Selection Of Materials (epo) Patents (Class 257/E43.005)
  • Patent number: 11200933
    Abstract: The magnetic memory element (100) includes: a conductive layer that includes a heavy metal layer (10) containing a 5d transition metal; a first ferromagnetic layer (20) that is adjacent to the conductive layer and contains a ferromagnetic layer having a reversible magnetization; a barrier layer (30) that is adjacent to the first ferromagnetic layer (20) and includes an insulating material; a reference layer (40) that is adjacent to the barrier layer (30) and has at least one second ferromagnetic layer (41) having a fixed magnetization direction; a cap layer (50) that is adjacent to the reference layer (40) and includes a conductive material; a first terminal (T1) that is capable of introducing a current into one end of the heavy metal layer (10) in the longitudinal direction; a second terminal (T2) that is capable of introducing a current into the other end of the heavy metal layer (10) in the longitudinal direction; and a third terminal (T3) that is capable of introducing a current into the cap layer (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shunsuke Fukami, Chaoliang Zhang, Ayato Ohkawara, Kyota Watanabe, Hideo Ohno, Tetsuo Endoh
  • Patent number: 10845212
    Abstract: A strain gauge system includes a layered structure and a resistance sensor. The layered structure has an unstretched position and a range of stretched positions. The layered structure includes a multilayer thin film having alternating layers of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials. The layered structure also includes a flexible magnet that produces a magnetic field. The resistance sensor measures a resistance of the multilayer thin film. The resistance of the multilayer thin film is lower when the layered structure is in the unstretched position than when it is in a stretched position in the range of stretched positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Serol Turkyilmaz, Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna
  • Patent number: 10566522
    Abstract: A multilayer thin film for magnetic random access memory that includes thin platinum layers and thin cobalt-copper layers, and more particularly, to a multilayer thin film having magnetic layers including non-magnetic material copper that replaces a portion of the magnetic material cobalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Ho Lim, Dong-Su Son, Tae-Young Lee, Seong-Rae Lee
  • Patent number: 10276783
    Abstract: A four terminal magnetoresistive memory cell comprises a magnetic tunnel junction stack, a ferroelectric layer and a non-ferromagnetic spin polarization layer between the magnetic tunnel junction stack and the ferroelectric layer. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a first layer with fixed direction of magnetization, a free layer capable of changing direction of magnetization and an insulation layer between the first layer and the free layer. The non-ferromagnetic spin polarization layer is configured to generate perpendicular spin polarization in response to electrical current through the non-ferromagnetic spin polarization layer and a voltage received at the ferroelectric layer. The perpendicular spin polarization applies a torque on the free layer to change direction of magnetization of the free layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Goran Mihajlovic, Jeffrey S. Lille
  • Patent number: 10263181
    Abstract: To provide a laminated structure and a spin modulation element capable of stably modulating spin polarizability of a ferromagnetic material by an electric field. A laminated structure according to an embodiment includes: a ferromagnetic layer; and a multiferroic layer formed on one surface of the ferromagnetic layer, wherein the multiferroic layer includes a first region having a rhombohedral crystal structure formed on a surface side on the ferromagnetic layer side and a second region having a tetragonal crystal structure formed further inside than the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Suzuki, Katsuyuki Nakada, Shogo Yonemura
  • Patent number: 10036785
    Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a sensor that includes a first magnetoresistive (MR) element and a second MR element less active to a presence of a magnetic field than the first MR element. The second MR element includes a metal layer diffused into other layers of the second MR element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. David, William P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10026891
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive element including a first magnetic layer; a first nonmagnetic layer provided on the first magnetic layer, the first nonmagnetic layer formed of SrTiO3, SrFeO3, LaAlO3, NdCoO3, or BN; and a second magnetic layer provided on the first nonmagnetic layer, wherein the first nonmagnetic layer is lattice-matched to the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic layer is lattice-matched to the first nonmagnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nagase, Tadashi Kai, Youngmin Eeh, Koji Ueda, Daisuke Watanabe, Kazuya Sawada, Hiroaki Yoda
  • Patent number: 9962677
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a compound or a product having one or more characteristics that meet or exceed a user specification, the process comprising the step of selecting a first combination of chemical inputs, optionally together with physical inputs, and supplying those inputs to a reaction space, thereby to generate a first product; analyzing one or more characteristics of the product generated; comparing the one or more characteristics against a user specification; using a genetic algorithm selecting a second combination of chemical inputs, optionally together with physical inputs, wherein the second combination differs from the first combination, and supplying those inputs to the reaction space, thereby to generate a second product; analyzing one or more characteristics of the second product generated; comparing the one or more characteristics generated against the user specification; repeating the selecting and analyzing steps for further individual combinations of chemical and/or p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Glasgow
