It is crucial that magnetic memory devices formed from magnetic heterostructures possess sizable spin-orbit torque (SOT) efficiency and high thermal stability to realize both efficient SOT control and robust storage of such memory devices. However, most previous studies on various types of magnetic heterostructures have focused on only their SOT efficiencies, whereas the thermal stabilities therein have been largely ignored. In this work, we study the temperature-dependent SOT and stability properties of two types of W-based heterostructures, namely W/CoFeB/MgO (standard) and CoFeB/W/CoFeB/MgO (field-free), from 25 ^{\circ}C (298 K) to 80 ^{\circ}C (353 K). Via temperature-dependent SOT characterization, the SOT efficacies for both systems are found to be invariant within the range of studied temperatures. Temperature-dependent current-induced SOT switching measurements further show that the critical switching current densities decrease with respect to the ambient temperature; thermal stability factors (Δ) are also found to degrade as temperature increases for both standard and field-free systems. The memristive SOT switching behaviors in both systems with various pulse-widths and temperatures are also examined. Our results suggest that although the SOT efficacy is robust against thermal effects, the reduction of Δ at elevated temperatures could be detrimental to standard memory as well as neuromorphic (memristive) device applications.
We investigate the switching kinetics of oxygen vacancies (Ov) diffusion in LPCMO-Ag memristive interfaces by performing experiments on the temperature dependence of the high resistance (HR) state under thermal cycling. Experimental results are well reproduced by numerical simulations based on thermally activated Ov diffusion processes and fundamental assumptions relying on a recent model proposed to explain bipolar resistive switching in manganite- based cells. The confident values obtained for activation energies and diffusion coefficient associated to Ov dynamics, constitute a validation te…
Memristive switching devices, candidates for resistive random access memory technology, have been shown to switch off through a progression of states with quantized conductance and subsequent non-integer conductance (in terms of conductance quantum $G_0$). We have performed calculations based on density functional theory to model the switching process for a Pt-HfO$_2$-Pt structure, involving the movement of one or two oxygen atoms. Oxygen atoms moving within a conductive oxygen vacancy filament act as tunneling barriers, and partition the filament into weakly coupled quantum wells. We show tha…
We report on an astonishing switching synchronization phenomenon in one-dimensional memristive networks, which occurs when several memristive systems with different switching constants are switched from the high to low resistance state. Our numerical simulations show that such a collective behavior is especially pronounced when the applied voltage slightly exceeds the combined threshold voltage of memristive systems. Moreover, a finite increase in the network switching time is found compared to the average switching time of individual systems. An analytical model is presented to explain our ob…
Usually, resistive switching (RS) devices show digital RS memory (sharp SET and RESET process), which is most suitable for digital data storage applications. Some RS devices also manifest ideal memristive behavior or analog memory characteristics (gradual change in resistance states). The analog RS properties of memristive devices widen their application domain to a much broader field of neuromorphic computing. The tunability of memristive devices to digital or analog memory applications greatly depends upon the switching medium. In this work, we report a comparative study on RS properties of …
We study a switching synchronization phenomenon taking place in one-dimensional memristive networks when the memristors switch from the high to low resistance state. It is assumed that the distributions of threshold voltages and switching rates of memristors are arbitrary. Using the Laplace transform, a set of non-linear equations describing the memristors dynamics is solved exactly, without any approximations. The time dependencies of memristances are found and it is shown that the voltage falls across memristors are proportional to their threshold voltages. A compact expression for the netwo…
