Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080247086 | Method for forming interleaved coils with damascene plating - A method of forming interleaved coils of a write head is disclosed using a combination of non-damascene and damascene processes. | 10-09-2008 |
20080271308 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD HAVING A WRAP-AROUND TRAILING SHIELD AND A CONCAVE TRAILING EDGE MAIN POLE - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method allows the write head to be formed with a write pole having a concave trailing edge. The method further allows the amount of concavity of the trailing edge to be accurately and carefully controlled both within a wafer and between wafers. A write pole is formed using a mask that includes a hard mask, a RIEable layer and an endpoint detection layer. A layer of non-magnetic material (ALD layer) h deposited, and then, an ion milling process is used to remove a portion of the ALD layer disposed over the write pole and mask. A reactive ion etch process is performed to remove the RIEable layer leaving the ALD layer to form non-magnetic side walls with upper portions that extend above the write pole. Another ion milling is then performed, preferably at an angle relative to normal, such that shadowing from the upper portions of the non-magnetic side walls causes the ion milling to form the write pole with a concave trailing edge. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273268 | PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC RECORDING WRITE HEAD WITH COPLANAR MAIN POLE AND RETURN POLES AND MAGNETIC RECORDING SYSTEM - A perpendicular magnetic recording write head has a main pole and return poles that are substantially coplanar. The write head includes a main pole, two return poles and a connecting stud that are all formed as a single layer in a single deposition and patterning step. The coplanar main and return poles lie in a plane parallel to the cross-track direction. The two return poles are thus spaced from the main pole in the cross-track direction. The main pole includes a write pole connected to it but lying in a plane spaced in the along-the-track direction from the plane of the main pole. The write head includes a helical coil wrapped around the main pole. The magnetic flux path is from the write pole to the disk recording layer in a data track aligned with the write pole, to the disk underlayer beneath the recording layer, through the underlayer to data tracks spaced cross-track from the data track aligned with the write pole, and back through the return poles. | 11-06-2008 |
20080313885 | SHIELD FABRICATION OF MAGNETIC WRITE HEADS - Methods are provided for fabricating a write head with a self aligned wrap around shield and a self aligned flared region of a write pole. A flare point and a track width of a write pole may be fabricated using multiple processes. The multiple processes utilize several masking structures to define the track width and the flare point of the write pole. A mask structure is formed to cover a first portion of the write pole. An edge of the mask structure adjacent to an exposed second portion of the write pole defines a flare point of the write pole. Various structures of the write head, including shield gap layers, a wrap around shield and a flared region (e.g., the yoke) of the write pole may be fabricated from the flare point defined by the mask structure. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316630 | USING INDUCTANCE TO MEASURE WRITER SPACING IN PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC RECORDING - A magnetic data recording system that can directly measure soft underlayer spacing of a perpendicular magnetic write head during operation. The soft underlayer spacing of the magnetic write head can be determined by measuring the magnetic inductance of the write head. The inductance of the write head varies with changes in the distance between the write pole and the soft underlayer of the magnetic medium. By connecting the write head with magnetic inductance measuring circuitry, the soft underlayer spacing can be constantly monitored during operation of the magnetic data recording system. The system can also include active fly height control such as a thermal fly height control capability. By directly measuring the soft underlayer spacing in real time during use of the data recording system, the actively fly height controlling features can be operated efficiently to precisely maintain a desired spacing between the write pole and the soft underlayer of the magnetic medium. | 12-25-2008 |
20090057160 | INTERLEAVED HELICAL COILS ON PERPENDICULAR HEADS - A method for manufacturing a write head with a helical coil having a very small and well controlled spacing between adjacent coil leads. The method includes forming a first set of coil leads, then conformally depositing a thin layer of electrically insulating material such as alumina over the first set of coil leads and over the substrate. An electrically conductive seed layer is then deposited over the thin layer of non-magnetic, electrically insulating material An electrically conductive material such as Cu is then deposited by electroplating in order to form a second set of electrically conductive leads interspersed within the first set of electrically conductive leads, each of the second set of leads being separated from the second set of leads by a portion of the thin layer of non-magnetic, electrically insulating material. | 03-05-2009 |
