Spin torque oscillator sensor
US8259409B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/0016
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A spin torque oscillation magnetoresistive sensor for measuring a magnetic field. The sensor uses a change in precessional oscillation frequency of a magnetization of a magnetic layer to determine the magnitude of a magnetic field. The sensor can include a magnetic free layer, a magnetic pinned layer and a non-magnetic layer sandwiched therebetween. Circuitry is connected with these layers to induce an electrical current through the layers. Spin polarization of electrons traveling through the device causes a spin torque induced precession of the magnetization of one or more of the layers. The frequency of this oscillation modulates in response to a magnetic field. The modulation of the oscillation frequency can be measured to detect the presence of the magnetic field, and determine its magnitude.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.