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Three-terminal magnetic tunneling junction device with perpendicular anisotropy CoFeB sensing layer

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4868623· OSTI ID:22273716
; ; ; ;  [1]; ; ; ;  [2];  [3];  [2]
  1. Green Platform Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation, Tsukuba (Japan)
  2. Center for Spintronics Integrated Systems, Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan)
  3. Smart Energy Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation, Tsukuba (Japan)

We demonstrated read and write characteristics of a three terminal memory device with a perpendicular anisotropy-free layer of a strip of [Co/Ni] and a low-switching perpendicular-anisotropy CoFeB/MgO sensing layer. This new design of the cell results in a small cell area. The switching magnetic field of the sensing layer can be decreased by changing sputtering gas for the Ta-cap from Ar to Kr. An electron energy-loss spectroscopy analysis of the cross-section of the magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) revealed that the boron content in CoFeB with a Kr-sputtered Ta-cap was smaller than that with an Ar-sputtered one. A change in resistance for the MTJ was observed that corresponded to the magnetic switching of the Co/Ni wire and its magnetoresistance ratio and critical current were 90% and 0.8 mA, respectively.

OSTI ID:
22273716
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics Journal Issue: 17 Vol. 115; ISSN JAPIAU; ISSN 0021-8979
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English