NIRT: Single Particle Per Bit Magnetic Information Storage

这项研究的目的是展示一种使用电流感应开关的新的磁记录范例，它结合了图案化介质的优点和更低的制造成本的潜力。这将是单颗粒记录的第一次演示，也是迄今研究过的用于电流感应开关的最小纳米结构。该方法将使用自组装纳米颗粒阵列作为蚀刻掩模，将薄膜多层膜图案化为单颗粒比特阵列。将在接触模式下使用导电原子力显微镜探头，以电接触单个钻头。低电流密度将用于感测比特的状态，而高电流密度将用于切换。作为外加电流的函数的噪声功率谱将揭示自旋扭矩的转移是如何有效的。模拟将被用来阐明基本的物理。这个项目将在几个领域产生更广泛的影响。两名研究生和几名本科生将学习最先进的纳米级合成和制造技术，使用扫描探针和电子显微镜进行纳米级结构表征，以及高灵敏度的纳米级传输测量技术。将开发新的科学博览会项目，并将监督卡内基梅隆大学/Milliones和Reizenstein中学物理概念计划的学生的研究。在基于扫描探头的记录、电流感应开关介质以及用于低成本、可制造的纳米刻蚀的自组装结构的使用方面取得的进展将对磁记录产业具有重大意义。

The objective of this research is to demonstrate a new magnetic recording paradigm using current-induced switching, which combines the advantages of patterned media, and the potential for lower manufacturing costs. This will be the first demonstration of single grain recording, and the smallest nanostructures yet investigated for current-induced switching. The approach will use self-assembled nanoparticle arrays as etch masks for patterning thin film multilayers into arrays of single particle bits. A conducting atomic force microscope probe will be used in contact mode to electrically contact individual bits. Low current densities will be used to sense the state of the bit, while high current densities will be used for switching. The noise power spectrum as a function of the applied current will reveal how effectively the spin torque is transferred. Simulations will be used to clarify the underlying physics.This project will have broader impact in several areas. Two graduate students and several undergraduates will learn state-of-the-art techniques of nanoscale synthesis and fabrication, the use of scanning probe and electron microscopy for nanoscale structural characterization, and high sensitivity nanoscale transport measurement techniques. New science fair projects will be developed and the research of students in the Carnegie Mellon University/Milliones and Reizenstein Middle Schools Physics Concepts program will be supervised. Progress made in scanning probe-based recording, current-induced switching media, and the use of self-assembled structures for low cost, manufacturable nanopatterning will be significant for the magnetic recording industry.