This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 18/167,325 filed Feb. 10, 2023, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 17/715,477 filed Apr. 7, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,637,237, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 17/184,206 filed Feb. 24, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,355,698, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 16/671,567 filed Nov. 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,964,885, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/777,894 filed May 21, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,510,948, which in turn is a National Stage Application of PCT/JP2016/084979, filed Nov. 25, 2016, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-232334, filed Nov. 27, 2015, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-053072, filed Mar. 16, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-056058, filed Mar. 18, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-210531, filed Oct. 27, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-210533, filed Oct. 27, 2016. The entire contents of each of the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a magnetoresistive effect element that can be applied to high-frequency electronic components such as magnetic heads and high pass filters, and magnetic memory and the like, and also relates to magnetic memory, a magnetization rotation method, and a spin current magnetization rotational element.

BACKGROUND ART

Giant magnetoresistive (GMR) elements composed of a multilayer film of ferromagnetic layers and non-magnetic layers, and tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) elements which use insulating layers (tunnel barrier layers, barrier layers) for the non-magnetic layers are already known. Generally, although TMR elements have a higher element resistance than GMR elements, the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio of TMR elements is larger than the MR ratio of GMR elements. Consequently, TMR elements are attracting much attention as elements for magnetic sensors, high-frequency components, magnetic heads and non-volatile random access memory (MRAM).

Examples of known methods for writing to MRAM include a method in which a magnetic field generated by an electric current is used to perform writing (magnetization rotation), and a method in which a spin transfer torque (STT) generated by passing an electric current through the stacking direction of a magnetoresistive element is used to perform writing (magnetization rotation).

In the method that uses a magnetic field, a problem arises in that when the size of the element is small, writing becomes impossible to perform with the size of the electric current that is able to flow through the fine wires.

In contrast, in the method that uses spin transfer torque (STT), one ferromagnetic layer (the fixed layer or reference layer) causes spin polarization of the current, that current spin is transferred to the magnetization of the other ferromagnetic layer (the free layer or recording layer), and the torque (STT) generated at that time is used to perform writing (magnetization rotation), and this method offers the advantage that as the size of the element decreases, the size of the current required for writing also decreases.

PRIOR ART LITERATURE
Non-Patent Document

- Non-Patent Document 1: I. M. Miron, K. Garello, G. Gaudin, P. J. Zermatten, M. V. Costache, S. Auffret, S. Bandiera, B. Rodmacq, A. Schuhl, and P. Gambardella, Nature, 476, 189 (2011).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Magnetization rotation of a TMR element using STT is efficient when considered from an energy efficiency perspective, but the reversal current density required to achieve magnetization rotation is high.

From the viewpoint of achieving a long life for the TMR element, this reversal current density is preferably low. This point is similar for GMR elements.

Accordingly, in both types of magnetoresistive effect elements, namely in both TMR elements and GMR elements, it is desirable to reduce the current density that flows through the magnetoresistive effect element.

In recent years, magnetization rotation using pure spin current generated by spin-orbit interaction has been advocated as a practically applicable method (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Pure spin current generated by spin-orbit interaction induces spin-orbit torque (SOT), and this SOT can cause magnetization rotation depending on the magnitude of the SOT. A pure spin current is generated when an electron with upward spin and an electron with downward spin flow with the same frequency in opposing directions, and because the electric charge flows cancel each other out, the electric current flowing through the magnetoresistive effect element is zero. If magnetization rotation can be achieved using only this pure spin current, then because the electric current is zero, the lifespan of the magnetoresistive effect element can be lengthened. Alternatively, it is thought that if STT is also used for magnetization rotation, then by using SOT generated by pure spin current, the electric current used in generating the STT can be reduced by an amount equivalent to the amount of SOT generated by pure spin current, enabling a lengthening of the lifespan of the magnetoresistive effect element to be achieved. It is thought that in those cases where both STT and SOT are used, the greater the proportion of SOT that is used, the more effectively the lifespan of the magnetoresistive effect element can be lengthened.

The present disclosure has been developed in light of the above issues, and has an object of providing a spin current magnetization rotational element, a magnetoresistive effect element and magnetic memory that utilize magnetization rotation by pure spin current. Further, the disclosure also has an object of providing a magnetization rotation method in which magnetization rotation of a magnetoresistive effect element is conducted using pure spin current.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to achieve the above objects, the present disclosure provides the following aspects.

(1) A spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a magnetoresistive effect element having a first ferromagnetic metal layer having a fixed magnetization orientation, a second ferromagnetic metal layer having a variable magnetization orientation, and a non-magnetic layer sandwiched between the first ferromagnetic metal layer and the second ferromagnetic metal layer, and spin-orbit torque wiring which extends in a direction that intersects the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element, and is connected to the second ferromagnetic metal layer, wherein the electric current that flows through the magnetoresistive effect element and the electric current that flows through the spin-orbit torque wiring merge or are distributed in the portion where the magnetoresistive effect element and the spin-orbit torque wiring are connected.

(2) In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to (1) above, the spin-orbit torque wiring may contain a non-magnetic metal with an atomic number of 39 or greater having d-electrons or f-electrons in the outermost shell.

(3) In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to (1) or (2) above, the spin-orbit torque wiring may be composed of a pure spin current generation portion formed from a material that generates a pure spin current, and a low-resistance portion formed from a material having a smaller electrical resistance than the pure spin current generation portion, wherein at least a portion of the pure spin current generation portion contacts the second ferromagnetic metal layer.

(4) In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to (1) to (3) above, the spin-orbit torque wiring may contain a magnetic metal.

(5) The spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to any one of (1) to (4) above may have a cap layer between the spin-orbit torque wiring and the second ferromagnetic metal layer, with the spin-orbit torque wiring and the second ferromagnetic metal layer connected via the cap layer.

(6) In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the spin-orbit torque wiring may have a side wall connection portion that connects to the side wall of the second ferromagnetic metal layer.