20090095707 | Method And Apparatus For Processing Sub-Micron Write Head Flare Definition - A method and apparatus for processing sub-micron write head flare definition is provided. The method for processing a perpendicular magnetic head forms a portion of a perpendicular write head, where the portion of the write head includes a first pole layer, a coil layer, a second pole layer and a write pole, the method forms a portion of a magnetic read head adjacent to the portion of the perpendicular write head, where the portion of the read head includes a shield layer and a sensor, the method also laps the write pole concurrently with the sensor to define a flare position of the pole tip and to define a sensor height, where the flare position of the pole tip is defined in the same photo-lithography step as the back edge of the sensor. | 04-16-2009 |
20090103211 | PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING A SHORT THROAT HEIGHT WRAP AROUND TRAILING SHIELD - A magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic data recording having a trailing shield with a two step throat height. The trailing shield is formed over a non-magnetic bump that forms a notch in the leading edge of the trailing shield. This notch defines a first, smaller throat height closest to the write pole and a larger throat height away from the write pole. The smaller throat height near the write pole prevents excess magnetic flux from leaking to the write pole, thereby ensuring efficient strong write field. The larger trailing shield throat height away from the write pole prevents magnetic saturation oft the trailing shield and also greatly facilitates manufacturing avoiding problems related to variations and deviations in manufacturing processes used to define the trailing shield. | 04-23-2009 |
20090116152 | MULTILAYER STITCHED YOKE FOR A HIGH DATA RATE PERPENDICULAR WRITE HEAD - A magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic data recording having a write pole that is sandwiched between first and second magnetic shaping layers. The split shaping layers allow a laminated shaping layer structure allows a manufacturable laminated shaping layer to be constructed for improved data rate. One of the magnetic shaping layers can be formed as a laminated structure while that other can be a single layer of electroplated magnetic material. The shaping layers can be separated from the write pole by a thin layer of non-magnetic material to form a laminated interface between the write pole and the shaping layers. These features reduce magnetic domains and also reduce eddy currents which advantageously improves data rate. | 05-07-2009 |
20090117407 | SHORT FLARE DEFINITION BY ADDITIVE PROCESS FOR PERPENDICULAR HEAD - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method includes forming a write pole, and then depositing a refill layer. A mask structure can be formed over the writ pole and refill layer, the mask structure being configured to define a stitched pole. An ion milling or reactive ion milling can then be performed to remove portions of the refill layer that are not protected by the mask structure. Then a magnetic material can be deposited to form a stitched write pole that defines a secondary flare point. The stitched pole can also be self aligned with an electrical lapping guide in order to accurately locate the front edge of the secondary flare point relative to the air bearing surface of the write head. | 05-07-2009 |
20090141397 | PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD WITH STEPPED WRITE POLE FOR REDUCED MCW DEPENDENCY ON SKEW ANGLE - A magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic data recording having a notched write pole for reduced magnetic core width (MCW) dependence on skew. The write pole is configured with a notch that can extend to or slightly beyond the flare point of the write pole, and is formed on the leading portion of the write pole. The notch can have a notch depth, as measured from the ABS of 50-200 nm or about 120 nm. The notch can have a notch height, measured in the down track direction that is 40-90 nm or 20-90 percent of the write pole height. | 06-04-2009 |
20090152235 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD WITH STEPPED TRAILING MAGNETIC SHIELD WITH ELECTRICAL LAPPING GUIDE CONTROL - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a stepped trailing shield. The stepped trailing shield is formed by forming a non-magnetic bump over a write pole prior to electroplating a wrap-around magnetic shield. The method allows the location of the front edge of the bump relative to the back edge of the wrap-around shield to be monitored by measuring the electrical resistance of an electrical lapping guide formed concurrently with these features. This concurrent formation of a lapping guide can be used to define the relative location of other features as well, such as the location of a back edge of a wrap-around shield relative to a flare point of a write pole. | 06-18-2009 |
20090154019 | PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC RECORDING WRITE HEAD WITH SLANTED MAGNETIC WRITE POLE - A perpendicular magnetic recording write head is formed on the trailing surface of a head carrier or slider that has an air-bearing surface (ABS) oriented generally parallel to the surface of the disk during operation of the disk drive. The write head has a slanted ferromagnetic write pole (WP) that forms an angle between about 5 and 20 degrees from a normal to the ABS. The slanted WP is formed over the generally planar surface of the ferromagnetic main pole and the slanted surface of a support layer located between the ABS and the recessed end of the main pole. A trailing shield (TS) has a slanted face that is generally parallel to and spaced from the slanted WP, with a nonmagnetic gap layer located between the slanted face of the TS and the slanted WP. | 06-18-2009 |
