Patent ID: 10490247

Abstract:
A memory element includes a free magnetization layer (“FR-ML”) in a film form, a nonmagnetic layer (“NML”), and a fixed magnetization layer (“FX-ML”), The NML and FX-ML are stacked on the FR-ML. The FR ML stores a single bit of data “0” or “1” according to a magnetization direction and rewrites the data by reversing the magnetization direction. An antiferromagnet that exhibits the anomalous Hall effect and has a reversible magnetization direction is used for the FR-M. The reversal of the magnetization direction of the FR-ML is performed using the FX-ML by the spin-transfer torque technique. To read data, a reading current is caused to flow in one direction, and a Hall voltage generated in the FR-ML by the anomalous Hall effect is extracted from the FR-ML. The polarity of the Hall voltage is reversed in accordance with the magnetization direction of the FR-ML.