(7) Magnetic memory according to one aspect of the present disclosure contains a plurality of the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive elements according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

(8) A magnetization rotation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method that includes setting the electric current density flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to any one of (1) to (6) above to less than 1×10⁷A/cm².

(9) A magnetization rotation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes applying an electric current to the power supply of the spin-orbit torque wiring in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to any one of (1) to (6) above, and subsequently applying an electric current to the power supply of the magnetoresistive effect element.

(10) A spin current magnetization rotational element according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a second ferromagnetic metal layer having a variable magnetization orientation, and spin-orbit torque wiring which extends in a direction that intersects a direction perpendicular to the surface of the second ferromagnetic metal layer, and is connected to the second ferromagnetic metal layer, wherein the spin-orbit torque wiring is composed of a pure spin current generation portion formed from a material that generates a pure spin current, and a low-resistance portion formed from a material having a smaller electrical resistance than the pure spin current generation portion, and at least a portion of the pure spin current generation portion contacts the second ferromagnetic metal layer.

Effects of the Invention

By using the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to the present disclosure, the reversal current density flowing through the magnetoresistive effect element can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view for describing the spin Hall effect.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view for describing an embodiment of spin-orbit torque wiring, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a plan view.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view for describing another embodiment of spin-orbit torque wiring, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a plan view.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view for describing yet another embodiment of spin-orbit torque wiring, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a plan view.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for describing yet another embodiment of spin-orbit torque wiring, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a plan view.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a section cut through the yz plane of a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a section cut through the yz plane of a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a section cut through the yz plane of a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is schematically view for illustrating a spin current magnetization rotational element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view.

FIG. 12 is schematically view for illustrating a spin current magnetization rotational element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is described below in further detail, with appropriate reference to the drawings. The drawings used in the following description may be drawn with specific portions enlarged as appropriate to facilitate comprehension of the features of the present disclosure, and the dimensional ratios and the like between the constituent elements may differ from the actual values. The materials and dimensions and the like presented in the following descriptions are merely examples, which in no way limit the present disclosure, and may be altered as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

(Spin Current Magnetization Rotational Type Magnetoresistive Element)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

The spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100 according to this aspect of the present disclosure has a magnetoresistive effect element 20, and spin-orbit torque wiring 40 which extends in a direction that intersects the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, and is connected to the magnetoresistive effect element 20.

In the following description, and in FIG. 1, the case in which the spin-orbit torque wiring extends in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element is described as one example of the structure in which the spin-orbit torque wiring extends in a direction that intersects the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element.

In FIG. 1, wiring 30 for supplying an electric current in the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, a substrate 10 for forming that wiring 30, and a cap layer are also shown.

In the following description, the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 is deemed the z-direction, the direction perpendicular to the z-direction and parallel with the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 is deemed the x-direction, and the direction orthogonal to the x-direction and the z-direction is deemed the y-direction.

The magnetoresistive effect element 20 has a first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 having a fixed magnetization orientation, a second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 having a variable magnetization orientation, and a non-magnetic layer 22 sandwiched between the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 and the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23.

The magnetoresistive effect element 20 functions by having the magnetization of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 fixed in a single direction, while the orientation of the magnetization of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is able to vary relatively. When applied to coercivity difference (pseudo spin valve) MRAM, the coercivity of the first ferromagnetic metal layer is larger than the coercivity of the second ferromagnetic metal layer, whereas when applied to exchange bias (spin valve) MRAM, the magnetization orientation of the first ferromagnetic metal layer is fixed by exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic layer.

Further, when the non-magnetic layer 22 is formed from an insulator, the magnetoresistive effect element 20 is a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) element, whereas when the non-magnetic layer 22 is formed from a metal, the magnetoresistive effect element 20 is a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element.

A conventional magnetoresistive effect element structure can be used for the magnetoresistive effect element included in the present disclosure. For example, each layer may be composed of a plurality of layers, and the structure may also include other layers such as an antiferromagnetic layer for fixing the magnetization orientation of the first ferromagnetic metal layer.

The first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 is also called the fixed layer or reference layer, whereas the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is also called the free layer or the memory layer.

The first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 and the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 may be either in-plane magnetization films in which the magnetization direction is parallel with the in-plane direction, or perpendicular magnetization films in which the magnetization direction is in a direction perpendicular to the layer.

Conventional materials can be used as the material for the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21. For example, metals selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Co, Fe and Ni, and alloys containing at least one of these metals and having ferromagnetism can be used. Further, alloys containing at least one of these metals and at least one element among B, C and N can also be used. Specific examples include Co—Fe and Co—Fe—B.

Further, in order to achieve higher output, a Heusler alloy such as Co₂FeSi is preferably used. Heusler alloys contain intermetallic compounds having a chemical composition of X₂YZ, wherein X is a noble metal element or a transition metal element belonging to the Co, Fe, Ni or Cu group of the periodic table, Y is a transition metal belonging to the Mn, V, Cr or Ti group of the periodic table, or can use the same as the elemental species of X, and Z is a typical element of group III to group V. Specific examples include Co₂FeSi, Co₂MnSi, and Co₂Mn_1-aFe_aAl_bSi_1-b.

Furthermore, in order to increase the coercivity of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 relative to the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, an antiferromagnetic material such as IrMn or PtMn may be used as the material that contacts the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21. Moreover, in order to ensure that the leakage magnetic field of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 does not affect the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, a structure having synthetic ferromagnetic coupling may be used.

Furthermore, in those cases where the orientation of the magnetization of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 is perpendicular to the stacking surface, a stacked film of Co and Pt is preferably used. Specifically, the structure of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 may be [Co (0.24 nm)/Pt (0.16 nm)]₆/Ru (0.9 nm)/[Pt (0.16 nm)/Co (0.16 nm)]₄/Ta (0.2 nm)/FeB (1.0 nm).

A ferromagnetic material, and particularly a soft magnetic material, can be used as the material for the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23. Examples of materials that may be used include metals selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Co, Fe and Ni, alloys containing at least one of these metals, and alloys containing at least one of these metals and at least one element among B, C and N. Specific examples include Co—Fe, Co—Fe—B and Ni—Fe.

