Patent ID: 6625058
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: B82Y,G11C,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
A method of modulating magnetic characteristics of a magnetic film that leads to a change of the magnetization state of said magnetic film, wherein:said magnetic film comprises a layer in a multi-layer structure consisting of a first layer, a second layer having a higher electrical resistivity than that of said first layer, and a third layer having a lower electrical resistivity than that of said second layer, wherein said first layer, said second layer, and said third layer are stacked on one another, wherein at least one layer selected from the group consisting of said first layer, said second layer, and said third layer is a magnetic layer comprised of a material exhibiting a magnetic ordering of microscopic magnetic moments, wherein said method changes the magnetization state of said magnetic thin film by utilizing an effect wherein a change in the magnetic anisotropy or magnetostriction of said magnetic layer or the magnetic coupling between said magnetic layer and the adjacent another magnetic layer occurs associated with a change in electronic state at the surface or the interface of said magnetic film induced by the voltage applied between said first layer and the third layer by means of an external circuit.