Electric field control of fixed magnetic Skyrmions for energy efficient nanomagnetic memory

To meet the ever-growing demand of faster and smaller computers, increasing number of transistors are needed in the same chip area. Unfortunately, Silicon based transistors have almost reached their miniaturization limits mainly due to excessive heat generation. Nanomagnetic devices are one of the most promising alternatives of CMOS. In nanomagnetic devices, electron spin, instead of charge, is the information carrier. Hence, these devices are non-volatile: information can be stored in these devices without needing any external power which could enable computing architectures beyond traditional von-Neumann computing. Additionally, these devices are also expected to be more energy efficient than CMOS devices as their operation does not involve translation of charge across the device. However, the energy dissipated in the clocking circuitry negates this perceived advantage and in practice CMOS devices still consume three orders of magnitudes less energy. Therefore, researchers have been looking for nanomagnetic devices that could be energy efficient in addition to being non-volatile which has led to the exploration of several switching strategies. Among those, electric field induced switching has proved to be a promising route towards scalable ultra-low power computing devices. Particularly Voltage Control of Magnetic Anisotropy (VCMA) based switching dissipates ~1 fJ energy. However, incoherence due to thermal noise and material inhomogeneity renders this switching error-prone. This dissertation is devoted towards studying VCMA induced switching of a spin spiral magnetic state, magnetic skyrmions, which can potentially alleviate this issue. Magnetic skyrmions has recently emerged as a viable candidate to be used in room temperature nanomagnetic devices. Most of the studies propose to utilize skyrmion motion in a magnetic track to implement memory devices. However, Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) devices based on skyrmions that are fixed in space might be advantageous in terms of footprint. To establish a new computing paradigm based on electrical manipulation of magnetization of fixed magnetic skyrmions we have studied: i) Purely VCMA induced reversal of magnetic skyrmions using extensive micromagnetic simulations. This shows sequential increase and decrease of Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy (PMA) can result into toggling between skyrmionic and ferromagnetic states. We also demonstrate VCMA assisted Spin Transfer Torque (STT) induced reversal of magnetic skyrmions. ii) Complete reversal of ferromagnets mediated by intermediated skyrmion state using rigorous micromagnetic simulation. We show that the switching can be robust by limiting the “phase space” of the magnetization dynamics through a controlled skyrmion state. Thus, the switching error can be lowered compared to conventional VCMA switching. iii) Finally, we perform preliminary experiments on VCMA induced manipulation of skyrmions. We demonstrate that skyrmions can be annihilated when Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy of the system is increased by applying a negative voltage pulse and can be recreated by decreasing PMA by applying a positive voltage pulse. The experimental observations are corroborated using micromagnetic simulation. Future research should focus on demonstrating reversal of skyrmions experimentally in MTJ like devices and study the downscaling of the proposed device. These can enable realization of energy efficient and robust nanomagnetic memory devices based on voltage control switching of fixed magnetic skyrmions as wells as other neuromorphic computing devices

Magnetic domain walls : types, processes and applications

Domain walls (DWs) in magnetic nanowires are promising candidates for a variety of applications including Boolean/unconventional logic, memories, in-memory computing as well as magnetic sensors and biomagnetic implementations. They show rich physical behaviour and are controllable using a number of methods including magnetic fields, charge and spin currents and spin-orbit torques. In this review, we detail types of DWs in ferromagnetic nanowires and describe processes of manipulating their state. We look at the state of the art of DW applications and give our take on the their current status, technological feasibility and challenges