20090195920 | Main pole bridge structure - A method of reducing flux leakage between a main pole and a wrap around shield (WAS) is provided. A gap underneath a main pole is etched. Magnetic material is deposited in the gap. A layer of nonmagnetic material is deposited on the magnetic material, wherein the layer of nonmagnetic material reduces flux leakage between the main pole and the WAS. | 08-06-2009 |
20090197208 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC WRITE POLE USING AN ELECTRICAL LAPPING GUIDE FOR TIGHT WRITE POLE FLARE POINT CONTROL - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method provides for accurate definition of a device feature such as a write pole flare point. A functional lapping guide is formed to determine when a lapping operation should be terminated to define an air bearing surface of a slider. In order to provide accurate compensation for manufacturing variations in the functional lapping guide, a dummy lapping guide is provided. An amount of variation of a front edge of the dummy lapping guide, which is defined by the same process step as a writer pole flare point, can be calculated by measuring the width (stripe height) of the dummy lapping guide based on its electrical resistance. Since the back edges of the dummy lapping guide and functional lapping guide are defined by the same manufacturing steps, the back edge of the functional lapping guide can then be determined, and used for accurately control of the writer flare point through their correlation established from the dummy lapping guide. | 08-06-2009 |
20090268348 | WRITE HEAD LAPPING GUIDE ABOUT ALIGNED TO A NON-MAGNETIC LAYER SURROUNDING A WRITE POLE AND A METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A method in one embodiment includes forming an electric lapping guide layer; forming a write pole; forming a first gap layer over the write pole; masking a portion of the first gap layer for defining a window over the write pole and at least a portion of the electric lapping guide layer; and forming a bump over the write pole in the window. A system in one embodiment includes an electric lapping guide layer; a write pole positioned to one side of the electric lapping guide layer; and a bump formed over the write pole in a window, wherein a back end of the electric lapping guide layer and a front end of the bump are about a same distance from a lapped surface of a head. Additional methods and systems are presented. | 10-29-2009 |
20090268350 | PERPENDICULAR WRITE HEAD HAVING A TRAILING SHIELD WITH A SHORT GAP, SHORT THROAT AND HIGH APEX ANGLE FOR IMPROVED LINEAR DENSITY RECORDING - A magnetic write head having a trailing shield configured to optimize both write field strength and field gradient. The write head includes a write pole, a trailing gap layer formed over the trailing edge of the write pole and a trailing magnetic shield formed over the non-magnetic write gap layer such that the non-magnetic write gap layer is sandwiched between the trailing magnetic shield and the write pole. The trailing magnetic shield has a first surface disposed at the air bearing surface and second surface disposed away from the air bearing surface that is tapered at an angle of 20 to 75 degrees relative to the trailing edge of the write pole. | 10-29-2009 |
20100155366 | METHOD FOR CREATING A MAGNETIC WRITE POLE HAVING A STEPPED PERPENDICULAR POLE VIA CMP-ASSISTED LIFTOFF - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a stepped, recessed, high magnetic moment pole connected with a write pole. The stepped pole structure helps to channel magnetic flux to the write pole without leaking write field to the magnetic medium. This allows the write head to maintain a high write field strength at very small bit sizes. The method includes depositing a dielectric layer and a first CMP layer over substrate that can include a magnetic shaping layer. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer, the mask having an opening to define the stepped pole structure. The image of the mask is transferred into the dielectric layer. A high magnetic moment material is deposited and a chemical mechanical polishing is performed to planarize the magnetic material and dielectric layer. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157470 | METHODS FOR CREATING SLANTED PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC POLE VIA METAL LIFTOFF - A method in one embodiment includes forming a resist structure above an upper surface of a substrate, wherein a portion of the upper surface of the substrate is a shaping layer, wherein the resist structure has an undercut; depositing a layer of magnetic material above exposed regions of the substrate, wherein a portion of the layer of magnetic material tapers towards the substrate as it approaches the undercut; removing the resist structure; and forming a write pole above the layer of magnetic material. Additional methods are disclosed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157471 | WRITE HEAD WITH DIFFERENT UPPER AND LOWER YOKE LENGTHS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, a system comprises an upper yoke having a first length defined between a pole tip thereof and a back gap thereof. In addition, the system includes a lower yoke having a second length defined between a pole tip thereof and a back gap thereof, the second length being greater than the first length. Also, the system includes coil turns in the upper and lower yokes. Additional systems and methods are also presented. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157474 | METHOD OF MULTI-ANGLED BUMP PROCESSING FOR MAGNETIC POLE FABRICATION AND SYSTEMS THEREOF - A system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic pole; a bump structure above the pole, the bump structure having a first surface oriented at a first angle between 1° and 89° from a plane of deposition of the pole, and a second surface oriented at a second angle between 1° and 89° from the plane of deposition of the pole, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle; and a shield above the bump structure. A method according to one embodiment includes forming a bump layer above a magnetic pole; removing a portion of the bump layer for forming a step therein; and milling the bump layer for defining thereon a first surface oriented at a first angle between 1° and 89° from a plane of deposition of the bump layer, and a second surface oriented at a second angle between 1° and 89° from the plane of deposition of the bump layer, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159154 | METHODS FOR CREATING A STEPPED PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC POLE VIA MILLING AND/OR METAL LIFTOFF - A method in one embodiment includes forming a layer of a nonmagnetic material above an upper surface of a substrate; forming a resist structure above the layer of nonmagnetic material, wherein the resist structure has an undercut; removing a portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material not covered by the resist structure; depositing a layer of magnetic material above the substrate adjacent a remaining portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material such that at least portions of the layer of magnetic material and the remaining portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material lie in a common plane; removing the resist structure; and forming a write pole above the layer of magnetic material and the remaining portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material. Additional methods are also presented. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162555 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRICAL LAPPING GUIDE FOR MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD CORE WIDTH OPTIMIZATION - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head that allows the location of the flare point of a write pole to be accurately located relative to the air bearing surface. The method includes the construction of a lapping guide having an edge feature that is easily and accurately located relative to the flare point of the write pole. This edge feature provides an abrupt change in electrical resistance across the lapping guide at a point when lapping should be terminated. And, since this feature can accurately located relative to the flare point, this provides an easily discernable ending point for lapping. | 07-01-2010 |
20100162556 | ELECTRICAL LAPPING GUIDE FOR IMPROVING MAGNETIC CORE WIDTH IN A MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD - A method for manufacturing a magnetic head for magnetic data recording, that allows a lapping termination point to be easily and accurately determined during lapping. The method includes constructing a lapping guide that has an electrically is formed to provide an abrupt change in resistance at a point where lapping should be terminated. This point of abrupt resistance change is located relative to the flare point of the write pole that the distance between the flare point and the air bearing surface can be accurately maintained. This abrupt resistance change also makes it possible to monitor both a stripe height defining rough lapping and an angled kiss lapping process using a single measurement channel. | 07-01-2010 |
20100163523 | FORMATION OF LOW RESISTANCE DAMASCENE COILS - In one embodiment and method of the present invention, a coil of a write head is created by forming a P1 pedestal layer and a back gap layer and further forming a coil pattern consistent with the coil to be formed and insulator spacers dispersed in the coil pattern, using a non-damascene process, thereafter the coil is formed by plating using a damascene process. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165513 | WRITE HEAD WITH SELF-ALIGN LAYER AND A METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A system according to one embodiment includes a write pole having an end region positioned towards an air bearing surface, a first flare point, and a second flare point positioned between the air bearing surface and the first flare point; and a shield positioned above the write pole, wherein a cross sectional area of the write pole at a point between the first and second flare points along a plane passing through the write pole and oriented about parallel to the air bearing surface is greater than a cross sectional area of the end region of the write pole along a plane oriented parallel to the plane passing through the second flare point. Additional systems and methods are also presented. | 07-01-2010 |