In those cases where the orientation of the magnetization of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is perpendicular to the stacking surface, the thickness of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is preferably not more than 2.5 nm. Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be applied to the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 at the interface between the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 and the non-magnetic layer 22. Further, because the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy effect is attenuated as the thickness of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is increased, the thickness of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is preferably kept thin.

Conventional materials can be used for the non-magnetic layer 22.

For example, when the non-magnetic layer 22 is formed from an insulator (and forms a tunnel barrier layer), examples of materials that can be used include Al₂O₃, SiO₂, MgO and MgAl₂O₄. In addition to these materials, materials in which a portion of the Al, Si or Mg has been substituted with Zn or Be or the like can also be used. Among the above materials, MgO and MgAl₂O₄are materials that enable the realization of coherent tunneling, and therefore enable efficient injection of spin.

Further, when the non-magnetic layer 22 is formed from a metal, examples of materials that can be used include Cu, Au, and Ag and the like.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a cap layer 24 is preferably formed on the surface of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 on the opposite side to the non-magnetic layer 22. The cap layer 24 can suppress the diffusion of elements from the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23. Further, the cap layer 24 also contributes to the crystal orientation of each of the layers of the magnetoresistive effect element 20. As a result, by providing the cap layer 24, the magnetism of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 and the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 can be stabilized, and the resistance of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 can be lowered.

A material having high conductivity is preferably used for the cap layer 24. Examples of materials that may be used include Ru, Ta, Cu, Ag and Au. The crystal structure of the cap layer 24 is preferably selected appropriately from among an fcc structure, an hcp structure and a bcc structure, in accordance with the crystal structure of the adjacent ferromagnetic metal layer.

Further, the use of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, magnesium and aluminum for the cap layer 24 is preferred. Details are provided below, but in those cases where the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 and the magnetoresistive effect element 20 are connected via the cap layer 24, it is preferable that the cap layer 24 does not dissipate the spin propagated from the spin-orbit torque wiring 40. Silver, copper, magnesium, and aluminum and the like have a long spin diffusion length of at least 100 nm, and are known to be resistant to spin dissipation.

The thickness of the cap layer 24 is preferably not more than the spin diffusion length of the material that constitutes the cap layer 24. Provided the thickness of the cap layer 24 is not more than the spin diffusion length, the spin propagated from the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 can be transmitted satisfactorily to the magnetoresistive effect element 20.

<Spin-Orbit Torque Wiring>

The spin-orbit torque wiring extends in a direction that intersects the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element. The spin-orbit torque wiring is connected electrically to a power supply that supplies an electric current to the spin-orbit torque wiring in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element, and functions, in combination with the power supply, as a spin injection device the injects a pure spin current into the magnetoresistive effect element.

The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may be connected directly to the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, or may be connected via another layer, such as the cap layer 24 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The spin-orbit torque wiring is formed from a material that generates a pure spin current by the spin Hall effect when a current flows through the material. This material may have any composition capable of generating a pure spin current in the spin-orbit torque wiring. Accordingly, the material is not limited to materials formed from simple elements, and may also be composed of a portion formed from a material that generates a pure spin current and a portion formed from a material that does not generate a pure spin current.

The spin Hall effect is a phenomenon wherein when an electric current is passed through a material, a pure spin current is induced in a direction orthogonal to the orientation of the electric current as a result of spin-orbit interactions.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view for describing the spin Hall effect. The mechanism by which a pure spin current is generated by the spin Hall effect is described below based on FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when an electric current I is passed along the direction of extension of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40, an upward-directed spin S⁺ (S1) and a downward-directed spin S⁻ (S2) are each bent in directions orthogonal to the electric current. The normal Hall effect and the spin Hall effect have in common the fact that the direction of travel (movement) of the traveling (moving) electric charge (electrons) is bent, but differ significantly in terms of the fact that in the common Hall effect, charged particles traveling through a magnetic field are affected by Lorentz forces, resulting in a bending of the travel direction, whereas in the spin Hall effect, despite no magnetic field existing, the travel direction bends simply under the effect of the movement of the electrons (flow of current).

In a non-magnetic material (a material that is not ferromagnetic), the electron count of the upward-directed spin S⁺ and the electron count of the downward-directed spin S⁻ are equal, and therefore in FIG. 2, the electron count of the upward-directed spin S⁺ that is heading in the upward direction and the electron count of the downward-directed spin S⁻ that is heading in the downward direction are equal. Accordingly, the electric current represented by the net flux of the electric charge is zero. This type of spin current that is not accompanied by an electric current is called a pure spin current.

In contrast, when an electric current is passed through a ferromagnetic material, the fact that the upward-directed spin electrons and the downward-directed spin electrons are bent in opposite directions is the same as above. However, the difference in a ferromagnetic material is that one of either the upward-directed spin electrons or the downward-directed spin electrons are more numerous, resulting in the occurrence of a net flux for the electric charge (and the generation of a voltage). Accordingly, a material formed solely from a ferromagnetic substance cannot be used as the material for the spin-orbit torque wiring.

If the electron flow of the upward-directed spin S⁺ is represented by J_↑, the electron flow of the downward-directed spin S⁻ is represented by J_↓, and the spin current is represented by J_s, then the spin current is defined as J_s=J_↑-J_↓. In FIG. 2, the pure spin current J_sflows in the upward direction in the figure. Here, J_sis an electron flow having 100% polarizability.

In FIG. 2, when a ferromagnetic material is brought into contact with the upper surface of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40, the pure spin current diffuses and flows into the ferromagnetic material.

In the present disclosure, by employing a structure in which an electric current is passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring in this manner to generate a pure spin current, and that pure spin current then diffuses into the second ferromagnetic metal layer that contacts the spin-orbit torque wiring, the structure can be used in a conventional magnetoresistive effect element that uses STT, as either an assist mechanism or the main mechanism for magnetization rotation of the ferromagnetic metal layer, and can also be used in a novel magnetoresistive effect element in which magnetization rotation of the ferromagnetic metal layer is conducted solely by the SOT generated by the pure spin current.

