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Electromagnetic Radiation Effects on MgO-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions: A Review

Journal Article · · Molecules

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) have been widely utilized in sensitive sensors, magnetic memory, and logic gates due to their tunneling magnetoresistance. Moreover, these MTJ devices have promising potential for renewable energy generation and storage. Compared with Si-based devices, MTJs are more tolerant to electromagnetic radiation. In this review, we summarize the functionalities of MgO-based MTJ devices under different electromagnetic irradiation environments, with a focus on gamma-ray radiation. We explore the effects of these radiation exposures on the MgO tunnel barriers, magnetic layers, and interfaces to understand the origin of their tolerance. This review enhances our knowledge of the radiation tolerance of MgO-based MTJs, improves the design of these MgO-based MTJ devices with better tolerances, and provides information to minimize the risks of irradiation under various irradiation environments. This review starts with an introduction to MTJs and irradiation backgrounds, followed by the fundamental properties of MTJ materials, such as the MgO barrier and magnetic layers. Then, we review and discuss the MTJ materials and devices’ radiation tolerances under different irradiation environments, including high-energy cosmic radiation, gamma-ray radiation, and lower-energy electromagnetic radiation (X-ray, UV–vis, infrared, microwave, and radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation). In conclusion, we summarize the radiation effects based on the published literature, which might benefit material design and protection.

Research Organization:
Morgan State Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Army Research Laboratory; USDOE; USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE), Clean Coal and Carbon Management
Grant/Contract Number:
FE0031906
OSTI ID:
1974256
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1974042
Journal Information:
Molecules, Journal Name: Molecules Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 28; ISSN MOLEFW; ISSN 1420-3049
Publisher:
MDPI AGCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Switzerland
Language:
English

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