    Inventor: Leroy Cronin
  • Patent number: 9831420
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive element according to an embodiment includes: a first layer containing nitrogen; a reference layer opposed to the first layer, the reference layer having a magnetization perpendicular to a face thereof opposed to the first layer, the magnetization of the reference layer being fixed; a storage layer disposed between the first layer and the reference layer, the storage layer having a magnetization perpendicular to a face thereof opposed to the first layer, the magnetization of the storage layer being changeable, and the storage layer including a second layer containing boron, and a third layer disposed between the second layer and the reference layer and containing boron, a boron concentration of the third layer being lower than a boron concentration of the second layer; and an intermediate layer disposed between the third layer and the reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Kitagawa, Takao Ochiai
  • Patent number: 9757706
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a compound or a product having one or more characteristics that meet or exceed a user specification, the process comprising the step of selecting a first combination of chemical inputs, optionally together with physical inputs, and supplying those inputs to a reaction space, thereby to generate a first product; analyzing one or more characteristics of the product generated; comparing the one or more characteristics against a user specification; using a genetic algorithm selecting a second combination of chemical inputs, optionally together with physical inputs, wherein the second combination differs from the first combination, and supplying those inputs to the reaction space, thereby to generate a second product; analyzing one or more characteristics of the second product generated; comparing the one or more characteristics generated against the user specification; repeating the selecting and analyzing steps for further individual combinations of chemical and/or p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The University Court of The University of Glasgow
    Inventor: Leroy Cronin
  • Patent number: 9728238
    Abstract: Spin transfer torque memory (STTM) devices with half-metals and methods to write and read the devices are described. For example, a magnetic tunneling junction includes a free magnetic layer, a fixed magnetic layer, and a dielectric layer disposed between the free magnetic layer and the fixed magnetic layer. One or both of the free magnetic layer and the fixed magnetic layer includes a half-metal material at an interface with the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuo, Roksana Golizadeh Mojarad, Brian S. Doyle, David L. Kencke, Kaan Oguz, Robert S. Chau
  • Patent number: 9444038
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic random access memory element that includes a multilayered seed structure formed by interleaving a first type sublayer and a second type sublayer to form one or more repeats of a unit bilayer structure and a first magnetic layer formed on top of the multilayered seed structure. The unit bilayer structure is made of the first and second type sublayers with at least one of the first and second type sublayers including therein one or more ferromagnetic elements. The multilayered seed structure may be amorphous or non-magnetic or both. The unit bilayer structure may be made of CoFeB and Ta sublayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yiming Huai, Huadong Gan, Bing K. Yen, Roger K. Malmhall, Yuchen Zhou
  • Patent number: 9318695
    Abstract: Provided are magnetic memory devices, electronic systems and memory cards including the same, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of controlling a magnetization direction of a magnetic pattern. In a magnetic memory device, atomic-magnetic moments non-parallel to one surface of a free pattern increase in the free pattern. Therefore, critical current density of the magnetic memory device may be reduced, such that power consumption of the magnetic memory device is reduced or minimized and/or the magnetic memory device is improved or optimized for a higher degree of integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sechung Oh, Jangeun Lee, Woojin Kim, Heeju Shin
  • Patent number: 8953369
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes first and second magnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer. The first magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and a variable magnetization. The second magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and an invariable magnetization. The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second magnetic layer includes third and fourth magnetic layers, and a second nonmagnetic layer formed between the third and fourth magnetic layers. The third magnetic layer is in contact with the first nonmagnetic layer and includes Co and at least one of Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nagase, Eiji Kitagawa, Katsuya Nishiyama, Tadashi Kai, Koji Ueda, Daisuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8826726
