layer having a magnetization direction that is inclined from a direction perpendicular to a film face, a bonding layer laminated on the first ferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer laminated on the bonding layer and bonded to the first ferromagnetic layer via the bonding layer, having a magnetization direction that is inclined from the direction perpendicular to the film face, a magnetization-fixed layer having a fixed magnetization direction, an intermediate layer that is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer, and is contacted with the first ferromagnetic layer, and a cap layer that is contacted with the second ferromagnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20160118576
    Abstract: A storage element includes a magnetization fixed layer, and a magnetization free layer. The magnetization fixed layer includes a plurality of ferromagnetic layers laminated together with a coupling layer formed between each pair of adjacent ferromagnetic layers. The magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are inclined with respect to a magnetization direction of the magnetization fixed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9324935
    Abstract: Provided is an information storage element comprising a first layer, an insulation layer coupled to the first layer, and a second layer coupled to the insulation layer opposite the first layer. The first layer has a transverse length that is approximately 45 nm or less, or an area that is approximately 1,600 nm2 or less, so as to be capable of storing information according to a magnetization state of a magnetic material. The magnetization state is configured to be changed by a current. The insulation layer includes a non-magnetic material. The second layer includes a fixed magnetization so as to be capable of serving as a reference of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9293693
    Abstract: There is disclosed an information storage element including a first layer including a ferromagnetic layer with a magnetization direction perpendicular to a film face; an insulation layer coupled to the first layer; and a second layer coupled to the insulation layer opposite the first layer, the second layer including a fixed magnetization so as to be capable of serving as a reference of the first layer. The first layer is capable of storing information according to a magnetization state of a magnetic material, and the magnetization state is configured to be changed by a spin injection. A magnitude of an effective diamagnetic field which the first layer receives is smaller than a saturated magnetization amount of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Hiroyuki Uchida, Tetsuya Asayama
  • Patent number: 9257635
    Abstract: Spin transfer torque memory elements and memory devices are provided. In one embodiment, the spin transfer torque memory element includes a first portion including CoFeB, a second portion including CoFeB, an intermediate portion interposed between the first and second portions, a third portion adjoining the second portion opposite the intermediate portion, and a fourth portion adjoining the third portion opposite the second portion. The intermediate portion includes MgO. The third portion includes at least one of Ag, Au, Cr, Cu, Hf, Mo, Nb, Os, Re, Ru, Ta, W, and Zr. The fourth portion includes at least alloy of CoPt, FePt, and Ru.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ohmori, Masanori Hosomi, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida, Tetsuya Asayama