The objective in this research is to study the dynamic properties of the logic gates and data channels based on networks of interacting nanomagnetic cells. Among the projected properties of magnetic cellular logic are high integration density, high speed, room temperature operation, low power consumption, and, significantly, the resistance to ionizing radiation and electromagnetic shock waves.
Intellectual Merit: The proposed research will constitute the first dynamics study of logic state propagation in magnetic cellular networks. It will contribute to the understanding of signal propagation in coupled nanomagnetic arrays and the interplay between energy dissipation and statistical variations in geometry and materials properties. Utilizing crystalline magnetic anisotropy of advanced materials instead of shape anisotropy to define the states of the cells will open a route to efficient device scalability down to a superparamagnetic limit near 2-3 nm. Furthermore, moving from the sub-micron regime, the proposed research will be the first to enable cells of a size that could be inserted near the end of the semiconductor technology roadmap.
Broader Impacts: The impact of this research is to contribute to the understanding of the dynamics phenomena in magnetostatically coupled arrays that are of direct relevance to magnetic data storage and magnetic random access memory. The long-term potential of this work, the development of integrated magnetic computing systems, could foster significant advances in information processing rivaling, if not surpassing, the integrated circuit revolution of the past half-century. The students involved in the program will be at the forefront of a fascinating scientific field with broad industrial potential.
This project has focused on the investigation of various device physics topics related to magnetic logic, an emerging computational paradigm designed to surpass the predicted limitations of conventional semiconductor electronics. As the technology is still in its infancy, the teams pursued the development of a design framework, including the physics of individual magnetic cellular logic devices, signal propagation in cellular channels, role of magnetic materials properties, such as magnetic anisotropy, on functionality, and the development of appropriate fabrication strategies. We have demonstrated the ability of fabrication of closely spaced magnetic arrays using a combination of self-limiting ion milling (SLIM) technique, first developed by our team, and electrochemical synthesis. We have conducted an exhaustive study of signal propagation and attenuation of cellular channel – a critical aspect of the technology. We have explored experimentally and theoretically the feasibility of vertical signal propagation, which might enable 3 dimensional packing of magnetic cellular logic. We have demonstrated AND and OR gates, the basic elements of a logic system. We have furthered our understanding of the application of clocking fields in magnetic cellular systems. A number of graduate and undergraduate students have participated in the project. The scientific and engineering results of the project areincorporated into the existing NanoEngineering minor curriculum at the Cullen College of Engineering of the University of Houston.