20100181286 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A CIRCUMFERENTIALLY PATTERNED DISK FOR LONGITUDINAL AND PERPENDICULAR RECORDING - A method for constructing a magnetic medium for use in data recording that has a series of concentric magnetic track portions separated from one another by non-magnetic portions or gap portions. The disk may be manufactured by depositing first and second materials sequentially onto a rotating tube, the first and second materials having different etch rates. The tube may then be sliced into disks and the disks subjected to a reactive ion etch (RIE) to form a disk surface having concentric raised portions separated by concentric recessed portions. A magnetic material can then be deposited. An optional chemical mechanical polishing process can then be performed to planarize the surface, resulting in a planar surface having rings of magnetic material separated by rings of non-magnetic material. | 07-22-2010 |
20110076784 | Fabrication of Magnetic Element Arrays - Techniques for fabricating an array of magnetic elements to form memory and other devices with a high areal density. | 03-31-2011 |
20110102948 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DUAL MAGNETIC TUNNELING JUNCTIONS USABLE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MAGNETIC MEMORIES - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic memory are described. The magnetic junction includes first and second pinned layers, first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers, and a free layer. The first pinned layer has a first pinned layer magnetic moment and is nonmagnetic layer-free. The first nonmagnetic spacer layer resides between the first pinned and free layers. The free layer resides between the first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers. The second pinned layer has a second pinned layer magnetic moment and is nonmagnetic layer-free. The second nonmagnetic spacer layer resides between the free and second pinned layers. The first and second pinned layer magnetic moments are antiferromagnetically coupled and self-pinned. The magnetic junction is configured to allow the free layer to be switched between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. | 05-05-2011 |
20110141804 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DUAL MAGNETIC TUNNELING JUNCTIONS USABLE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MAGNETIC MEMORIES - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic memory are described. The magnetic junction includes first and second pinned layers, first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers, and a free layer. The pinned layers are nonmagnetic layer-free and self-pinned. In some aspects, the magnetic junction is configured to allow the free and second pinned layers to be switched between stable magnetic states when write currents are passed therethrough. The magnetic junction has greater than two stable states. In other aspects, the magnetic junction includes at least third and fourth spacer layers, a second free layer therebetween, and a third pinned layer having a pinned layer magnetic moment, being nonmagnetic layer-free, and being coupled to the second pinned layer. The magnetic junction is configured to allow the free layers to be switched between stable magnetic states when write currents are passed therethrough. | 06-16-2011 |
20120107645 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SHORT FLARE DEFINITION BY ADDITIVE PROCESS FOR PERPENDICULAR HEAD - A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method includes forming a write pole, and then depositing a refill layer. A mask structure can be formed over the writ pole and refill layer, the mask structure being configured to define a stitched pole. An ion milling or reactive ion milling can then be performed to remove portions of the refill layer that are not protected by the mask structure. Then a magnetic material can be deposited to form a stitched write pole that defines a secondary flare point. The stitched pole can also be self aligned with an electrical lapping guide in order to accurately locate the front edge of the secondary flare point relative to the air bearing surface of the write head. | 05-03-2012 |
20120168885 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC LAYERS HAVING INSERTION LAYERS FOR USE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MEMORIES - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device are described. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. At least one of the pinned layer and the free layer includes a magnetic substructure. The magnetic substructure includes at least two magnetic layers interleaved with at least one insertion layer. Each insertion layer includes at least one of Cr, Ta, Ti, W, Ru, V, Cu, Mg, aluminum oxide, and MgO. The magnetic layers are exchange coupled. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170357 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE LOGIC CELLS IN A SINGLE STACK - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device are described. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a plurality of nonmagnetic spacer layers, and a plurality of free layers. The free layers are interleaved with the nonmagnetic spacer layers. A first nonmagnetic spacer layer of the nonmagnetic spacer layers is between the free layers and the pinned layer. Each of the free layers is configured to be switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. Each of the free layers has a critical switching current density. The critical switching current density of one of the free layers changes monotonically from the critical switching current density of an adjacent free layer. The adjacent free layer is between the pinned layer and the one of the plurality of free layers. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170362 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DUAL MAGNETIC TUNNELING JUNCTIONS USABLE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MAGNETIC MEMORIES - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic memory are described. The magnetic junction includes first and second pinned layers, first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers, and a free layer. The first pinned layer has a first pinned layer magnetic moment and is nonmagnetic layer-free. The first nonmagnetic spacer layer resides between the first pinned and free layers. The free layer resides between the first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers. The second pinned layer has a second pinned layer magnetic moment and is nonmagnetic layer-free. The second nonmagnetic spacer layer resides between the free and second pinned layers. The first and second pinned layer magnetic moments are antiferromagnetically coupled and self-pinned. The magnetic junction is configured to allow the free layer to be switched between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. | 07-05-2012 |
20120261776 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC LAYERS HAVING INSERTION LAYERS FOR USE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MEMORIES - A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, a free layer, and at least one damping reduction layer. The free layer has an intrinsic damping constant. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The at least one damping reduction layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the free layer and configured to reduce the intrinsic damping constant of the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. | 10-18-2012 |
20120319221 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A MAGNETIC JUNCTION CONFIGURED FOR PRECESSIONAL SWITCHING USING A BIAS STRUCTURE - A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a first pinned layer having a first pinned layer magnetization, a first nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer having an easy axis. The first nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the first pinned layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction and such that the free layer employs precessional switching. | 12-20-2012 |
20130009260 | Method And System For Providing A Magnetic Junction Using Half Metallic Ferromagnets - A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. At least one of the free layer and the pinned layer include at least one half-metal. | 01-10-2013 |
20130154034 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SETTING A PINNED LAYER IN A MAGNETIC TUNNELING JUNCTION - A method and system for setting the direction of pinned layers in a magnetic junction are described. In one aspect, a magnetic field greater than the coercivity of the layers in a pinned layer but less than the coupling field between the layers is applied. In another aspect the pinned layers are switched from an anti-dual state to a dual state using a spin transfer torque current. In another aspect, a magnetic junction having a partial perpendicular anisotropy (PPMA) layer in the pinned layer is provided. In some aspects, the PPMA layer is part of a synthetic antiferromagnetic structure. In some embodiments, a decoupling layer is provided between the PPMA layer and another ferromagnetic layer in the pinned layer. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154035 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A MAGNETIC TUNNELING JUNCTION USING THERMALLY ASSISTED SWITCHING - A magnetic junction is described. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The magnetic junction may also include an additional nonmagnetic spacer layer and an additional pinned layer opposing the nonmagnetic spacer layer and the pinned layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer is configured to be switchable using a write current passed through the magnetic junction. The free layer is also configured to be thermally stable in a quiescent state and have a reduced thermal stability due to heating from the write current being passed through the magnetic junction. In some aspects, the free layer includes at least one of a pinning layer(s) interleaved with ferromagnetic layer(s), two sets of interleaved ferromagnetic layers having different Curie temperatures, and a ferrimagnet having a saturation magnetization that increases with temperature between ferromagnetic layers. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154036 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC JUNCTIONS HAVING IMPROVED CHARACTERISTICS - A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, a free layer, at least one insulating layer, and at least one magnetic insertion layer adjoining the at least one insulating layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The at least one insulating layer is adjacent to at least one of the free layer and the pinned layer. The at least one magnetic insertion layer adjoins the at least one insulating layer. In some aspects, the insulating layer(s) include at least one of magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, ruthenium oxide, titanium oxide, and nickel oxide The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. | 06-20-2013 |