Examples of known methods for assisting magnetization rotation include methods in which an external magnetic field is applied, methods in which a voltage is applied, methods in which heating is included, and methods that utilize strain in a substance. However, in the case of methods in which an external magnetic field is applied, methods in which a voltage is applied, and methods in which heating is included, additional external wiring and heat sources and the like must be provided, increasing the complexity of the element structure. Further, in the case of methods that utilize strain in a substance, once the strain has been generated, controlling that strain during use is difficult, and achieving magnetization rotation with good control is impossible.

The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may contain a non-magnetic heavy metal. Here, the term “heavy metal” is used to mean a metal having a specific gravity at least as large as that of yttrium. The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may also be formed solely from a non-magnetic heavy metal.

In such a case, the non-magnetic heavy metal is preferably a non-magnetic metal with a large atomic number of 39 or greater having d-electrons or f-electrons in the outermost shell. The reason for this preference is that such non-magnetic metals exhibit large spin-orbit interactions that generate a spin Hall effect. The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may also be formed solely from a non-magnetic metal with a large atomic number of 39 or greater and having d-electrons or f-electrons in the outermost shell.

Typically, when an electric current is passed through a metal, all of the electrons move in the opposite direction from the current regardless of spin orientation, but in the case of a non-magnetic metal with a large atomic number having d-electrons or f-electrons in the outermost shell, because the spin-orbit interactions are large, the spin Hall effect means that the direction of electron movement is dependent on the electron spin orientation, meaning a pure spin current J_sdevelops more readily.

Furthermore, the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may contain a magnetic metal. The term “magnetic metal” means a ferromagnetic metal or an antiferromagnetic metal. By including a trace amount of a magnetic metal in the non-magnetic metal, the spin-orbit interactions can be amplified, thereby increasing the spin current generation efficiency of the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring 40. The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may also be formed solely from an antiferromagnetic metal.

Spin-orbit interactions occur within interior locations peculiar to the substance of the spin-orbit torque wiring material. Accordingly, pure spin currents also develop in non-magnetic materials. If a trace amount of a magnetic metal is added to the spin-orbit torque wiring material, then because the magnetic metal itself scatters the flowing electron spin, the efficiency of spin current generation is enhanced. However, if the amount added of the magnetic metal is too large, then the generated pure spin current tends to be scattered by the added magnetic metal, resulting in a strengthening of the action reducing the spin current. Accordingly, it is preferable that the molar fraction of the added magnetic metal is considerably lower than the molar fraction of the main component of the pure spin current generation portion in the spin-orbit torque wiring. As a guide, the molar fraction of the added magnetic metal is preferably not more than 3%.

Furthermore, the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may contain a topological insulator. The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 may also be formed solely from a topological insulator. A topological insulator is a substance in which the interior of the substance is an insulator or high-resistance body, but the surface of the substance forms a metal-like state with spin polarization. Some substances have a type of internal magnetic field known as a spin-orbit interaction. Accordingly, even if an external magnetic field does not exist, the effect of these spin-orbit interactions generates a new topological phase. This is a topological insulator, which as a result of strong spin-orbit interactions and the break of inversion symmetry at the edges, is able to generate a pure spin current with good efficiency.

Examples of preferred topological insulators include SnTe, Bi_1.5Sb_0.5Te_1.7Se_1.3, TlBiSe₂, Bi₂Te₃and (Bi_1-xSb_x)₂Te₃. These topological insulators can generate spin current with good efficiency.

The substrate 10 preferably has superior smoothness. Examples of materials that can be used to obtain a surface having superior smoothness include Si and AlTiC and the like.

A base layer (not shown in the figure) may be formed on the surface of the substrate 10 on the side facing the magnetoresistive effect element 20. By providing a base layer, the crystallinity such as the crystal orientation and crystal grain size of each of the layers, including the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21, stacked on top of the substrate 10 can be controlled.

The base layer preferably has insulating properties. This is to prevent dissipation of the electric current flowing through the wiring 30 and the like. Various materials can be used for the base layer.

In one example, a nitride layer having a (001)-oriented NaCl structure and containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Nb, V, Hf, Ta, Mo, W, B, Al and Ce can be used for the base layer.

In another example, a (002)-oriented perovskite-based conductive oxide layer represented by a compositional formula of ABO₃can be used as the base layer. In this formula, site A includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ce, Dy, La, K, Ca, Na, Pb and Ba, and the site B includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ga, Nb, Mo, Ru, Ir, Ta, Ce and Pb.

In yet another example, an oxide layer having a (001)-oriented NaCl structure and containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al and Ce can be used for the base layer.

In yet another example, a layer having a (001)-oriented tetragonal structure or cubic structure and containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Cr, Fe, Co, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au, Mo and W can be used for the base layer.

Further, the base layer is not limited to a single layer, and a plurality of the layers described in the above examples may be stacked. By appropriate modification of the structure of the base layer, the crystallinity of each layer of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 can be enhanced, and the magnetic characteristics can be improved.

The wiring 30 is connected electrically to the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, and in FIG. 1, the wiring 30, the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 and a power supply (not shown in the figure) form a closed circuit, enabling an electric current to flow through the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20.

There are no particular limitations on the material for the wiring 30, provided it is a material having high conductivity. For example, aluminum, silver, copper, or gold or the like can be used.

FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are schematic views for describing embodiments of the spin-orbit torque wiring, and in each figure, (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a plan view.

In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element of the present disclosure, regardless of whether the structure uses only SOT generated by pure spin current to perform magnetization rotation of the magnetoresistive effect element (also referred to as an “SOT only” structure), or whether the structure uses SOT generated by pure spin current in combination with STT in a conventional magnetoresistive effect element that uses STT (also referred to as an “STT and SOT combination” structure), because the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring (hereafter also referred to as the “SOT reversal current”) is a typical current that is accompanied by an electric charge flow, the current flow generates Joule heat.

