Arrays of Single-Domain Nanomagnets As Memory- Logic-Hybrid Device - a Nonvolatile Magnetic Memory That Can Perform Logical Operations

Abstract

With nonvolatile NAND flash memory becoming the dominant memory type the former champion for mass data storage – magnetic memory – has now become a niche player. This is – at least to some extent – unjustified, as magnetic data storage has still its advantages such as radiation-hardness, and long data storage time. In this work we celebrate a renaissance of magnetic data storage with a new concept that allows not only storing of information but also data processing with nanomagnets. We use focused electron beam induced deposition of single domain nanomagnets to fabricate arrays of magnetic nanowires and magnetic nanopillars. If the single nanomagnets are in close vicinity, then the stray fields allow to influence neighboring nanomagnets. With a majority gate such a nanomagnet assembly can even perform logical calculations. In this work we will present the fabrication process for such nanomagnetic devices, characterize their magnetic properties by magnetic force microscop, and design and fabricate nanomagnet arrays. With this dual functionality as memory and as logic unit these directly-written nanomagnet devices promise a promising future potential. Further applications of advanced device structures based on single domain nanomagnetswill be discussed. We will report on the optimization of the device fabrication process and chemical and structural analysis of nanomagnets. The functional characteristics of these hybrid devices will be described and future system applications will be discussed. Figure 1