NIRT: Single Particle Per Bit Magnetic Information Storage

本研究的目的是展示一种使用电流感应开关的新型磁记录范例，该范例结合了图案化介质的优点，并且具有降低制造成本的潜力。这将是单粒记录的首次演示，也是迄今为止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的纳米粒子阵列作为蚀刻掩模，将薄膜多层图图化成单粒子位阵列。导电原子力显微镜探针将在接触模式下用于电接触单个比特。低电流密度将用于感知比特的状态，而高电流密度将用于开关。噪声功率谱作为施加电流的函数将揭示如何有效地传递自旋扭矩。模拟将用于阐明潜在的物理原理。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纳米级合成和制造的最新技术，使用扫描探针和电子显微镜进行纳米级结构表征，以及高灵敏度纳米级输运测量技术。新的科学展览项目将被开发，卡内基梅隆大学/百万和赖因施泰因中学物理概念项目的学生的研究将受到监督。在基于扫描探针的记录、电流感应开关介质和使用低成本、可制造的纳米图形的自组装结构方面取得的进展将对磁记录工业具有重要意义。

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.