Patents by Inventor Yutaka Higo

Yutaka Higo 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: 20170033277
    Abstract: A magnetic element is provided. The magnetic element includes a free magnetization layer having a surface area that is approximately 1,600 nm2 or less, the free magnetization layer including a magnetization state that is configured to be changed; an insulation layer coupled to the free magnetization layer, the insulation layer including a non-magnetic material; and a magnetization fixing layer coupled to the insulation layer opposite the free magnetization layer, the magnetization fixing layer including a fixed magnetization so as to be capable of serving as a reference of the free magnetization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kazutaka YAMANE, Masanori HOSOMI, Hiroyuki OHMORI, Kazuhiro BESSHO, Yutaka HIGO, Tetsuya ASAYAMA, Hiroyuki UCHIDA
  • Patent number: 9553255
    Abstract: A memory element includes a memory layer having magnetization perpendicular to a film face of the memory layer in which a direction of the magnetization configured to be changed. The memory element includes a magnetization-fixed layer having a magnetization perpendicular to the film face. The memory element includes an intermediate layer that is formed of a non-magnetic material and is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer. The memory layer includes a multilayer structure in which a non-magnetic material and an oxide are laminated. The direction of the magnetization of the memory layer is configured to be changed by applying a current in a lamination direction of the layered structure to record information in the memory layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchida, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Tetsuya Asayama, Kazutaka Yamane
  • Patent number: 9530958
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive element includes a laminated structure including a plurality of fixed layers, an intermediate layer formed of a non-magnetic material, and a recording layer, the plurality of fixed layers being laminated via a non-magnetic layer, the plurality of fixed layers having at least a first fixed layer and a second fixed layer, the following formula being satisfied: S1>S2 (wherein S1 is an area of a portion of the first fixed layer adjacent to the intermediate layer, which faces the intermediate layer, and S2 is an area of the fixed layer having the smallest area out of the fixed layers other than the first fixed layer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchida, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Kazutaka Yamane
  • Patent number: 9515254
    Abstract: A storage element is provided. The storage element includes a memory layer having a first magnetization state of a first material; a fixed magnetization layer having a second magnetization state of a second material; an intermediate layer including a nonmagnetic material and provided between the memory layer and the fixed magnetization layer; wherein the first material includes Co—Fe—B alloy, and at least one of a non-magnetic metal and an oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • 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: 9472751
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a storage element by forming a magnetic layer; and forming a tunnel barrier layer on the magnetic layer, wherein, n the forming a tunnel barrier layer, the tunnel barrier layer is formed to a predetermined thickness in at least two steps in a divided manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchida, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Kazutaka Yamane
  • Publication number: 20160268496
    Abstract: A storage element having a layered structure and being configured for storing information is disclosed. In one example, the storage element comprises a storage portion with a storage magnetization that is perpendicular to a film surface of the layered structure, wherein a direction of the storage magnetization is configured to change according to the information. The storage element also includes a fixed magnetization portion with reference magnetization serving as a reference to the storage magnetization, and an intermediate portion between the storage portion and the fixed magnetization portion that is made of a non-magnetic material. The fixed magnetization portion includes a laminated ferrimagnetic structure that comprises a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a non-magnetic layer. The fixed magnetization portion includes a first magnetic material that is an alloy or a laminated structure including Pt, Co, and Y. Storage devices including the storage element are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160260774
    Abstract: A memory cell structure, a method of manufacturing a memory, and a memory apparatus that conform a memory cell structure of an MRAM, which reduces resistance of drawn wiring to be connected to an MTJ, reduces an area of a memory cell, and avoids performance degradation of the MTJ due to heat are provided. A memory cell includes: a transistor with a first diffusion layer formed in a bottom portion of a concave portion, and a second diffusion layer formed in upper end portions of two opposing sidewall portions of the concave portion, to form channels at portions between the first and second diffusion layers in the two sidewall portions; and a memory element that is disposed below the first diffusion layer. The first diffusion layer is electrically connected to the memory element via a contact formed after the silicon substrate is thinned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Taku UMEBAYASHI, Shunichi SUKEGAWA, Takashi YOKOYAMA, Masanori HOSOMI, Yutaka HIGO
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160218279
    Abstract: A storage element is provided. The storage element includes a memory layer having a first magnetization state of a first material; a fixed magnetization layer having a second magnetization state of a second material; an intermediate layer including a nonmagnetic material and provided between the memory layer and the fixed magnetization layer; wherein the first material includes Co—Fe—B alloy, and at least one of a non-magnetic metal and an oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamane, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9397288
    Abstract: A storage element includes a layer structure, which includes a storage layer including magnetization perpendicular to the film surface, in which the magnetization direction is changed corresponding to information; a magnetization fixing layer including magnetization perpendicular to the film surface that becomes a reference for information stored on the storage layer; a tunnel barrier layer made from an oxide provided between the storage layer and the magnetization fixing layer; and a spin barrier layer made from an oxide provided contacting the surface of the opposite side of the storage layer to the surface contacting the tunnel barrier layer. A low resistance region is formed in a portion of the spin barrier layer formed with a predetermined set film thickness value and information storage on the storage layer is performed by changing the magnetization direction of the storage layer by current flowing in the stacking direction of the layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ohmori, Masanori Hosomi, Kazuhiro Bessho, Yutaka Higo, Kazutaka Yamane, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20160203862
    Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of bit lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of word lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell includes a memory element and two select transistors disposed along the first direction and the memory element being configured to store information based on changes in resistance. A first and a second column are formed by repeatedly arranging a first group and a second group of the memory cells, respectively, along the first direction, and the second column is disposed adjacent to the first column and the first group is displaced in the first direction such that, in the second direction, a first select transistor in respective memory cells in the first column is aligned with a second select transistor in respective memory cells in the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Yutaka Higo, Masanori Hosomi, Hiroyuki Ohmori, Kazuhiro Bessho, 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