All Spin Logic: A Micromagnetic Perspective

Abstract

Most investigations of all spin logic (ASL) have been based on the monodomain approximation of magnetization switching. The sensitive and stochastic nature of spin transfer torque (STT) switching creates pressing requirements for analyzing ASL from a micromagnetic perspective also. Hence, in this paper, ASL is studied from a micromagnetic perspective by developing a simulation framework that can capture diffusive spin transport. The spin transport model is calibrated from the existing experimental results on nonlocal spin valve measurements. Then, using this framework, STT switching is studied for input–output nanomagnets with in-plane and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy for ASL devices (ASLDs). Precisely defined architecture and design constraints for such input–output nanomagnets are presented. Further, a previously proposed switching mechanism by driving the nanomagnet into a metastable state is also incorporated into micromagnetic framework. Using the aforementioned mechanism, the critical current required for STT switching can be reduced to as low as 20 $\mu $ A. Moreover, the graphene channel ASLD using tunnel contact at the injector is demonstrated for copy and invert logic operations.