Multi-level resistance uniformity of double pinned perpendicular magnetic-tunnel-junction spin-valve depending on top MgO barrier thickness

In order to utilize perpendicular spin-torque-transfer magnetic-random-access-memory (p-STT MRAM) as a storage class memory, the achievement of performing multi-level-cell (MLC) operation is important in increasing the integration density of p-STT MRAM. For a double pinned perpendicular magnetic tun...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Han-Sol Jun, Jin-Young Choi, Kei Ashiba, Sun-Hwa Jung, Miri Park, Jong-Ung Baek, Tae-Hun Shim, Jea-Gun Park
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2020-06-01
Series:AIP Advances
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0007064
Description
Summary:In order to utilize perpendicular spin-torque-transfer magnetic-random-access-memory (p-STT MRAM) as a storage class memory, the achievement of performing multi-level-cell (MLC) operation is important in increasing the integration density of p-STT MRAM. For a double pinned perpendicular magnetic tunneling junction spin-valve performing MLC (i.e., four-resistance level) operation, the uniformity in the resistance difference between four-level resistances was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The uniformity in the resistance difference between four-level resistances was strongly dependent on the top MgO tunneling-barrier thickness. Particularly, the most uniform resistance difference between four resistance states could be achieved at a critical top-MgO tunneling thickness (i.e., ∼1.15 nm).
ISSN:2158-3226