Design and Code Optimization for Systems with Next-generation Racetrack Memories

With the rise of computationally expensive application domains such as machine learning, genomics, and fluids simulation, the quest for performance and energy-efficient computing has gained unprecedented momentum. The significant increase in computing and memory devices in modern systems has resulted in an unsustainable surge in energy consumption, a substantial portion of which is attributed to the memory system. The scaling of conventional memory technologies and their suitability for the next-generation system is also questionable. This has led to the emergence and rise of nonvolatile memory ( NVM ) technologies. Today, in different development stages, several NVM technologies are competing for their rapid access to the market. Racetrack memory ( RTM ) is one such nonvolatile memory technology that promises SRAM -comparable latency, reduced energy consumption, and unprecedented density compared to other technologies. However, racetrack memory ( RTM ) is sequential in nature, i.e., data in an RTM cell needs to be shifted to an access port before it can be accessed. These shift operations incur performance and energy penalties. An ideal RTM , requiring at most one shift per access, can easily outperform SRAM . However, in the worst-cast shifting scenario, RTM can be an order of magnitude slower than SRAM . This thesis presents an overview of the RTM device physics, its evolution, strengths and challenges, and its application in the memory subsystem. We develop tools that allow the programmability and modeling of RTM -based systems. For shifts minimization, we propose a set of techniques including optimal, near-optimal, and evolutionary algorithms for efficient scalar and instruction placement in RTMs . For array accesses, we explore schedule and layout transformations that eliminate the longer overhead shifts in RTMs . We present an automatic compilation framework that analyzes static control flow programs and transforms the loop traversal order and memory layout to maximize accesses to consecutive RTM locations and minimize shifts. We develop a simulation framework called RTSim that models various RTM parameters and enables accurate architectural level simulation. Finally, to demonstrate the RTM potential in non-Von-Neumann in-memory computing paradigms, we exploit its device attributes to implement logic and arithmetic operations. As a concrete use-case, we implement an entire hyperdimensional computing framework in RTM to accelerate the language recognition problem. Our evaluation shows considerable performance and energy improvements compared to conventional Von-Neumann models and state-of-the-art accelerators

Magneto-capillary dynamics of particles at curved liquid interfaces

The ability to manipulate colloidal particles with magnetic fields has profound applications both in industry and academic research ranging from automobile shock absorbers to robotic micro-surgery. Many of these applications use field gradients to generate forces on magnetic objects. Such methods are limited by the complexity of the required fields and by the magnitude of the forces generated. Spatially uniform fields only apply torques, but no forces, on magnetic particles. However, by coupling the particles' orientation and location, even static uniform fields can drive particle motion. We demonstrate this idea using particles adsorbed at curved liquid interfaces. We first review the intersection between active colloidal particles and (passive) particles at the fluid-fluid interface (chapter 1), followed by the introduction of magnetism, magnetic manipulation, and magnetic Janus particle fabrication techniques (chapter 2). In chapter 3, we use magnetic Janus particles with amphiphilic surface chemistry adsorbed at the spherical interface of water drop in decane as a model system to study particle response to a uniform field. Owing to capillary constraints, Janus particles adsorbed at curved interfaces will move in a uniform magnetic field to align their magnetic moment parallel to the applied field. This phenomenon is labeled as the magneto-capillary effect in this thesis. As explained quantitatively by a simple model, the effective magnetic force on the particle induced by static uniform field scales linearly with the curvature of the interface. For particles adsorbed on small droplets such as those found in emulsions, these magneto-capillary forces can far exceed those due to magnetic field gradients in both magnitude and range. The time-varying fields induce more complex particle motions that persist as long as the field is applied (chapter 4). Depending on the angle and frequency of a precessing field, particles orbit the drop poles or zig-zag around the drop equator. Magneto-capillary effects are not limited to Janus particles. Similar behaviors are observed in commercially available carbonyl iron particles. Periodic particle motion at the liquid interface can drive fluid flows inside the droplets, which may be useful for enhancing mass transport in droplet micro-reactors. The magneto-capillary effect at curved liquid interfaces offers new capabilities in magnetic manipulation: even static uniform fields can propel magnetic particles and the use of time-varying fields leads to steady particle motions of increasing complexity. These experimental demonstrations and the quantitative models that accompany them should both inspire and enable continued innovations in the use of magnetic fields to drive active processes in colloid and interface science. The final chapter highlights some specific directions for future work in this area

Roadmap for optical tweezers

Optical tweezers are tools made of light that enable contactless pushing, trapping, and manipulation of objects, ranging from atoms to space light sails. Since the pioneering work by Arthur Ashkin in the 1970s, optical tweezers have evolved into sophisticated instruments and have been employed in a broad range of applications in the life sciences, physics, and engineering. These include accurate force and torque measurement at the femtonewton level, microrheology of complex fluids, single micro- and nano-particle spectroscopy, single-cell analysis, and statistical-physics experiments. This roadmap provides insights into current investigations involving optical forces and optical tweezers from their theoretical foundations to designs and setups. It also offers perspectives for applications to a wide range of research fields, from biophysics to space exploration.journal articl