The embodiments of the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are examples of structures for reducing the Joule heat generated by the SOT reversal current by using structures other than the materials described above.

In an “STT and SOT combination” structure, the electric current used for causing magnetization rotation of the magnetoresistive effect element includes not only the electric current passed directly into the magnetoresistive effect element in order to utilize the STT effect (hereafter also referred to as the “STT reversal current”), but also the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring in order to utilize the SOT effect (the “SOT reversal current”). Because each of these electric currents is a typical current accompanied by an electric charge flow, the flow of these electric currents generates Joule heat.

In this structure, because a combination of magnetization rotation due to the STT effect and magnetization rotation due to the SOT effect is used, the STT reversal current is reduced compared with a structure in which magnetization rotation is performed using only the STT effect, but the energy associated with the SOT reversal current is consumed.

The heavy metal of the material that can generate a pure spin current has a greater electric resistance than the types of metals typically used as wiring.

As a result, from the viewpoint of reducing the Joule heat generated by the SOT reversal current, it is preferable that rather than having the entire spin-orbit torque wiring formed solely from a material that can generate a pure spin current, the spin-orbit torque wiring preferably has a portion having low electric resistance. In other words, from the above viewpoint, the spin-orbit torque wiring is preferably composed of a portion formed from a material that generates a pure spin current (a spin current generation portion), and a portion formed from a material having a smaller electrical resistance than the spin current generation portion (a low-resistance portion).

The spin current generation portion may be formed from any material capable of generating a pure spin current, and may, for example, have a structure composed of portions of a plurality of different materials.

For the low-resistance portion, the types of materials typically used as wiring can be used. For example, aluminum, silver, copper, or gold or the like can be used. The low-resistance portion may be formed from any material having a lower electric resistance than the spin current generation portion, and may have a structure composed of portions of a plurality of different materials.

A pure spin current may also be generated in the low-resistance portion. In this case, in order to distinguish between the spin current generation portion and the low-resistance portion, those portions formed from materials listed in the present description as materials for use as the spin current generation portion or the low-resistance portion can be differentiated as the spin current generation portion or the low-resistance portion respectively. Furthermore, portions besides the main portion that generates the pure spin current, which have a smaller electric resistance that the main portion, can be differentiated from the spin current generation portion as low-resistance portions.

The spin current generation portion may contain a non-magnetic heavy metal. In this case, any heavy metal capable of generating a pure spin current may be included. Further, in this case, it is preferable either that the heavy metal capable of generating a pure spin current has a much lower concentration range than the main component of the spin current generation portion, or that the heavy metal capable of generating a pure spin current is the main component, and represents, for example, 90% or more of the spin current generation portion. In this case, the heavy metal capable of generating a pure spin current is preferably composed 100% of a non-magnetic metal with an atomic number of 39 or greater having d-electrons or f-electrons in the outermost shell.

Here, the expression that “the heavy metal capable of generating a pure spin current has a much lower concentration range than the main component of the spin current generation portion” means that, for example, in a spin current generation portion containing copper as the main component, the concentration of the heavy metal represents a molar fraction of 10% or less. In those cases where the main component constituting the spin current generation portion is composed of a metal other than the aforementioned heavy metal, the concentration of the heavy metal within the spin current generation portion is preferably a molar fraction of not more than 50%, and more preferably a molar fraction of 10% or less. These concentration ranges represent ranges that enable the electron spin scattering effect to be obtained effectively. When the concentration of heavy metal is low, a light metal having a smaller atomic number than the heavy metal becomes the main component. In this case, the heavy metal does not form an alloy with the light metal, but rather, it is assumed that atoms of the heavy metal are dispersed in a disorderly manner within the light metal. Because spin-orbit interactions in the light metal are weak, pure spin current is unlikely to be generated by the spin Hall effect. However, when electrons pass the heavy metal within the light metal, a spin scattering effect occurs at the interface between the light metal and the heavy metal, and therefore even when the concentration of the heavy metal is low, a pure spin current can be generated with good efficiency. When the concentration of the heavy metal exceeds 50%, although the proportion of spin Hall effect within the heavy metal increases, the effect at the interface between the light metal and the heavy metal decreases, resulting in a reduction on the overall effect. Accordingly, a heavy metal concentration at which a satisfactory interface effect can be anticipated is preferable.

Further, in those cases where the spin-orbit torque wiring contains a magnetic metal, the spin current generation portion in the spin-orbit torque wiring may be composed of an antiferromagnetic metal. An antiferromagnetic metal can produce a similar effect to the case where the heavy metal is composed 100% of a non-magnetic metal with an atomic number of 39 or greater having d-electrons or f-electrons in the outermost shell. The antiferromagnetic metal is, for example, preferably IrMn or PtMn or the like, and the thermally stable IrMn is particularly preferred.

Further, in those cases where the spin-orbit torque wiring contains a topological insulator, the spin current generation portion in the spin-orbit torque wiring may be composed of the topological insulator. The topological insulator is, for example, SnTe, Bi_1.5Sb_0.5Te_1.7Se_1.3, TlBiSe₂, Bi₂Te₃, or (Bi_1-xSb_x)₂Te₃or the like. These topological insulators are capable of generating a spin current with high efficiency.

In order to ensure that the pure spin current generated in the spin-orbit torque wiring diffuses effectively into the magnetoresistive effect element, at least a portion of the spin current generation portion must contact the second ferromagnetic metal layer. When a cap layer exists, at least a portion of the spin current generation portion must contact the cap layer. All of the embodiments of spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 represent structures in which at least a portion of the spin current generation portion contacts the second ferromagnetic metal layer.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a connection portion 40′ where the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 contacts the second ferromagnetic metal layer is formed entirely from a spin current generation portion 41, and the spin current generation portion 41 is sandwiched between low-resistance portions 42A and 42B.

In those cases where the spin current generation portion and the low-resistance portion are disposed electrically in parallel, the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring will flow through the spin current generation portion and the low-resistance portion in proportions inversely proportional to the sizes of the resistance of the spin current generation portion and the low-resistance portion.

