Patent ID: 8908422
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoelectric memory element, comprising: a magnetic element having an easy magnetization axis aligned along a first axis; means for applying to said magnetic element a magnetic polarization field aligned along a second axis not parallel to said first axis, an intensity of said magnetic polarization field being chosen such that the magnetic element exhibits, by a combined effect of said magnetic polarization field and of said easy magnetization axis, two distinct states of stable equilibrium of magnetization of the magnetic element, corresponding to two different magnetization directions, which are not mutually opposed; a piezoelectric or electrostrictive substrate mechanically coupled with said magnetic element; and at least a first and a second electrode, arranged to apply an electrical field to the piezoelectric or electrostrictive substrate so that said substrate exerts on said magnetic element a non-isotropic mechanical stress, of a main direction generally oriented along a third axis, coplanar with, but distinct from, said first and second axes, said non-isotropic mechanical stress being sufficiently intense to induce, by magnetostrictive coupling, a switchover of a state of the magnetization of said magnetic element between the two distinct states of stable equilibrium.