We report on resistive switching of memristive electrochemical metallization devices using 3D kinetic Monte Carlo simulations describing the transport of ions through a solid state electrolyte of an Ag/TiO$_{\text{x}}$/Pt thin layer system. The ion transport model is consistently coupled with solvers for the electric field and thermal diffusion. We show that the model is able to describe not only the formation of conducting filaments but also its dissolution. Furthermore, we calculate realistic current-voltage characteristics and resistive switching kinetics. Finally, we discuss in detail the …
Memristive devices whose resistance can be hysteretically switched by electric field or current are intensely pursued both for fundamental interest as well as potential applications in neuromorphic computing and phase-change memory. When the underlying material exhibits additional charge or spin order, the resistive states can be directly coupled, further allowing for electrical control of the collective phases. Here, we report the observation of abrupt, memristive switching of tunneling current in nanoscale junctions of ultrathin CrI$_3$, a natural layer antiferromagnet. The coupling to spin …
Memristive Switches in Rigid Conjugated Single-Molecule Junctions
Delft University of Technology（代尔夫特理工大学）；Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology（代尔夫特理工大学卡弗里纳米科学研究所）；Polish Academy of Sciences（波兰科学院）；Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences（波兰科学院有机化学研究所）
We show that ideal memristors - devices whose resistance is proportional to the charge that flows through them - can be realized using spin torque-driven viscous magnetization dynamics. The latter can be accomplished in the spin liquid state of thin-film heterostructures with frustrated exchange, where memristive response is tunable by proximity to the glass transition, while current-induced Joule heating facilitates nonvolatile operation and second-order memristive functionality beneficial for neuromorphic applications. Ideal memristive behaviors can be achieved in other systems characterized…
Frequency generators are widely used in electronics. Here, we report the design and experimental realization of a memristive frequency generator employing a unique combination of only digital logic gates, a single-supply voltage and a realistic threshold-type memristive device. In our circuit, the oscillator frequency and duty cycle are defined by the switching characteristics of the memristive device and external resistors. We demonstrate the circuit operation both experimentally, using a memristor emulator, and theoretically, using a model memristive device with threshold. Importantly, nanos…
Tuning the memristive response of TaO$_x$-based devices with Ag Nanoparticles
Centro Atómico Bariloche, Instituto Balseiro (UNCuyo), CONICET（巴里洛切原子中心，巴尔塞罗研究所）；Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen（格罗宁根大学泽尔尼克先进材料研究所）；CogniGron Center, University of Groningen（格罗宁根大学认知格罗宁根中心）；Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA-Unizar)（阿拉贡纳米科学与材料研究所）；Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, UNIZAR（萨拉戈萨大学凝聚态物理系）；Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas, UNIZAR-CSIC（萨拉戈萨大学-西班牙国家研究委员会先进显微镜实验室）；Laboratorio de Ablación Láser (INN-CONICET-CNEA), Centro Atómico Constituyentes（constituent 原子中心激光烧蚀实验室）
This study presents a comprehensive examination of the development of TiN/SiO$_\mathrm{x}$/Cu/SiO$_\mathrm{x}$/TiN memristive devices, engineered for neuromorphic applications using a wedge-type deposition technique and Monte Carlo simulations. Identifying critical parameters for the desired device characteristics can be challenging with conventional trial-and-error approaches, which often obscure the effects of varying layer compositions. By employing an \textit{off-center} thermal evaporation method, we created a thickness gradient of SiO$_\mathrm{x}$ and Cu on a 4-inch wafer, facilitating d…
Resistive and capacitive switching in capacitor metal/nanocomposite/metal (M/NC/M) structures based on (CoFeB)x(LiNbO3)100-x NC fabricated by ion-beam sputtering with metal content x $\approx$ 8-20 at. % is studied. The peculiarity of the structure synthesis was the use of increased oxygen content ($\approx$ 2*10^-5 Torr) at the initial stage of the NC growth. The NC films, along with metal nanogranules of 3-6 nm in size, contained a large number of dispersed Co (Fe) atoms (up to ~10^22 cm^-3). Measurements were performed both in DC and AC (frequency range 5-13 MHz) regimes. When switching str…
This Habilitation Thesis written in 2013 reviews my research work on spin torque nano-oscillators (from zero-field oscillations, to synchronization and vortex oscillators) and memristive devices (spin Torque and ferroelectric memristors).