From the viewpoint of the efficiency of the pure spin current generation relative to the SOT reversal current, in order to ensure that all of the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring flows through the spin current generation portion, there must be no portions where the spin current generation portion and the low-resistance portion are disposed electrically in parallel, and the two portions must be disposed entirely in series.

The spin-orbit torque wirings illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are illustrated in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element, and represent structures in which there are no portions where the spin current generation portion and the low-resistance portion are disposed electrically in parallel, and in which the efficiency of the pure spin current generation relative to the SOT reversal current is highest in the structure having the cross-section illustrated in (a) in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6.

The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a structure in which the spin current generation portion 41 is superimposed so as to cover all of a connection portion 23′ of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, and the thickness direction of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 is composed solely of the spin current generation portion 41, with the low-resistance portions 42A and 42B positioned so as to sandwich the spin current generation portion 41 in the direction of the electric current flow. In a modification of the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 3, the spin current generation portion may be superimposed so as to overlap the connection portion of the second ferromagnetic metal layer when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element, with the remaining structure the same as the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 3.

The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 has a structure in which the spin current generation portion 41 is superimposed on a portion of the connection portion 23′ of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, and the thickness direction of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 is composed solely of the spin current generation portion 41, with the low-resistance portions 42A and 42B positioned so as to sandwich the spin current generation portion 41 in the direction of the electric current flow.

The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 has a structure in which the spin current generation portion 41 is superimposed so as to cover all of the connection portion 23′ of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, but in which the thickness direction of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 includes the spin current generation portion 41 and a low-resistance portion 42C stacked in that order from the side of the second ferromagnetic metal layer, with the low-resistance portions 42A and 42B positioned so as to sandwich, in the direction of the electric current flow, the portion where the spin current generation portion 41 and the low-resistance portion 42C are stacked. In a modification of the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 5, the spin current generation portion may be superimposed so as to overlap the connection portion of the second ferromagnetic metal layer when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element, with the remaining structure the same as the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 5.

The spin-orbit torque wiring 40 illustrated in FIG. 6 has a structure composed of a first spin current generation portion 41A in which the spin current generation portion 41 is formed along the entire surface on the side facing the second ferromagnetic metal layer, a second spin current generation portion 41B, which is stacked on top of the first spin current generation portion and superimposed so as to cover all of the connection portion 23′ of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 and in which the thickness direction of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 is composed solely of the spin current generation portion, and low-resistance portions 42A and 42B which are positioned so as to sandwich the second spin current generation portion 41B in the direction of the electric current flow. In a modification of the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 6, the second spin current generation portion may be superimposed so as to overlap the connection portion of the second ferromagnetic metal layer when viewed in plan view from the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element, with the remaining structure the same as the spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 6.

In the structure illustrated in FIG. 6, because the area of contact between the spin current generation portion 41 and the low-resistance portion 42 is large, the adhesion between the non-magnetic metal having a high atomic number that constitutes the spin current generation portion 41 and the metal that constitutes the low-resistance portion 42 is superior.

The spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element of the present invention can be produced using conventional methods. A method for producing the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive elements illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 is described below.

First, the magnetoresistive effect element 20 can be formed, for example, using a magnetron sputtering apparatus. In those cases where the magnetoresistive effect element 20 is a TMR element, a tunnel barrier layer is formed on the first ferromagnetic metal layer by first sputtering about 0.4 to 2.0 nm of aluminum and a metal thin film that can form divalent cations of a plurality of non-magnetic elements, and then performing a plasma oxidation or a natural oxidation by oxygen introduction, followed by a heat treatment. Examples of methods that can be used as the deposition method besides magnetron sputtering, include other thin film formation methods such as vapor deposition methods, laser ablation methods and MBE methods.

Following deposition and shape formation of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, the spin current generation portion 41 is preferably formed first. This is because forming a structure that is best capable of suppressing scattering of pure spin current from the spin current generation portion 41 to the magnetoresistive effect element 20 leads to superior efficiency.

Following deposition and shape formation of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, the region surrounding the processed magnetoresistive effect element 20 is covered with a resist or the like to form a surface that includes the upper surface of the magnetoresistive effect element 20. At this time, the upper surface of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 is preferably planarized. By planarizing the surface, spin scattering at the interface between the spin current generation portion 41 and the magnetoresistive effect element 20 can be suppressed.

Next, the material for the spin current generation portion 41 is deposited on the planarized upper surface of the magnetoresistive effect element 20. This deposition may be performed using sputtering or the like.

Subsequently, a resist or protective film is placed on the region in which the spin current generation portion 41 is to be formed, and the unneeded portions are removed using an ion milling method or reactive ion etching (RIE) method.

Next, the material that constitutes the low-resistance portion 42 is deposited by sputtering or the like, and the resist or the like is removed to complete formation of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40. When the shape of the spin current generation portion 41 is complex, formation of the resist or protective film and deposition of the spin current generation portion 41 may be performed across a plurality of repetitions.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a section cut through the yz plane of a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

The effects of the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100 according to this aspect of the present disclosure are described below based on FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, there are two types of electric currents in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100. One of these is a current I₁(STT reversal current) that flows through the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20, and flows though the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 and the wiring 30. In FIG. 7, the current I₁is deemed to flow in order through the spin-orbit torque wiring 40, the magnetoresistive effect element 20, and then the wiring 30. In this case, the electrons flow in order through the wiring 30, the magnetoresistive effect element 20 and then the spin-orbit torque wiring 40.

The other electric current is a current I₂(SOT reversal current) that flows along the direction of extension of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40.

The current I₁and the current I₂mutually intersect (orthogonally), and in the portion where the magnetoresistive effect element 20 is connected to the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 (reference sign 24′ indicates the connection portion on the side of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 (the cap layer 24), and the reference sign 40′ indicates the connection portion on the side of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40), the current flowing through the magnetoresistive effect element 20 and the current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 either merge or are distributed.