20130155754 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A MAGNETIC MEMORY UTILIZING A SHIFT REGISTER - A magnetic memory is described. The magnetic memory includes magnetic memory elements corresponding to magnetic memory cells and at least one shift register. Each magnetic memory element includes a pinned layer, a free layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the pinned and free layers. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic memory element. The shift register(s) correspond to the magnetic memory elements. Each shift register includes domains separated by domain walls. A domain is antiparallel to an adjoining domain. The shift register(s) are configured such that an equilibrium state aligns a portion of the domains with the magnetic memory elements. The shift register(s) are also configured such that each domain walls shifts to a location of an adjoining domain wall when a shift current is passed through the shift register(s) in a direction along adjoining domains. | 06-20-2013 |
20130161768 | MAGNETIC DEVICE HAVING A MAGNETIC MATERIAL IN A CONTACT STRUCTURE COUPLED TO A MAGNETIC ELEMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A magnetic device has a contact structure including a magnetic material therein. The contact structure is magnetostatically and/or electrically coupled to a magnetic element such as one having a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) multilayer structure. The magnetic material included in the contact structure is configured to compensate for an offset field acting on the free layer of the magnetic element by reference layers of the magnetic element. | 06-27-2013 |
20140151830 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC JUNCTIONS HAVING A GRADED MAGNETIC FREE LAYER - A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer has a gradient in a critical switching current density (J | 06-05-2014 |
20140175577 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VERTICAL SPIN TRANSFER SWITCHED MAGNETIC JUNCTIONS AND MEMORIES USING SUCH JUNCTIONS - A method and system provide a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device and which resides on a substrate. The magnetic junction includes a reference layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer. The free layer, the nonmagnetic spacer layer and the reference layer form nonzero angle(s) with the substrate. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. | 06-26-2014 |
20140211557 | VOLTAGE ASSISTED STT-MRAM WRITING SCHEME - An embodiment includes a three terminal magnetic element for a semiconductor memory device. The magnetic element includes a reference layer; a free layer; a barrier layer disposed between the reference layer and the free layer; a first electrode; an insulating layer disposed between the electrode and the free layer; and a second electrode coupled to sidewalls of the free layer. | 07-31-2014 |
20140264671 | MAGNETIC JUNCTIONS HAVING INSERTION LAYERS AND MAGNETIC MEMORIES USING THE MAGNETIC JUNCTIONS - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device are described. The magnetic junction includes a reference layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between a plurality of stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. A portion of the magnetic junction includes at least one magnetic substructure. The magnetic substructure includes at least one Fe layer and at least one nonmagnetic insertion layer. The at least one Fe layer shares at least one interface with the at least one nonmagnetic insertion layer. Each of the at least one nonmagnetic insertion layer consists of at least one of W, I, Hf, Bi, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Os and In. | 09-18-2014 |
20150035099 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC JUNCTIONS INCLUDING A PACKAGE STRUCTURE USABLE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MEMORIES - A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device are described. The magnetic includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, a free layer, and package structure(s). The pinned layer has a pinned layer perimeter and a top surface. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is on at least part of the top surface and between the pinned and free layers. The free layer has a free layer perimeter. The package structure(s) are ferromagnetic and encircles at least one of the free layer and the pinned layer. The package structure(s) are ferromagnetically coupled with the pinned layer. The magnetic junction is configured such that the free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. | 02-05-2015 |
20150041934 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC MEMORIES SWITCHABLE USING SPIN ACCUMULATION AND SELECTABLE USING MAGNETOELECTRIC DEVICES - A magnetic memory is described. In one aspect, the magnetic memory includes magnetic junctions and at least one semi-spin valve (SSV) line adjacent to the magnetic junctions. Each magnetic junction includes a magnetic free layer. The SSV line(s) include a ferromagnetic layer and a nonmagnetic layer between the ferromagnetic layer and the magnetic junctions. The SSV line(s) are configured to exert a spin accumulation induced torque on at least a portion of the magnetic junctions due to an accumulation of spin polarized current carriers from a current that is substantially in-plane. The free layer is configured to be written using at least the spin accumulation induced torque. In another aspect, the magnetic memory includes magnetic memory cells and at least one spin torque (ST) line that is analogous to the SSV line. Each magnetic memory cell includes magnetic junction(s) analogous to those above and magnetoelectric selection device(s). | 02-12-2015 |