We theoretically studied the thermally assisted spin torque switching of a synthetic free layer and showed that the switching time is minimized if the condition H_J=|H_s|/(2 alpha) is satisfied, where H_J, H_s and alpha are the coupling field of two ferromagnetic layers, the amplitude of the spin torque, and the Gilbert damping constant. We also showed that the coupling field of the synthetic free layer can be determined from the resonance frequencies of the spin-torque diode effect.
Redox-based memristive devices are among the alternatives for the next generation of non volatile memories, but also candidates to emulate the behavior of synapses in neuromorphic computing devices. It is nowadays well established that the motion of oxygen vacancies (OV) at the nanoscale is the key mechanism to reversibly switch metal/insulator/metal structures from insulating to conducting, i.e. to accomplish the resistive switching effect. The control of OV dynamics has a direct effect on the resistance changes, and therefore on different figures of memristive devices, such as switching spee…
Schemes of switching nanomagnetic memories via the effect of spin torque with various polarizations of injected electrons are studied. Simulations based on macrospin and micromagnetic theories are performed and compared. We demonstrate that switching with perpendicularly polarized current by short pulses and free precession requires smaller time and energy than spin torque switching with collinear in plane spin polarization; it is also found to be superior to other kinds of memories. We study the tolerances of switching to the magnitude of current and pulse duration. An increased Gilbert dampi…
A common ploy to reduce the switching current and energy dissipation in spin-transfer-torque driven magnetization switching of shape-anisotropic single-domain nanomagnets is to employ magnets with low saturation magnetization $M_s$ and high shape-anisotropy. The high shape-anisotropy compensates for low $M_s$ to keep the static switching error rate constant. However, this ploy increases the switching delay, its variance in the presence of thermal noise, and the dynamic switching error rate. Using the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation with a random torque emulating thermal noise, we s…
Spin torque majority gates are modeled and several regimes of magnetization switching (some leading to failure) are discovered. The switching speed and noise margins are determined for STMGs and an adder based on it. With switching time of 3ns at current of 80uA, the adder computational throughput is comparable to that of a CMOS adder.
In large magnetoresistance devices spin torque-induced changes in resistance can produce GHz current and voltage oscillations which can affect magnetization reversal. In addition, capacitive shunting in large resistance devices can further reduce the current, adversely affecting spin torque switching. Here, we simultaneously solve the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation with spin torque and the transmission line telegrapher's equations to study the effects of resistance feedback and capacitance on magnetization reversal of both spin valves and magnetic tunnel junctions. While for spin valves para…
The spin torque switching rate of an in-plane magnetized system in the presence of an applied field is derived by solving the Fokker-Planck equation. It is found that three scaling currents are necessary to describe the current dependence of the switching rate in the low-current limit. The dependences of these scaling currents on the applied field strength are also studied.
We study the influence of the spin torque, which depends on the space and time derivative of magnetization, on magnetization reversal time in a ferromagnetic fine particle. The spin torque operates to dissipate the angular momentum of the magnetization precession, and the torque increases in a spin vortex structure. We calculate the magnetization reversal time under a DC magnetic field using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation containing a spin torque term. We found that the spin torque changes the magnetization switching speed significantly during the reversal process by maintaining a spin v…
We report gate-tunable memristive switching in patterned LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces at cryogenic temperatures. The application of voltages in the order of a few volts to the back gate of the device allows controlling and switching-on and -off the inherent memory functionality (memristance). For large and small gate voltages a simple non-linear resistance characteristic is observed while a pinched hysteresis loop and memristive switching occurs in an intermediate voltage range. The memristance is further controlled by the density of oxygen vacancies, which is tuned by annealing the sample at 300 …
We apply a recently developed quantum theory of spin transfer torque to study the effect of the quantum noise in spin transfer process on the magnetization switching in spin-torque-driven devices. The quantum noise induces considerable fluctuation of the switching time at zero temperature. By including the thermal noise, the temperature dependence of the expectation value and standard deviation of the switching time are obtained in the Monte Carlo simulations, and the results are fitted to an effective first passage model. We expect that the predictions here are observable in the single-shot m…
We study current-induced switching in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) in the presence of a field-like spin-transfer torque and titled pinned-layer magnetization in the high current limit at finite temperature. We consider both the Slonczewski and field-like torques with coefficients $a_J$ and $b_J $, respectively. At finite temperatures, $σ= b_J/a_J = \pm1$ leads to a smaller mean switching time compared that with $σ= 0$. The reduction of switching time in the presence of the field-like term is due to the alignment effect (for $σ> 0$) and the initial torque effect.