Roadmap for optical tweezers

Artículo escrito por un elevado número de autores, solo se referencian el que aparece en primer lugar, el nombre del grupo de colaboración, si le hubiere, y los autores pertenecientes a la UAMOptical tweezers are tools made of light that enable contactless pushing, trapping, and manipulation of objects, ranging from atoms to space light sails. Since the pioneering work by Arthur Ashkin in the 1970s, optical tweezers have evolved into sophisticated instruments and have been employed in a broad range of applications in the life sciences, physics, and engineering. These include accurate force and torque measurement at the femtonewton level, microrheology of complex fluids, single micro- and nano-particle spectroscopy, single-cell analysis, and statistical-physics experiments. This roadmap provides insights into current investigations involving optical forces and optical tweezers from their theoretical foundations to designs and setups. It also offers perspectives for applications to a wide range of research fields, from biophysics to space explorationEuropean Commission (Horizon 2020, Project No. 812780

Roadmap for Optical Tweezers 2023

Optical tweezers are tools made of light that enable contactless pushing, trapping, and manipulation of objects ranging from atoms to space light sails. Since the pioneering work by Arthur Ashkin in the 1970s, optical tweezers have evolved into sophisticated instruments and have been employed in a broad range of applications in life sciences, physics, and engineering. These include accurate force and torque measurement at the femtonewton level, microrheology of complex fluids, single micro- and nanoparticle spectroscopy, single-cell analysis, and statistical-physics experiments. This roadmap provides insights into current investigations involving optical forces and optical tweezers from their theoretical foundations to designs and setups. It also offers perspectives for applications to a wide range of research fields, from biophysics to space exploration

Magnetic configurations in Co-based nanowires explored by electron holography and micromagnetic calculations