By supplying the current I₁, electrons having spin oriented in the same direction as the magnetization of the first ferromagnetic metal layer (fixed layer) 21 pass from the first ferromagnetic metal layer (fixed layer) 21 through the non-magnetic layer 22 with the spin orientation maintained, and these electrons act as a torque (STT) that causes the orientation of a magnetization M₂₃of the second ferromagnetic metal layer (free layer) 23 to reverse and adopt an orientation parallel with the orientation of the magnetization M₂₁of the first ferromagnetic metal layer (fixed layer) 21.

On the other hand, the current I₂corresponds with the current I illustrated in FIG. 2. In other words, when the current I₂flows, the upward-directed spin S⁺ and the downward-directed spin S⁻ are each bent toward the edges of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40, generating a pure spin current J_s. The pure spin current J_sis induced in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the current I₂. In other words, pure spin currents J_sare generated in the z-axis direction and the x-axis direction in the figure. In FIG. 7, only the pure spin current J_sin the z-axis direction, which contributes to the orientation of the magnetization of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, is shown.

The pure spin current J_sgenerated by supplying the current I₂to the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 in a direction toward the front of the figure, passes through the cap layer 24 and diffuses into the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, with this spin affecting the magnetization M₂₃of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23. In other words, in FIG. 7, a spin oriented in the −x direction flows into the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, imparting a torque (SOT) that attempts to cause a magnetization rotation of the magnetization M₂₃of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 that is oriented in the +x direction.

As described above, the SOT effect due to the pure spin current J_sgenerated by the electric current flowing along a second current path I₂is added to the STT effect generated by the electric current flowing along a first current path I₁, causing a reversal of the magnetization M₂₃of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23.

If an attempt is made to cause a magnetization rotation of the magnetization of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 using only the STT effect (namely, when only the current I₁flows), then a voltage of a prescribed voltage or greater must be applied to the magnetoresistive effect element 20. Although the typical drive voltage for a TMR element is a comparatively small value of several volts or less, because the non-magnetic layer 22 is an extremely thin film of only about several nm, dielectric breakdown can sometimes occur. By continuing current supply to the non-magnetic layer 22, the weak portions of the non-magnetic layer (portions of poor film quality or particularly thin portions) tend to be destroyed.

In contrast, in the case of the “STT and SOT combination” structure of the present disclosure, the magnetoresistive effect element utilizes an SOT effect in addition to the STT effect. As a result, the voltage applied to the magnetoresistive effect element can be reduced, and the current density of the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring can be reduced. By reducing the voltage applied to the magnetoresistive effect element, the lifespan of the element can be lengthened. Further, by reducing the current density of the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring, any dramatic reduction in the energy efficiency can be avoided.

The current density of the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring is preferably less than 1×10⁷A/cm². If the current density of the electric current passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring is too large, then the current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring generates heat. If heat is applied to the second ferromagnetic metal layer, then the stability of the magnetization of the second ferromagnetic metal layer tends to deteriorate, and unexpected magnetization rotations or the like can sometimes occur. If this type of unexpected magnetization rotation occurs, then a problem in which recorded information is rewritten can arise. In other words, in order to avoid unexpected magnetization rotation, it is preferable that the current density of the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring is prevented from becoming too large. Provided the current density of the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring is less than 1×10⁷A/cm², at least magnetization rotations caused by generated heat can be avoided.

FIG. 8 illustrates a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 200 illustrated in FIG. 8, the spin-orbit torque wiring 50 has an upper surface connection portion 51 provided on top of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 in the stacking direction (equivalent to the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 described above), and also has a side wall connection portion 52 that contacts the side wall of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23.

When an electric current is passed through the spin-orbit torque wiring 50, in addition to the pure spin current J_sgenerated in the upper surface connection portion 51, a pure spin current J_s' is generated in the side wall connection portion 52. Accordingly, not only does the pure spin current J_sflow from the upper surface of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 through the cap layer 24 and into the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, but the pure spin current J_s' flows in from the side wall of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, meaning the SOT effect is enhanced.

FIG. 9 illustrates a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 300 illustrated in FIG. 9 has spin-orbit torque wiring 40 on the side of the substrate 10. In this case, the stacking order of the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21 that acts as the fixed layer and the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 that acts as the free layer is opposite that of the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

In this manner, the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element of the present disclosure may have a top pin structure such as this structure, or a bottom pin structure such as that illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 300 illustrated in FIG. 9, the substrate 10, the spin-orbit torque wiring 40, the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23, the non-magnetic layer 22, the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21, the cap layer 24 and the wiring 30 are stacked in that order. Because the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is stacked prior to the first ferromagnetic metal layer 21, the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is less likely to be affected by lattice strain or the like than in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100. As a result, in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 300, the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 is enhanced. Enhancing the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23 enables the MR ratio of the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element to be improved.

FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration in which a first power supply 110 for passing an electric current through the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 and a second power supply 120 for passing an electric current through the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 are provided in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The first power supply 110 is connected to the wiring 30 and the spin-orbit torque wiring 40. The first power supply 110 is able to control the electric current that flows through the stacking direction of the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100.

The second power supply 120 is connected to the two ends of the spin-orbit torque wiring 40. The second power supply 120 is able to control the electric current that flows through the spin-orbit torque wiring 40, which is a current that flows in a directional orthogonal to the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20.

As described above, the current flowing through the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 induces STT. In contrast, the current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring 40 induces SOT. Both the STT and the SOT contribute to the magnetization rotation of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 23.

In this manner, by using two power supplies to control the amounts of electric current flowing through the stacking direction of the magnetoresistive effect element 20 and the direction orthogonal to this stacking direction, the rates of contribution of SOT and STT to the magnetization rotation can be controlled freely.

For example, in those cases where a large current cannot be passed through a device, the power supplies can be controlled so that STT, which has a higher energy efficiency relative to magnetization rotation, provides the main contribution. In other words, the amount of current flowing from the first power supply 110 can be increased, while the amount of current flowing from the second power supply 120 is decreased.