We report single-shot measurements of resistance versus time for thermally assisted spin-torque-driven switching in magnetic tunnel junctions. We achieve sufficient sensitivity to resolve the resistance signals leading up to switching, including the variations between individual switching events. Analyses of pre-switching thermal fluctuations allow detailed measurements of coherence times and variations in magnetization precession amplitude. We find that with a small in-plane hard-axis magnetic field the magnetization dynamics are more spatially coherent than for the case of zero field.
Memristive systems are generalisations of memristors, which are resistors with memory. In this paper, we present a quantum description of memristive systems. Using this model we propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and practical scheme for realising memristive systems with quantum dots. The approach harnesses a phenomenon that is commonly seen as a bane of nanoelectronics, i.e. switching of a trapped charge in the vicinity of the device. We show that quantum-dot memristive systems have hysteresis current-voltage characteristics and quantum jump induced stochastic behaviour. Realisin…
We studied the spin torque switching of the single free layer in the thermally activated region by numerically solving the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. We found that the temperature dependence of the switching time of the in-plane magnetized system is nonlinear, which means $b \neq 1$. Here, $b$ is the exponent of the current term in the switching rate formula and has been widely assumed to be unity. This result enables us to evaluate the thermal stability of spintronics devices.
The current dependence of the switching barrier for spin torque switching of an in-plane magnetized ferromagnet was studied. Two scaling currents, I_{c}$ and I_{c}^{*}(>I_{c}), were introduced to distinguish the magnetization stability. In the low-current region I<I_{c}, the switching barrier is linear to the current with another scaling current \tilde{I}_{c}, while such linear scaling does not hold in the high-current region I_{c} < I < I_{c}^{*}. The linear scaling is valid for the high temperature and the long current pulse duration time.
The spin torque assisted thermal switching of the single free layer was studied theoretically. Based on the rate equation, we derived the theoretical formulas of the most likely and mean switching currents of the sweep current assisted magnetization switching, and found that the value of the exponent $b$ in the switching rate formula significantly affects the estimation of the retention time of magnetic random access memory. Based on the Fokker-Planck approach, we also showed that the value of $b$ should be two, not unity as argued in the previous works.
We demonstrate the reduction of critical spin-transfer torque (STT) switching currents in Co-Fe-B/MgO based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) with perpendicular magnetization anisotropy (PMA). The junctions yield tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratios of up to 64% at 4 monolayer (ML) tunnel barrier thickness. In this paper, the reduction of the critical switching current density is studied. By optimizing the applied bias field during DC-STT measurements, ultra low critical switching current densities of less than 20 kA/cm$^2$, even down to 9 kA/cm$^2$, are found. With the reduced switching curren…
We demonstrate magnetization switching in out-of-plane magnetized Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires by current pulse injection along the nanowires, both with and without a constant and uniform magnetic field collinear to the current direction. We deduce that an effective torque arising from spin-orbit effects in the multilayer drives the switching mechanism. While the generation of a component of the magnetization along the current direction is crucial for the switching to occur, we observe that even without a longitudinal field thermally generated magnetization fluctuations can lead to switching. Analys…
The field-free spin-orbit torque induced 180° reorientation of perpendicular magnetization is beneficial for the high performance magnetic memory. The antiferromagnetic material (AFM) can provide higher operation speed than the ferromagnetic counterpart. In this paper, we propose a trilayer AFM/Insulator/Heavy Metal structure as the AFM memory device. We show that the field-free switching of the AFM with perpendicular Néel vector can be achieved by using two orthogonal currents, which provide the uniform damping-like torque and stagger field-like torque, respectively. The reversible switching …
We demonstrate efficient current induced spin orbit torque switching in perpendicularly magnetized epitaxial MgO(001)//Pd/Co2FeAl/MgO heterostructures grown by magnetron sputtering. The advantage of such heterostructures for spin orbit torque MRAM devices is that they allow a unique combination of critical ingredients: i) low resistivity required for reduced electric energy consumption during writing, ii) high TMR ratio required for efficient reading and iii) strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy for increased thermal stability.
