Magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching
A magnetic memory element includes a pinned layer, a tunneling barrier layer, a free layer and a stabilizing layer. The tunneling barrier layer is disposed on the pinned layer. The free layer is disposed on the tunneling barrier layer. The stabilizing layer is disposed on the free layer.
1. A magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching, comprising:
a pinned layer;
a tunneling barrier layer, disposed on the pinned layer;
a free layer, disposed on the tunneling barrier layer;
a stabilizing layer, disposed on the free layer; and
a spacer layer, disposed between the free layer and the stabilizing layer, wherein the spacer layer is in direct contact with the free layer and the stabilizing layer.
2. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a material of the tunneling barrier layer comprises magnesium oxide (MgO) or aluminum oxide.
3. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a material of the free layer comprises a magnetic material.
4. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a material of the stabilizing layer comprises an anti-ferromagnetic material.
5. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a pinning layer, wherein the pinned layer is disposed on the pinning layer.
6. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 5 , wherein a material of the pinning layer comprises an anti-ferromagnetic material.
7. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a capping layer disposed on the stabilizing layer.
8. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 7 , wherein a material of the capping layer is Ta, Ti, Ru, AlO x or MgO.
9. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the stabilizing layer has a thickness within a range of 10 angstroms to 50 angstroms.
10. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a material of the spacer layer comprises a metal with a spin diffusion length greater than 100 angstroms.
11. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the stabilizing layer has a thickness greater than 50 angstroms.
12. The magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the metal is Ru, Ta, Ti, Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Pt or Pd.