SBIR Phase I: High-Resolution Absolute Linear Encoder Based on a Spintronic Sensing Array

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0340145This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore the feasibility of developing an absolute, high-resolution linear encoder leveraging the evolving technology of spintronics. An array of magnetic tunnel junction sensors will sense spatially varying magnetic fields generated by lithographically defined micron-scale current carrying conductors with known geometries. Absolute spatial encoding will be achieved by a unique mapping of sensor outputs to linear displacement. The proposed device will be an absolute encoder, which will dramatically reduce power consumption. In the Phase I work, this idea of a magnetic encoder based on tunnel junction technology will be brought from a purely theoretical idea to the prototyping stage.The proposed product will be low-cost, low power, robust, and extremely sensitive compared to existing techniques and thus may create brand new markets for encoder technology. The potential impact of the proposed work will thus be felt in every field requiring precise measurement of displacement, such as personal electronics, robotics, machine tools, wafer handling equipment, scientific and medical imaging, micromanipulation, and motion control systems. The development of an array of magnetic tunnel junctions with submicron resolution will be of great utility in many fields of basic and applied research, particularly in the emerging fields of nanotechnology, biomagnetism, and spintronics.