Patent ID: 10608047

Abstract:
A magnetic memory element having voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy for active control of switching energy (delta). The magnetic memory element can be formed as a pillar structure having a magnetic free layer a magnetic reference layer and a non-magnetic barrier layer located between the magnetic free layer and the magnetic reference layer. A dielectric wall is formed around the side of the magnetic free layer and an electrically conductive program line is formed around the dielectric wall, such that the dielectric wall separates the program line from the magnetic free layer. The electrically conductive program line is electrically connected with circuitry to selectively apply a gate voltage to the electrically conductive program line and across the dielectric layer. The circuitry can include a voltage source switching circuitry such as a transistor. The gate voltage advantageously reduces perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic free layer, thereby reducing switching energy.