    Abstract: A gas sensor is described which incorporates a sensor stack comprising a first film layer of a ferromagnetic material, a spacer layer, and a second film layer of the ferromagnetic material. The first film layer is fabricated so that it exhibits a dependence of its magnetic anisotropy direction on the presence of a gas, That is, the orientation of the easy axis of magnetization will flip from out-of-plane to in-plane when the gas to be detected is present in sufficient concentration. By monitoring the change in resistance of the sensor stack when the orientation of the first layer's magnetization changes, and correlating that change with temperature one can determine both the identity and relative concentration of the detected gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Andreas K. Schmid, Arantzazu Mascaraque, Benito Santos, Juan de la Figuera
  • Patent number: 8772772
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for simultaneous, parallel and/or rapid serial testing of material parameters or other parameters of the result of a process. The testing is typically used for screening different methods or materials to select those methods or materials with desired properties. A reactor structure used to form the materials may consist of an array of small isolated reaction chambers that overlie the substrate so that the substrate forms a bottom surface of each isolated reaction chamber. Test structures are formed on the substrate, where the location of each test structure corresponds to an isolated reaction chamber area of the reaction structure. Test structures are used to measure certain parameters, such as by probing contact pads for each test structure, or such testing may be performed in-situ during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt H. Weiner, Tony P. Chiang, Gustavo A. Pinto
  • Patent number: 8736004
    Abstract: Reading margin is improved in a MTJ designed for MRAM applications by employing a pinned layer with an AP2/Ru/AP1 configuration wherein the AP1 layer is a CoFeB/CoFe composite and by forming a MgO tunnel barrier adjacent to the CoFe AP1 layer by a sequence that involves depositing and oxidizing a first Mg layer with a radical oxidation (ROX) process, depositing and oxidizing a second Mg layer with a ROX method, and depositing a third Mg layer on the oxidized second Mg layer. The third Mg layer becomes oxidized during a subsequent anneal. MTJ performance may be further improved by selecting a composite free layer having a Fe/NiFeHf or CoFe/Fe/NiFeHf configuration where the NiFeHf layer adjoins a capping layer in a bottom spin valve configuration. As a result, read margin is optimized simultaneously with improved MR ratio, a reduction in bit line switching current, and a lower number of shorted bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Cao, Witold Kula, Chyu-Jiuh Torng
  • Patent number: 8686525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor and a magnetic memory which sense magnetic information held by a ferromagnetic body without a current flowing through the ferromagnetic body. The magnetic sensor and magnetic memory use a magnetoresistive effect generated in a current that flows through a metal layer along an interface, on at least the interface side, with a ferromagnetic dielectric layer and said metal layer being joined through said interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toroku University
    Inventors: Eiji Saitoh, Hiroyasu Nakayama, Kazuya Harii
  • Patent number: 8680592
    Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic tunnel junction device is disclosed that includes forming a trench in a substrate, the trench including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, a fourth sidewall, and a bottom wall. The method includes depositing a first conductive material within the trench proximate to the first sidewall and depositing a second conductive material within the trench. The method further includes depositing a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure within the trench. The MTJ structure includes a fixed magnetic layer having a magnetic field with a fixed magnetic orientation, a tunnel junction layer, and a free magnetic layer having a magnetic field with a configurable magnetic orientation. The method further includes selectively removing a portion of the MTJ structure that is adjacent to the fourth sidewall to create an opening such that the MTJ structure is substantially u-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Xia Li
  • Patent number: 8670268
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes first and second magnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer. The first magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and a variable magnetization. The second magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and an invariable magnetization. The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second magnetic layer includes third and fourth magnetic layers, and a second nonmagnetic layer formed between the third and fourth magnetic layers. The third magnetic layer is in contact with the first nonmagnetic layer and includes Co and at least one of Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nagase, Eiji Kitagawa, Katsuya Nishiyama, Tadashi Kai, Koji Ueda, Daisuke Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140038309
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a synthetic antiferromagnetic device, includes depositing a magnesium oxide spacer layer on a reference layer having a first and second ruthenium layer, depositing a cobalt iron boron layer on the magnesium oxide spacer layer; and depositing a third ruthenium layer on the cobalt iron boron layer, the third ruthenium layer having a thickness of approximately 0-18 angstroms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David W. Abraham, Michael C. Gaidis, Janusz J. Nowak, Daniel C. Worledge
  • Publication number: 20140038310