Les nanofils magnétiques suscitent un intérêt considérable depuis une quinzaine d'années en raison de leur utilisation potentielle pour la spintronique. Leur utilisation potentielle dans des dispositifs exige une description détaillée des états magnétiques locaux des nanofils. Dans cette thèse, j'ai étudié qualitativement et quantitativement les états magnétiques à l'état rémanent de nanofils magnétiques par holographie électronique (EH) et simulations micromagnétiques. Une analyse détaillée a été réalisée sur deux types de nanofils : multicouches Co/Cu et nanofils FeCoCu à diamètre modulé. Les deux systèmes ont été synthétisés par électrodéposition dans des membranes. La combinaison des caractérisations magnétiques, structurales et chimiques locales obtenues dans un TEM avec des simulations micromagnétiques ont permis une description complète de ces systèmes. Pour les nanofils multicouches Co / Cu, j'ai analysé l'influence des épaisseurs de cobalt et de cuivre ou de la structure cristalline de Co sur la configuration magnétique de nanofils isolés. Après l'application d'un champs de saturation dans des directions parallèle et perpendiculaire à l'axe des nanofils, j'ai étudié les configurations magnétiques pour les épaisseurs de Co / Cu suivantes : 25nm / 15nm, 25nm / 45nm, 50nm / 50nm et 100nm / 100nm. Trois configurations principales à la rémanence ont été trouvées : (i) un couplage antiparallèle entre les couches Co, (ii) une structure mono-domaine et (iii) un état vortex. Dans les nanofils Co (25 nm) / Cu (15 nm), en fonction de la direction du champ de saturation, les couches de Co peuvent présenter soit un couplage antiparallèle (champ de saturation perpendiculaire) ou un couplage de type vortex (champ de saturation en parallèle) avec un coeur aligné parallèlement à l'axe du fil. Cependant, 10% des nanofils étudié présente un état mono-domaine quel que soit le champ de saturation parallèle et perpendiculaire. Dans le cas Co (50 nm) / Cu (50 nm) et Co (25 nm) / Cu (45 nm), l'épaisseur plus grande de Cu séparant les couches ferromagnétiques réduit l'interaction magnétique entre des couches de Co voisines. L'état rémanent est donc formé de la combinaison de couches de Co monodomaines orientés perpendiculairement à l'axe du fil et de certains états vortex. Enfin pour la configuration Co (100 nm) / Cu (100 nm), un état monodomaine est observé quel que soit la direction du champ appliqué lors de la saturation. Toutes ces configurations magnétiques ont été déterminées et simulées à l'aide des calculs micromagnétiques jusqu'à ce qu'un accord quantitatif avec les résultats expérimentaux aient été obtenus. J'ai ainsi pu expliquer l'apparition et la stabilité de ces configurations en fonction des principaux paramètres magnétiques tels que l'échange, la valeur et la direction de l'anisotropie et l'aimantation. La comparaison entre les simulations et les résultats expérimentaux ont ainsi servi à déterminer précisément la valeur de ces paramètres. Dans les nanofils FeCoCu à diamètre modulé, une description détaillée de l'influence de la géométrie sur la configuration locale de spins a été réalisée. Les expériences d'holographie électronique montrent une structure magnétique monodomaines avec l'aimantation alignée longitudinalement. Cependant, nous avons trouvé grâce à des simulations micromagnétiques que cette configuration monodomaine est fortement affectée par la variation locale du diamètre. L'étude en particulier du champ de fuite mais aussi du champ démagnétisant à l'intérieur des nanofils a mis en évidence le rôle prépondérant des charges magnétiques aux zones de variation de diamètre. De plus l'aimantation présente une structure plus compliquée qu'un simple alignement le long de l'axe du fil. Enfin les résultats que j'ai obtenus ont abouti à une interprétation différente d'expériences précédentes en MFM.Magnetic nanowires have raised significant interest in the last 15 years due to their potential use for spintronics. Technical achievements require a detailed description of the local magnetic states inside the nanowires at the remnant state. In this thesis, I performed quantitative and qualitative studies of the remnant magnetic states on magnetic nanowires by Electron Holography (EH) experiments and micromagnetic simulations. A detailed investigation was carried out on two types of nanowires: multilayered Co/Cu and diameter-modulated FeCoCu nanowires. Both systems were grown by template-based synthesis using electrodeposition process. The combination of local magnetic, structural and chemical characterizations obtained in a TEM with micromagnetic simulations brought a complete description of the systems. In the multilayered Co/Cu nanowires, I analysed how different factors such as the Co and Cu thicknesses or the Co crystal structure define the remnant magnetic configuration into isolated nanowires. After applying saturation fields along directions either parallel or perpendicular to the NW axis, I studied multilayered Co/Cu nanowires with the following relative Co/Cu thickness layers: 25nm/15nm, 25nm/45nm, 50nm/50nm, and 100nm/100nm. Three main remnant configurations were found: (i) antiparallel coupling between Co layers, (ii) mono-domain-like state and (iii) vortex state. In the Co(25 nm)/Cu(15 nm) nanowires, depending on the direction of the saturation field, the Co layers can present either an antiparallel coupling (perpendicular saturation field) or vortex coupling (parallel saturation field) with their core aligned parallel to the wire axis. However, 10% of the nanowires studied present a mono-domain-like state that remains for both parallel and perpendicular saturation fields. In the Co(50 nm)/Cu(50 nm) and Co(25 nm)/Cu(45 nm) nanowires, a larger Cu thickness separating the ferromagnetic layers reduces the magnetic interaction between neighbouring Co layers. The remnant state is hence formed by the combination of monodomain Co layers oriented perpendicularly to the wire axis and some tilted vortex states. Finally for the Co(100 nm)/Cu(100 nm) nanowires a monodomain-like state is found no matters the direction of the saturation field. All these magnetic configurations were determined and simulated using micromagnetic calculations until a quantitative agreement with experimental results has been obtained. I was able to explain the appearance and stability of these configurations according to the main magnetic parameters such as exchange, value and direction of the anisotropy and magnetization. The comparison between simulations and experimental results were used to precisely determine the value of these parameters. In the diameter-modulated cylindrical FeCoCu nanowires, a detailed description of the geometry-induced effect on the local spin configuration was performed. EH experiments seem to reveal that the wires present a remnant single-domain magnetic state with the spins longitudinally aligned. However, we found through micromagnetic simulations that such apparent single-domain state is strongly affected by the local variation of the diameter. The study of the leakage field and the demagnetizing field inside the nanowire highlighted the leading role of magnetic charges in modulated areas. The magnetization presents a more complicated structure than a simple alignment along the wire axis. Finally my results have led to a new interpretation of previous MFM experiments