Investigation of Materials, Stacks, and Energy-Efficient Switching of Voltage-Controlled Exchange Coupling Perpendicular Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

ORAL

Abstract

Voltage-controlled exchange coupling (VCEC) offers an energy-efficient and deterministic mechanism for manipulating/switching magnetization. This has been recently showcased across multiple perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (pMTJ) embodiments [1-3]. Despite the marked distinction between the L10-textured FePd [1] and the Co/Pd multilayer systems [2,3], these VCEC pMTJ devices share certain essential features. Notably, their special layered structures, particularly the synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) free layer, are pivotal for enabling VCEC-switching functionality. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the layered structures in different embodiments, discussing the design of VCEC pMTJ stacks. We also delve into the materials' selection and optimal thickness for each layer. Additionally, we explore potential future research directions and prospects for VCEC pMTJs.

[1] D. Zhang, et al., Nano Lett. 22, 622–629 (2022), DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03395. [2] D. Lyu, et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 120, 012404 (2022), DOI: 10.1063/5.0075043. [3] B. R. Zink, et al., Adv. Electron. Mater. 8, 2200382 (2022), DOI: 10.1002/aelm.202200382.

*ERI program (FRANC) "Advanced MTJs for computation in and near random access memory" by DARPA (Grant HR001117S0056-FP-042); SMART, one of seven centers of nCORE, an SRC program, sponsored by NIST; Minnesota Nano Center, by NSF through NNCI (Award ECCS-202512).

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Publication: [1] D. Zhang, et al., Nano Lett. 22, 622–629 (2022), DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03395.
[2] D. Lyu, et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 120, 012404 (2022), DOI: 10.1063/5.0075043.
[3] B. R. Zink, et al., Adv. Electron. Mater. 8, 2200382 (2022), DOI: 10.1002/aelm.202200382.

Presenters

  • Deyuan Lyu

    • University of Minnesota

Authors

  • Deyuan Lyu

    • University of Minnesota

  • Delin Zhang

    • University of Minnesota

  • Brandon R Zink

    • University of Minnesota

  • Jenae E Shoup

    • National Institute of Standards and Technology

  • Mukund Bapna

    • Carnegie Mellon University

  • Ali Habiboglu

    • University of Arizona

  • Wei Jiang

    • University of Minnesota

  • Yang Lv

    • University of Minnesota

  • D. J. P. de Sousa

    • University of Minnesota

  • Yu-Ching Liao

    • Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Qi Jia

    • University of Minnesota

  • Pravin Khanal

    • University of Arizona

  • Zhengyang Zhao

    • University of Minnesota

  • Onri J Benally

    • University of Minnesota

  • Hongshi Li

    • University of Minnesota

  • Protyush Sahu

    • University of Minnesota

  • Bowei Zhou

    • University of Arizona

  • Azad Naeemi

    • Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Daniel B Gopman

    • National Institute of Standards and Technology

  • Weigang Wang

    • University of Arizona

  • Tony Low

    • University of Minnesota

  • Sara Majetich

    • Carnegie Mellon University

  • Jian-Ping Wang

    • University of Minnesota
    • University of MInnesota