Templated Self-Assembly for Nanomagnetic Memory

Project ID: 1853-AP
Available for licensing

Background

Micromagnetic technology is the study of the interactions between magnetic moments on a small (sub-micro) scale. Potential applications of this phenomenon include nonvolatile memory and computer logic. Currently, issues with fabrication and materials have limited magnetic devices to work on the nanometer scale.

Invention Description

We have invented a low-cost fabrication method for ferromagnetic nanocrystal based non-volatile memory. The magnetization of the nanocrystal serves as the memory bit; the scaling limit here is set by the super-paramagnetic size limit for stable ferromagnetism. Writing/erasing of the memory bit is accomplished by the current-induced-reversal of the magnetization of the nanocrystal and readout by the tunnel magnetoresistance effect. Our fabrication technique uses a combination of lithography for defining a coarse template and chemical synthesis for the nanocrystal.

Benefits

Low-cost nanometer scale manufacturing employing chemical methods of fabrication, namely templated self-assembly. The template may be created by low-cost nano-imprint technology.
Uses CIMS (current induced magnetization switching), allowing this technology to be scalable.

Features

Ferromagnetic nanocrystal free layer provides the memory bit.
Nanocrystals are grown by templated self-assembly just above the super-paramagnetic size limit.
The template is defined by inexpensive lithography with minimal dimension no more than about twice the super-paramagnetic limit. This is expected to be much greater than minimal transistor gate lengths.
Writing and erasing of memory bit is CIMS-based. By using double spin valve/tunnel junction, the writing/erasing current is lowered.

Market Potential/Applications

Non-volatile magnetic-RAM (MRAM), devices using spintronic logic

UT Researcher

Sanjay K. Banerjee, Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Swaroop Ganguly, Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Domingo Ferrer, Microelectronics Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin

OTC Contact Information

Jitendra Jain, Licensing Specialist
jjain@otc.utexas.edu
512-471-9055