Further, in those cases where a thin device is required, and the thickness of the non-magnetic layer 22 must be reduced, it is desirable to reduce the electric current flowing through the non-magnetic layer 22. In such cases, the amount of current flowing from the first power supply 110 can be reduced, and the amount of current flowing from the second power supply 120 increased, thereby increasing the contribution rate of SOT.

Conventional power supplies can be used for the first power supply 110 and the second power supply 120.

As described above, by using a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the rates of contribution of STT and SOT can be freely controlled by adjusting the amounts of electric current supplied from the first power supply and the second power supply respectively. Accordingly, the rates of contribution of STT and SOT can be freely controlled in accordance with the performance required of the device, meaning the element can function as a more versatile spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element.

(Magnetic Memory)

Magnetic memory (MRAM) of the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive elements of the present disclosure.

(Magnetization Rotation Method)

A magnetization rotation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method of ensuring that the current density flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring in a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element of the present disclosure is less than 1×10⁷A/cm².

If the current density of the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring is too large, then the current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring generates heat. If heat is applied to the second ferromagnetic metal layer, then the stability of the magnetization of the second ferromagnetic metal layer tends to deteriorate, and unexpected magnetization rotations or the like can sometimes occur. If this type of unexpected magnetization rotation occurs, then a problem in which recorded information is rewritten can arise. In other words, in order to avoid unexpected magnetization rotation, it is preferable that the current density of the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring is prevented from becoming too large. Provided the current density of the electric current flowing through the spin-orbit torque wiring is less than 1×10⁷A/cm², at least magnetization rotations caused by generated heat can be avoided.

A magnetization rotation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method in which, in a spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element of the present disclosure, an electric current is first applied to the power supply for the spin-orbit torque wiring, and then an electric current is applied to the power supply for the magnetoresistive effect element.

The assist step and the magnetization rotation step may be performed simultaneously, or the assist step may be performed first, and the magnetization rotation step then performed thereafter. In other words, in the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element 100 illustrated in FIG. 7, electric currents may be supplied simultaneously from the first power supply 110 and the second power supply 120, or an electric current may first be supplied from the second power supply 120, and then an electric current supplied from the first power supply 110 thereafter, but in order to more reliably obtain a magnetization rotation assist effect using SOT, it is preferable that an electric current is first applied to the power supply for the spin-orbit torque wiring, and then an electric current is applied to the power supply for the magnetoresistive effect element. In other words, it is preferable that an electric current is first supplied from the second power supply 120, and subsequently, an electric current is supplied from the first power supply 110.

(Spin Current Magnetization Rotational Element)

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of one example of a spin current magnetization rotational element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11(a) is a plan view, and FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of a section cut along the line X-X that represents the centerline in the width direction of the spin-orbit torque wiring 2 of FIG. 11(a).

In a spin current magnetization rotational element according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a spin current magnetization rotational element 101 illustrated in FIG. 11 has a second ferromagnetic metal layer 1 having a variable magnetization orientation, and spin-orbit torque wiring 2, which extends in a second direction (the x-direction) that intersects a first direction (the z-direction) that is perpendicular to the surface of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 1, and is connected to a first surface 1a of the second ferromagnetic metal layer 1.

The connection between the spin-orbit torque wiring 2 and the second ferromagnetic metal layer 1 may be a “direct” connection, or may involve connection “via another layer” such as the cap layer described above, and there are no restrictions on the way in which the spin-orbit torque wiring and the second ferromagnetic metal layer are connected (joined or bonded), provided the pure spin current generated in the spin-orbit torque wiring 2 can flow into the second ferromagnetic metal layer 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the spin-orbit torque wiring 2 may be composed of a pure spin generation portion 2A formed from a material that generates a pure spin current, and a low-resistance portion 2B formed from a material having a smaller electrical resistance than the pure spin current generation portion, wherein at least a portion of the pure spin current generation portion contacts the second ferromagnetic metal layer 1.

The structure illustrated in FIG. 12 represents an example in which the structure of spin-orbit torque wiring illustrated in FIG. 3 is applied to a spin current magnetization rotational element of the present disclosure. The structures of spin-orbit torque wirings illustrated in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 can also be applied to a spin current magnetization rotational element of the present disclosure.

Examples of applications of the spin current magnetization rotational element of the present disclosure are mainly spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive elements. Accordingly, the main structural elements of the spin current magnetization rotational element of the present disclosure can use similar structural elements to those of the spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive elements described above.

However, applications of the spin current magnetization rotational element of the present disclosure are not limited to spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive elements, and the spin current magnetization rotational element can also be used in other applications. For example, the spin current magnetization rotational element can also be used in a spatial light modulator, by installing a spin current magnetization rotational element in each pixel and using the magneto-optical effect to spatially modulate the incident light, or in order to avoid the hysteresis effect caused by the coercivity of the magnet in a magnetic sensor, the magnetic field applied to the easy axis of magnetization of the magnet can be replaced with a spin current magnetization rotational element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SIGNS

- 1: Second ferromagnetic metal layer
- 2: Spin-orbit torque wiring
- 10: Substrate
- 20: Magnetoresistive effect element
- 21: First ferromagnetic metal layer
- 22: Non-magnetic layer
- 23: Second ferromagnetic metal layer
- 23′: Connection portion (on the side of the second ferromagnetic metal layer)
- 24: Cap layer
- 24′: Connection portion (on the side of the cap layer)
- 30: Wiring
- 40, 50, 51, 52: Spin-orbit torque wiring
- 40′: Connection portion (on the side of the spin-orbit torque wiring)
- 41, 41A, 41B: Spin current generation portion
- 42A, 42B, 42C: Low-resistance portion
- 100, 200, 300: Spin current magnetization rotational type magnetoresistive element
- 101: Spin current magnetization rotational element
- I: Electric current
- S1: Upward-directed spin
- S2: Downward-directed spin
- M₂₁, M₂₃: Magnetization
- I₁: First current path
- I₂: Second current path
- 110: First power supply
- 120: Second power supply