    Abstract: A synthetic antiferromagnetic device includes a reference layer, a magnesium oxide spacer layer disposed on the reference layer, a cobalt iron boron layer disposed on the magnesium oxide spacer layer, and a first ruthenium layer disposed on cobalt iron boron layer, the first ruthenium layer having a thickness of approximately 0 ? to 32 ?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: David W. Abraham
  • Publication number: 20130334629
    Abstract: An all (111) MTJ stack is disclosed in which there are no transitions between different crystalline orientations when going from layer to layer. This is accomplished by providing strongly (111)-textured layers immediately below the MgO tunnel barrier to induce a (111) orientation therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Witold Kula, Ru-Ying Tong, Guenole Jan, Yu-Jen Wang
  • Publication number: 20130270523
    Abstract: A boron or boron containing dusting layer such as CoB or FeB is formed along one or both of top and bottom surfaces of a free layer at interfaces with a tunnel barrier layer and capping layer to improve thermal stability while maintaining other magnetic properties of a MTJ stack. Each dusting layer has a thickness from 0.2 to 20 Angstroms and may be used as deposited, or at temperatures up to 400° C. or higher, or following a subsequent anneal at 400° C. or higher. The free layer may be a single layer of CoFe, Co, CoFeB or CoFeNiB, or may include a non-magnetic insertion layer. The resulting MTJ is suitable for STT-MRAM memory elements or spintronic devices. Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is maintained in the free layer at temperatures up to 400° C. or higher. Ku enhancement is achieved and the retention time of a memory cell for STT-MRAM designs is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Jen Wang, Witold Kula, Ru-Ying Tong, Guenole Jan
  • Publication number: 20130154036
    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, a free layer, at least one insulating layer, and at least one magnetic insertion layer adjoining the at least one insulating layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The at least one insulating layer is adjacent to at least one of the free layer and the pinned layer. The at least one magnetic insertion layer adjoins the at least one insulating layer. In some aspects, the insulating layer(s) include at least one of magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, ruthenium oxide, titanium oxide, and nickel oxide 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: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Xueti Tang, Dmytro Apalkov, Steven M. Watts, Kiseok Moon, Vladimir Nikitin
  • Patent number: 8466526
    Abstract: A Hall sensor has a P-type semiconductor substrate and a Hall sensing portion having a square shape and an N-type conductivity disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The Hall sensor includes Hall voltage output terminals having the same shape with each other, and control current input terminals having the same shape with each other. The Hall voltage output terminals are disposed at respective ones of four vertices of the Hall sensing portion. The control current input terminals include pairs of control current input terminals disposed at respective ones of the four vertices of the Hall sensing portion and arranged on both sides of respective ones of the Hall voltage output terminals in spaced apart relation from the Hall voltage output terminals so as to prevent electrical connection between the control current input terminals and the Hall voltage output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Takaaki Hioka, Toshihiko Omi
  • Publication number: 20130075841
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming plural layers of a MTJ device, depositing a conductive layer over the plural layers, forming a hard mask pattern used for patterning the plural layers over the conductive layer, where the conductive layer is exposed through the hard mask pattern, performing hydrogen peroxide process to volatilize the exposed conductive layer and removing the volatilized conductive layer, and patterning the plural layers by using the hard mask pattern as an etch mask to form the MTJ device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Ga Young HA, Ki Seon PARK
  • Patent number: 8378437
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect element includes a reference layer, a recording layer, and a nonmagnetic layer. The reference layer is made of a magnetic material, has an invariable magnetization which is perpendicular to a film surface. The recording layer is made of a magnetic material, has a variable magnetization which is perpendicular to the film surface. The nonmagnetic layer is arranged between the reference layer and the recording layer. A critical diameter which is determined by magnetic anisotropy, saturation magnetization, and switched connection of the recording layer and has a single-domain state as a unique stable state or a critical diameter which has a single-domain state as a unique stable state and is inverted while keeping the single-domain state in an inverting process is larger than an element diameter of the magnetoresistive effect element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiko Nakayama, Kay Yakushiji, Sumio Ikegawa, Shinji Yuasa, Tadashi Kai, Toshihiko Nagase, Minoru Amano, Hisanori Aikawa, Tatsuya Kishi, Hiroaki Yoda
  • Patent number: 8378330
