For decades now, microelectronic circuits have been exclusively built from transistors. An alternative way is to use nano-scaled magnets for the realization of digital circuits. This technology, known as nanomagnetic logic (NML), may offer significant improvements in terms of power consumption and integration densities. Further advantages of NML are: non-volatility, radiation hardness, and operation at room temperature. Recent research focuses on the three-dimensional (3D) integration of nanomagnets. Here we show, for the first time, a 3D programmable magnetic logic gate. Its computing operation is based on physically field-interacting nanometer-scaled magnets arranged in a 3D manner. The magnets possess a bistable magnetization state representing the Boolean logic states '0' and '1.' Magneto-optical and magnetic force microscopy measurements prove the correct operation of the gate over many computing cycles. Furthermore, micromagnetic simulations confirm the correct functionality of the gate even for a size in the nanometer-domain. The presented device demonstrates the potential of NML for three-dimensional digital computing, enabling the highest integration densities.
The information transport in field-coupled nanomagnetic logic (NML) systems is demonstrated by investigating signal propagation in a circular chain of magnets. Design criteria for the magnet layout, signal injection timing, and the required clocking field are presented. The strong interaction between the magnets is estimated by simulations and verified by hysteresis curve measurements. Signal transmission in the magnetic wire is confirmed by magnetic force microscopy measurements, especially the propagation of a metastable pair of magnets with parallel magnetization. For the first time, a field-coupled magnetic logic device is successfully operated for hundreds of clocking cycles. Extensive studies verify the reliability and robustness of information transport in field-coupled NML systems from perpendicular magnetic media.
Abstract. In this paper, we show that perpendicular Nanomagnetic Logic (pNML) is particularly suitable to realize threshold logic gate (TLG)-based circuits. Exemplarily, a 1-bit full adder circuit using a novel 5-input majority gate based on TLGs is experimentally demonstrated. The theory of pNML and its extension by TLGs is introduced, illustrating the great benefit of pNML. Majority gates based on coupling field superposition enable weighting each input by its geometry and distance to the output. Only 5 magnets, combined in two logic gates with a footprint of 1.95 μm 2 and powered by a perpendicular clocking field, are required for operation. MFM and magneto-optical measurements demonstrate the functionality of the fabricated structure. Experimental results substantiate the feasibility and the benefits of the combination of threshold logic with pNML.
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