Reversible magnetic logic gates based on spin wave interference

Abstract

We propose and develop reversible magnetic logic gates based on spin wave interference. The gates consist of passive elements including spin waveguides, cross-junctions, and phase shifters. Logic 0 and 1 are encoded in the phase of the propagating spin wave (0 or π). There are different possible input-output trajectories for the propagating spin waves, where some of the trajectories contain phase shifters and others do not. In each case, the particular input-output trajectory and the resultant output phase depend on the input phase combination. The redirection takes place in the cross junctions. Two waves coming to a junction in-phase propagate through the junction without reflection. In contrast, two waves coming to a junction out-of-phase are completely reflected back. The process of redirection is illustrated by numerical modeling of a nanometer-scale junction comprising two chains of spins, which operates at zero temperature. We also present experimental data on spin wave redirection in a micrometer-size cross junction made of Y3Fe2(FeO4)3 operating at room temperature. Our results demonstrate a prominent spin wave redirection, where the ratio of the transmitted power between the in-phase and out-of-phase cases exceeds 45 dB at room temperature. Based on these experimental data, we estimate the energy per operation in spin wave reversible logic circuits. The proposed reversible gates may provide a route to magnetic logic circuitry with power dissipation less than kT per operation.