Experimental demonstration of acoustic wave induced magnetization switching of dipole coupled magnetostrictive nanomagnets for ultralow power computing

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that acoustic waves can switch the magnetization states of nanomagnets, enabling ultralow power logic operations with non-volatile magnetic states, promising energy-efficient computing.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental evidence of acoustic wave-induced magnetization switching in dipole-coupled nanomagnets for logic applications.

Findings

Magnetization reversal is achieved using acoustic waves.

The nanomagnets retain their reversed state, demonstrating non-volatility.

The approach simplifies fabrication and reduces energy dissipation.

Abstract

We report nanomagnetic switching with Acoustic Waves (AW) launched from interdigitated electrodes that modulate the stress anisotropy of elliptical cobalt nanoscale magnetostrictive magnets (340 nm x 270 nm x 12 nm) delineated on 128 degree Y-cut lithium niobate. The dipole-coupled nanomagnet pairs are in a single-domain state and are initially magnetized along the major axis of the ellipse, with their magnetizations parallel to each other. The magnetizations of nanomagnets having lower shape anisotropy are reversed upon acoustic wave propagation. Thereafter, the magnetization of these nanomagnets remains in the reversed state and demonstrate non-volatility. This executes a 'NOT' operation. This proof of acoustic wave induced magnetic state reversal in dipole-coupled nanomagnets implementing a 'NOT' gate operation could potentially lead to the development of extremely energy-efficient nanomagnetic logic. Furthermore, fabrication complexity is reduced immensely due to the absence of individual contacts to the nanomagnets, leading to lower energy dissipation