We simulate the spin torque-induced reversal of the magnetization in thin disks with perpendicular anisotropy at zero temperature. Disks typically smaller than 20 nm in diameter exhibit coherent reversal. A domain wall is involved in larger disks. We derive the critical diameter of this transition. Using a proper definition of the critical voltage, a macrospin model can account perfectly for the reversal dynamics when the reversal is coherent. The same critical voltage appears to match with the micromagnetics switching voltage regardless of the switching path.
We studied the magnetization reversal rates of thermally assisted spin transfer torque switching in a ferromagnetically coupled synthetic free layer theoretically. By solving the Fokker-Planck equation, we obtained the analytical expression of the switching probability for both the weak and the strong coupling limit. We found that the thermal stability is proportional to Delta_{0}(1-I/I_{c})^{2}, not Delta_{0}(1-I/I_{c}) argued by Koch et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 088302 (2004)], where I and I_{c} are the electric current and the critical current of spin transfer torque switching at absolute z…
Dependence of the thermally assisted spin torque switching probability on the sweep electric current was investigated theoretically. The analytical expressions of the switching times for $b=1$ and $b=2$ are derived based on the rate equation, where $b$ is the exponent of the current term in the switching rate. The switching current is approximately proportional to the temperature $T$ and the logarithm of the sweep rate $v$ for both $b=1$ and $b=2$ in the experimentally performed ranges of $T$ and $v$. Experiments in very low temperature range are required to determine the exponent $b$.
We report that synthetic antiferromagnets (SAFs) can be efficiently switched by spin-orbit torques (SOTs) and the switching scheme does not obey the usual SOT switching rule. We show that both the positive and negative spin Hall angle (SHA)-like switching can be observed in Pt/SAF structures with only positive SHA, depending on the strength of applied in-plane fields. A new switching mechanism directly arising from the asymmetric domain expansion is proposed to explain the anomalous switching behaviors. Contrary to the macrospin-based switching model that the SOT switching direction is determi…
This is a reply to a comment on our work recently posted in arXiv. To our knowledge, this comment has not been published anywhere else. We show that the points raised in the comment are invalid
In this article we analyze by modeling two possible mechanisms for magnetization switching using spin orbit torques, which have been reported to cause field-free deterministic switching in experiments. Here we compare the field-free magnetization switching due to a tilt of the anisotropy direction against the use of an antiferromagnetic bias field. Simple results obtained analytically show that a bias field not only causes the magnetization reversal but also reduces the corresponding energy barrier. The critical current required for magnetization switching is analyzed on the basis of a macrosp…
We present experimental results and macrospin simulations of the switching characteristics of orthogonal spin-transfer devices incorporating an out-of-plane magnetized polarizing layer and an in-plane magnetized spin valve device at cryogenic temperatures. At $T=4$ K we demonstrate: high speed deterministic switching at short pulse lengths - down to 100 ps - with sufficient measurement statistics to establish a switching error rate of $10^{-5}$; coherent precessional switching at longer times; and ensemble decoherence effects at even longer times. Finite temperature macrospin models capture th…
It is demonstrated by means of the optimal control theory that the energy cost of the spin-orbit torque induced reversal of a nanomagnet with perpendicular anisotropy can be strongly reduced by proper shaping of both in-plane components of the current pulse. The time-dependence of the optimal switching pulse that minimizes the energy cost associated with Joule heating is derived analytically in terms of the required reversal time and material properties. The optimal reversal time providing a tradeoff between the switching speed and energy efficiency is obtained. A sweet-spot balance between th…