    Abstract: An MTJ in an MRAM array or TMR read head is disclosed in which a low magnetization capping layer is a composite having a NiFeHf inner layer formed on a NiFe or CoFeB/NiFe free layer, a Ta middle layer, and a Ru outer layer on the Ta layer. For example, a low magnetization NiFeHf layer is achieved by co-sputtering NiFe and Hf targets with a forward power of 400 W and 200 W, respectively. A higher Hf content increases the oxygen gettering power of the NiFeHf layer and the thickness is modified to change dR/R, RA, and magnetostriction values. A so-called dead layer between the free layer and capping layer is restored by incorporating a NiFeHf layer on the free layer to improve lattice matching. The Fe content in the NiFe target used to make the NiFeHf layer is preferably the same as in the NiFe free layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng T. Horng, Ru-Ying Tong
  • Publication number: 20130032911
    Abstract: A vertical magnetic memory device includes a pinned layer including a plurality of first ferromagnetic layers that are alternately stacked with at least one first spacer, wherein the pinned layer is configured to have a vertical magnetization, a free layer including a plurality of second ferromagnetic layers that are alternately stacked with at least one second spacer, and a tunnel barrier coupled between the pinned layer and the free layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Dong Ha JUNG, Ki Seon PARK, Su Ryun MIN
  • Publication number: 20120329177
    Abstract: Magnetoresistive structures, devices, memories, and methods for forming the same are presented. For example, a magnetoresistive structure includes a ferromagnetic layer, a ferrimagnetic layer coupled to the ferromagnetic layer, a pinned layer and a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A free side of the magnetoresistive structure comprises the ferromagnetic layer and the ferrimagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is at least partly between the free side and the pinned layer. A saturation magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer opposes a saturation magnetization of the ferrimagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer may include a tunnel barrier layer, such as one composed of magnesium oxide (MgO), or a nonmagnetic metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David William Abraham, Guohan Hu, Jonathan Zanhong Sun, Daniel Christopher Worledge
  • Publication number: 20120313482
    Abstract: A method of forming a vinylidene fluoride (VDF) oligomer or co-oligomer film on a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises forming a VDF oligomer or co-oligomer precursor solution; depositing the VDF oligomer or co-oligomer precursor solution onto the substrate to form a preliminary VDF oligomer or co-oligomer film on the substrate; and applying uniaxial pressure on the preliminary VDF oligomer or co-oligomer film and the substrate at an elevated temperature to form the VDF oligomer or co-oligomer film on the substrate. The substrate may comprise a metal surface which may be used as a bottom electrode and a top electrode may be deposited on the VDF oligomer or co- oligomer film The VDF oligomer or co-oligomer film, the bottom electrode on the substrate and the top electrode on the VDF oligomer or co-oligomer film form an electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Kui Yao, Shuting Chen, Eng Hock Francis Tay
  • Publication number: 20120313192
    Abstract: A magnetic stack with out of plane magnetisation, the magnetic stack including: a first magnetic layer constituted of one or more materials selected from the following group: cobalt, iron and nickel and magnetic alloys based on the materials; a second layer constituted of a metallic material able to confer to an assembly formed by the first and the second layers a perpendicular anisotropy of interfacial origin when the second layer has a shared interface with the first layer; and a third layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer being deposited on the third layer, the third layer being constituted of a metallic material having a miscibility less than 10% with the material of the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat a I' energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Sébastien Bandiera, Bernard Dieny, Bernard Rodmacq
  • Publication number: 20120241881
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive element according to an embodiment includes: a base layer; a first magnetic layer formed on the base layer, and including a first magnetic film having an axis of easy magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a film plane, the first magnetic film including MnxGa100-x (45?x<64 atomic %); a first nonmagnetic layer formed on the first magnetic layer; and a second magnetic layer formed on the first nonmagnetic layer, and including a second magnetic film having an axis of easy magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a film plane, the second magnetic film including MnyGa100-y (45?y<64 atomic %). The first and second magnetic layers include different Mn composition rates from each other, a magnetization direction of the first magnetic layer is changeable by a current flowing between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer via the first nonmagnetic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicants: Tohoku University, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tadaomi DAIBOU, Junichi Ito, Tadashi Kai, Minoru Amano, Hiroaki Yoda, Terunobu Miyazaki, Shigemi Mizukami, Koji Ando, Kay Yakushiji, Shinji Yuasa, Hitoshi Kubota, Akio Fukushima, Taro Nagahama, Takahide Kubota
  • Publication number: 20120217596
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction includes a first magnetic layer, a tunnel insulating layer and a second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer is formed on a substrate. The tunnel insulating layer is formed on the first magnetic layer. The second magnetic layer is formed on the tunnel insulating layer, where the second magnetic layer is shaped to be narrower at a center than at ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Ji Ho PARK
  • Publication number: 20120161263
