International business machines corporation (20240112712). SPIN-ORBIT-TORQUE (SOT) MRAM WITH DOUBLED LAYER OF SOT METAL simplified abstract

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SPIN-ORBIT-TORQUE (SOT) MRAM WITH DOUBLED LAYER OF SOT METAL

Organization Name

international business machines corporation

Inventor(s)

Pouya Hashemi of Purchase NY (US)

Christopher Safranski of Yorktown Heights NY (US)

SPIN-ORBIT-TORQUE (SOT) MRAM WITH DOUBLED LAYER OF SOT METAL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240112712 titled 'SPIN-ORBIT-TORQUE (SOT) MRAM WITH DOUBLED LAYER OF SOT METAL

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) apparatus with a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack, a spin-orbit torque (SOT) layer beneath the MTJ stack, and a dielectric pillar supporting the SOT layer and MTJ stack, where the SOT layer has a stepped profile.

  • Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) apparatus
  • Includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack
  • Contains a spin-orbit torque (SOT) layer below the MTJ stack
  • Utilizes a dielectric pillar to support the SOT layer and MTJ stack
  • The SOT layer features a stepped profile

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in:

  • Data storage devices
  • Magnetic sensors
  • Non-volatile memory systems

Problems Solved

  • Enhanced data storage capabilities
  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Increased data transfer speeds

Benefits

  • Higher performance levels
  • Greater reliability
  • Reduced power consumption

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing MRAM technology for:

  • Consumer electronics
  • Industrial automation
  • Automotive systems

Possible Prior Art

One example of prior art in this field is the use of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in MRAM devices to improve stability and performance.

Unanswered Questions

How does the stepped profile of the SOT layer contribute to the overall functionality of the MRAM apparatus?

The stepped profile of the SOT layer may help to control the spin-orbit torque effect more precisely, leading to improved efficiency and reliability in data storage operations.

What are the specific materials used in the dielectric pillar to support the SOT layer and MTJ stack?

The materials chosen for the dielectric pillar must have suitable insulating properties and mechanical stability to ensure proper functioning of the MRAM apparatus.


Original Abstract Submitted

a magnetic random access memory (mram) apparatus includes a magnetic tunnel junction (mtj) stack; a spin-orbit-torque (sot) layer that underlies the mtj stack; and a dielectric pillar that underlies the sot layer and the mtj stack. the sot layer has a stepped profile.