Thematic overview
Magnetic Random Access Memories (MRAM) is a non-volatile memory technology, where information is stored by the magnetization direction of magnetic electrodes, very similar to computer hard-disk drives. The goal for MRAM memory is to simultaneously achieve high-speed read/write times, high density and unlimited cycling compared to other existing and emerging technologies.
Our group is developing advanced MRAM cell concepts patented at Spintec. The concepts are based on the use of temperature to reduce power consumption and increase the stability of the stored information. These ideas go beyond the conventional MRAM approach. The naturally occurring temperature increase during the write step is not lost, but is instead used to achieve the seemingly opposing goal of lowering the power consumption and increasing the thermal stability in the operating temperature range. Our group fosters young and experienced researchers developing/applying their expertise in the field of MRAM.
Questions to be addressed
Our main research axis is to use the naturally occurring temperature increase during the write step, when a current flows through the magnetic tunnel junction. The heating is used to go above a temperature threshold, making it possible to write the storage layer magnetization. This principle has been applied to in-plane magnetization cells using a storage layer pinned by an anti-ferromagnet and recently to perpendicular anisotropy cells. Our group’s goal is to demonstrate the proof-of-concept and then improve MRAM cell properties.
Our work involves the development of magnetic material systems, nano-fabrication (20-200nm cells), characterization of devices (magnetic & electrical) and simulation of the device behavior. Our activity in these vast fields is as follows;: On materials research, we are developing magnetic tunnel junctions with in-plane and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. New electrode stacks having the material properties required by each specific concept need to be integrated in magnetic tunnel junctions, while achieving high levels of TMR signal. For the characterization of each concept we determine the write window parameters in terms of magnetic field, power consumption and magnetization reversal dynamics. Macrospin and micromagnetic simulation provide a better physical understanding of the system properties and the possibilities for optimization.
Projects
ANR EXCALYB – Perpendicular Anisotropy Materials for High-Density Non-volatile Magnetic Memory Cells
Crocus R&D – Thermally assisted MRAM
Samsung SGMI
Partners
Crocus Technology
Institut Néel
SP2M/NM
SAMSUNG
Applied Materials
SINGULUS
Recent news
- A new spintronic memristive component for neuromorphic circuits [November 18th, 2021]
Neuromorphic computing is a bio-inspired technology which aims at mimicking the brain working principles. It can be used for fast and energy-efficient applications through the implementation of networks of artificial neurons and synapses. Artificial synapses ... - Introductory Course on Magnetic Random Access Memory (InMRAM 2021) [October 08th, 2021]
This introductory course aims at helping students, researchers and engineers having little or no background in magnetism to better understand the physics and working principles of this new class of magnetic memory called MRAMs (Magnetic ... - A new prober at SPINTEC for SOT-MRAM [October 06th, 2021]
Spintec has acquired a new 200mm HProbe automatic prober dedicated to the study and characterisation of SOT-MRAM memories. The equipment was funded by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region’s Pack Ambition Recherche 2019 programme, via a research project ... - Masters thesis projects for Spring 2022 [September 17th, 2021]
You find here the list of proposals for Master-2 internships to take place at Spintec during Spring 2022. In most cases, these internships are intended to be suitable for a longer-term PhD work. Interested Master-1 ... - Heavy ion irradiation effects on advanced Perpendicular Anisotropy Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic Tunnel Junction [September 10th, 2021]
This study investigates heavy-ion irradiation effects on Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic Tunnel Junction devices (p-STT-MTJs). The radiative campaign took place at the Cyclotron Resource Centre of Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL). Designers of space ...
SOUSA Ricardo
ricardo.sousa@cea.fr
BALTZ Vincent
vincent.baltz@cea.fr
PREJBEANU Lucian
lucian.prejbeanu@cea.fr
DIENY Bernard
bernard.dieny@cea.fr