    Abstract: A current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor has a dual composition hard bias layer structure that is used to longitudinally bias the sensor's free ferromagnetic layer. The dual composition hard bias layer structure is composed of first layer of CoPt, having high anisotropy compared to the second layer. The second layer, composed of CoFe, has a higher magnetization compared to the first layer. The resulting dual hard bias layer structure exhibits high values of coercivity and squareness while maintaining a reduced sensor thickness compared to sensors of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Maat, Alexander M. Zeltser
  • Patent number: 8188558
    Abstract: In order to increase an efficiency of spin transfer and thereby reduce the required switching current, a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) magnetic element for a memory device includes either one or both of a free magnetic layer, which has an electronically reflective surface, and a permanent magnet layer, which has perpendicular anisotropy to bias the free magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Dexin Wang, Dimitar V. Dimitrov, Song S. Xue, Insik Jin
  • Publication number: 20120086089
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device and fabrication method is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes a magnetic tunnel junction structure above a bottom electrode. The particular embodiment further includes a portion of a diffusion barrier layer adjacent to the magnetic tunnel junction structure. A top of the magnetic tunnel junction structure is connected to a conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Xia Li, Seung H. Kang, Xiaochun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20120012956
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor and a magnetic memory which sense magnetic information held by a ferromagnetic body without a current flowing through the ferromagnetic body. The magnetic sensor and magnetic memory use a magnetoresistive effect generated in a current that flows through a metal layer along an interface, on at least the interface side, with a ferromagnetic dielectric layer and said metal layer being joined through said interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Eiji Saitoh, Hiroyasu Nakayama, Kazuya Harii
  • Publication number: 20110298067
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect element includes: a magnetization free layer; a non-magnetic insertion layer provided adjacent to the magnetization free layer; a magnetic insertion layer provided adjacent to the non-magnetic insertion layer and opposite to the magnetization free layer with respect to the non-magnetic insertion layer; a spacer layer provided adjacent to the magnetic insertion layer and opposite to the non-magnetic insertion layer with respect to the magnetic insertion layer; and a first magnetization fixed layer provided adjacent to the spacer layer and opposite to the magnetic insertion layer with respect to the spacer layer. The magnetization free layer and the first magnetization fixed layer have magnetization components in directions approximately perpendicular to a film surface. The magnetization free layer includes two magnetization fixed portions and a domain wall motion portion arranged between the two magnetization fixed portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Ishiwata, Norikazu Ohshima, Shunsuke Fukami, Kiyokazu Nagahara, Tetsuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7999336
    Abstract: In order to increase an efficiency of spin transfer and thereby reduce the required switching current, a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) magnetic element for a memory device includes either one or both of a free magnetic layer, which has an electronically reflective surface, and a permanent magnet layer, which has perpendicular anisotropy to bias the free magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Dexin Wang, Dimitar V. Dimitrov, Song S. Xue, Insik Jin
  • Publication number: 20110169114
    Abstract: Electronic devices that include (i) a magnetization controlling structure; (ii) a tunnel barrier structure; and (iii) a magnetization controllable structure including: a first polarizing layer; and a first stabilizing layer, wherein the tunnel barrier structure is between the magnetization controlling structure and the magnetization controlling structure and the first polarizing layer is between the first stabilizing layer and the tunnel barrier structure, wherein the electronic device has two stable overall magnetic configurations, and wherein a first unipolar current applied to the electronic device will cause the orientation of the magnetization controlling structure to reverse its orientation and a second unipolar current applied to the electronic device will cause the magnetization controllable structure to switch its magnetization in order to obtain one of the two stable overall magnetic configurations, wherein the second unipolar current has an amplitude that is less than the first unipolar current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Dimitar V. Dimitrov, Olle Gunnar Heinonen, Yiran Chen, Haiwen Xi, Xiaohua Lou
  • Publication number: 20110101432
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a capacitor, the capacitor includes a lower electrode, which includes platinum, provided above a semiconductor substrate; a first ferroelectric film, which includes lead zirconate titanate added with La, provided on the lower electrode; a second ferroelectric film, which includes lead zirconate titanate added with La, Ca, and Sr, provided directly on the first ferroelectric film, the second ferroelectric film having a thickness smaller than that of the first ferroelectric film and includes amounts of Ca and Sr greater than amounts of Ca and Sr that may be present in the first ferroelectric film; and an upper electrode, which includes a conductive oxide, provided on the second ferroelectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventor: Wensheng WANG