This paper analyzes write errors in spin torque switching due to thermal fluctuations in a system with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy (PMA). Prior analytical and numerical methods are summarized, a physics based Fokker-Planck Equation (FPE) chosen for its computational efficiency and broad applicability to all switching regimes. The relation between write error slope and material parameters is discussed in detail to enable better device engineering and optimization. Finally a 2D FPE tool is demonstrated that extends the applicability of FPE to write error in non PMA systems with built-in as…
We explore spin-torque induced magnetic reversal in magnetic tunnel junctions using combined AC and DC spin-current pulses. We calculate the optimal pulse times and current strengths for both AC and DC pulses as well as the optimal AC signal frequency, needed to minimize the Joule heat lost during the switching process. The results of this optimization are compared against numeric simulations. Finally we show how this optimization leads to different dynamic regimes, where switching is optimized by either a purely AC or DC spin-current, or a combination AC/DC spin-current, depending on the anis…
Future applications of spin-orbit torque will require new mechanisms to improve the efficiency for switching nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), while also controlling the magnetic dynamics to achieve fast, nanosecond scale performance with low write error rates. Here we demonstrate a strategy to simultaneously enhance the interfacial magnetic anisotropy energy and suppress interfacial spin memory loss by introducing sub-atomic and monatomic layers of Hf at the top and bottom interfaces of the ferromagnetic free layer of an in-plane magnetized three-terminal MTJ device. When combined w…
We propose the use of resonant tunneling as a route to enhance the spin-transfer torque switching characteristics of magnetic tunnel junctions. The proposed device structure is a resonant tunneling magnetic tunnel junction based on a MgO-semiconductor heterostructure sandwiched between a fixed magnet and a free magnet. Using the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism coupled self consistently with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation, we demonstrate enhanced tunnel magneto-resistance characteristics as well as lower switching voltages in comparison with traditional trilayer dev…
The current dependence of the spin torque switching rate in a thermally activated region of an in-plane magnetized system was studied. The logarithm of the switching rate depended nonlinearly on current in the high-current region, I_{c} < I < I_{c}^{*}, where I_{c} and I_{c}^{*} are critical currents distinguishing the stability of the magnetization. We also found that the attempt frequency had a minimum around I_{c}, and that the attempt frequency at I_{c} was three orders of magnitude smaller than that at zero current, contrary to the assumption in previous analyses of experiments that it re…
We study ns scale spin-torque-induced switching in perpendicularly magnetized tunnel junctions (pMTJ). Although the switching voltages match with the macrospin instability threshold, the electrical signatures of the reversal indicate the presence of domain walls in junctions of various sizes. In the antiparallel (AP) to parallel (P) switching, a nucleation phase is followed by an irreversible flow of a wall through the sample at an average velocity of 40 m/s with back and forth oscillation movements indicating a Walker propagation regime. A model with a single-wall locally responding to the sp…
The relative contributions of in-plane (damping-like) and out-of-plane (field-like) spin-transfer-torques in the magnetization switching of out-of-plane magnetized magnetic tunnel junctions (pMTJ) has been theoretically analyzed using the transformed Landau-Lifshitz (LL) equation with the STT terms. It is demonstrated that in a pMTJ structure obeying macrospin dynamics, the out-of-plane torque influences the precession frequency but it does not contribute significantly to the STT switching process (in particular to the switching time and switching current density), which is mostly determined b…
