Superconducting/magnetic Three-state Nanodevice for Memory and Reading Applications

Area of Science:

• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Superconducting devices offer unique electronic properties.
• Nanomagnets provide localized magnetic field control.
• Vortex dynamics in superconductors are crucial for device operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanodevice with dual non-volatile memory and magnetic field sensing capabilities.
• To explore the combined effects of superconducting vortex ratchet and nanomagnetization for device functionality.
• To demonstrate a three-state memory (-1, 0, +1) and a sensitive magnetic field sensor.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an ordered array of triangular nanomagnets on a superconducting thin film.
• Utilizing AC currents as input signals and measuring DC voltages as output.
• Investigating the device operation based on superconducting vortex ratchet effect and nanomagnet stray fields.
• Operating the device in two distinct modes: memory and sensor.

Main Results:

• The nanodevice successfully operates in a non-volatile three-state memory mode using nanomagnet stray fields.
• The device functions as a sensor for external magnetic fields.
• The sensor mode exhibits a unique characteristic where the output signal becomes null at a specific external magnetic field value, dependent on fabrication.

Conclusions:

• A novel nanodevice integrating superconducting and nanomagnetic components has been successfully demonstrated.
• The device exhibits versatile functionality for both data storage and magnetic field detection.
• The findings pave the way for new applications in advanced memory and sensing technologies.