  • Patent number: 7825486
    Abstract: A programmable magnetoresistive memory cell. The memory cell has a magnetic element that includes a first and a second ferromagnetic layer. The first and second ferromagnetic layers are separated by a non-ferromagnetic and preferably electrically insulating spacer layer. The data bit is read out by measuring the electrical resistance across the magnetic element. The memory cell further includes: a third ferromagnetic layer having a well-defined magnetization direction and a resistance switching material having a carrier density. The carrier density can be altered by causing an ion concentration to become altered by means of an applied electrical voltage signal. Thus, the carrier density can be switched between a first and second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Siegfried Friedrich Karg, Gerhard Ingmar Meijer
  • Patent number: 7821088
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic element that can be used in a magnetic memory is disclosed. The magnetic element includes pinned, nonmagnetic spacer, and free layers. The spacer layer resides between the pinned and free layers. The free layer can be switched using spin transfer when a write current is passed through the magnetic element. The free layer includes a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer. The second ferromagnetic layer has a very high perpendicular anisotropy and an out-of-plane demagnetization energy. The very high perpendicular anisotropy energy is greater than the out-of-plane demagnetization energy of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Grandis, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Nguyen, Yiming Huai
  • Patent number: 7772659
    Abstract: The magnetic device comprises a least two layers made of a magnetic material that are separated by at least one interlayer made of a non-magnetic material. The layers made of a magnetic material each have magnetization oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the layers. The layer of non-magnetic material induces an antiferromagnetic coupling field between the layers made of a magnetic material, the direction and amplitude of this field attenuating the effects of the ferromagnetic coupling field of magnetostatic origin that occurs between the magnetic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Bernard Rodmacq, Vincent Baltz, Alberto Bollero, Bernard Dieny
  • Patent number: 7723813
    Abstract: A method for implementing alignment of a semiconductor device structure includes forming first and second sets of alignment marks within a lower level of the structure, the second set of alignment marks adjacent the first set of alignment marks. An opaque layer is formed over the lower level, including the first and second sets of alignment marks. A portion of the opaque layer corresponding to the location of said first set of alignment marks is opened so as to render the first set optically visible while the second set of alignment marks initially remains covered by the opaque layer. The opaque layer is patterned using the optically visible first set of alignment marks, wherein the second set of alignment marks remain available for subsequent alignment operations in the event the first set becomes damaged during patterning of the opaque layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sivananda K. Kanakasabapathy, David W. Abraham
  • Publication number: 20100109712
    Abstract: Graphene magnet multilayers (GMMs) are employed to facilitate development of spintronic devices. The GMMs can include a sheet of monolayer (ML) or few-layer (FL) graphene in contact with a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic (FM) or an antiferromagnetic material. Electrode terminals can be disposed on the GMMs to be in electrical contact with the graphene. A magnetic field effect is induced in the graphene sheet based on an exchange magnetic field resulting from a magnetization of the magnetic material which is in contact with graphene. Electrical characteristics of the graphene can be manipulated based on the magnetization of the magnetic material in the GMM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Igor Zaliznyak, Alexei Tsvelik, Dmitri Kharzeev
  • Publication number: 20100102405
    Abstract: A memory cell that includes a first electrode layer; a spin filter layer that includes a material that has exchange splitting in the conduction band; and a magnetic layer, wherein the magnetization of the second magnetic layer can be effected by the torque of electrons tunneling through, wherein the spin filter layer is between the first electrode layer and the magnetic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventor: Xiaohua Lou
  • Publication number: 20090294908
    Abstract: A method for is disclosed for fabricating diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) nanowires by providing a catalyst-coated substrate and subjecting at least a portion of the substrate to a semiconductor, and dopant via chloride-based vapor transport to synthesize the nanowires. Using this novel chloride-based chemical vapor transport process, single crystalline diluted magnetic semiconductor nanowires Ga1-xMnxN (x=0.07) were synthesized. The nanowires, which have diameters of ˜10 nm to 100 nm and lengths of up to tens of micrometers, show ferromagnetism with Curie temperature above room temperature, and magnetoresistance up to 250 Kelvin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Peidong Yang, Heonjin Choi, Sangkwon Lee, Rongrui He, Yanfeng Zheng, Tevye Kuykendal, Peter Pauzauskie